New story! Please support by adding to your collection! Thank you :)
------------------------------------------------------
The scenery around Shrek Academy wasn't particularly striking. Aside from the relatively bustling Suotuo City nearby, the area consisted mostly of farmland and scattered small villages, offering no aesthetic appeal.
In less than half an hour, Xiao Wu had already lost interest in the joyride.
"CHIRP!"
A phoenix cry rang out as Little Red carried the two back to Shrek Academy.
"Holy crap!"
Coincidentally, Ma Hongjun and Oscar were just returning to the academy, arms slung over each other's shoulders, when they suddenly saw a fiery-red avian creature with an elegant and noble posture descend onto the academy's courtyard. Without thinking, Oscar blurted out an internationally recognized expletive.
"Is that… a phoenix?!"
After a moment of stunned silence, Ma Hongjun immediately rushed forward in shock.
"Indeed!"
Chu Chengzhou smiled smugly and nodded.
"Oh man~, Brother Chu, now that you have a phoenix summon, how am I supposed to live?"
Ma Hongjun lamented with a look of despair.
He knew his own situation well. Though reluctant to admit it, Ma Hongjun was aware that his martial soul, though called a phoenix, was nowhere near the real thing.
With a true phoenix for comparison, his martial soul was undoubtedly confirmed as nothing more than a mutated old hen.
There was no helping it—the gap was simply too large.
"Fatty, I think from now on you shouldn't call yourself the 'Evil Fire Phoenix' anymore. Change your name to 'Evil Fire Hen.' That so-called 'Brothel Phoenix' of yours is seriously tarnishing the noble image of the King of Birds!"
After circling Little Red with wide eyes, Oscar turned and mocked Ma Hongjun.
Without having seen a real phoenix, Oscar had thought Ma Hongjun's mutated old hen martial soul bore some resemblance to a phoenix.
But after witnessing the demeanor of a real Fire Phoenix, Oscar realized that associating Ma Hongjun's mutated old hen with a phoenix was practically an insult to the noble King of Birds!
"Little Ao, didn't I let you have Hong Tao last night? Is this how you treat your brother?"
Upon hearing this, Ma Hongjun angrily pointed at Oscar in accusation.
"Hong Tao?"
Chu Chengzhou raised an eyebrow. A red peach?
"Fatty, Xiao Wu is here. Watch your words!"
Oscar guiltily covered Ma Hongjun's mouth.
"Oscar, what's a Hong Tao?"
Xiao Wu voiced the question that was on Chu Chengzhou's mind.
"Cough cough~, uh, Xiao Wu, it's not something you need to know."
Oscar looked awkward.
Chu Chengzhou: "…"
From the sound of it, this "Hong Tao" was likely the code name for a certain young hostess at a club?
Previously, Oscar's sausage business hadn't been doing well, and his pockets were empty, relying solely on the low-level soul master stipend from the Spirit Hall to get by. Even if he had thoughts about women, he wouldn't act on them.
After all, he looked down on low-end brothels, and high-class escorts were beyond his budget.
But recently, he had borrowed some startup funds from Chu Chengzhou. Whenever there was a duel that involved Chu Chengzhou and/or Xiao Wu, Oscar—fully aware of the outcome—would rush to the betting counter like a gambling god possessed, going all-in with every match.
By the time the odds of their victories plummeted, Oscar's pockets were already stuffed with tens of thousands of gold soul coins.
As the saying goes, "When one is fed and clothed, lust arises; when men have money, they turn bad."
Moreover, there were already two "role models" in the academy, and with Ma Hongjun's recent rise in taste (and similarly deep pockets), the 13-year-old Oscar began hanging out with him.
Thirteen years old? Not so young anymore!
"Disgusting! Brother, don't hang out with those two anymore!"
Realizing what Ma Hongjun meant by "Hong Tao," Xiao Wu shot the two a disdainful glance before warning Chu Chengzhou.
"Mm, Xiao Wu, don't worry. I'll never go to those kinds of places with them!"
Chu Chengzhou immediately patted his chest in assurance.
High-class escorts? Chu Chengzhou understood the principle that lust was a bone-scraping knife and had no intention of indulging in such things.
Besides, compared to those escorts whose lips had been tasted by countless men, he preferred cute little bunnies, big cats with room for forgiveness, and charming young loli girls.
There were plenty of beauties in the world of Douluo, and he loved them all. This was also one of the motivations behind his decision to AFK his Body Refining skill.
After all, without a strong physique, how could he tame so many goddesses?
"By the way, have you guys seen Dai Mubai?"
Suddenly, Chu Chengzhou asked the three.
Previously, in the Star Dou Great Forest, a Soul Douluo from the Dai imperial family had attacked him. Fortunately, Flender was a flying-type soul master who could run fast, or the consequences would have been unpredictable.
Chu Chengzhou absolutely couldn't yet defeat a Soul Douluo. Even if he wanted revenge, it would have to wait for many years.
Though he couldn't settle the score directly, collecting some "interest" was fair. Conveniently, there was someone from the Star Luo imperial family in the academy.
No, he couldn't call it collecting interest. They were all classmates. Engaging in friendly sparring matches without lethal intent was full of positive energy.
"No one's in the academy."
Xiao Wu shook her head.
"Uh~, I met him outside last night. If no one's in the academy, he should still be in Suotuo City."
After a slight hesitation, Ma Hongjun answered honestly.
Although Chu Chengzhou's intentions toward Dai Mubai were likely not good, Ma Hongjun didn't think too much about it.
After all, there were only five students in the academy. Unless Dai Mubai could hide forever, he would inevitably run into Chu Chengzhou sooner or later.
"Brother, do you have some grudge against Dai Mubai?"
Xiao Wu asked suspiciously.
Judging by Chu Chengzhou's tone, it seemed he was looking for trouble with Dai Mubai.
But logically speaking, the last time Chu Chengzhou robbed Dai Mubai, the one seeking revenge should have been Dai Mubai, right? Isn't this bullying an honest person?!
Hmm~, come to think of it, Dai Mubai wasn't exactly honest either?
"How can you say that, Xiao Wu? We're all classmates. How could there be any grudges? I just want to spar with Dai Mubai."
Chu Chengzhou said solemnly.
Xiao Wu and the others: "…"
By evening.
Last night, he had attended two sessions—one in the early evening and one late at night. This morning, he had a date with one girl, and in the afternoon, another. Finally, Dai Mubai returned to the academy.
However, before he even stepped through the academy gates, he spotted Chu Chengzhou, the source of his frustration, sitting cross-legged on a large rock near the entrance, seemingly deep in thought.
Of course, Chu Chengzhou wasn't meditating but practicing his Spirit Refining skill.
Unlike his Body Refining skill, which was a set of fist techniques combined with a special route for soul power circulation to forge a powerful physique, the Body Refining skill could be stolen if observed carefully by a perceptive soul master. Therefore, Chu Chengzhou only practiced it privately.
On the other hand, the Spirit Refining skill was a mental visualization technique that looked similar to meditation. Even if he practiced openly, no soul master, no matter how sharp-eyed, could discern anything significant.
Sensing a three-ring Soul Elder approaching, Chu Chengzhou stopped his practice and opened his eyes.
Seeing that it was indeed Dai Mubai, a faint smile appeared on Chu Chengzhou's lips as he said, "Dai Mubai, I've been waiting for you for a long time!"
"What do you want?"
Dai Mubai's expression darkened. Even using his toes, he could guess that Chu Chengzhou's intentions weren't good.
"I just advanced, and my soul power feels unstable. I want to spar with you to solidify my cultivation."
Chu Chengzhou said indifferently.
Your soul power is unstable, so you want to spar with me to consolidate your cultivation?
Why don't you just say you want to beat me up?!
Dai Mubai was furious: "Chu Chengzhou, stop pushing your luck!"
While angry, Dai Mubai was also puzzled.
Aside from their unpleasant first meeting, though they didn't see eye to eye, their relationship hadn't escalated to outright physical confrontation.
Why, after hunting souls these past few days, was this guy suddenly picking a fight?
Could it be that this guy got beaten up somewhere and came back to vent his anger on him?
Actually, Dai Mubai was almost right.
Though the truth wasn't exactly as he imagined, Chu Chengzhou really did intend to vent his anger on him.
I nearly lost my life because of your relative. Now I'm going to beat you up—it's not unreasonable at all.
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth? If we really followed that logic, there wouldn't be so many massacred soul master factions on the continent.
"We're all classmates. Sparring isn't bullying."
Chu Chengzhou shrugged, wearing a look that said, "You're f*cked."
"What do you want?"
Dai Mubai gritted his teeth and said bitterly.
"Nothing much. Fight me! Go ahead—I won't say I didn't give you a chance."
As he spoke, Chu Chengzhou beckoned Dai Mubai with a finger.
"Damn it! White Tiger, possess!"
Seeing that Chu Chengzhou had no intention of letting him off, Dai Mubai couldn't take it anymore. Enduring further would make him a coward, so he activated his martial soul, unleashing three soul rings—yellow, yellow, purple.
Regardless of whether he'd end up looking like a pig, he'd fight first and ask questions later.
After all, he was the prince of Star Luo. Surely this guy wouldn't dare go all-out on him.
What Dai Mubai didn't know was that if he weren't the prince of Star Luo, Chu Chengzhou wouldn't even bother beating him up.
"Take this punch!"
With a light tap of his toes, Chu Chengzhou leapt off the rock, activating his movement skill. His right hand clenched into a fist and charged straight toward Dai Mubai.
"Second soul skill, White Tiger Fierce Light.."
"Fierce my ass!"
BOOM—!
Before Dai Mubai could release his soul skill, Chu Chengzhou's fist slammed into his stomach.
A heavy blow. Dai Mubai's eyes bulged, veins popping on his face. He nearly vomited the lunch he had eaten hours ago.
Poor Dai Mubai. Although his soul power level was a few ranks higher than Chu Chengzhou's, in terms of strength, speed, and reaction time, he was far inferior.
Having lost the initiative, Dai Mubai was overwhelmed by Chu Chengzhou's close-range assault. Heavy iron fists rained down on him like hail, leaving him no chance to activate his soul skills.
"Flender, aren't you going to do something?"
On the roof of a dormitory in Shrek Academy, Zhao Wuji watched Chu Chengzhou mercilessly beating Dai Mubai at the academy entrance and turned to Flender beside him.
"Let's not."
After a moment of contemplation, Flender shook his head.
If Chu Chengzhou were randomly beating up Dai Mubai, Flender would naturally step in to stop it.
But there was no helping it. Who could blame Chu Chengzhou when Dai Mubai's elder had acted unreasonably in the Star Dou Forest, nearly costing him his life?
Forget Chu Chengzhou beating up Dai Mubai—even Flender, as the Dean, felt the urge to join in and teach Dai Mubai a lesson.
As a wandering soul master, Flender was well aware of the dark side of major powers. In that situation, if he hadn't been able to fly—and quickly—he would most likely have perished in the Great Star Dou Forest.
Though Chu Chengzhou had a secret method, to silence witnesses, given the domineering nature of the Star Luo imperial family, that Soul Douluo wouldn't hesitate to add another seven-ring Soul Sage's life to his tally.
"Huh? Flender, this doesn't seem like you?"
Hearing Flender's response, Zhao Wuji was astonished.
"Zhao, let me tell you the truth. We nearly died in the Great Star Dou Forest this time, and the person responsible was a Soul Douluo from the Star Luo imperial family.
If I hadn't run fast, you probably wouldn't be seeing me now."
Adjusting his glasses, Flender spoke calmly.
"… Flender, aren't you going down?"
After a moment of silence, Zhao Wuji asked.
"No."
Flender waved his hand. Nearly dying at the hands of the elder, now Chu Chengzhou was beating up Dai Mubai—it was understandable, given they were relatives.
"No, I mean, aren't you going down to torment that poor little tiger?"
Flender: "…"
You sneaky bastard, Zhao Wuji. I'm the principal of Shrek Academy. How can you incite me to attack a student?
(T/N: Zhao Wuji the instigator lmao)
Five months later.
Early one morning, after completing his daily meditation session, Chu Chengzhou checked his attribute panel as usual.
[Attribute Panel]
[Host: Chu Chengzhou]
[Soul Power: 34th-level Soul Elder]
[Martial Soul: True Spirit Flag]
[Soul Rings: Purple (1000), Purple (2548), Black (10000)]
[Soul Skills: Omitted]
[Skills: Nine Breaths Qi Absorption (Red), Body Refining (Black), Spirit Refining (Black), Archery (Black), Movement (Black), Control (Black), Defense (Purple), Forging (Purple)]
[AFK Slots: 1. Control (Black), 2. Defense (Purple), 3. Forging (Purple), 4. Second Soul Ring (Purple)]
Seeing that the Control skill in the first AFK slot had upgraded to black, Chu Chengzhou immediately removed it and replaced it with the Body Refining skill.
The importance of the Control skill wasn't particularly high—it wasn't a top priority for upgrades. As for the first soul ring, though it was still at the thousand-year level, Chu Chengzhou wasn't in a rush to increase the age of his first summon.
After all, the Sky Azure Tree summon was a healing-type summon, and for now, a thousand-year level was sufficient. Its upgrade sequence could be pushed back.
By comparison, the importance of a ten-thousand-year first soul ring couldn't compare to a Red-Tier Body Refining skill.
Additionally, after five months of AFKing, the third soul ring had already been upgraded to a ten-thousand-year soul ring.
However, a ten-thousand-year summon was sufficient for now. If the soul ring age was too high, it would limit the addition of high-level soul rings for the fourth soul ring. Thus, Chu Chengzhou stopped upgrading and instead placed the second soul ring in the AFK slot.
Compared to the third soul ring, the three skills previously in the AFK slots had actually been upgraded earlier.
After upgrading the meditation skill, Chu Chengzhou thought for a moment and decided to rename it.
The Red-Tier meditation skill was far superior to ordinary meditation techniques. Using such a mundane name would diminish its prestige.
"Nine Breaths Qi Absorption," one of the thirty-six celestial divine techniques from his previous life's mythology, was a qi cultivation method that converted ambient energy into magical power.
Though he didn't have magical power, he did have soul power, which was similarly derived from ambient energy. The name fits perfectly.
As for the other skills, since they hadn't reached the red grade yet, they clearly didn't deserve such a grandiose name.
The effect of Nine Breaths Qi Absorption was extraordinary. His soul power cultivation speed increased by another 20% over the already impressive Black-Tier meditation skill.
Unfortunately, though his cultivation talent had greatly improved due to successive transformations in his martial soul quality, it still couldn't compare to geniuses with innate full soul power.
Moreover, advancing in the Soul Elder stage was significantly harder than before. Even with the Red-Tier Nine Breaths Qi Absorption, he estimated a yearly soul power increase of just over three levels, not quite reaching four.
Still, increasing three to four levels of soul power annually as a Soul Elder wasn't worse than the average innate full soul power genius.
Subsequently, Chu Chengzhou got up, left his room, washed up, and headed to the academy cafeteria for breakfast.
"Hmm? Xiao Wu, you're back? Did you eat breakfast?"
In the cafeteria, while eating breakfast, Chu Chengzhou suddenly noticed Xiao Wu, who had "returned from soul hunting," walking in.
"Mm, I ate before coming back!"
She nodded, then proudly raised her head and said, "Xiao Chu~, your older sister Xiao Wu is now a four-ring Soul Ancestor!"
"What did you call me?"
Chu Chengzhou's expression darkened, his face turning unfriendly.
Clearly, this little rabbit's mindset had begun to swell after her soul power breakthrough.
However, it had to be admitted that this little rabbit's cultivation talent was excellent—or rather, Xiao Wu's equivalent of innate full soul power, paired with the AFK -leveled meditation skill and now the Nine Breaths Qi Absorption, made her soul power cultivation explode in effectiveness.
Just five days ago, at the age of twelve, Xiao Wu had already reached level 40 in soul power.
Compared to the original timeline, where she was a 29th-level Soul Grandmaster nearing advancement, she was now an entire rank higher.
Such monstrous cultivation talent could scare a lot of soul masters.
However, Xiao Wu's official age was now seventeen. While rare, a seventeen-year-old four-ring Soul Ancestor wasn't unheard of on the continent, so it wasn't particularly surprising.
Similarly, after Xiao Wu advanced to level 40, her supposed distant relative showed up that very night, left a letter, and took her away to supposedly add a fourth soul ring.
Now, after hiding in some corner for four days, the little rabbit had reappeared.
"Hehe~, Brother, it's just a little joke to lighten the mood. Don't mind me~!"
Xiao Wu stuck out her tongue and coquettishly pleaded.
"Hmph~, I doubt you'd dare! 'Older Sister Xiao Wu'? Do you think you can beat me now?!"
Chu Chengzhou snorted disdainfully.
The cycle of karma was merciless. Chu Chengzhou was no longer the weakling he once was.
"Brother, don't get too cocky. A five-thousand-year-old Fire Phoenix still has a chance to defeat you."
Xiao Wu was somewhat unwilling to concede. With Flash Step and Invincibility Frames, could the mighty Older Sister Xiao Wu possibly fear that red-feathered bird?
"Then let me arrange a sparring session between you and Little Red one day."
Raising an eyebrow, Chu Chengzhou's face revealed a sly smile.
In Xiao Wu's eyes, his Fire Phoenix summon was only five thousand years old, but she didn't know that it had already become a ten-thousand-year summon.
Even though Xiao Wu had advanced to a four-ring Soul Ancestor, the bloodline of a ten-thousand-year Fire Phoenix ranked among the top tier. Though not quite comparable to a six-ring Soul Emperor, it was undoubtedly among the strongest five-ring Soul Kings.
Such strength was more than enough to suppress Xiao Wu, who had just advanced to the four-ring stage.
"By the way, Xiao Wu, where did you add your fourth soul ring?"
Rubbing his chin, Chu Chengzhou asked.
"The Great Star Dou Forest, of course! Where else would I go?"
Xiao Wu blinked.
"And your relative?"
"They left! Brother, are you planning to treat my distant relative to a meal?"
"Well, your relative is my relative too. Treating our elder to a meal is only proper."
"Oh~, but my relative is gone. Maybe next time!"
Xiao Wu nodded seriously, spinning a tall tale.
"Is that so? Xiao Wu, can you answer a question for me?"
"Ask away~."
"Xiao Wu~, for the past few months, aside from sleeping at night, we've been together constantly. How did you manage to notify your relative that your soul power had reached level 40 and arrange for them to take you soul hunting without my knowledge?"
Chu Chengzhou asked softly.
"Uh… this…"
At this, Xiao Wu stammered and couldn't find words.
Relatives? Of course, there were none. Claiming that a distant relative took her soul hunting was just an excuse.
For instance, this time, the truth was that she left Suotuo City, found a small town inn rarely frequented by soul masters, controlled her soul power fluctuations, and self-generated her fourth soul ring.
After advancing to a four-ring Soul Ancestor, she stayed indoors in the inn for a few days before returning to Shrek Academy.
"Sigh~, Xiao Wu, I know your origins aren't ordinary. After all, your Soft Bone Rabbit martial soul isn't a mutated martial soul. Without some special background, how could your cultivation talent be equivalent to innate full soul power?"
Sighing, Chu Chengzhou muttered to himself.
'Gulp~'
Upon hearing this, Xiao Wu's heart skipped a beat, and she had a bad feeling.
Could it be that her identity as a hundred-thousand-year soul beast in human form had been discovered?
At this moment, Chu Chengzhou continued, "I understand now. Xiao Wu, you must be the young miss of a fallen soul master family, right?
Your family must have a formidable rival. Worried that your exceptional talent might lead to you being targeted by enemies, your elders sent you to enroll in Nuoding Academy for safety, didn't they?
Don't worry, Xiao Wu. You're my younger sister and future wife. Even if someone offered me a hundred-thousand-year soul bone, I wouldn't betray you!"
His words were so convincing that even Chu Chengzhou almost believed himself.
Xiao Wu: Ah~, yes, yes, everything you said is correct!
"Brother~, I'm sorry!"
Seeing Chu Chengzhou turn into a wild theorist, Xiao Wu felt guilty for deceiving him and tearfully apologized.
"It's fine. When we grow stronger and no longer fear anyone, you can tell me your secrets, okay?"
As he spoke, Chu Chengzhou instinctively reached out to stroke Xiao Wu's rabbit ears.
"Mm, mm!"
Xiao Wu nodded vigorously.
------------------------------------------------------
Double Chapters Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)