Yunze's words still had an effect on Gu Yuena. Instead of being discouraged and dejected by her defeat, she grew even more determined.
At this moment, she was earnestly reflecting on her shortcomings, summing up lessons from failure in order to improve herself.
No one wins forever, but likewise, no one loses forever either. She firmly believed that one day, she would defeat Yunze—definitely.
With such thoughts in mind, Gu Yuena was full of drive, her desire to become stronger more intense than ever before.
For now, Yunze and Gu Yuena still hadn't gone to Sun Moon Royal Academy; they stayed at the Dragon Phoenix Hall, each busy with their own matters.
That day, after Yunze finished carving a ninth-level array and was restoring his soul power, his soul communicator suddenly rang.
"Dean Xu Lin, what is it?" Yunze paused his cultivation, took out the device, and answered.
"Nothing major," Xu Lin's warm and kind voice came from the other end, "just calling to ask when you and Gu Yuena will be coming back to the academy. I haven't seen you for a while—I rather miss you two."
Yunze replied calmly:
"Gu Yuena took a Soul-Ascending Pill from her clan more than a month ago. She only finished refining it a few days ago. After the surge in her soul power, she's been busy stabilizing her realm."
"As for me, I've been researching soul tools. It might still be some time before I return."
This explanation about Gu Yuena taking a Soul-Ascending Pill had been agreed on beforehand; it was a reasonable excuse for her sudden rise in power.
And indeed, the Soul-Ascending Pill was real—Yunze had already developed its formula. He could refine it anytime.
The pill came in three grades: low, medium, and high.
Low-grade: for Soul Emperors and below.
Medium-grade: for Soul Emperors up to Titled Douluo.
High-grade: specifically for Titled Douluo.
A flawless medium-grade pill could allow a Soul Ancestor to jump ten levels at once.
For a Soul Elder, it could grant even more than ten levels. For a Soul King, the effect would be less—but still significant.
Of course, this all depended on whether the user could withstand the immense energy. If not—taking it was courting death.
That was precisely why Yunze divided the pills into three tiers: soul masters of different ranks had different tolerances. Forcing too much power on someone too weak would cause their body to explode.
Still, if refined to flawless quality and taken only once, the pill had no side effects. Yunze even planned to take one himself after reaching Titled Douluo.
"…I see." Hearing that it would be some time before they came to the academy, Xu Lin sounded a little disappointed.
"You and Gu Yuena are both extremely gifted. Your cultivation speed is already extraordinary—you don't need to chase progress too eagerly."
"Using pills to raise your cultivation always comes with risks. Though it may temporarily boost your realm, it might harm your future potential."
"You should keep this in mind. Don't trade away the root for the branch." His tone was full of earnest concern.
From Yunze's words, Xu Lin could guess the Soul-Ascending Pill's effect—it clearly boosted soul power. To him, relying on such medicine was foolish.
With their natural talent, advancing a level or two was just a matter of months. Was it worth damaging their foundation just to save that time?
Yunze, however, had no intention of explaining further. He smoothly changed the subject:"Dean Xu Lin, why don't you just tell me what you really called for? I doubt this was just a casual check-in."
As the saying goes, no one visits the shrine without a reason.
"Well… you're right. There is something I wanted to discuss," Xu Lin admitted, shifting to business.
"Not long ago, the Star Luo Continent sent a delegation here to study and exchange. Among them are some young soul masters."
"Yesterday, their representatives approached me and suggested holding a friendly sparring match with our academy. I agreed."
"We need to send seven students to participate. I was hoping you and Gu Yuena could be among them."
"It would be a good chance to spar with soul masters from another continent and learn from their fighting styles—great experience for you both."
Yunze shook his head:"The academy should be able to find seven students who can defeat them easily, right? I'd rather not join. I'm too busy working on soul tools to be interrupted by this."
Xu Lin chuckled, "Of course I can find seven capable students. But if you and Gu Yuena participated, the matches would be even easier, and it would make the academy look stronger."
"Then just let the others go. Gu Yuena and I both have things to do—we can't attend," Yunze rejected directly.
"Alright," Xu Lin didn't press, then suddenly thought of something.
"This friendly exchange, you can skip. But in a few months, there will be a larger exchange trip to Star Luo Continent itself. I really hope you both can join."
"Going abroad would broaden your horizons, give you social experience, and sparring with soul masters of another continent would only benefit your growth."
"Star Luo Continent?" Yunze didn't refuse, but didn't agree either.
By then, his soul tool project would be complete. He hadn't yet decided what to do next—so perhaps a trip wouldn't hurt.
As for the academy's fifth-floor library, there was no rush. The one-year limit was based on days used inside, not calendar time. If he didn't go, those days would remain.
"The academy will send a delegation with seven student slots," Xu Lin continued. "You and Gu Yuena are our top choices."
"Don't worry, four board members will accompany you, all of them Titled Douluo. With their protection, plus the strength of the delegation itself, your safety is guaranteed."
"Shrek Academy wouldn't dare make a move at such a time. Doing so would be to openly defy the Federation."
If Xu Lin wasn't absolutely confident about their safety, he would never risk sending these two students—he regarded Yunze and Gu Yuena as the academy's hope of surpassing Shrek.
"Let me discuss it with Gu Yuena. I'll give you an answer tomorrow," Yunze replied.
"Alright," Xu Lin agreed.
After hanging up, Yunze went back to restoring his soul power, putting the matter aside until dinnertime.
Once recovered, he resumed carving arrays, working until evening, when Gu Yuena came to fetch him for dinner.
Worth noting: Yunze usually ate together with Gu Yuena, just the two of them in a private room.
Ditian, Bi Ji, Xiong Jun, and the other powerful beasts ate in another room. The weaker spirit beasts who had taken human form usually gathered in the fifth-floor hall.
The dining hall was always lively—every meal like a grand banquet. The spirit beasts ate with great gusto.
All the food was delivered daily from nearby restaurants. The daily cost of meals alone exceeded 500,000 Federation coins, a testament to how lavish the spread was.
Spirit beasts had huge appetites, especially for meat—vegetarian dishes never appeared on their table.
(End of Chapter)