After Bai Baoshan had left, only a few people remained in the hall.
"Preparations and the invitation are already in place... It would be rude not to go," said the Elder with a casual smile, as if discussing an ordinary banquet. He set down his tea, turned toward Qian Renxue now returned to her true form, and suddenly asked, "How much longer do you think he can hold on?"
Had Bai Baoshan still been present, he would have been thoroughly confused. But Chen Yi, Dugu Bo, and the others immediately realized he was asking about Emperor Xue Ye of the Heaven Dou Empire.
Qian Renxue's face grew solemn. After a moment's thought, she quietly answered,
"I've looked into it. Judging by Ning Fengzhi's behavior so far... at most, a year."
"Even if His Majesty attempts to extend his life unnaturally, it would only mean more time in suffering."
"A year..." The Elder slowly repeated, his eyes shimmering strangely. Then he chuckled, playful in tone.
"A year can be long or short. When a new ruler sits on the throne, what is the easiest kind of achievement to manufacture?"
"What is the fastest way to win the people's hearts, consolidate your position, and demonstrate imperial prestige?"
Qian Renxue's golden eyes glowed, a knowing smile curving her lips.
"For the Heaven Dou Empire, nothing in the past two years was more important than winning the continental Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament."
Their eyes met in silent understanding—both knew the truth. The Heaven Dou Empire had long been stuck at runner-up in the Soul Master competitions. To seize victory at the dawn of a new reign would give unmatched legitimacy and prestige.
"Very well. Xiao Yi, go with Miss Qian to the Seven Treasure Sect. First, witness the breakthroughs of Sword and Bone Douluo in person, see what cards Ning Fengzhi really holds. Second, lay groundwork for future cooperation."
"Ah, just the right timing. I haven't worked out in ages. I'll come too, so the Body Sect won't think we're weak on talent," the Grand Elder remarked with humorous gravity.
Upon hearing "go stretch your muscles and bones," the temperature in the hall seemed to drop several degrees.
Dugu Bo, Ye Cien, and others present couldn't help but shudder—this journey would be far more than a routine visit.
…
Meanwhile, in Heaven Dou City, Blue Tyrant Academy.
Bang!
In the Dean's office, a heavy wooden table shook from a delicate yet forceful slap, even leaving a small crack at the edge.
Liu Erlong's beautiful face was frosted over, her eyes burning with anger.
"Chen Yi, Grand Martial Academy, how could you bully Xiaogang like this?! Outrageous!"
She suddenly turned to the man standing quietly in the corner—his demeanor gloomier and more subdued than ever. At once, a mix of pain and sympathy rose in her gaze.
Bitterness and tolerance mixed perfectly on Yu Xiaogang's expression as he shook his head quietly.
"There's no need for anger, Erlong. Chen Yi has the support of the Body Sect and backing from great families and wealthy clans. To him, common soul masters and those who study for more equitable practices are simply beneath notice. In this world, the majority who lack sect, family, or background, struggling alone to survive, how could he ever understand their powerlessness and struggles..."
His gaze drifted into the distance, traveling in memory back to the Suotou Grand Arena. For those struggling at the lowest rung, risking everything for scarce resources—he had tried so hard to show them a fairer path, but found only apathy and misunderstanding in return.
How foolishly oblivious people can be, Yu Xiaogang thought as he let out a long, pained sigh, nearly formless in his melancholic despair.
"Xiaogang…" Liu Erlong's heart ached. She longed to take his hand in comfort, but, fearing abrupt rejection, only managed to stand close by.
"Don't be sad. They're just ungrateful! Your theory is the greatest—some day, everyone will see its brilliance. They just have narrow minds!"
Standing to the side, Flender adjusted his glasses, his own face tired and weary.
"Because of the recent conflicts, our status in the Barak Kingdom—especially in Suotou City—has been battered. The nobles and soul master clans oppose us fiercely, and we're now facing enormous operational difficulties behind the scenes."
"So… we had to swallow our pride and come plead for your help."
Flender was thoroughly disheartened. Though Shrek Academy held the title of "Royal Academy" as bestowed by the Heaven Dou Empire, in truth, that honor was little more than a symbol. The Barak Kingdom was highly independent, and Heaven Dou's royal authority here was weak. Without real local support, a shallow-rooted academy could hardly continue.
"Humph. Suotou City is just a den of petty nobles," Liu Erlong snorted, her tone fierce and domineering. "Losing Shrek Academy is the Barak Kingdom's loss. Boss Flender, from today onward, you can stay here at my Blue Tyrant Academy without worry."
"No, not just stay—the two schools will merge and continue to be called Shrek Academy! Let's see if anyone dares look down on us now."
"Erlong… is this… is this really allowed?" Flender hesitated, visibly struggling. He knew all too well how hard Liu Erlong had fought to bring Blue Tyrant Academy fame. How could he just accept her generosity so easily?
"Boss Flender!" Liu Erlong cut in firmly, "Why be so distant between us? We're already like brother and sister. What's mine is yours, what's yours is mine. With the two academies merged, we'll become stronger and better resourced than ever! Shrek Academy holds the royal title, so the new Shrek will, too. Really, it's me who stands to gain most!"
Looking into Liu Erlong's bright, passionate eyes, Flender felt a heavy ache in his heart. Like siblings indeed—no matter how many years passed, in her heart, he would always be just that, her dependable big brother.
Never mind. Silently sighing, he resolved: Now that Xiaogang has returned, perhaps true happiness was finally beginning for Erlong. He'd do everything in his power to protect this "new" Shrek Academy—for her. It was perhaps the last and best thing he could do.
Of course, Liu Erlong herself noticed none of Flender's secret pain and resolve. Her mind was entirely focused on Yu Xiaogang:
"Xiaogang, you must believe in yourself. Your research is groundbreaking. The Body Sect's achievements stand on the shoulders of all their predecessors. Your own talent and tenacity will, in time, allow you to craft a theoretical system just as effective—or even better!—than any secret art belonging to great sects."
Feeling her unreserved faith and admiration, Yu Xiaogang's battered confidence rose anew. Straightening his hunched back, his eyes rekindled with ambition and resolve:
"You're right, Erlong! The Body Sect took 800 years to perfect their so-called Second Awakening. They stood on the shoulders of giants. If I had the same time—no, even just ten years—I could open a brand new path, one that would benefit every soul master, especially all the ordinary ones!"
His comfort brought warmth and a glow back to Liu Erlong's heart. At that moment, she clapped suddenly, grinning:
"Right! Boss Flender, Xiaogang—I almost forgot! Now that our Blue Tyrant Academy—no, the new Shrek Academy—has merged, we've gained an extraordinary student."
"Not just any student, but one blessed with a rare body martial soul—so rare and talented he's called a genius even among the Body Sect!"
"A true genius with a Body Martial Soul?!" Flender, Zhao Wuji, and even the recently recovered Yu Xiaogang all perked up, astonished.
Body Martial Souls were very rare. Most who possessed one would be swiftly recruited by the Body Sect. To think that Blue Tyrant Academy had managed to shelter such a person…
Catching their surprise, Liu Erlong smiled and explained,
"Strictly speaking, he's already part of the Body Sect. But for... well, mainly due to my persuasion and his own wishes, he chose to keep studying here instead of at Grand Martial Academy."
She sounded faintly proud.
"And you know what his Martial Soul is? Prepare to be amazed—it's the very same bone martial soul as Chu Shanhe, the current master of the Body Sect and famous Body Douluo!"
"A skeleton martial soul? The same as Chu Shanhe?!" Flender took a sharp breath, excitement and shock on his face.
"This is a true genius—the future is limitless! Erlong, you've truly struck gold!"
Zhao Wuji's eyes were also wide with shock. Yet, after the surprise, Yu Xiaogang stared pensively. Unlike the others, he didn't speak out with praise. Instead, his eyes narrowed and, absentmindedly, he tapped his chin as if an immense plan was silently forming again in his heart.
"Erlong, where is this student now? Can you introduce us?"
....
Next Bonus chapter at 300 PS