After Teacher Zhang treated Wu Feng, Ning Tian escorted her to the infirmary in the Great Spirit arena.

  Once she ensured Wu Feng was settled, Mu Jin returned to the stands and addressed the students of Css 9.

  "Alright, everyone, quiet down. If there are no objections, the positions of the two css monitors are now confirmed. If anyone has concerns, you may bring them up in private ter."

  "Now, let's not waste time. The combat assessments will continue. The next match will be between Nanmen Yuner and..."

  The students of Css 9 stood out among the freshmen this year, dispying exceptional talent. Compared to the neighboring freshman css, the difference was stark.

  The most capable student in the adjacent css was Wang Dong, who had only recently broken through to Rank 22, making her the highest-ranked soul grandmaster among this year's freshmen in the original storyline.

  The next strongest was Xiao Xiao, who possessed twin martial souls but had only reached Rank 22 by the time of the freshman assessment three months ter.

  However, in Css 9, including Huo Yuhao, there were ten soul masters above Rank 20, with Ning Tian already possessing three soul rings. Among a group of freshmen whose average rank was below 20, Css 9 was far ahead.

  Huo Yuhao remained seated in the stands, attentively observing the matches. Though many of his cssmates had lower soul power than he did, their unique martial souls and creative abilities intrigued him.

  Shrek Academy truly deserved its reputation for gathering young talents from across the continent. Nowhere else could one witness such a diverse array of martial souls. Even Huo Yuhao found himself unconsciously immersed in the spectacle.

  This was why soul duels remained one of the most popur competitions in the Douluo Continent.

  ---

  Wu Feng slowly regained consciousness.

  "Wu Feng, how are you feeling?" Ning Tian asked with concern, sitting beside her.

  Thanks to Teacher Zhang's timely treatment and Huo Yuhao's restraint, Wu Feng's injured left arm had completely healed. However, a sense of lingering fear and self-reproach remained in her heart.

  "I'm fine," Wu Feng murmured before lowering her head. "Ning Tian, I made a mistake this time."

  Ning Tian sighed. "You were too reckless."

  Seeing the usually stubborn Wu Feng so subdued, Ning Tian couldn't help but feel exasperated. "You should be grateful this happened at Shrek Academy. If it were anywhere else, the consequences would have been far worse. Remember, the sect won't always be there to protect us."

  She wasn't just warning Wu Feng; she was reminding herself as well. As the heir of her family, Ning Tian knew she had to find a powerful partner—someone capable of ensuring both her safety and the strength of the Nine Treasures Gzed Tile Sect.

  Wu Feng nodded obediently. "I understand."

  Ning Tian then suggested, "Since you're feeling better, why not go to the Great Spirit Arena and apologize to Huo Yuhao?"

  Wu Feng looked startled. "Apologize? But I already lost to him. Why should I apologize? The duel was sanctioned by Teacher Mu Jin."

  She felt a sense of grievance. After witnessing Huo Yuhao's strength, she no longer resented her defeat. However, her pride wouldn't allow her to apologize, especially to someone she considered her rival.

  Ning Tian's voice grew serious. "You provoked him first, and I've already conceded the position of css monitor to him. This is an opportunity to bolster his authority and establish goodwill."

  Wu Feng bit her lip. Was this what it meant to truly defeat someone? To break not just their body but also their spirit?

  Did Ning Tian care about Huo Yuhao that much?

  What about her?

  Wu Feng refused to believe that Ning Tian hadn't noticed her devotion over the years. She wanted to confess her feelings, but she cked the courage. Tears welled in her red eyes as she gazed at Ning Tian.

  It wasn't just their identities that kept them apart—it was an unspoken taboo. Women couldn't carry on a bloodline together.

  If only she had been born a man.

  Unwilling to accept defeat, Wu Feng argued, "Ning Tian, with your status, how could you think yourself inferior to anyone? Even at Shrek Academy, we represent the Nine Treasures Gzed Tile Sect."

  Ning Tian sighed helplessly. "Huo Yuhao is a rare genius, someone destined for greatness. We can't afford to make an enemy of him. Do you really want our sect to face a powerful opponent in the future for no reason?"

  "Besides, the css monitor position doesn't matter to me. If conceding it can win his friendship, it's a fair trade."

  What she didn't understand, however, was that Huo Yuhao had no interest in her power struggles.

  To him, the role of css monitor was meaningless.

  ---

  "Huo Yuhao, can we speak?"

  A gentle voice interrupted his thoughts. It was Ning Tian, accompanied by Wu Feng. Her delicate face bore a warm smile, and her rge blue eyes were fixed on him.

  Wu Feng, standing beside her, looked down, clearly uncomfortable.

  Huo Yuhao regarded them calmly. "What is it?"

  Ning Tian smiled. "I wanted to thank you for showing mercy during our match."

  With that, she lightly nudged Wu Feng forward.

  Wu Feng hesitated before stepping up and bowing slightly. "I'm sorry, css monitor. I shouldn't have provoked you before."

  Huo Yuhao shook his head. "It was just a friendly competition. No need for apologies."

  Before Ning Tian could say more, he continued, "Actually, Ning Tian, I have a favor to ask."

  Ning Tian's eyes brightened. "What is it? If it's within my ability, I'd be happy to help."

  "It's nothing major. I'll leave all the css affairs to you, Deputy Css Monitor."

  Huo Yuhao's true motive became clear—he had no interest in handling css duties.

  "I can't afford to sck as a css monitor," he said with a faint smile. "I have to train hard until I become the strongest freshman."

  Ning Tian was momentarily stunned. "Ah?"

  From her perspective, no one in their freshman css could challenge Huo Yuhao in a one-on-one battle—not even the second son of the White Tiger Duke.

  Only the Netherworld White Tiger martial soul fusion technique posed a slight problem.

  If Huo Yuhao advanced to the Soul Elder, his victory would be assured.

  Realizing his intent, she nodded. "Then leave the css affairs to me. It's my responsibility as the deputy css monitor. Focus on your cultivation and strive to reach the Soul Elder level as soon as possible."

  Huo Yuhao smiled. "Much appreciated."

  He also silently thanked Wu Feng for the Gu worm he had obtained from their duel.

  In the end, the victor dictates the rules.

  As for Ning Tian's ambitions, he had no intention of getting involved. Pying the protector for now was fine, but committing for life?

  Impossible.

  He was destined for a harem, after all.

  The key was to follow three principles: no initiative, no promises, and no refusals.

  …

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