Chapter 82: The Scheming Deng, Beside Sea God Lake
Why had Shrek Academy never considered banning the use of soul beasts in the freshman assessment rules?
Simply because it was nearly impossible.
Never forget the blood feud between soul masters and soul beasts. In ancient times, humans were nothing more than delicacies in the mouths of soul beasts. Only after the first Angel God led humanity's rise and perfected the soul master system did the balance gradually tilt toward humans.
Tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands of years of hatred had long destined the two races to fight to the death.
Even if some soul masters managed to tame soul beasts, it was usually only mild, herbivorous ones—at most to serve as beasts of burden for pulling carts.
Looking across the entire plot of Douluo Continent, human soul masters capable of driving soul beasts into battle were virtually nonexistent.
Thus, Shrek Academy had never written such a restriction into the assessment rules. To be able to command a soul beast in battle was indeed part of a soul master's ability.
Yan Shaozhe's decision did not overstep bounds.
More importantly, however, was the thought that followed.
Ma Xiaotao, direct descendant of Ma Hongjun—the Evil Fire Phoenix of the original Shrek Seven Devils. She had not inherited Ma Hongjun's evolved Nine-Headed Fire Phoenix but instead his original Evil Fire Phoenix martial soul, naturally bearing its dangerous side effect.
Ma Hongjun could visit brothels to resolve the evil fire, but Ma Xiaotao, as a woman, could not possibly disregard her chastity in such a way.
By just over ten years old, Ma Hongjun had already been nicknamed the Brothel Phoenix. Yet Ma Xiaotao, now nearly twenty, remained untouched. She suppressed the evil fire's backlash with sheer willpower and the many precious treasures Yan Shaozhe had sought out for her.
But this was only a stopgap, not a cure. The side effect of the evil fire never disappeared—suppression was not eradication. Temporary restraint would only cause an even fiercer rebound later.
Recently, Yan Shaozhe could already feel Ma Xiaotao's emotions becoming increasingly unstable, liable to lose control at any moment under the evil fire's backlash.
For now, Ma Xiaotao had been strictly forbidden by Yan Shaozhe to cultivate further, focusing instead on suppressing the flames within.
Of course, Yan Shaozhe did not know that some destined events had already begun to unfold. Still, this did not hinder his dreams.
The Ice Jade Scorpion, the ultimate ice!
With the extreme ice of the Ice Jade Scorpion, would Ma Xiaotao's evil fire not be suppressed into obedience, returning to him a peerlessly gifted disciple?
Even burdened by the evil fire's side effect, Ma Xiaotao had already reached an impressive rank sixty-six. With the Ice Jade Scorpion's aid, her future cultivation path would become smooth.
As for how to make Lin Yun willingly hand over the Ice Jade Scorpion to help Ma Xiaotao suppress her evil fire?
Yan Shaozhe did not worry in the least. Shrek lacked no treasures; there would always be something to move Lin Yun's heart. If not, Yan Shaozhe was quite confident in his disciple's exquisite figure and peerless beauty.
It was only the beginning of the school term, and already Lin Yun was entangled with both Xiao Xiao and Ning Tian. Yan Shaozhe understood this far too well.
He simply did not believe Lin Yun could refuse the embrace of such a stunning, voluptuous beauty.
"Hehe, I must quickly bring this good news to Xiao Tao!" Yan Shaozhe chuckled softly, a glint of calculation flashing in his eyes, before vanishing from sight.
One could only say Yan Shaozhe's plans were indeed fine and lofty—worthy of Shrek's scheming Deng.
But whether the ultimate beneficiary would be him or Lin Yun remained to be seen.
Meanwhile, after a satisfying feast, Lin Yun and Xiao Xiao strolled slowly hand in hand along the path beside Sea God Lake, letting the cool breeze ease their fullness.
Though they had confirmed their relationship, and no longer indulged in excessive intimacy since that night, casual hugs and handholding had become frequent.
Watching them, a certain little rich girl was gnashing her teeth in fury!
Xiao Xiao: "Sister treated you as a close friend, and you played tricks on her?"
But no matter what, in this first round of clashes, the little loli had gained a great victory against the little rich girl.
Perhaps this was what people meant by a fool's luck.
Looking at the little loli beside him, her head slightly lowered, her face tinged with shy blush, Lin Yun suddenly felt an indescribable, dangerous urge.
Yet when he thought of what he had already done with the Ice Emperor, a loli of three to four hundred thousand years, that feeling vanished instantly, leaving him even somewhat justified.
Other lolicons: Damn it!
Himself, a lolicon: Nice!
Hehehe, small, soft, and sweet~
Xiao Xiao lifted her head, just about to speak, when she caught sight of Lin Yun's gentle (perverted) smile directed at her. Her cheeks flushed deeper, and her heart gave an involuntary flutter.
"W-why are you looking at me like that?!" Xiao Xiao quickly turned her head aside, her tone flustered.
Damn man, using that face all day long to pressure me—this is against the rules!
"Because you're beautiful," Lin Yun said softly, his tone full of sincerity.
Hiss…
After saying that, Lin Yun casually brushed his chest at his collar, where the slightly jealous Ice Emperor finally released her little pincers.
'Stupid man! Yesterday you said you liked me best, that I'm the most adorable in the world. Now in the blink of an eye you're praising someone else. Truly, men's words are lies!' The Ice Emperor muttered unhappily in her heart.
Of course, her complaints remained small. No matter what, she would not overstep. After all, she was his venerated one. She would not disregard Lin Yun's authority.
Humph! Let him know that only I am the one who has always been by his side, his closest beast. How can some human brat who hasn't even grown all her hair compare with me!
One had to admit, the Ice Emperor's effort to assert her presence was effective. Remembering he still had this little loli Ice Emperor on him, Lin Yun lost the mood to continue teasing Xiao Xiao, and silently held her hand as they strolled along the edge of Sea God Lake.
'My lord, take note—someone is approaching on the lake.' The Ice Emperor's voice rang in Lin Yun's mind.
She had not forgotten her primary duty in following Lin Yun. Love was only a small diversion in their dull days, closeness with him only a step toward conquering this supreme master of soul beasts.
But she had always remained vigilant.
This was the human world. If any human powerhouse beyond Lin Yun's reach came near, the Ice Emperor would instantly be on guard.
'Oh? Someone is approaching?' Lin Yun's steps paused slightly, and he turned his head toward the lake.
Sensing Lin Yun's reaction, Xiao Xiao also stopped. After glancing curiously at his expression, she followed his gaze into the distance.
There, on the surface of Sea God Lake, a dense fog had appeared. Strangely, it was clearly the afternoon—there should have been no mist at all.
(End of this chapter)
Hey readers! If you're eager to dive into advanced chapters, consider joining our Patreon. By joining, you'll get access to 20 chapters ahead and enjoy 8 new chapters per week. Plus, we have 8 more exciting fics with the same chapter release rate, giving you a total of 64 chapters per week! Join now and keep the adventure going!
Patreon: https://patreon.com/anish_44
(
Dear readers,
I've been giving my all to bring you the best stories and moments of excitement I can. Every chapter I write is with the hope of giving you something worth your time and imagination.
Right now, I'm in a difficult spot financially, and I really need your support to keep going. If you've been enjoying the stories, please consider joining and showing your support—it would mean a lot and help me continue doing what I love.
With your help, I'll be able to post more chapters of your favorite fics and keep the updates coming steadily.
Thank you for being here and for reading. Your support keeps everything alive.
)