Chapter 317: The Twin-Star That Dimmed
"Alas…"
On the sea, bound for the new continent, Xiao Xiao stood at the ship's rail, staring at the endless waves, a sigh escaping her lips.
Once hailed as a genius with twin martial spirits, she had been the pride of her family and was sent to Shrek Academy, then the most prestigious soul master academy on the continent.
In that era, having twin martial spirits was enough to be labeled a top-tier prodigy. It was only natural that she rose quickly through the ranks. She became a core disciple of Shrek, and was even appointed one of the new generation's Shrek Seven Devils—a position reserved for the best of the best.
When Shrek lost in the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Competition, it was a massive blow to the academy. But ironically, it had been a boon for her. Shrek needed a new face, someone who could restore its honor and—perhaps—stand toe-to-toe with the emerging threat that was Xiao Qiang.
Back then, Shrek believed it could still train someone to counter Xiao Qiang. The candidates weren't Beibei or Xu Sanshi—the so-called twin stars of the outer courtyard—nor any inner court senior. It was her. Xiao Xiao, with twin spirits, was their great hope.
After all, twin spirits meant that upon reaching level 81 or 82, she could ascend rapidly to Titled Douluo via spirit ring hunting. With her talent, she could eventually hold ten spirit abilities above 70,000 years old, placing her among the strongest elites of the continent.
Even though her first ring had been gained too early—limiting her to ten high-level rings instead of eleven—it was still a feat few could claim. Shrek poured its expectations into her.
They promised her much: a 100,000-year soul ring, a full set of high-level soul bones, and even a future role as deputy leader of the Sea God Pavilion. At the time, Shrek was still in its prime, its name unblemished. How could someone outside the Soul Palace—someone still unaware of Shrek's true nature—resist such an offer?
So, when Xiao Qiang extended an invitation to join his new force—the Soul Palace, she had declined without hesitation.
Back then, Shrek had only lost one tournament. The defeat hadn't seemed fatal—just a stumble, not a fall. In hindsight, it was like Japan in 1938: still dangerous, still arrogant, and with much fight left.
No one could have predicted how fast it would all crumble.
A Slow Descent into Powerlessness
When the soul spirits appeared, Shrek was already wounded—but not crippled. It still had the deepest reserves, the most Titled Douluo, and commanded fear and awe. But by the second tournament, everything began to unravel.
Shrek's flawed teachings and scandals were exposed. Its aura of invincibility shattered.
And then Xiao Xiao realized something terrifying: Shrek had never really invested in her the way it claimed.
Other than a brief moment of clarity beneath the Golden Tree, most of her growth had come through her own training, or through carrying out missions. Shrek used her when needed, and nothing more.
She began to suspect: if she hadn't been useful for publicity, hadn't been needed for the competition, would they have even given her the soul bones? Probably not.
Still, she tried to accept her fate. She had chosen Shrek. And besides, no other faction seemed stronger at the time. Shrek still held the first city of the continent. They had power, prestige—who could truly compete?
But then she met Lan Susu and Lan Luoluo.
Once ordinary girls, now eighth-ring Soul Douluo, while Xiao Xiao herself—who had reached level 30 earlier than either of them—was still only a Soul Emperor.
It gnawed at her. She was clearly more talented. Yet somehow, she was now the one left behind.
A Humiliating Reality
"Xiao Xiao, the Saint is ready to rest."
A Soul Palace member knocked her from her thoughts.
"I know," she said softly.
She turned away from the sea and went to Lan Susu and Lan Luoluo's room. She knocked.
"Come in," came Lan Susu's voice.
Xiao Xiao entered, took two soft white towels and draped them over her shoulders. She filled a finely crafted basin with warm water, knelt down, and removed their short boots—revealing two pairs of fair, delicate feet.
She gently placed their feet into the basin, then began rubbing and washing them with practiced care. Toes, soles, heels—every part was cleaned meticulously.
Then she took the towel from her left shoulder and laid it across her legs. She dried Lan Susu's feet, one toe at a time. Then she repeated the process with the towel from her right shoulder, drying Lan Luoluo's feet the same way.
Her motions were fluid, deliberate. She had done this many times.
And that was what hurt the most.
Once, all three had been invited to join the Soul Palace. She was the most talented. But now, Xiao Xiao—the gifted one with twin martial spirits—was nothing more than the foot-washing maid of the two weakest.
Captured after the battle with Shrek, too tightly bound to their disgrace, she'd had no chance to prove loyalty. Her life was spared only because of her past friendship with the Lan sisters. Her soul ring was given out of mercy, not merit.
A Warning from the Unknown
"How many days until we reach the new continent?" Lan Susu asked, stretching lazily.
The intelligence maid replied, "Saint Maiden, we'll arrive in one more day. However…"
"However?" Lan Susu narrowed her eyes.
"That continent… it may not be as uninhabited as we were led to believe. According to a report from the scout we sent—one with high agility and perception—it's likely that the continent already has Titled Douluo."
She paused, then lowered her voice. "I'm afraid the Saints will have to take action. This won't be a simple claim and conquer."