Chapter 32: That Voice
Deep in the dense jungle, Zhu Zhuqing found herself trapped in the greatest crisis of her life.
Facing her was a Spirit Sage (Rank 70+) leading a team of six Spirit Kings (Rank 50+) and seven Spirit Elders (Rank 40+) a force far beyond what she could handle.
Seeing the sheer strength of this lineup, she immediately understood her sister had gone all in.
In the past, the assassins sent after her were led by a Spirit King, accompanied by a few Spirit Grandmasters (Rank 30+). But now, even a Spirit Sage had been deployed.
There was no doubt about it after seeing the future video, Zhu Zhuyun had made up her mind.
She wouldn't sit back and let Zhu Zhuqing follow the original timeline, where she would eventually become the disciple of an Ultimate Douluo.
The best way to stop it?
Kill her.
End everything before it even begins.
Zhu Zhuqing felt a deep bitterness in her heart.
She didn't know whether to be grateful to the Question and Answer Video for revealing her future, giving her hope…
Or to curse it for exposing her fate, dragging her into a life threatening crisis.
"Second Miss, you'd best surrender."
The scar faced Spirit Sage crossed his arms and spoke calmly, "This way, I can give you a swift and painless death."
"Oh? You've never died before, so how would you know it's painless?"
A sudden voice echoed through the jungle.
The scar faced Spirit Sage instinctively snapped back
"Who the hell dares "
He stopped mid sentence.
His expression froze.
Where… had that voice come from?
"Who's there?!"
The scar faced Spirit Sage instantly became alert.
His seven spirit rings flashed brightly, and behind him, a massive brown bear appeared, merging into his body.
In an instant, his physique swelled, brown fur sprouted over his skin, and his hands transformed into powerful bear claws
He had activated his Martial Spirit Avatar without hesitation.
Clearly, that voice had terrified him.
The other assassins also went on high alert, scanning their surroundings in panic.
Yet, they saw no one.
It was as if the voice had been just a hallucination.
At that moment, Zhu Zhuqing furrowed her brows.
"That voice… why does it sound so familiar?"
Something about it tugged at her memory.
She felt as though she had heard it before…
But where?
When?
The more she tried to remember, the more elusive it became.
"RUN!!!"
Suddenly, the scar faced Spirit Sage's expression changed drastically.
Because he had finally recognized whose voice it was.
Without a second thought, he turned around and bolted.
The other assassins also realized something
They remembered Zhu Zhuyun's instructions:
"If my sister has already encountered that man, abandon the mission and run for your lives!"
Without hesitation, every assassin scattered in all directions, running for their lives.
Zhu Zhuqing blinked in confusion.
These killers had just cornered her, yet now they were fleeing in terror?
All because of a single voice?
"Who… is this person?"
Someone so powerful that their mere presence made these assassins flee like rats?
Silence fell over the jungle.
Only the rustling of leaves in the wind broke the stillness.
"Excuse me…"
Zhu Zhuqing, feeling a surge of hope, hesitated before carefully speaking, "May I ask… which senior saved me? Would you be willing to show yourself?"
No response.
Only silence.
But Zhu Zhuqing felt something.
A gaze.
A piercing, invisible gaze was watching her from the shadows.
So sharp, so intense…
It made her feel like she was completely exposed, as if she were wearing nothing at all.
Her body instinctively tensed, an overwhelming sense of embarrassment creeping over her.
Was she being… examined?
Was her entire self being laid bare under this invisible scrutiny?
"Hmph!"
She clenched her fists, her face slightly flushed.
This mysterious person was undoubtedly stronger than her
But did they have to stare so blatantly?
Just as she was about to snap, the gaze…
Vanished.
Zhu Zhuqing exhaled in relief.
She could feel it
The presence had left.
But why?
Was the person watching her the same future master she had seen in the video?
If it was, why didn't he show himself?
And if it wasn't him, then who was it?
She had no answers.
Too little information.
Too many questions.
She stood there, lost in thought.
Eventually, she shook her head, pushing aside her frustration.
The only thing she could do now…
Was continue as planned
Travel to Shrek Academy and find her cowardly runaway fiancé, Dai Mubai.
As for whether she could become the disciple of that Ultimate Douluo, like in the future video…
That would be up to fate.
Taking a deep breath, Zhu Zhuqing composed herself and resumed her journey to Soto City.
Meanwhile, hidden in the shadows…
Ye Cheng watched her silently.
His eyes were deep and unreadable.
In truth, he had let her sense his gaze on purpose.
If he had truly hidden his presence, there was no way someone of Zhu Zhuqing's level could have detected him.
But why?
Because he wanted to create an air of mystery.
If he revealed himself too soon, wouldn't that be too easy?
A master should have dignity.
A legendary teacher should not simply offer themselves up.
And more importantly…
He had to test her character, talent, and potential before taking her as a disciple.
After all, if he was going to pretend to be a powerful mysterious mentor, he had to play the role properly.
Also…
There was another reason.
Zhu Zhuqing still held onto hope for Dai Mubai.
She believed that he had fled from Star Luo Empire only to seek a place to train and grow stronger.
That he wasn't a coward, but merely biding his time.
That he wasn't running from his fate, but preparing to fight back.
In reality?
Dai Mubai had no intention of returning.
He had given up before the fight even began.
If Zhu Zhuqing still clung to old feelings, she might walk the same tragic path as in the original timeline.
So, Ye Cheng waited.
He had to let her see the truth
To let her witness firsthand the kind of man Dai Mubai really was.
Only when she completely lost faith in him
Only when she let go of the past
Would it be the right moment…
For Ye Cheng to step in.
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