Douluo Continent: Starting with a Tom Cat

Golden sunlight streamed down the school corridor. A girl in a blue and white school uniform with a sweet smile said to him, "Shen An, your English is so bad. Let me teach you so we can both get into the same university in the future."

The memories and the present scene seem to overlap, but there is no doubt that both the girl in the memory and Zhu Zhuqing in front of him are people who hope that Shen An can become a better person.

So Shen An smiled and said, "Okay, you teach, and I'll learn."

"Hmm, how's your soul power cultivation going these past two days? Have you made any progress?"

Zhu Zhuqing asked curiously, wanting to first understand Shen An's progress in cultivating soul power before providing targeted guidance and setting goals for him.

"Hmm, you said last time that you were level fourteen. It must be because the soul ring you absorbed was of a very high age, which led to the increase in your soul power. So I hope you can cultivate to that level within a month."

Zhu Zhuqing was talking to herself when Shen An interrupted her before she could finish her sentence about level 15.

"Zhu Qing, I've reached level sixteen," Shen An said, puffing out his chest.

???

"What?! You're level 16?! How is that possible?!"

Zhu Zhuqing's delicate and aloof face froze instantly, her rosy lips slightly parted, and her high, firm chest heaving violently. She felt utterly dazed.

She was born with a level seven soul power, which is already considered outstanding talent. Since awakening her martial soul at the age of six, she has been working day and night and has mastered excellent meditation methods. Now, six years later, she has only reached level 27.

But what about Shen An? He was only level nine a few days ago, but after obtaining a soul ring, he jumped three levels in a row, and now, less than three days later, he's already level sixteen.

Looking at Zhu Zhuqing's blank face, Shen An muttered to himself, "Did I accidentally upset her? But I remember there was a prodigy in the original story who had innate full soul power of level 20. I'm only at that level."

"Zhu Qing, Zhu Qing?"

Shen An's call brought Zhu Zhuqing back to her senses. Looking at Shen An in front of her, Zhu Zhuqing suddenly felt that she had wasted all these years.

She even wanted to pass on her soul power meditation experience to Shen An, but now it seems that I actually wanted to pass on my so-called experience and skills to a cultivation genius. The clown is actually myself.

Zhu Zhuqing bit her lip lightly, and her already watery eyes seemed to be covered with a layer of mist. She was first shocked by Tom, and then she was shocked by Shen An.

Zhu Zhuqing was not a jealous or fragile woman, but these successive blows made her feel like an ordinary person, as if no matter how hard she tried, she could never catch up with them.

Especially her older sister, who weighed heavily on her heart like an insurmountable mountain, and her destined fate.

"Sorry to bother you," Zhu Zhuqing said, bowing her head so Shen An couldn't see her expression. Her voice was low as she turned and ran away.

Something was wrong, something was very, very wrong. Shen An could clearly sense that Zhu Zhuqing's emotions were extremely abnormal.

If it were just a blow, she wouldn't react like this unless she thought of something sad or from the past.

After hesitating for a moment, Shen An chased after her and found that Zhu Zhuqing was not in the house. Faint sobbing could be heard coming from the roof. Fortunately, Shen An's senses were extremely sharp now, otherwise he might not have been able to hear it.

Shen An gently walked onto the roof. In the darkness of night, Zhu Zhuqing sat on the roof tiles, her face buried in her arms, sobbing intermittently. The sound was so clear in the quiet night.

The girl's crying was so heartbreaking that it felt like it was about to break anyone's heart.

Shen An was somewhat at a loss. Although he had never experienced such a scene before, he knew that he should at least do something now.

Shen An walked quietly to Zhu Zhuqing's side, about to speak.

Zhu Zhuqing looked up, and the bright moonlight shone on her tear-streaked face. Her originally cool and delicate face was filled with a sense of brokenness, which was heartbreaking to look at.

"Shen An, why is it that even though I practice so hard every day, I can't match Tom's skills or your training speed?"

Am I really stupid?

Chapter 25 A Heart-to-Heart Talk at Night, Resolving Heartaches (Please Read On) (Please Add to Favorites)

As Shen An listened to Zhu Zhuqing's voice, which was no longer as clear and was now slightly hoarse, he felt a resonance in his heart.

"Hmm, Zhuqing, no, in my eyes you have always been a very hardworking and capable girl. If it weren't for you, I might have died at the hands of the wolves long ago."

As Shen An spoke softly, he carefully sat down next to Zhu Zhuqing.

The two remained silent in the still night, surrounded only by the sounds of insects and birds, and a cool evening breeze that gently caressed them.

After a long silence, Zhu Zhuqing spoke:

“Shen An, do you know that I was born into a very large family, and my family has always had a tradition that is like destiny.”

Zhu Zhuqing paused, seemingly with fear, and then continued, "My family will be linked with another major family through marriage for generations, because our martial souls are naturally compatible, which can guarantee that each generation will have combat power no weaker than a Title Douluo."

"Isn't it ridiculous to marry someone you've never met? That family only has two brothers in this generation, and I also have an older sister."

Shen An knew that he needed to be a good listener at this time, so even though he knew part of the plot, he did not interrupt the girl.

"According to the family rules, only the most outstanding heir can live. I must compete with him and my fiancé, and the loser will have their martial spirit abolished or be imprisoned."

"Then you should have a so-called fiancé, so why are you all alone now?" Shen An asked softly.

"Heh," Zhu Zhuqing suddenly let out a cold laugh.

"Because my cowardly fiancé believed that no matter how hard he tried, he could not compare to his brother, so he fled to Soto alone."

"Shen An, do you think I'm too cold or even heartless?" Zhu Zhuqing turned to Shen An and asked.

"How could that be? I've always thought you were a good person, Zhuqing," Shen An said softly.

From Zhu Zhuqing's open sharing of her experiences, Shen Anfang finally understood why Zhu Zhuqing had always appeared so cold and so devoted to cultivation.

Imagine a little girl abandoned by the only person she has any connection with, left to survive alone and face all sorts of dangers. She can only use coldness to shut herself off and protect herself; she has no other choice.

"If you want to survive alone in that cold and cruel family, you have to protect yourself with a cold exterior."

Shen An paused for a moment and continued, "But I know that you, Zhu Qing, have always been a kind girl who is cold on the outside but warm on the inside. Otherwise, you wouldn't have stayed with me to face the wolves back then."

“Zhuqing, I understand you. I was originally all alone in this world, but then I met Tom, and then I met you, which is why I felt a sense of belonging to this world.”

"Zhuqing, so please continue to live a strong and resilient life. I will always be with you."

Thank you~

A faint sound reached Shen An's ears. Zhu Zhu's clear eyes were already wet, and tears fell onto her white clothes, forming mottled water stains.

At this moment, a cat's head quietly appeared in Shen An's line of sight. It was Tom, who had come up here at some unknown time.

Tom quickly took out a small white board, wrote a line of words on it with a pen, and then held it above his head and shook it repeatedly.

Shen An's eyesight, enhanced by his martial soul and soul rings, was astonishing; he could read Tom's writing clearly.

"Go close to her, then gently hug her and let her rest her head on your shoulder!"

Shen An hesitated for a moment but did as he was told. He trusted Tom's judgment, and Tom was reliable most of the time.

Shen An gently moved his buttocks next to Zhu Zhuqing. He was so close that he could feel the amazing softness of Zhu Zhuqing's body, and a faint fragrance wafted into Shen An's nose.

Shen An quietly put his hand around Zhu Zhuqing's head and put his arm around her face on his shoulder.

Tom watched from afar, his cat paws involuntarily covering his face. Who comes here like this? Shouldn't they have at least asked a joke first?

I gave you a chance but you didn't use it. You were too direct. Is it my fault for not writing in enough detail?

Shen An could clearly feel Zhu Zhuqing's soft body stiffen at first and then relax, letting Shen An do as he pleased.

Zhu Zhuqing gently rested her head on Shen An's shoulder, as if she had found a support. This feeling was so reassuring that she was reluctant to leave.

Huh? Tom stared in surprise, looking completely shocked, like a cat. How could this work? How could his owner so easily pull the girl into his arms?

Tom began to reminisce about his years as a lapdog and his difficult pursuit of love, and couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

As Shen An felt Zhu Zhuqing's body temperature, an indescribable feeling welled up in his heart, and it seemed to be quite captivating.

At this moment, Shen An looked at Tom with anxiety in his eyes. What should he do? What should he do next? Emperor Tom, stop spacing out and give me some guidance!

Emperor Tang, who was standing to the side, had already fallen into deep thought, and Shen An remained silent upon seeing this.

Forget it, it's better to rely on yourself than on others.

Shen An decided to find a breakthrough first. He remembered Zhu Zhuqing talking about her fiancé and couldn't help but say sourly, "Zhuqing, did you come all the way to Soto City just to find your fiancé?"

Zhu Zhuqing shook her head and then nodded slightly.

Zhu Zhuqing said softly from the side, "I came to Soto City to find him. I want to ask him in person why he was a coward instead of facing our fate head-on. I just want an answer."

“I don’t like him, and I don’t have a good impression of him,” Zhu Zhuqing added.

Shen An breathed a slight sigh of relief after hearing this. Wait, why should I breathe a sigh of relief?

Shen Anxin thought to herself, "I seem to have some strange ideas."

"Shen An, I'm scared. I don't want to accept this hopeless fate. I don't want to be imprisoned or face death," Zhu Zhuqing said fearfully.

Shen An felt her arm being held tightly. Looking down, she realized it was a slender, white hand gripping her tightly, as if it could give her a sense of security.

"Zhu Qing, don't be afraid, I'll protect you. Do you trust me?" Shen An said, gently patting Zhu Zhu Qing's shoulder.

Zhu Zhuqing raised her head, tears streaming down her face, adding many new tear stains to her delicate and beautiful features.

Although Shen An's soul power is currently lower than hers, she is willing to believe the promises made to her without reservation.

For the first time since Zhu Zhuqing learned of her family's destiny, someone was willing to stand in front of her and protect her.

Zhu Zhuqing gazed into Shen An's clear eyes, momentarily captivated. She buried her face in Shen An's arms and sobbed softly.

Shen An sighed. Beneath the cold, hard exterior, Zhu Zhuqing was nothing more than a helpless little girl.

Shen An gently patted her shoulder repeatedly, as if coaxing a child, telling her not to be afraid, that he was here.

In the desolate, deserted night, countless stars shone brightly, and the moon hung high in the sky. Under the moonlight, Zhu Zhuqing nestled in Shen An's arms, the bright moonlight shining on them, like a beautiful painting.

Chapter 26 The Little Witch Wants to Buy Tom

Zhu Zhuqing kept her head on Shen An's shoulder and refused to leave, so Shen An could only sit upright on the roof and change to a more comfortable position for her to rest her head on.

It wasn't until the dead of night, when the person beside him had completely overpowered him, that Shen Anfang, as if waking from a dream, carried Zhu Zhuqing and took her back to her house.

After finishing everything, Shen An rubbed his sore shoulders. He had been using the pillow for so long that his blood circulation had become sluggish.

Oh no, I haven't practiced my sword yet today. Shen An looked at the deep night and, considering that he had to open the shop tomorrow, decided to practice two more sets before going to sleep.

Shen An was unexpectedly fond of swordsmanship, even though Tom only taught him the most basic sword moves, Shen An was still captivated by it.

Speaking of Tom, Shen An realized that Tom had disappeared. He probably went back to sleep because he was too tired, Shen An thought.

Never mind, let's hurry up and practice swordsmanship, then go to sleep.

-

One night passed.

When Zhu Zhuqing woke up in the morning, she found herself lying on her bed in the room, her mind a complete blank.

Gradually, she recalled everything that had happened last night, and her usually cool face quickly turned red. She buried her face in the pillow, feeling so embarrassed.

"Why did I say everything yesterday, and cry so loudly? It's so embarrassing, and I kept resting my head on Shen An's shoulder."

Zhu Zhuqing felt a little anxious, wondering if she looked ugly when she cried. Oh dear, what was she thinking?

Zhu Zhuqing saw some pastries and milk on the table in her room, and a beautiful smile curved her lips, but a strange sadness welled up in her heart. If only the engagement were with Shen An~

The teahouse remained bustling with customers. Having learned from their previous experiences, Shen An and Tom were now able to handle the guests with ease.

During lunch, the two tacitly avoided mentioning what happened last night. However, Shen An could clearly see that Zhu Zhuqing's expression had softened considerably, as if she had let go of some burdens.

Shen An thought to himself, "It seems that what I said yesterday was still useful, but Zhu Qing's family rules are indeed too inhumane."

Shen An looked down at his right hand. With just a thought, the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass would be summoned. Looking at his ever-increasing reputation value, Shen An silently chanted in his heart.

"Don't worry, Zhuqing, I will help you break free from the shackles of your family. This is my promise to you."

Strangely enough, Zhu Zhuqing's gaze towards him has been very gentle lately, but when Shen An makes eye contact with her, Zhu Zhuqing quickly lowers her head.

Time flew by as people spent their days running the teahouse, practicing swordsmanship, and petting cats, and before they knew it, it was almost time for Shrek Academy to start school.

"Zhuqing, school starts in two days. Take some time to relax. I'll take you and Tom out for some fun."

“Okay, then let’s go have some fun tonight after your teahouse closes,” Zhu Zhuqing replied.

Tom was overjoyed to hear he could go out and play. "My money, which I've saved for so long, is finally going to have a purpose! I'm going to spend it all!"

Soto City is extremely lively at night, with dazzling lights that are quite beautiful. After all, Soto City is known as the kingdom's granary, and it is extremely rich.

Shen An and his group strolled along the road, and many people greeted Shen An, who responded with a smile.

Shen An has been operating in Soto City for more than ten days. Thanks to Tom's piano skills and high-quality milk tea products, many people in Soto City already know them.

Tom is a popular cat, and many people greeted him along the way. He even got to the point where he could eat street food without paying.

This made Tom very upset. "I came out here to spend money, and you're not even charging me?"