Douluo: Starting with an Engagement to Zhu Zhuqing

Chapter 31: Training

The next morning, Dai Yao's training environment issue had been solved, but now he needed to find a suitable place for Zhu Zhuqing to train. After learning what Zhu Zhuqing required, Feng Wutong lit up with excitement.

"It just so happens that we have a perfect place for you, Zhuqing!"

"Where?" Dai Yao asked.

"Right behind the waterfall," Feng Wutong explained. "There's a cave back there, about a dozen square meters. It's secluded and dark, perfect for her to train in."

The group headed to the waterfall, channeled their spirit power, and passed through the water curtain into the cave. Zhu Zhuqing's face lit up as she took in the space. She could feel an immediate synergy between the cave's energy and her martial spirit; it was an ideal environment for her to train and could greatly boost her progress.

With a nod, Zhu Zhuqing confirmed, "This will be perfect."

"Alright, Zhuqing," Dai Yao said with a smile, "you can train here. Just call for me if you need anything."

Leaving the cave, Dai Yao moved to the edge of the pool beneath the waterfall. Standing there, he felt a hint of apprehension. As the sun rose, it cast a golden glow over the cascading water, creating a scene of radiant beauty.

Dai Yao stripped down to just his pants, taking a moment to stretch. Although it was still winter and the air was frigid, his spirit power provided enough protection to withstand the cold.

Feng Wutong sized him up, silently noting, This prince is all skin and bones—what a waste of royal privilege!

Without hesitation, Dai Yao dashed toward the waterfall and positioned himself on a large, slippery rock beneath the torrent. He focused his spirit power, bracing himself against the relentless pressure of the falling water. Despite his best efforts, the force destabilized his footing, and he slipped, plunging into the pool with a loud splash.

Dripping wet, he waded back to shore.

"What on earth are you doing?" Feng Wutong asked, puzzled.

"Training!" he replied.

Using spirit power to resist the waterfall was certainly one way to build strength, she thought. But Feng Wutong doubted any royal, born into privilege, could endure such an arduous method.

Dai Yao, now soaking, went back to the waterfall. This time, he sat on the rock to stabilize his balance. He understood that training beneath the waterfall was grueling, but he knew he had no choice if he wanted to survive the battle for the throne.

Days passed, the sun rising and setting in a swift cycle. Ten days later, Dai Yao sat beneath the waterfall, soaked through but still enduring. His spirit power shielded him from the unending pounding of water for an entire hour. Just when he felt he could hold out no longer, the pressure broke through a mental barrier he had struggled against for days.

With a sudden surge, Dai Yao's spirit power exploded outward, scattering water in all directions. The waterfall halted for a brief second before the renewed force drove him back into the pool. Emerging, he was exhilarated rather than discouraged.

"I finally broke through to rank twelve!" he exclaimed.

His spirit power was denser than that of other soul masters, as his was in liquid form compared to the typical gaseous form. Advancing from rank eleven to twelve required significantly more spirit power than normal, but the payoff was higher quality—his soul skills would be stronger and last longer.

Watching from the shore, Feng Wutong grinned, genuinely happy for Dai Yao's breakthrough.

After expending his spirit power and falling back into the water countless times, Dai Yao would climb ashore, gather his strength, and dive back into the cascade. Feng Wutong went from doubting his endurance to being impressed and finally admiring him deeply. Dai Yao was more like an ascetic monk than a pampered noble.

While Dai Yao trained, another energy ripple emanated from the cave behind the waterfall.

A lithe figure in black leaped out through the waterfall, beaming as she approached him.

Zhu Zhuqing's icy expression melted into a smile as she called to him, "I broke through too! I'm now at rank ten. As soon as I get my first spirit ring, I'll officially be a soul master!"

Training near Dai Yao had accelerated her progress, reducing the time needed for a breakthrough by ten days. In Dai Yao's presence, the speed at which she cultivated was astonishingly fast.

"A double blessing! When do you plan to hunt your spirit beast?" Dai Yao asked, sharing in her joy. It was rare to see Zhu Zhuqing, typically so reserved, express happiness.

"I'll head back to my clan tomorrow," she said, stepping close and whispering in his ear, "Don't forget to miss me!"

Her face blushed pink with a shy warmth, revealing how much courage it took for her to say that. Dai Yao rubbed his eyes in disbelief. Was this still the same Zhu Zhuqing? She seemed nothing like the icy beauty he remembered.

With a playful wave and a cheerful "Goodbye! See you soon!" Zhu Zhuqing skipped into the forest. Dai Yao smiled back; this might be the true Zhu Zhuqing, free from the oppressive atmosphere of her family, able to show her genuine self. Although the shadow of the succession struggle still loomed, she was no longer alone on this path—Dai Yao would be by her side.

Feng Wutong watched with envy as the pair bid each other farewell. Their bond, forged through shared trials, was admirable. Ah, the sweetness of young love.

As Dai Yao reached a new level of spirit power, a second petal unfurled on the chaotic green lotus within his spiritual realm...

Meanwhile, at Star Luo Royal Academy.

A tall, imposing man sat cross-legged in a field, exhaling slowly as he emerged from meditation. He asked casually, "Anything new at the academy?"

A shadow flashed by, coalescing into a student, who reported, "Boss, not much has happened recently. There are occasional disputes between the first and second princes, and there's been some minor unrest among the commoner soul masters. Recently, someone took over a commoner's training ground."

"Took it over? Looks like someone doesn't respect our rules," the man said, his gaze cold and sharp, carrying an intimidating air. He was none other than Ye Nantian, the academy's third untouchable—a twenty-ninth rank battle soul master with the mighty Xuanjia Berserk Lion as his martial spirit, one of the top-tier beast spirits.

"It was a commoner named Feng Wutong who lost her training ground," the student explained, casting a worried look at Ye Nantian. "Since it was taken, Feng Wutong hasn't left. Knowing how those nobles act, she's likely…"

Ye Nantian's expression soured, his voice laced with disdain. "Don't mince words. We all know what 'cozying up to nobles' entails. Giving herself to them is her choice, after all. Dignity is something one must earn."

"But Feng Wutong was one of us once. I'll make sure no one bullies her. In a few days, I'll go with you to meet the one responsible."

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