The stench of blood in the forest had not yet faded, and the image of the once invincible six thousand year old Wind Baboon lying dead was etched deeply into the minds of Huo Yuhao, Bei Bei, and Tang Ya, like a brand.
They remained silent for a long time, replaying the breathtaking scene that had just unfolded
Liu Yuan's figure had moved so fast it became a blur. A golden light flashed, and the powerful six thousand year old soul beast crashed to the ground.
That incredible speed, that precise and overwhelming power, completely overturned their understanding of Soul Master-level combatant.
Liu Yuan silently dispelled his martial soul possession. The emerald green light and golden electric arcs surrounding his body disappeared quietly, along with the chilling, sharp aura that vanished without a trace.
He first reached out and helped Tang Ya, still slumped on the ground with a blank expression, to her feet. Then he went to the other side and lifted Bei Bei, who was equally shocked and dazed.
"Are you alright?" Liu Yuan's voice broke the silence of the forest.
The question was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, finally bringing Huo Yuhao, Bei Bei, and Tang Ya back to their senses.
Bei Bei shook his head slightly and replied, "It's nothing…"
But his eyes immediately widened with surprise and curiosity. After a moment of hesitation, he finally asked, "Liu Yuan, would you… tell me what happened just now?"
"Yes, yes!" Tang Ya asked rapidly, pointing at Liu Yuan in disbelief. "How did your martial soul change like this?"
"I remember it used to be a Wind Spirit Serpent, but now… why does it feel like a dragon? And why did your spirit rings change from three back to one? And your first spirit ring is still… A BLACK TEN THOUSAND YEAR SPIRIT RING?? WHAT'S GOING ON?!"
Faced with his friends' persistent questions, Liu Yuan simply smiled and said nothing.
He knew the changes in himself were too shocking to explain in a few words.
Seeing this, Bei Bei immediately took on a calm and mature tone. He gently tugged at Tang Ya's sleeve and spoke softly, easing the tension:
"If you don't want to talk about it, you don't have to. Everyone has their secrets. We were just surprised and asked casually."
Liu Yuan gave Bei Bei an approving look. After a moment, he decided to reveal a little. With a half-joking tone, he said,
"I guess I got a bit of luck, and my martial soul mutated. A lot happened after I left the academy."
It was a vague answer, but it addressed most of their questions.
Bei Bei was smart. He understood Liu Yuan didn't want to go into detail, so he didn't press further. Instead, he sincerely said, "No matter what happened, you're much stronger than before."
"The speed you moved… I couldn't even see your movements. If Xuanzi knew your strength now, he'd probably regret it to death."
Liu Yuan smiled calmly, a hint of confidence in his eyes. "It's just a temporary lead."
It wasn't modesty because it was the truth. Having awakened Mega Rayquaza and gained the "Godspeed" Soul Skill, his potential far exceeded before, and he was confident he would only grow stronger.
Seeing Liu Yuan so composed, Bei Bei felt a mix of emotions. He tried once more to persuade him:
"Liu Yuan, are you really not coming back? I'm confident I can get you reinstated at Shrek Academy. With the strength you just showed, the academy would surely reconsider and give you the respect you deserve!"
Liu Yuan shook his head firmly.
Looking at his two friends, he said earnestly, "Bei Bei, Xiao Ya, thank you. But what I said before was true. I'm disappointed in that place. A broken mirror can't be fixed; there's no going back."
He paused, then smiled carefreely, changing the subject. "Besides, the world is vast. I'm looking forward to my future travels."
From Liu Yuan's clear, firm eyes, Bei Bei understood his unwavering determination and could only sigh helplessly, no longer trying to persuade him.
"All good things must come to an end," Liu Yuan said, patting Bei Bei on the shoulder, then smiling at Tang Ya and Huo Yuhao. "This time, we really have to part ways."
He showed no lingering attachment, turned his back, waved, and strode away with firm steps, quickly disappearing into the dense jungle.
Bei Bei, Huo Yuhao, and Tang Ya stood watching him leave, their hearts heavy with mixed emotions.
"Sigh… Shrek Academy really lost a top-tier genius!" Bei Bei let out a long sigh, full of regret.
"The Soul Master Competition starts next semester. With Liu Yuan's strength, if he represented our academy, our chances of winning would be much higher."
"Now… I'm afraid he'll join another academy and become a formidable enemy!"
"Then blame Xuanzi!" Tang Ya said angrily. "He was blind to talent and pushed such a genius out of the academy!"
Huo Yuhao remained silent, fists clenched tightly.
Brother Liu Yuan's free spirited figure, his advice to "stay true to yourself," and his unyielding pride despite oppression left a deep impression on him.
After a brief moment, Bei Bei and Tang Ya's emotions calmed. They took Huo Yuhao and began their journey back to Shrek Academy.
Two days later.
--Shrek Academy, Sea God Pavilion.--
After settling Huo Yuhao in the freshman dorm and giving him instructions, Bei Bei went straight to the Sea God Pavilion.
He had important matters to report to his ancestor, Mu En, master of the Sea God Pavilion.
Entering the quiet room where Elder Mu often stayed, he found Yan Shaozhe, dean of the Martial Soul Department, and Xuanzi, the Gluttonous Douluo, both present.
The atmosphere was heavy, as if a tense conversation had just ended.
"…That aura has completely disappeared. We sent a surveillance team outside the city for several days, but found nothing," Yan Shaozhe said, his voice tinged with fatigue and frustration.
Xuanzi, unusually not holding his wine jug, looked grim. "It appeared out of thin air and disappeared just as suddenly. Apart from that residual energy, there's no clue. It's a real headache!"
Bei Bei was confused. He hadn't been at Shrek Academy recently and didn't know about Rayquaza. Hearing them speak, he felt lost.
He had come to report to Mu En about his encounter with Liu Yuan, the tremendous changes he witnessed, and how Liu Yuan had been treated unfairly.
Seeing Xuanzi there, Bei Bei frowned.
His identity gave him confidence, and he wasn't afraid of Xuanzi. But openly denouncing him felt inappropriate.
Just then, Mu En's gentle, aged voice spoke from the inner room:
"Bei Bei, you're here."
"Elder Mu, Elder Xuan, Dean Yan," Bei Bei bowed respectfully.
Mu En continued, "We've finished our talks. How was your trip to the Star Dou Great Forest? Did you find a suitable spirit ring for Xiao Ya?"
Bei Bei replied quickly, "Yes, Elder Mu. We were lucky; we found a spirit ring perfect for Xiaoya, and she has successfully absorbed it."
"That's good," Mu En said, his tone more relaxed.
Bei Bei took a deep breath. "However, Elder Mu, besides this, something else happened on the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest… perhaps even more important."
"Oh?" Mu En's tone held curiosity. "Tell me."
Bei Bei organized his thoughts. "I saw Liu Yuan, who was expelled from the academy a few days ago."
"Liu Yuan?" Yan Shaozhe frowned.
At the mention of his name, Xuanzi's eyes narrowed sharply, an invisible pressure radiating from him, his gaze piercing Bei Bei.
Though usually lawless within the academy, Xuanzi feared Mu En above all.
What if Mu En learned what he did and blamed him?
Xuanzi gritted his teeth, realizing Mu En knew nothing.
Mu En had stopped handling affairs after a serious injury years ago, spending most of his time recuperating.
Shrek Academy currently faced a talent shortage, so he conserved his strength to protect it from future disasters.
Mu En asked Bei Bei, "Liu Yuan? You mean the outer court student whose martial soul is the Wind Spirit Serpent, exceptionally talented? I remember him. When… wait was he expelled?"
Though Elder Mu's voice was calm, the question sent a shock through Xuanzi and Yan Shaozhe.