Chapter 27: The Threat of Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan - The Introduction of the Royal Battle Team - Douluo's spirit bead sword

**Chapter 27: The Threat of Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan - The Introduction of the Royal Battle Team** The tension in the academic office was palpable. Seeing that Zhou Yan was unyielding, Aorfu grew even more furious. "Hmph, if you wish to die alongside your student, I shall fulfill that wish." "Enough!" At that moment, a Celestial Star Furnace appeared between Tian Lin and Zhou Yan. Bai Baoshan intervened at last. Despite being a typically kind-hearted man, he couldn't stand by and watch as students and teachers from his academy were bullied in such a manner. Two yellow, three purple, and three black spirit rings pulsed around him—his configuration was slightly inferior to Aorfu's, meaning even with higher spirit power, the outcome of a true battle was uncertain. Seeing Bai Baoshan take action, Aorfu withdrew his Sunflower Spirit, aware that Bai Baoshan’s Celestial Star Furnace boasted defense rivaling that of a Title Douluo. Engaging in a fight would hardly yield a quick victory. Bai Baoshan turned and spoke, "Tian Lin, Aordu mentioned that last night he sought a fair duel with you. He claims he conceded, yet you persisted and cut off his ear. Is this true?" "Of course not," Tian Lin retorted. "Last night, he ambushed me with a group, including advanced students. Fending off a crowd proved impossible, so I fought with all I had for self-preservation, accidentally wounding them. Senior Sister Ye Lingling can attest to this." "Oh, is that so? Teacher Zhou Yan, please fetch Ye Lingling," Bai Baoshan's tone became more assertive hearing Tian Lin’s explanation. "Aorfu, until the truth is revealed, I won’t allow you to lay a finger on Tian Lin." Zhou Yan promptly left the academic office. Meanwhile, in the sky, a white-haired man watched with a smile. He had been unnoticed even by the two Contras inside, indicating the terrifying extent of his prowess. Soon, Zhou Yan returned with Ye Lingling and Qin Ming. Qin Ming had recently been promoted to a high-level teacher and was now teaching Ye Lingling’s class. "Lingling, you’re here. Did you witness last night's events in the grove? Can you describe them in detail?" Bai Baoshan spoke gently, mindful that Ye Lingling was just an eleven-year-old girl and might be nervous. "Yes, last night..." Ye Lingling began to speak truthfully. Suddenly, Aorfu interrupted, "Hold on, Ye Lingling. Before you speak, reflect carefully on last night's events. I’ve heard your Nine Heart Begonia lineage lacks influence. If you testify for my grandson, I can promise support to your family on behalf of the Aor clan of the Balak Kingdom." His words were both a threat and a bribe, subtly implying that her family’s fate hung on her testimony. "What do you mean, intimidating my student?" Qin Ming bristled, his Fiery Wolf spirit flaring as he glared at Aorfu. "Hmph, Qin Ming, don't be so petty. Which part of what Lord Ao said constitutes a threat? He's merely asking Lingling to reveal the most 'accurate' truth, so Aordu's suffering isn’t in vain," Ye Ping chimed in, completely sycophantic, much to Aorfu's satisfaction. The blatant attempt to curry favor continued. "Teacher Ye here exemplifies righteous virtue, embodying the spirit of this regal institution. Should Teacher Ye ever visit the Balak Kingdom, we’ll host you with honor." Ye Ping was overjoyed, interpreting Aorfu's words as an invitation. Gratefully, he responded, "Thank you, Lord." Then his gaze shifted lecherously to Zhou Yan. "Teacher Zhou, Qin Ming's a commoner and unlikely to achieve much. Why not come to our side? We'll treat you well." "You make me sick," Zhou Yan retorted in disgust. "Do you know why I prefer Qin Ming? It’s not just because his talent surpasses yours but because he stands up to authority with integrity unlike you. You and your spirit are both nothing but despicable sycophants!" Tian Lin glanced at Zhou Yan, surprised at her adeptness at insults—and apparently, she hadn’t realized she just professed her feelings for Qin Ming. Perpetually single, Qin Ming wasn’t used to such attention, and Tian Lin noted that after Zhou Yan's declaration, the flames of his Fiery Wolf spirit seemed even brighter red. Bai Baoshan, however, stared at Ye Ping with hostility. Was he seriously talking about defecting right in front of him? He didn’t mind if someone wanted to leave, but using academy students as stepping stones for advancement crossed a line. Ye Lingling stepped forward, addressing Aorfu directly. "Our family's future is not your concern, elder." "Last night, it was Aordu who ambushed Tian Lin with a group, aiming to cripple his spirit power. Tian Lin defended himself as a result, accidentally injuring Aordu." Her account matched Tian Lin's precisely, bringing the truth to light. Bai Baoshan lashed out, "Do you have anything to say, Aorfu? Tian Lin is only seven; Aordu, an adult, rallied others against a child, and you deny him defense?" Aorfu’s face darkened, recognizing he'd gained nothing today. At least in Bai Baoshan’s presence, doing anything to Tian Lin was out of the question. He shot a vile glare at Tian Lin and Ye Lingling. "Very well, boy and girl. Count yourselves lucky today, but remain within the academy walls; prodigies like you are easily squashed outside, especially you, girl." He harbored deeper resentment toward Ye Lingling, the ungrateful girl. He resolved to have his clan obliterate the Nine Heart Begonia lineage. "Rest assured, Lingling's safety isn’t your concern, esteemed Contra," a voice interrupted. Six figures entered—five boys and one girl, all around eleven or twelve. Leading them was a stern, tall boy whose chest bore not only the Heaven Dou Royal Academy emblem but also the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family crest. "I am Yu Tianheng. My grandfather, Yu Yuanjing, sends greetings to the elder." Following him, the lone girl stepped forward, "I am Dugu Yan, Lingling's close friend, and I also bring greetings from my grandfather, Dugu Bo, to the elder." Hearing these names, Aorfu broke into a cold sweat. Yu Yuanjing, the clan leader of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family, was a Level 95 Titled Douluo. Dugu Bo, the feared Poison Lord, although a mere Level 91, could annihilate a city with his poison. Either of them was beyond Aorfu's capacity to provoke. To realize that Ye Lingling was backed by both the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan and Dugu Bo clarified why she feared none of his threats. Henceforth, Ye Lingling was untouchable. Tian Lin curiously observed the six newcomers. With Ye Lingling, they were the Royal Battle Team of legend. Young, with spirit power hovering around Level 25, they were still mid-level students. Yet, they already seemed to form an unbreakable bond of friendship.