Douluo Dalu: I'm Summoning Game Characters

Seeing Zhang Lexuan and Keqing's reactions, Ma Xiaotao finally realized what Lu Jingming's earlier words implied.

Her pretty face flushed instantly, turning as red as a ripe apple, as if it could drip blood. Flames seemed to burn in her eyes as she gnashed her teeth, glaring at Lu Jingming, looking as though she wanted to devour him whole.

"Heh, can you?" Ma Xiaotao bit the bullet, forcing out these few words through clenched teeth, suppressing her shame and anger.

She straightened her back, meeting Lu Jingming's gaze without fear. Although still mortified, she absolutely refused to lose in terms of aura to Lu Jingming.

Lu Jingming's eyes instantly narrowed at her words. For a man, everything else could be questioned, but never his capabilities. He was about to retort, brimming with aggression.

"Alright, alright, you two, don't be so fiery every time you meet. Take a step back, and let's leave it at that." Seeing Lu Jingming about to utter something scandalous again, Zhang Lexuan's eyelids twitched violently.

She inwardly cursed, quickly stepping forward to mediate. As she spoke, she reached out and pulled both Lu Jingming and Ma Xiaotao, trying to separate them and prevent a potential conflict.

Lu Jingming's words, about to spill out, instantly caught in his throat. He looked at Zhang Lexuan's helpless gaze, thought for a moment, and ultimately decided to give "Sister Lexuan" face, swallowing those words back down.

He took a deep breath, calmed himself, and his expression gradually returned to normal.

Ma Xiaotao also obediently shut up. She had already reached the peak of embarrassment, her ears burning red.

Zhang Lexuan had given her a way out, which was perfect. She knew well that if the argument continued, with Lu Jingming's personality, he might say something even more humiliating that would make her unable to face anyone.

"Xiaotao, are these your friends?" Just then, a group of people slowly approached behind Ma Xiaotao. There were thirteen in total, male and female, varying in age.

The leader was a woman who looked about the same age as Zhang Lexuan. She had long, chestnut hair that flowed smoothly behind her like a waterfall, swaying gently as she walked.

Her demeanor was gentle and graceful, her features exquisite and beautiful. She carried a faint scholarly air, looking like a young lady from a painting, elegant and charming.

"Mhm, Sister Ruoruo, they're all my friends, and they're also here to participate in this Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament," Ma Xiaotao nodded vigorously, her expression frank, unhesitatingly categorizing Lu Jingming and the others as friends.

This gesture surprised Lu Jingming. He had thought Ma Xiaotao would exclude him. After all, in his opinion, Keqing and Zhang Lexuan genuinely had a friendship with Ma Xiaotao, but he and Ma Xiaotao were usually at loggerheads, almost like arch-rivals. He truly hadn't expected her to say that.

"Hello everyone, I'm Han Ruoruo, captain of the Shrek Academy team. It's a pleasure to meet you." Han Ruoruo's lips curved slightly into a soft, approachable smile.

As she spoke, she elegantly extended her hand to Zhang Lexuan, her posture poised, fully displaying the demeanor of Shrek Academy's team captain.

"I've long heard of Shrek Academy's renowned reputation. I am Zhang Lexuan, captain of the St. Freya Academy team." Zhang Lexuan shook Han Ruoruo's hand, introducing herself.

As their hands clasped, and their gazes met, a curious understanding silently blossomed between them. Each saw admiration and goodwill in the other's eyes. Though this was their first meeting, the feeling of instant familiarity was unusually strong, as if they were long-lost close friends.

Both secretly felt they must be greatly compatible and would surely get along well in the future.

"Xiaotao, what were you doing just now? You'd go for someone so young? He's certainly handsome, but isn't he under ten years old?" A girl with long orange-red hair approached Ma Xiaotao with light steps, her pink pupils shimmering with curiosity and teasing.

She leaned close to Ma Xiaotao's ear and whispered in a voice that, though seemingly lowered, was clearly audible to everyone present. At the same time, her gaze frequently lingered on Lu Jingming, never once leaving him.

The moment she spoke, everyone's eyes instantly focused on Ma Xiaotao. Those gazes, like spotlights, left Ma Xiaotao nowhere to hide. Ma Xiaotao's face flushed instantly.

She was both embarrassed and angry, her eyes full of awkwardness and mortification. She quickly waved her hands in explanation: "What are you talking about, Sister Wu Ming? Don't spout nonsense!"

Seeing Ma Xiaotao's exasperated expression, Wu Ming inwardly cursed. She worried that Ma Xiaotao would genuinely lose control and lash out at her then and there, making the situation impossible to manage.

So, she quickly took two steps back, raising her hands high in a gesture of surrender, her face covered in an ingratiating smile. "Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore." She looked exactly like a mischievous child admitting fault after causing trouble.

"Little fellow, hello. My name is Wu Ming. Nice to meet you. You're really impressive; there are no boys in the academy who would dare speak to Xiaotao like that." Wu Ming turned, walking briskly towards Lu Jingming, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and scrutiny.

At Shrek Academy, Ma Xiaotao was famously hot-tempered, no less fiery than Wu Ming herself. Boys who usually offended Ma Xiaotao never got off easy. But Wu Ming had just seen with her own eyes that Ma Xiaotao had been put in her place by Lu Jingming. How could this not make her intensely curious about him?

"Hello, Sister Wu Ming. My name is Lu Jingming." Lu Jingming's lips curved slightly into a polite and friendly smile as he nodded to Wu Ming.

Wu Ming had not offended him, and since she was a pretty older sister, Lu Jingming naturally adopted a kind attitude, showing his gentlemanly demeanor.

"Oh my, you're so cute." Wu Ming was very outgoing. As she spoke, her hand seemed to move uncontrollably, reaching out to pinch Lu Jingming's cheek. Immediately after, she casually stroked the little pink fox in Lu Jingming's arms a couple of times.

The little pink fox was originally comfortably nestled in Lu Jingming's arms, enjoying its master's gentle petting, but was startled by Wu Ming's sudden action.

It instantly bared its teeth, its eyes full of anger and displeasure. Was it someone anyone could touch? She didn't even prepare an offering, and yet dared to touch her!

"That's enough, Ming'er, don't cause trouble for others." Han Ruoruo stopped Wu Ming. Teasing a young boy in front of so many people was simply too impolite.