Douluo Dalu 3: Legend of the White Fox

Not only had Gu Yue changed significantly over the past three years, but Xia Yi had also undergone remarkable transformations.

His originally handsome face had matured through the passage of time, exuding a more refined and elegant aura. Standing over 1.7 meters tall, he was now on equal footing with Gu Yue.

His long black hair was tied neatly behind his head, and his tall, slender figure gave the impression of a refined scholar at first glance.

However, Gu Yue, who knew Xia Yi well, was fully aware of how fake this scholarly facade was.

Whether it was his abnormal strength, his mind more cunning than the shrewdest of merchants, or the inexplicable weighty presence that seemed to emanate from him, none of it had anything to do with the image of a frail scholar.

Not to mention, most of the time, Xia Yi acted completely unserious—like an outright rogue.

There wasn't even a hint of a scholar's temperament about him.

Gu Yue had always been puzzled about how Xia Yi could be both meticulous and carefree at the same time.

Weren't people with intricate minds supposed to be solemn and serious?She had long since stopped envying Xia Yi's talents. Now, what she envied most was his long, thick, and glossy black hair—as well as his handsome face.

Ever since she had split off Na'er and given her the greater share of their beauty, every time she walked alongside Xia Yi, she felt an odd sense of inferiority.

Completely ruining his looks might be too much, so she decided to start by burning off his hair to vent some frustration.

The more she thought about it, the more satisfied she became. She believed she had succeeded in using reverse psychology to get Xia Yi to agree to her challenge.

But she seemed to have forgotten something.With Xia Yi's incredibly thick skin, no amount of provocation should have worked on him.If he couldn't ensure he wouldn't suffer losses, then forget about reverse psychology—he wouldn't accept a challenge even with a blade at his throat.

As Gu Yue was about to leave, she said smugly, "I have things to do, so I'll head off now. The school is gathering the day after tomorrow to leave for Shrek City. I'm really looking forward to our duel.

"Even so, she knew better than to underestimate Xia Yi in any way.

She needed to find a place to train and ensure she could perform at her peak when they finally fought.

Watching her leave, Xia Yi muttered to himself, "This is going to be tough. I need to find a way to break through to my third ring. Hopefully, I'll get another pleasant surprise."

He had never underestimated Gu Yue's strength.

He still wasn't sure how terrifying her full power was when unleashed.

And because he had rarely fought over the past three years, she had no clue what his second soul skill was.

Otherwise, she wouldn't be looking so happy right now.

While Gu Yue headed for the Spirit Pagoda, Xia Yi also left—returning to East Sea Academy.

As soon as he arrived, he spotted Wu Jin deep in meditation.

Like Gu Yue, Wu Jin had also reached the rank of a three-ring Soul Elder.Xia Yi wasn't sure of Gu Yue's exact level, but he knew that Wu Jin had already reached the late stages of Rank 36.Ever since returning from the Extreme North, Wu Jin had felt different.

Even though he was only at the Soul Elder level, he radiated a unique aura—something hard to describe.

It was a feeling Xia Yi had only sensed from two people before: Gu Yue and Yun Ming.

Gu Yue's aura was one of complete natural harmony, as if she had fully merged with it.

Wu Jin and Yun Ming, on the other hand, had an aura of unparalleled sharpness.

Seeing Xia Yi arrive, Wu Jin couldn't help but ask, "Are you really not planning to apply for Shrek Academy's entrance exam?"

East Sea Academy had its own admission slots for Shrek Academy.

But, unsurprisingly, Xia Yi had been barred from receiving one.With Wu Jin's exceptional talent, he had naturally obtained a slot.

"When did I ever say I wasn't taking the exam?" Xia Yi rolled his eyes.

"Then why haven't you tried to get a slot? Aren't you a disciple of the Vice Tower Master of the Spirit Pagoda? With her status, getting you an entrance exam slot should be easy," Wu Jin said seriously.

"No need. I already have a plan. Actually, I came to find you to ask for a favor," Xia Yi said with a mischievous smile.

"What favor?" Wu Jin was about to agree but hesitated when he saw Xia Yi's sly grin.

"Relax, it's just a small favor." Xia Yi chuckled. "With your abilities, getting into Shrek Academy won't be a problem. But once you're in, there will definitely be plenty of fights. I just need you to help me dominate the new students."

"You make it sound so easy. Shrek Academy gathers the best talents from across the continent. It's not like we can just steamroll them," Wu Jin scoffed. He was confident in his strength, but not arrogant.

At the very least, he had no certainty of victory over Xia Yi or Gu Yue.Who knew if there would be other monsters like them at Shrek Academy?

Xia Yi understood Wu Jin's concerns and said, "With your strength and Gu Yue by your side, what's there to fear? You two can suppress any so-called 'genius' or 'prodigy.'"

"Teaming up with Gu Yue?" Wu Jin was momentarily stunned. If he and Gu Yue worked together, then yes, they could indeed dominate Shrek Academy's new students.But the issue was that he didn't want to get too involved with Gu Yue.

His original reason for coming to East Sea Academy had been to find Gu Yue. But after finally discovering her, he had felt nothing but disappointment.

Even though Di Tian had helped him in the Extreme North, giving him a slightly more favorable view of the Star Dou Forest, he still preferred to avoid interacting with Gu Yue.

Unlike Xia Yi, Wu Jin was a true soul beast in human form.

The ingrained social hierarchy of soul beasts was deeply embedded in his mind.

He couldn't act as casually as Xia Yi did, teasing Gu Yue without a care in the world.

Yet his lingering resentment toward Gu Yue also prevented him from ever lowering his head to her.

Whenever he faced her, he felt awkward—raising his head was uncomfortable, but bowing his head was impossible.

So, he had chosen to minimize contact.

"That's right. With you two classmates working together, even if a god reincarnated, you'd still be able to suppress them. You both came from East Sea Academy—what's there to be afraid of?" Xia Yi encouraged.

"Classmates…" Wu Jin's pupils contracted slightly.

After thinking for a moment, he nodded lightly and said, "I'll give it a try."

Classmates! Wu Jin understood exactly what Xia Yi was getting at.

"Classmates" implied equality.

Xia Yi was telling him to work with Gu Yue as an equal partner.

Xia Yi had already extended an olive branch—if Wu Jin still refused, he wouldn't be able to face Di Tian in the future.

"Oh, and if you run into me, go easy. Even better, if you can lose to me without making it obvious, that would be ideal," Xia Yi said with a grin.

"If I run into you? But I thought you didn't have a slot?" Wu Jin asked curiously.

"Not having a slot doesn't mean I can't join Shrek Academy," Xia Yi laughed.

"The most I can promise is that I won't team up with Gu Yue against you. If you want to win, that's up to your own strength," Wu Jin said indifferently.

He had no idea what Xia Yi was plotting, but he absolutely refused to throw a match.

"That's basically useless," Xia Yi groaned.

Knowing Gu Yue, if she faced him, she'd want to settle things personally.

There was no way she'd let anyone else interfere.

"The pressure is unreal," Xia Yi sighed dramatically.

Even though he had confidence in himself, both Gu Yue and Wu Jin were formidable opponents.

Beating them would take a lot more effort than he had anticipated.

(End of Chapter)