MM Racing Chapter 101 False Faith and True Feelings
Chapter 101 False Faith and True Feelings
Chapter 101 False Faith and True Feelings
The princess's reception room in the Star Luo Palace was not as extravagant as outsiders imagined; instead, it was elegant and refined, with a faint fragrance in the air.
After a long time, she had changed out of her battle uniform and was dressed in casual clothes. She had lost some of the heroic spirit on the field and gained more of the gentleness and nobility of a royal princess.
She personally poured Dai Youheng a cup of tea with elegant movements.
"Youheng, today's match was very exciting." Xu Jiujiu got straight to the point, his admiration undiminished. "Especially that last strike that broke through my Star Guardian, the determination of his will and the concentration of his power far exceeded my understanding of the Soul Master realm. I am completely convinced of my defeat."
Dai Youheng bowed slightly. "Your Highness is too kind. It was just a stroke of luck. Your Star Guardian is equally amazing. It truly lives up to its reputation as the strongest defensive technique that isolates elemental damage."
"It wasn't just luck." After a long while, she shook her head, staring at Dai Youheng with genuine curiosity in her eyes. "Your strength improvement could be attributed to the fortuitous encounter with the immortal herb, but your combat awareness, your grasp of opportunities, and especially that unheard-of and exquisite swordsmanship, cannot be achieved overnight. I really want to know how you transformed yourself to such an extent in such a short time? If your appearance, martial soul, soul rings, and soul skills hadn't changed, I would have doubted that you were even yourself."
coming!
Dai Youheng thought to himself that he had long anticipated this suspicion, but on his face he revealed a hint of reminiscence, a hint of emotion, and a hint of deep affection that he had acted out with great skill.
He lowered his eyes slightly, and when he raised them again, his gaze was fixed intently on Xu Jiujiu. His voice was deep and magnetic, "Your Highness, all of this is actually because of you."
"Because of me?" Xu Jiujiu raised her delicate eyebrows slightly.
"Yes." Dai Youheng's tone became extremely serious, even carrying a hint of theatrical piety. "Back then, right here in front of the princess's residence, the moment I was defeated by you with three palm strikes and collapsed to the ground was the most humiliating yet also the most clear-headed moment of my life. The enormous gap and the sense of shame almost overwhelmed me, but at that moment, there was only one thought in my mind."
He paused, his gaze growing even more fervent. "I can't go on like this. I can't forever remain a useless piece of trash, unworthy even to be near you. I must become stronger, strong enough to stand worthy of you, even if it's just watching your back from afar, I must stand tall!"
"After the pain subsides, one must learn from the mistakes of the past to build anew. Perhaps it was divine intervention, but amidst that extreme agony and resentment, my mind became remarkably clear, and the rudimentary form of that sword technique naturally emerged. I poured all my regret, all my desires, and all my resentment into this technique." He gazed intently at her for a long time, "Your Highness, what is the core will you sense in my sword technique?"
Xu Jiujiu was slightly taken aback by his "genuine expression" and sudden question. Subconsciously recalling the domineering and decisive sword light on the field, she pondered and said, "Unstoppable—a kind of unstoppable advance that abandons all retreat and cuts off all hesitation!"
"Yes, unwavering!" Dai Youheng's voice suddenly rose, filled with infectious energy, "Just like how I loved you then, and still love you now! I discard all distractions, I can face any formidable enemy, I can forge ahead without hesitation, until death do us part. It is this will that gave birth to this sword technique!"
His words were sincere and resounding, and coupled with his superb acting skills and truly dramatic transformation, it was impossible for Xu Jiu not to believe them. Looking into the burning eyes of the young man before her and listening to his undisguised "confession," she couldn't help but feel a slight tremor in her heart.
Over the years, she knew better than anyone how devoted Dai Youheng had been to her. Those clumsy gifts...
Those unwavering greetings, those expressions of ecstasy or utter despair at her words, have long been a well-known "scenery" in Xingluo City.
She could doubt the White Tiger Duke's loyalty, and she could doubt anyone's promises, but she would never doubt Dai Youheng's love for her; this was a fact almost etched into everyone's understanding.
Although she had already made up her mind to abandon love and regard her marriage as a bargaining chip to consolidate the Star Luo Empire.
But if the person she marries in the future is someone who truly loves and is infatuated with her, and who is also capable enough to earn her genuine admiration.
This seemed far better than marrying a complete political ally. She had looked down on the Dai Youheng of the past, but the current Dai Youheng was composed, powerful, and ambitious. Although he hadn't yet stirred her heart, he was enough for her to value and admire him highly.
Just as his mind was beginning to stir, a soft, cold snort, clearly displeased, suddenly exploded in the deepest part of Dai Youheng's consciousness, causing his mind to tremble slightly.
It was naturally from the Snow Emperor. Although he knew that Dai Youheng was acting, hearing him say such "affectionate" words to another woman still made the Northern King feel annoyed and unhappy, and he subconsciously vented his frustration.
Dai Youheng's smile remained unchanged, as if he were completely unaware, but the fingers holding the teacup tightened almost imperceptibly. Fortunately, only he could hear the sound.
Xu Jiujiu was completely unaware of what was happening. She calmed herself down slightly, and her usual composed smile returned to her face. She clapped her hands lightly and said to the door, "Grandma Manyi, please bring the things in."
The door opened silently, and Nebula Douluo Manyi walked in carrying a beautifully crafted jade box. She placed it directly on the coffee table in front of Dai Youheng, and then stood silently behind Xu Jiujiu.
The jade box was opened, and a surge of pure dark energy emanated from it. Inside, a skull-shaped soul bone, as black as ink yet shimmering with a dark luster, lay quietly.
Dai Youheng's face showed a timely hint of surprise. "Your Highness, isn't this the 50,000-year-old Dark Ruler's skull? Didn't you say you'd wait until I won the championship?"
Xu Jiu smiled slightly and interrupted him, "That was just a way to motivate you. What I want to see is you demonstrating sufficient value. And through these few matches, you have already proven yourself without reservation."
"If it were a championship prize, it would need to be distributed by your team leader. The competition within Shrek Academy is fierce, and it might not ultimately end up in your hands. But now, this is a gift I'm giving you personally."
Her eyes held expectation, "I hope you won't let me down, Youheng."
Dai Youheng looked at the high-quality dark attribute skull before him and quickly weighed his options. This was indeed what he needed right now. Although he wouldn't absorb it himself, it was priceless, whether used to train his subordinates in the future or as a resource in exchange.
This move by Xu Jiujiu not only demonstrates his favor but also represents an investment and a form of binding.
He reached out and solemnly closed the jade box, putting it away. Then he looked up at Xu Jiujiu and said, "Thank you for your generous gift, Your Highness. Youheng will certainly live up to your expectations."
After accepting the soul bone, the atmosphere in the room seemed to ease somewhat. Dai Youheng seized the opportunity and said, "Your Highness, after this competition ends, I have another request. I hope Your Highness can do me a small favor."
Xu Jiujiu was in a good mood at the moment. "Oh? What's the matter? Please tell me."
"I would like to ask Your Highness for help in leaving Shrek Academy," Dai Youheng said, surprising everyone.
Xu Jiujiu was indeed stunned, her delicate brows furrowing slightly. "Leave Shrek Academy? Why? With your performance in this competition, entering the Inner Academy is almost a certainty. Becoming a true Shrek Seven Devils and becoming famous throughout the continent is not difficult. It has the best teachers and resources on the continent."
Dai Youheng shook his head, a hint of mockery and clarity in his smile. "If I enter the inner academy, can I really learn more? Shrek Academy's inner academy does have many geniuses, but to be honest, those geniuses could make a name for themselves in any faction. And what would I be required to do if I stayed there? It would be mandatory inspection team missions, constantly traveling to various places to eliminate dangerous evil spirit masters."
His voice turned low. "As you've seen, this was just to wipe out a Soul King-level evil Soul Master, led personally by Elder Xuan, who was at level ninety-eight. And what was the result? More than half of the main team members were killed or wounded. The names on Shrek Academy's memorial tablet increase every year, with casualty rates higher than on many battlefields. Carrying out missions with them is extremely risky, and it's not what I want. In comparison, I might be more efficient and safer working alone."
He paused, looked at Xu Jiujiu, his eyes becoming deep, "More importantly, because I demonstrated my value in the competition, if I were to graduate now, the Shrek Academy leadership, out of their appreciation for talent, would likely try every means to retain me, even exerting pressure. But if Your Highness, in the name of the Star Luo Royal Family, were to summon me back to serve the country, the situation would be completely different."
"Shrek Academy has always touted its neutrality. If it forcibly prevents a noble scion of the Star Luo Kingdom from returning to serve his country, what will the nobles and geniuses of other countries think? Will they still feel comfortable sending their children to Shrek Academy? Shrek Academy cannot afford the consequences." Dai Youheng analyzed clearly and sharply. "In that case, they will have no choice but to release him."
She listened to his analysis for a long time, her eyes shining with admiration. She had never expected Dai Youheng to have such profound considerations and political wisdom. This was something a lovelorn young man who only knew cultivation and romance could not have conceived of.
However, Dai Youheng hadn't finished speaking. He suddenly changed the subject, his sharpness and calmness melting away instantly, replaced by a smile tinged with shyness and anticipation. He looked at Xu Jiujiu, his voice softening, as if all his previous scheming was just a prelude to this moment.
"Of course, most importantly, this way, after returning home, I can legitimately spend every day with Your Highness."
He spoke that last line with exceptional gentleness, his eyes focused and affectionate, his acting was flawless.
Caught off guard, Xu Jiujiu's pretty face flushed slightly from his sudden, direct approach, and her heart skipped a beat.
She instinctively avoided his overly intense gaze and said with a slight reproach, "Hmph, I should have guessed it! This is your real purpose, isn't it? All this risk calculation, in the end, you just want to find an excuse to stay by my side."
"If all you need is a reason to return home, wouldn't it be more legitimate to have your father, Duke White Tiger, intervene?"
Even so, the slight upturn of her lips and the fleeting smile in her eyes revealed that she was not really angry, but rather seemed pleased and pleased.
Dai Youheng smiled but remained silent, his gaze still fixed on her.
After a long while, she picked up her teacup, took a small sip to hide her slightly flushed cheeks, then put the teacup down, regaining her princess-like composure, and said loudly, "Alright, considering your outstanding performance today and your loyalty, I will help you with this small favor. After the competition, I will have Grandma Manyi personally lead a group to accompany you to Shrek Academy to handle your graduation matters."
"Thank you, Your Highness!" Dai Youheng's face showed genuine joy.
However, deep within his consciousness, Xue Di's cold and extremely contemptuous mutterings exploded again, this time clearer and filled with gritted teeth, "Pah! You scumbag! Liar after liar! You take advantage of my feelings!"
Disgusting! He—tui!
These modern, professional sarcastic terms were only recently learned by Xue Di from You Heng, and I didn't expect her to use them so vividly on her first try.