"What you just saw was only a minor test between gods."
Morax's calm voice hit harder than any burst of elemental force.
A minor test?
Xue Kui could barely endure the aftershock of that clash.
Even standing there, listening, made his heart pound with a panic he'd never admit.
"If one day a god of that level attacks your settlement… how certain are you that you could protect them?"
Silence.
Xue Kui didn't need to answer.
The answer was never.
No chance. Not even to flee.
Morax's voice carried the weight of stone and law.
"With conviction alone and no strength, you protect nothing."
He watched the boy carefully.
"You have talent. Learn talisman arts from me. Study seals and script. One day, you may even touch the realm of gods."
Xue Kui blinked once.
"Oh, no thanks."
Morax: ?
The Geo Dragon's pupils dilated in disbelief.
Did… did the brat not understand a single word he said?
Xue Kui tilted his head, sincere as a falling snowflake.
"I want to learn that 'Principle' thing."
Morax twitched.
"…Principles are not something one learns. Gods do not study their power—we are born with it."
Xue Kui gave him a look of pure disdain.
"You're bragging about knowing how to breathe?"
Without a word, he folded his arms and puffed up smugly.
"Fine. I'll figure it out myself."
Morax's scales bristled.
"Oh? And if you fail?"
Xue Kui leaned back lazily, hands behind his head.
"What do you want?"
"Three months. If you show progress—real progress—I will not interfere with your path."
Morax's gaze sharpened.
"But if you cannot satisfy me, you will obediently train in script and seals under my command."
Xue Kui's eyes sparkled.
"Deal!"
Morax's voice rang with divine authority.
"Then the contract is formed."
A faint, almost imperceptible tether snapped into place—
a thin thread of law and oath.
Morax's voice dropped to a cold warning.
"You know my views on contracts.
Those who break them shall suffer the punishment of stone."
Xue Kui exploded.
"You fart! You eat stone for fun—what punishment is that!? Don't pretend chewing rocks is different from eating steamed buns!"
Morax nearly nosedived into the sea.
With a final deep inhale—
he turned and flew away.
He needed distance.
Five more seconds with that night-born menace and Xue Kui might skip three months entirely and go straight to three months in a hospital bed.
Meanwhile…
Xue Kui wandered in a completely unfamiliar forest.
Not thinking about training.
Not thinking about the pact.
Just one very pressing problem:
Where the heck am I?
After turning in circles for way too long, he tilted his head back and screamed at the sky—
"YOU FILTHY OVERGROWN SNAKE!!"
Somewhere deep in the forest
Two spears—one of ice, one of wood—crossed and spiraled together, sparking air currents.
Xue Kui's stance was tense, serious for once.
His opponent stood poised and relaxed.
A girl—youthful and striking.
Her teal robe allowed her ease of movement, revealing long, toned legs.
Her dark hair was tied up high, elegant yet practical.
Her spear moved with clarity and confidence, unhesitating.
Xue Kui?
Already sweating.
She lunged—
straight, aggressive, no hesitation.
Her thrusts were fast and relentless; her rhythm controlled everything.
Xue Kui stumbled back—
and back—
and back—
Until his back hit a tree.
Ah. Bad.
Her spear was already darting for his chest—
BOOM
A sudden ice wall erupted between them, trapping her weapon.
Xue Kui leveled his ice spear at her forehead, smug.
Point for me.
The girl huffed, cheeks puffed out.
"Xue Kui, that's cheating! You said you wanted enough progress to impress the Geo Archon. This won't cut it!"
He didn't even blink.
"It's called comprehensive combat ability. Didn't say I couldn't use elements."
She stared.
Long.
Slow.
"Then I'll use my elemental power too."
She raised her spear.
Xue Kui paled instantly.
"NO—Sister Ping—Ping-jie—cut it out. Sparring! Sparring! Friendly!!"
Her lips curved into a knowing smile.
This was Ping, an adeptus he met while lost.
Unlike Guizhong's scholarly grace or Morax's divine intimidation—
Ping fought with pure spirit.
To her surprise, sparring with him became… enjoyable.
His growth was unnatural.
Ridiculous.
He learned techniques after seeing them once.
Sometimes before she even finished explaining.
That talent could inspire envy—
if he weren't such an idiot.
"You," she tapped his forehead,
"have a gift that others can't even dream of. Cherish it."
He scratched his cheek, grinning like a fool.
"Hey, Ping-jie, I'm curious about something."
Ah, finally.
Was he finally going to ask about training? About Morax?
"What do you want to know?"
Xue Kui asked with profound seriousness.
"What's your real form? Like… What kind of animal are you?"
Ping: …
Her eyes twitched.
This child's priorities are truly catastrophic.
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