Zhu Zhuqing felt Meng Yiran's counterattack. Her eyes sharpened, and her strength and speed surged even higher! Her Hell Hundred Claws collided fiercely with Meng Yiran's Snake Blade in mid-air, creating a series of loud explosions. Sparks flew as powerful energy fluctuations rippled outward.
The audience was captivated by the intense battle between the two beauties, watching with amazement and letting out frequent gasps of wonder.
In the VIP booth, Fu Ye was impressed by Zhu Zhuqing's reaction speed. Even without any spirit bones to boost her, she had improved her combat awareness and spirit power significantly in just over a month. While her innate talent might not have been the highest, the conditions Fu Ye provided—high-energy spirit beast meat and Top-Tier Yoga that doubled cultivation speed—were unparalleled. Combined with her status as the most hardworking "cultivation maniac" among the original Shrek Seven Devils, her rapid growth was only natural.
The battle reached its climax. At the crucial moment, Zhu Zhuqing dodged the charged Snake Blade with a side-step, and her first spirit ring flashed instantly.
"Hell Stab!"
Like a ghost, she closed the distance instantly. Meng Yiran, having spent her momentum, was now like a fish on a chopping block, left with no way to retaliate.
"Referee! We surrender! Stop her!" a hurried, elderly voice cried out from the sidelines.
But it was too late; Zhu Zhuqing's attack was already upon her. However, as the crowd held their breath and closed their eyes, there was no blood—only silence.
"I win."
Zhu Zhuqing's sharp claws stopped just short of their mark. Meng Yiran slumped to the ground, trembling from her brush with death. An elderly woman immediately rushed to the stage to check on the girl's injuries.
The referee snapped back to his senses, looking at Zhu Zhuqing with respect. "I announce the winner of this match: contestant Hell Civet!"
The crowd erupted in thunderous cheers. Zhu Zhuqing, however, was focused only on her own exhaustion. Her spirit power was drained, and she stayed standing only through sheer willpower. As she began to walk off the stage with unsteady steps, some flashy young men tried to jump down to get close to her.
Suddenly, a handsome youth in gold-trimmed clothing appeared by her side. "Well done, little girl."
Fu Ye, the "perfect gentleman," had arrived to offer his support. A smile touched Zhu Zhuqing's lips—the man who had taken her in was praising her!
"Mhm," she nodded weakly.
"Let me carry you back. Using so many spirit skills must have taken a toll on your spirit power and mental energy." Fu Ye lifted her gently in a perfect princess carry.
Zhu Zhuqing's cheeks flushed—whether from exhaustion or shyness—but she didn't struggle. The jealous nobles staring at Fu Ye suddenly felt a sharp, sword-like intent pierce their ears.
Slash! Slash!
Blood stained the arena entrance as the meddling "extras" collapsed, clutching their ears. Fu Ye didn't care about their fate. "That's enough fighting for today. Later, I'll take you to get your third spirit ring."
Back in the VIP booth "Earth No. 2":
"Wow! Zhuqing is so lucky to get a princess carry from Brother Fu Ye!" (òωó) "Sister, I want one too!" "Next time, I'm going to use all my spirit power until I'm exhausted just so Brother Fu Ye has to carry me back!" o(≧口≦)o
When Fu Ye returned with Zhuqing, he was met with longing gazes from all the girls who weren't already his wives.
In the subsequent matches, something strange happened. Even though their opponents weren't particularly strong, the girls from Tianshui started acting incredibly "frail" the moment they stepped off the stage.
Shui Bing'er's opponent:"Is she crazy? I'm just a nobody and she hit me with an Ice Phoenix! Then she has the nerve to act all weak afterward!"Yu Hairou's opponent:"Are your ice spears free or something? You almost shattered my martial soul, and now you're the one looking aggrieved?"
As they left the arena, they ran into Meng Yiran. Even though Zhuqing had been masked, Meng Yiran recognized her combat style immediately. She bowed deeply. "Thank you for holding back. Otherwise, I would have..."
That evening, Fu Ye took the girls to the luxurious Tianxiang Hotel. He had spent a fortune to rent the entire top floor for a year as their residence. And, of course, being the "perfect gentleman" he was, Fu Ye stayed there with them.