19 Ch.19: Leave

Dugu Xin returned, and Tang Yuehua continued playing the harp as she always did. However, today's melody, while still beautiful, carried a touch of melancholy, hinting at reluctance. Dugu Xin sensed the underlying emotion in the music and, after a moment of silence, took out his bamboo flute from his storage ring. He began playing it and slowly approached Tang Yuehua from behind. As their music intertwined, the bleakness in Tang Yuehua's eyes began to fade, replaced by a soft smile as she played her harp. Dugu Xin sensed the presence of a Level 71 Spirit Saint nearby, likely a guard sent by Tang Yuehua's clan to protect her so he chose to ignore it.

After they finished playing, the two sat in silence for a while. Dugu Xin finally spoke, breaking the silence. "I have to leave."

Tang Yuehua remained silent for a moment, her voice soft and hesitant as she asked, "When will you come back?"

Dugu Xin shook his head, unsure of the answer. "I don't know."

Tang Yuehua perked up and tried to smile. "Will you come back to find after you find your master?"

Dugu Xin nodded earnestly. "Perhaps. I'm not sure."

Tang Yuehua couldn't hold back a chuckle. "Alright, I'll hold you to that."

Then, with a playful expression, she adopted a fierce look and warned, "If you dare not come back, I'll have my brothers beat you to a pulp."

Dugu Xin couldn't help but be amused by her cute attempt at looking fierce. Tang Yuehua noticed his laughter and promptly kicked him in the leg. Pretending to be in pain, Dugu Xin looked up and noticed that Tang Yuehua was holding a gift box in her hand. Blushing, she explained, "Xiao Xin, you've achieved the rank of Silver Fighter Spirit Master, and I haven't congratulated you yet. This is a congratulatory gift."

With a smile, Dugu Xin opened the gift box to reveal a jade flute with a Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor carved onto it.

Dugu Xin picked up the flute, feeling a pleasant chill run through him just by holding it. Although he wasn't knowledgeable about jade, he could tell that this flute was quite valuable. He hesitated for a moment and asked, "This is..."

Tang Yuehua wore a small air of arrogance as she replied, "Xiao Xin, we've both been learning the flute for a while now. It's embarrassing for me as your teacher to see you playing on a regular bamboo flute. Besides, this one has a calming effect on your murderous aura. While it may not be as good as mine, it should suit you well, especially considering your current state."

Dugu Xin gazed at Tang Yuehua, who was acting a bit tsundere. He thought to himself, 'Although Yuehua will grow into an elegant and noble lady in the future, right now, she's just a genuine young girl.'

With a faint smile, Dugu Xin looked at Tang Yuehua and then at the jade flute in his hand. He said, "Alright, I'll call it the 'Moon Scale Flute' from now on."

Tang Yuehua's face turned even redder at his words. She quickly turned around and responded with feigned arrogance, "Whatever... you can call it whatever you want. I've already given it to you, after all."

Dugu Xin, too, retrieved a gift he had prepared in advance from his storage ring. It was a piece of jade carved with a beautiful image of a woman beneath a bright moon. Dugu Xin had found this piece of jade at a market earlier. While it wasn't particularly expensive, the carving on it had reminded him of Tang Yuehua, so he had purchased it with her in mind. Tang Yuehua looked at the jade piece and, although she really liked it, pretended to be reserved and said, "It's alright, I'll reluctantly accept it."

The two chatted for a long time. Dugu Xin's experiences often brought out silver-bell-like laughter from Tang Yuehua. Eventually, Dugu Xin bid her farewell and started his journey back to the Hollow Beast Academy. The Spirit Saint he had sensed earlier appeared next to Tang Yuehua. A deep voice resonated as he said, "Miss, how could you be interested in this kid? While he's undoubtedly talented, what kind of genius haven't we seen in the Clear Sky Clan? You even gifted him the Flute made from Deep Sea Sunken Silver that Sect Master gave you."

Tang Yuehua replied with a gentle smile, "Uncle Tang, you don't understand. Dugu Xin feels different from anyone else. He doesn't fear me because I'm from the Clear Sky Clan, nor does he look down on me for being unable to breakthrough Level 9."

As Dugu Xin continued his journey to Hollow Beast Academy, he couldn't help but think about the situation between his Hall of Souls and the Clear Sky Clan. He knew the history from his previous life and how the Clear Sky Clan had been forced into isolation. Despite Clear Sky Clan's status as the world's top sect, he believed that the Hall of Souls founded by his family, him especially, would one day become a formidable rival to the Clear Sky Clan. The coming conflict will also affect his stance on the continent.

As he continued on his way, Dugu Xin suddenly sensed two familiar soul powers approaching. He stopped in his tracks, and soon two figures in black robes with green linings appeared. They immediately knelt before him and saluted, saying, "We salute the Young Master."

Dugu Xin asked, "What brings the two of you here?"

They replied, "Reporting to Sect Leader, your father has finally broken through to Titled Douluo and is about to leave to search for a suitable Spirit Beast. We will be accompanying him to assist in his endeavor."

Dugu Xin nodded, "So, he has taken my advice and is going to search for a 100,000-year-old Spirit Beast?" "Yes, Sect Leader."

Dugu Xin inquired further, "Where are you headed?"

"To the Ocean. Master Bo has decided to hunt a Sea Spirit Beast."

Dugu Xin was surprised by this revelation. "I see. Very well. Return and assist my father. I still have matters to attend to before I can return to the sect."

They responded, "Yes, Sect Leader. Good luck in your endeavors." With that, they took flight and departed.

Dugu Xin sighed as he watched them leave. In the four years before coming to the Hollow Beast Academy, he had not only focused on his cultivation but also on recruiting members for his Hall of Souls. While he hadn't been able to recruit many people, less than 20, but each of their strength was not weaker than that of a Spirit Saint. Those two were the strongest he managed to recruit. Both were Titled Douluos. He had met them while hunting for his third spirit ring with his father. They were both at Rank 89 and on the verge of a breakthrough when they were poisoned and had their cultivation sealed. Dugu Xin and his father had helped them, eliminating the poison and getting their revenge. Most importantly he used some plants from the Yin Yang Ice and Fire Well to allow them break through Titled Douluo, which in return, they had sworn their loyalty to him. With those thoughts in mind, Dugu Xin hurried towards the Hollow Beast Academy.

Dugu Xin finally returned to the familiar gates of the Hollow Beast Academy after seven days of travel. He couldn't help but sigh, "After all these months here I am again." As he entered the academy, he spotted Ma Jun, Chao Tianxiang and Li Jingying engaged in training. 'It seems that their training is benefiting them…' he thought while looking at them "…Ma Jun reached level 28, Li Jingying has broken trough and became a level 21 Spirit Grandmaster and Chao Tianxiang reached level 29."

Dugu Xin smiled faintly and picked up a rock from the ground and tossed it towards the training area with quite a lot of speed but it was caught skillfully by Ma Jun. Ma Jun turned towards him quickly asked, "Who dares to attack the Hollow Beast Team?"

When he looked closer Ma Jun was surprised to find out that it was Dugu Xin causing him to rush over and embrace him. Chao Tianxiang was equally taken aback but scanned the area around Dugu Xin, not finding Meng Shu. Her eyes betrayed a hint of disappointment. Amidst the surprise, there was a hint of nostalgia in the air.

Dean Lin Mo then appeared on the training ground. When he saw Ma Jun and the others had stopped training, he expressed his displeasure, saying, "Are you here to practice or not? Why have you stopped?" Ma Jun and the others wore uneasy expressions. It seemed that during the absence of Dugu Xin, Yao Chen, and Meng Shu, the dean had put them through rigorous training. Ma Jun quickly stepped forward and explained, "Dean, Big Brother Dugu has finally returned. We are just happy to see him back."

Lin Mo snorted but then relented, saying, "Alright, I'll let it slide this time." He then turned his gaze towards Dugu Xin, seemingly satisfied with his return.

Lin Mo smiled and waved his hand, saying with a hint of helplessness, "Well, Teacher Luo Tian has always been a bit eccentric. I am glad to see you are fine." He patted Dugu Xin's shoulder with pride and continued, "It's wonderful to have you back safely. You, Yao Chen, and Meng Shu are the future of our academy."

Lin Mo knew Luo Tian's training methods very well, and while effective, they often came at a high cost. Despite his smile, Lin Mo's next words carried a certain mischief. "How was your journey back? Are you well rested?" Dugu Xin was a bit puzzled but replied, "Yes."

Lin Mo glanced at Ma Jun and the others who were diligently training and let out an enigmatic smile. He then said, "Would you like a day off?" Ma Jun and the others displayed their eagerness, shouting, "Absolutely!"

Lin Mo smiled and proposed a challenge, "I'm not a devil, you know. Here's a chance: if all of you can defeat Dugu Xin by working together, you can have a day off. How about it? No, make it two days off." While Ma Jun and the others initially thought Lin Mo was a devil, they couldn't resist the allure of two days of rest. They quickly agreed, prompting a grin from Lin Mo. Lin Mo added a condition, though "But Dugu Xin, you can't use your external soul bone."

Ma Jun cheered, exclaiming, "That's great! You're practically giving us a vacation! We've misunderstood you, Dean. You're like an angel!" He even bowed deeply to Lin Mo in gratitude.

Lin Mo playfully responded, "Of course, I'm an angel. Who says I'm a devil? I love you the most." Ma Jun laughed, singing Lin Mo's praises.

However, Chao Tianxiang and Li Jingying were less convinced. They couldn't believe that Lin Mo was being so kind without an ulterior motive. They knew that the dean was unlikely to be so generous and worried that there might be more to this challenge than met the eye. At least they can be invincible, not only wondering, 'Is the dean really so kind, it can't be?'

Lin Mo added with a sly grin, "Remember, if you lose, there will be consequences, but if you win, there will be rewards." Dugu Xin chuckled and replied, "Understood, Dean."

Ma Jun, rubbing his hands together eagerly, chimed in, "Then I'm sorry, Boss Dugu." Dugu Xin responded with a smile, "No need to hold back. Let's get started."

Ma Jun was the first to take action, and two yellow soul rings materialized beneath his feet. A fiery warhorse spirit appeared behind him, engulfing Ma Jun in flames. His hair turned into flames, and his feet were shrouded in fire. He proudly introduced himself, "Ma Jun, level 28 Grandmaster. Martial soul Flame War Horse."

Not to be outdone, Chao Tianxiang summoned two yellow soul rings as well. A serpent-headed cane materialized in her hand. She declared, "Chao Tianxiang, level 29 Grandmaster, agility attack system. Martial soul Serpent Cane."

Li Jingying followed suit, conjuring her martial soul, a pure white flag with a spearhead adorned with golden outlines. At its center was a dragon's head embroidered in gold. She introduced herself seriously, "Li Jingying, level 24 Auxiliary Soul Master. Martial soul War Flag. Please advise."

Dugu Xin smiled faintly as four spirit rings shimmered beneath his feet. The Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor materialized behind him, "Dugu Xin, level 50 control system Spirit Ancestor, martial soul Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor."

As his soul power surged, he released his soul power filled with venom, filling. Ma Jun, Chao Tianxiang, and Li Jingying immediately began circulating their soul power to resist the poison. The smiles on Ma Jun and the others' faces vanished, replaced by bitter expressions of surprise. They hadn't expected Dugu Xin to improve so drastically. It was a shock to see him at the verge of becoming a Spirit King when they were still at the Spirit Elder level. The murderous aura he emitted further added to their hesitation. Dean Lin Mo was equally astonished, muttering to himself, "How did Dugu Xin progress from level 44 to level 50 in less than 6 months? And his foundation doesn't seem to be affected at all. He may have had a Fortuitous Encounter."

Ma Jun thought to himself, 'I've already made considerable progress under the dean's intense training, but it seems Boss Dugu underwent an even more grueling regimen.' A shiver ran down his spine as he contemplated it. Chao Tianxiang couldn't help but grip her serpent cane tightly, while Li Jingying wore a serious expression, her gaze locked onto Dugu Xin.