บท 140: Exposure
Above the Papal Palace
In the stands, many spectators watched intently, eagerly awaiting a phenomenon to unfold.
On the same arena, two Netherworld White Tigers had appeared simultaneously. Such a spectacle was unprecedented in the countless soul master tournaments held over the years.
However, one minute passed… then a minute and a half… then two minutes… yet nothing happened.
On the stage, the soul power of the two contestants surged skyward, intertwining and fusing. But despite their efforts, the anticipated scene never occurred.
Seeing this, Davis and Zhu Zhuyun, inside the Netherworld White Tiger, burst into mocking laughter.
Initially, they had been nervous, suspecting that Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing had secretly mastered their family's inheritance. But now, it turned out to be nothing but a bluff.
A spectacle with great momentum, but little result.
This was also the sentiment of most spectators. They had expected something extraordinary, but the outcome? Disappointing.
"My dear little brother, as useless as ever. Such big talk, but no real power to back it up," Davis mocked through the gaping jaws of the Netherworld White Tiger.
The Star Luo spectators joined in the laughter, their ridicule cutting deep.
"What's going on? Mubai and Zhuqing had already mastered the Netherworld White Tiger technique!" Flender frowned, filled with confusion.
On the Stage
Dai Mubai's face was grim, as dark as a storm cloud. What should have been their moment of triumph had turned into a joke, making him the object of ridicule.
His brows furrowed, and his anger flared, yet no matter how hard he tried to synchronize their martial spirits or fuse their soul power, the fusion technique refused to activate.
The conditions for a martial spirit fusion technique included compatibility of spirits, mutual understanding, and a deep connection between the partners, the most critical of which was a shared bond of trust and emotion.
Dai Mubai's expression grew colder, his anger smoldering. Even if their bond wasn't perfect, their martial spirits were highly compatible. The failure could only mean one thing—someone was unwilling to cooperate, or perhaps someone's heart already belonged elsewhere.
His gaze turned icy as his suspicions solidified. He had resolved to pursue Zhu Zhuqing earnestly, giving up his former debauchery to atone for past mistakes.
If he was not the problem, then…
Dai Mubai's chilling glare pierced Zhu Zhuqing. His fury erupted like a volcanic storm.
"Zhu Zhuqing!"
His voice, sharp and biting, stunned everyone present. All eyes turned to him, confused and alarmed by his sudden outburst.
Zhu Zhuqing's face paled. She bit her lip, her gaze darting around, avoiding Dai Mubai's piercing stare.
Usually cold and aloof, the queenly Zhu Zhuqing now appeared guilty and ashamed, clearly remorseful for something.
Her feelings for Dai Mubai had long faded, the memories of their past too vivid to ignore. Later, her heart was stolen by Chen Xuan. From his selfless acts in the Star Dou Forest to gifting her a soul bone, Chen Xuan had unconsciously replaced Dai Mubai in her heart.
Though Zhu Zhuqing felt guilt and shame, she knew her heart now belonged to Chen Xuan. How could she cooperate in a martial spirit fusion with anyone else?
Her guilty demeanor confirmed Dai Mubai's worst fears. His body trembled, his eyes widening as understanding dawned. There was no need to ask further—her silence said it all.
He had guessed correctly all along. Zhu Zhuqing had fallen for someone else long ago.
The harsh reality shattered him, a blow no man could endure. Dai Mubai staggered, his mind buzzing, his body trembling as though drained of all strength.
Inside the Netherworld White Tiger, Davis and Zhu Zhuyun smirked, showing no urgency to strike. They watched the scene unfold with great interest.
Davis laughed heartily. "Who would have thought our playboy prince would meet his match?"
His mockery dripped with glee. As a fellow heir of the Star Luo royal family, Davis knew all too well what the failure of a martial spirit fusion meant.
The Shrek team was utterly bewildered. What was going on?
From their perspective, Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing's fusion attempt had failed. Now, Dai Mubai was both enraged and unhinged, while Zhu Zhuqing stood silent, her expression unreadable.
"Little sister, who would have thought? You left home with such effort, only to find yourself a wild man." Zhu Zhuyun's mocking laughter echoed from the Netherworld White Tiger.
Even she had been fooled, believing Zhu Zhuqing had escaped to follow Dai Mubai. Who knew there was someone else?
Flender, Liu Erlong, and Tai Long were stunned, their eyes widening in disbelief. Zhu Zhuqing… betrayed Mubai?
"Chen Xuan!" Xiao Wu bit her lip, her eyes blazing with anger.
Zhu Zhuqing clenched her fists, looking conflicted. Chen Xuan opened his mouth to speak but faltered, finally realizing who the "wild man" Zhu Zhuqing favored was. Who else had the closest relationship with her?
His heart raced as he struggled to comprehend how someone as cold and distant as Zhu Zhuqing had developed feelings for him.
Zhu Zhuqing turned, her eyes meeting his. In that moment, everything was clear.
Dai Mubai's expression darkened further. It was all true—it was Chen Xuan!
"Hahaha!"
He laughed loudly, a mix of bitterness and rage, his voice filled with despair and anger.
"You slut! I knew it! You've been with him all along, haven't you?!"
Zhu Zhuqing, initially remorseful, grew colder at the mention of Dai Mubai's past debauchery. Compared to her loyalty, how many women had Dai Mubai been with? How many nights had he wasted in brothels? Their engagement was nothing more than a chain binding her to him.
Now, she had met someone who was willing to protect her, someone who cared for her. And yet, despite her affection for Chen Xuan, she had never crossed any lines beyond holding hands.
Her resolve hardened. "Dai Mubai, you are you, and I am me. Don't lump me in with you. Not everyone is as shameless as you."
Dai Mubai sneered as though he had heard the greatest joke of all. These days, even those who betrayed others dared to claim the moral high ground. Who was truly shameless here?
"Don't forget, our engagement was decreed by others. You have no right to break it!" His tone was icy. The Star Luo royal family's pride would never allow a Zhu family member to marry an outsider. Such an act would be a disgrace.
If Zhu Zhuqing dared to forcefully break the engagement and be with Chen Xuan, she would face the wrath of the entire Star Luo Empire.
"Enough arguing! Mubai, Zhuqing, settle your matters after the competition is over."
Davis, controlling the Netherworld White Tiger, stepped forward, its massive paws advancing.
"This match has dragged on long enough. It's time to end it."
With those words, the Netherworld White Tiger leaped forward, its giant claws slamming down toward Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing.
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