Douluo Continent: Naru Sacred Heart, Snow Shines Forever

"Little Qi, you won't refuse now, will you?"

"No, I should call him captain now~"

Dugu Yan chuckled, a mischievous smile curving her eyes, her tone laced with a playful intimacy.

"Sister Yan Yan, please stop teasing me. Just call me as you always have."

Or it would be even better if you dropped the "younger brother" part and just called me Xiao Qi like Grandpa does.

Chen Jieqi sighed and rubbed his forehead in exasperation. The boy's clear eyes were filled with a mixture of amusement and exasperation, completely losing his composure from before.

"That won't do, because you're still such a little one."

Dugu Yan deliberately dragged out her words and gently poked his cheek.

"Little Qi, my little brother~"

This soft, affectionate address left Chen Jieqi completely speechless. He could only turn his head away to avoid her fingertips, but the corners of his mouth couldn't help but turn up slightly.

Yu Feng, Oslo, and the Graphite and Stone Mill brothers standing nearby couldn't help but laugh, their faces turning bright red.

Even Yu Tianheng, who had just recovered, couldn't help but curl the corners of his mouth into a smile.

No one expected that the composed captain, who had just crushed his opponent with overwhelming force on the Soul Arena, would...

In private, she was so flustered by Dugu Yan's teasing, and the usually aloof and domineering "big sister" would also show such an intimate and playful side.

The tense atmosphere created by the battle spirit instantly melted away with these few jokes.

Suddenly, everyone felt that they weren't so difficult to get along with, and even the distance between them shortened considerably.

Regardless of what others thought, Chen Jieqi stepped forward, his voice steady and resonant, carrying a power like holy light:

"Since everyone trusts me so much, let's join hands and work together to win the Soul Master Competition and reach the pinnacle of Soul Masters!"

"Win the championship and reach the pinnacle!"

Dugu Yan was the first to raise her arm in response, her voice clear and firm.

"Win the championship and reach the pinnacle!"

Yu Feng and Oslo followed closely behind, their voices filled with burning anticipation.

"Win the championship and reach the pinnacle!"

The roars of the Graphite and Stone Mill brothers were as deep and resonant as drums.

"Win the championship and reach the pinnacle!"

Even Yu Tianheng, who had just recovered, raised his head and joined in the shouting.

His face showed no trace of defeat or dejection, only complete conviction in absolute strength and ignited ambition. Following such a captain, perhaps one could truly reach heights never before attained.

Although Ye Lingling didn't shout it out at the end, her bright eyes showed that she shared the same determination as everyone else.

Qin Ming stood outside the circle and did not go forward to disturb them.

Looking at the group of energetic young men and women before him, he could almost see their future figures breaking through the Spirit Hall's monopoly, and the look of satisfaction in his eyes grew even stronger.

Just then, a deep yet powerful voice broke the silence following the oath-taking ceremony.

Oslo stepped forward, looked sincerely at Dugu Yan, and shouted loudly:

"Although you gave up your position as captain to Captain Chen, you will always be our big sister!"

This statement, like a pebble thrown into a lake, instantly created ripples.

Everyone turned to look at Oslo, and even Chen Jieqi couldn't help but turn to the side, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes.

Yu Feng stood rooted to the spot. Normally quick-witted and agile, with lightning-fast reflexes, he was now filled with frustration.

He never expected that Osrow would beat him with such polite and heartwarming words.

Just as he was racking his brains trying to figure out how to "make amends".

The two brothers, Stone Graphite and Stone Mill, who were usually the most taciturn and even spoke in a muffled voice, now seemed to have been "enlightened" and roared in unison:

"Me too!"

"Me too!"

His deep voice carried a unique composure, yet it concealed the most fervent recognition.

Yu Feng was stunned, his eyes wide open, and he couldn't help but exclaim in his heart, "Good heavens, the two brothers who are usually the most silent have actually spoken out before him!"

He snapped out of his daze, immediately stepped forward, and clasped his hands in a fist salute to Dugu Yan.

"Boss!"

Although I, Yu Feng, am not good with words, my loyalty to you is as clear as day and night!

From now on, I'll do whatever you tell me to do, without hesitation!

This straightforward declaration of "loyalty" made Chen Jieqi, who was standing next to him, unable to help but smile.

Ye Lingling, standing alone and beautiful amidst the crowd, remained silent, her gaze gently fixed on Dugu Yan.

The two were like sisters; a single glance was worth a thousand words, and their unwavering support was evident without needing to speak.

At this moment, Yu Tianheng stood at the edge of the circle, his gaze falling on Dugu Yan with a complex expression.

He knew very well that although he couldn't defeat Dugu Yan now, it was only because he hadn't yet entered the Soul Sect.

Once they advance to the Soul Master level, with the domineering power of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, even if their soul power is several levels lower, the outcome of their battle is still uncertain.

Moreover, his martial soul is special; his dragon transformation power becomes increasingly formidable as he progresses.

In addition, he was a year older than Dugu Yannian, so he always called her "Yanzi" affectionately.

This address reveals both the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Clan member's absolute confidence in his own martial soul and potential, and also hides a secret thought that the young man is unwilling to express.

As a core disciple of the third generation of the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex family, Yu Tianheng has rarely encountered a true opponent among his peers since childhood, let alone a female Soul Master.

But now, he has unexpectedly encountered Dugu Yan, a female Soul Master of the same age who is stronger and more dazzling than him. This disparity has not diminished his arrogance; on the contrary, it has stirred feelings of admiration in him.

Therefore, unlike others, she wouldn't be called "Big Sister." She would rather lie low and wait until she could surpass them in strength one day before openly expressing her feelings.

"Alright, I understand everyone's good intentions."

Dugu Yan raised her hand to interrupt the noise, her tone lazy yet carrying an undeniable air of dominance.

"Although I have stepped down as captain, Yu Tianheng will remain as vice captain."

Just like Lingling, my job is simply to be aloof and beautiful.

She raised an eyebrow and swept her gaze across the crowd, her voice clear and bright:

"Who's in favor, and who's opposed?"

"I agree!"

Yu Feng was the first to respond loudly.

Oslo and the Graphite and Stone Mill brothers nodded in agreement, and even Ye Lingling gave a slight nod.

In their hearts, even if Dugu Yan wasn't the captain, she would always be the "big sister" who could keep things in check, and the arrangement of her as the vice-captain was just going with the flow.

Yu Tianheng stepped forward, his brows slightly furrowed, his tone tinged with a mixture of bitterness and frankness:

"Yanzi, you don't need to be so considerate of my pride."

My current skills are indeed inferior to yours, and even more so to Captain Chen.

You can be the vice-captain...

Only then will I be truly convinced!

"Yu Tianheng, stop it. Don't flatter yourself. I'm just lazy!"

Dugu Yan crossed her arms over her chest, her shoulders slightly pulled back, and tilted her head slightly, glancing sideways at him. Her voice trailed off with a hint of casual threat.

"Or do you want to object?"

"Um?"

That soft hum sent chills down Yu Tianheng's spine, and he swallowed back the refusal that was about to come out. He could only shout from the bottom of his heart:

"I agree!"

Dugu Yan smiled with satisfaction, a sly glint in her eyes.

She paused, then leaned close to Yu Tianheng's ear and added in a voice only the two of them could hear:

"Besides, I don't want you to become stronger and then try to take the captain's position from me. It's better to keep you in the vice-captain's position for now, so you won't have any ulterior motives later."

Yu Tianheng's ears instantly turned red. Looking at Dugu Yan's sly smile, he could only nod emphatically.

"I understand, Yanzi."

Chen Jieqi, who was standing to the side, smiled gently as he watched this scene and said softly:

"Sister Yanyan made excellent arrangements. Brother Yu's ability to tackle tough challenges is exactly what our team needs most."

"Now that we've made up our minds, let's rest and have something to eat first, then review the situation of the battle and let everyone familiarize themselves with each other's abilities as soon as possible."

Qin Ming interjected at the opportune moment, his tone gentle, bringing the little incident to a close perfectly.

"Okay, Teacher Qin Ming."

The crowd responded in unison.

Qin Ming never interfered in the team's internal affairs. In the world of soul masters, strength was paramount; whoever was stronger had more say.

His only responsibilities are to control the team's training direction, guide everyone to establish correct concepts, and make fair decisions at critical moments.

Sunlight streamed through the classroom corridor windows, casting long shadows on everyone. The group chatted and laughed, walking and stopping as they headed towards the cafeteria.

Before long, the enticing aroma of food wafted from the direction of the cafeteria.

The two brothers, Graphite and Millstone, brightened up and quickened their pace, rushing forward with loud cheers.

Oslo shook his head helplessly and quickly followed, while Yu Feng carefully helped the slightly tired Yu Tianheng and whispered some instructions.

Dugu Yan walked side by side with Chen Jieqi, occasionally exchanging a few words. Their soft laughter drifted in the wind, and no one knew exactly what they said. They only felt that the relaxed atmosphere made even the afternoon sun seem a little softer.

Ye Lingling followed quietly behind everyone as usual, at a leisurely pace.

The outcome of a battle of wits is ultimately just an interlude on the road to growth.

The laughter and playfulness amidst the lively atmosphere subtly brought everyone closer together, and a true Royal Fighting Team was quietly taking shape in this warm and welcoming cafeteria.