With only a thousand-plus years of cultivation but strength matching a five-thousand-year soul beast, the Cinder Radiance Bird would be a genius capable of exceeding its level if it were human. Of course, comparisons between humans and soul beasts are rough—real strength is only proven in battle.
Dark mist surged around Lu Jingming's right hand, and a pitch-black spear slowly emerged from the swirling shadows.
The moment the spear appeared, it exuded a suffocating aura. Without hesitation, Lu Jingming thrust the spear at the incapacitated Cinder Radiance Bird—a swift and decisive move.
"Stop!" Just as the spear was about to strike the bird, a booming shout echoed.
But Lu Jingming ignored it, his actions undeterred. The black spear pierced the Cinder Radiance Bird's heart with unstoppable force.
As the spear pierced in, black particles of light flickered and spread rapidly across the bird's hard exoskeleton, protecting its heart.
In an instant, the seemingly indestructible armor dissolved like tofu—silently, yet with a chilling power.
A brilliant purple soul ring slowly rose from the bird's body. Only then did Lu Jingming turn unhurriedly toward the source of the shout.
A dazzling golden light flashed, and a middle-aged man in a white robe and a red-haired girl with a playful bun appeared.
The man had an extraordinary bearing, exuding calm strength. The red-haired girl was vibrant, her large eyes shining like stars—now wide with anger.
Seeing the dead Cinder Radiance Bird, the man's brows furrowed, his face darkening with displeasure and regret.
The red-haired girl stared in disbelief, then put her hands on her hips and demanded, "Didn't I tell you to stop? Why did you still kill it?"
Lu Jingming just glanced at them with indifference and a hint of disdain, his tone calm but firm: "Why should I listen to you just because you said so? Who do you think you are?"
"You!" The red-haired girl was stunned speechless, pointing at Lu Jingming but unable to find words to retort.
She never imagined that this boy would speak so forcefully, completely disregarding her.
"This was a thousand-year soul beast! How old are you? You can't even absorb its soul ring—it's a total waste!"
Her chest heaved with rage.
"Whether it's a waste or not is my business. What does it have to do with you?" Lu Jingming replied, but his gaze shifted subtly to the silent man in white.
In that brief moment, he sensed part of Jingliu's attention was also on the man in white.
Knowing Jingliu, this meant the man was no ordinary person.
"Ah, you little brat, you're just asking for a lesson!" the red-haired girl exploded, flames igniting around her as she prepared to charge Lu Jingming—clearly ready to give him a beating.
"Xiaotao, enough." At that moment, the man in white finally spoke.
His voice was calm but carried an undeniable authority, stopping the impulsive red-haired girl. He turned to Jingliu, giving a respectful salute: "I am Yan Shaozhe from Shrek Academy. And you are?"
Hearing his name, Lu Jingming's brows rose in surprise.
He hadn't expected to encounter the famous Dean of the Martial Soul Department at Shrek Academy, Bright Phoenix Douluo Yan Shaozhe, here.
Thinking further, his eyes fell on the red-haired girl. By her age and the timeline, she should be about five years older than him—matching Ma Xiaotao's age.
Given Yan Shaozhe's affectionate use of "Xiaotao," he was almost certain: this was Ma Hongjun's descendant, the Evil Fire Phoenix, Ma Xiaotao.
"Jingliu," Jingliu replied, as cool as ever, her two-syllable name the only response.
Yan Shaozhe's mouth twitched. He'd introduced himself and Shrek Academy, expecting at least some courtesy, but was met with just a name he'd never heard before.
He couldn't help but feel a little frustrated.
Still, he forced down his dissatisfaction. After all, Jingliu's strength was unfathomable, and this was the dangerous Star Dou Forest—not Shrek Academy's territory.
If he upset a powerhouse, he wasn't afraid for himself, but Ma Xiaotao would be at risk.
As her teacher, he had to ensure her safety.
"Miss, we've been tracking this Cinder Radiance Bird for a long time. You must know it's a millennial soul beast, and this child is too young to absorb its ring. Isn't this a bit improper?"
Yan Shaozhe tried to sound as conciliatory as possible. Normally, if someone ignored Shrek Academy like this, he wouldn't fight over a soul beast, but he'd at least teach the other party a lesson to uphold the Academy's reputation.
But facing Jingliu, his instincts screamed caution.