However, Caelus didn't actually intend to make things difficult for Zhang Lexuan.
"No need."
Caelus shook his head, his voice not loud, but exceptionally clear and firm.
Zhang Lexuan looked up abruptly, staring at him in surprise.
Caelus met her gaze, a confident curve forming at the corners of his mouth:
"Sister Lexuan, I appreciate your kindness, but I believe there's no need to hide this matter from the Sea Gods Pavilion."
"Why?"
Zhang Lexuan blurted out.
"Don't you understand the danger I just mentioned? Human nature cannot withstand such testing."
"I understand."
Caelus's eyes were deep, as if they could pierce through the world's affairs.
"Of course, I understand that a hundred thousand year Spirit Bone moves people's hearts, let alone a four-hundred-thousand-year one, but I believe in Shrek Academy."
On the surface, he spoke of his belief in Shrek Academy, appearing to hold it in high regard, but in reality, his heart remained unmoved.
He didn't truly trust Shrek Academy; he trusted his own judgment.
Shrek Academy's ability to stand tall on the continent for ten thousand years and become the recognized number one academy was not just due to its immense strength, but also its reputation and vision.
To kill the goose that lays the golden eggs for a mere Spirit Bone—if such a thing ever got out, it would be a devastating blow to the reputation Shrek had built over ten thousand years.
Shrek Academy was the representative of the continent's righteous path, a Holy Land in the hearts of countless Soul Masters, and the Continental Overseers.
This title was Shrek Academy's greatest constraint, as well as Caelus's greatest protection.
To maintain this 'gold-lettered sign,' it was impossible for Shrek Academy to act against him for a hundred thousand year Spirit Bone, especially since he wasn't alone or a commoner.
He had the Star Luo Imperial Family behind him.
Hearing Caelus's words, Zhang Lexuan's expression softened further as she smiled. "Aren't you afraid someone in the academy might get greedy?"
"I am, but isn't Sister Lexuan here? You surely wouldn't let such a thing happen."
Caelus looked directly at Zhang Lexuan, his gaze making her cheeks flush slightly. She turned her head away, avoiding the look that made her heart race.
"O-Of course. Your value cannot be compared to a mere four-hundred-thousand-year Spirit Bone."
Zhang Lexuan calmed her emotions and said in a low voice:
"A twelve-year-old Rank 45 Spirit Ancestor, with twin spirits—one Time-type and one Ultimate Ice—carrying a four-hundred thousand year spirit ring and Spirit Bone... a Little freak... Even without me, the Sea Gods Pavilion wouldn't allow anyone in the academy to target you."
Indeed, Caelus's own value lay in his immeasurable future.
As long as the Shrek higher-ups weren't fools, they wouldn't do anything to cause a rift between him and Shrek.
Was Shrek Academy lacking hundred thousand year Spirit Bones? Perhaps, but they weren't without them.
But a Disciple with such potential was a once-in-ten-thousand-years occurrence.
The significance and rewards of nurturing a Divine Rank powerhouse were incomparable to ten or even a hundred four-hundred-thousand-year Spirit Bones.
As long as the Elders of the Sea Gods Pavilion weren't stupid, they would make the right choice.
Moreover, Caelus knew very well that with Dragon God Douluo Mu En's strength, as long as he used the Ice Jade Empress Scorpion Martial Soul, it couldn't be hidden. Mu En would surely see that his Martial Soul was no simple Ice Jade Scorpion.
Thus, hiding it was never part of his plan from the start. To become the master of the sea gods pavilion, the more high-profile, the better. If one tries to pretend to be a pig to eat the tiger, they might actually end up becoming a pig in the end.
Of course, regarding the Ice Empress, only a few people would know, such as the high-level members of the Sea Gods Pavilion and the Star Luo Imperial Family. To the outside world, it still had to be hidden.
"Since Sister Lexuan also knows the academy will value me highly, what is there to worry about?"
Caelus chuckled freely.
Zhang Lexuan was speechless. She looked at the boy before her, several years younger than herself, his silver hair fluttering in the wind, his heterochromatic eyes shining with wisdom and confidence beyond his years.
At this moment, she suddenly felt that her previous worries were somewhat... redundant.
She even felt that the boy before her thought more and further than she did, having a clear insight into his own value and how the academy would choose.
This Mind and nature, this vision—how did he seem like a twelve-year-old boy?
"I understand."
After a long while, Zhang Lexuan nodded.
Traveling south from the Extreme North Land, the colors of the world seemed to follow their footsteps, gradually shifting from a pure, despairing white to other hues.
Under the lead-gray sky, the continuous snow-capped mountains and ice plains were gradually replaced by sparse coniferous forests draped with icicles.
The snow beneath their feet was no longer as thick, and occasionally they would step on frozen black soil, making a dull sound.
The air remained cold, but the bone-chilling silence that seemed to freeze the Soul had thinned significantly.
Caelus and Zhang Lexuan walked side by side.
After that deep conversation about secrets and trust, the atmosphere between them was no longer as heavy and awkward as it was initially; it had gained a sense of openness and understanding.
Zhang Lexuan was no longer conflicted about whether to hide things. With a heavy weight lifted from her heart, she felt much more relaxed.
She began to act like a true Senior Sister, discussing various matters regarding their return to the academy with Caelus, sharing anecdotes from the Inner Court, and even inadvertently revealing her expectations for his future.
And Caelus was happy to enjoy this rare peace.
He spent most of his time listening quietly, only chiming in with a word or two occasionally.
He could feel that when Zhang Lexuan faced him, the air of the Eldest Senior Sister she deliberately maintained was slowly melting away.
She would give him a reproachful look for an unintentional joke, and show heartache when he mentioned losing his parents at the age of six.
This subtle change was like a stream thawing in spring—silent and invisible, yet real and true.
Finally, after several days of trekking, the silhouette of a towering, majestic city appeared at the edge of the horizon.
"Finally, we've reached Dragon City..."
Zhang Lexuan looked at the familiar city walls and let out a long sigh of relief, her mind, which had been tense for many days, finally relaxing completely.
This trip to the Extreme North was filled with too many variables and dangers. Returning safely now gave her a feeling as if a lifetime had passed.
Caelus also looked up. Compared to Zhang Lexuan's sense of relief, his mood was even more relaxed.
After all, from beginning to end, he was the chess player. Although some small accidents occurred along the way, they were harmless.
The two quickened their pace. As the distance closed, the bustling crowds and clamor at the city gate rushed toward them like a warm tide, dispelling the last trace of chill they had brought from the Extreme North.
Entering Dragon City and passing through the bustling streets, the two familiarly returned to the Dragon Slumber Residence.
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