"What? You've already reached Level 20? You're going to capture your second soul beast?"
"Then I'm coming too!"
Ma Xiaotao wrapped her arms around Su Wen's neck, clinging to him like an octopus, refusing to let go.
Su Wen instantly felt his vision darken....literally.
"You're only Level 44 right now," he said helplessly, prying at her flailing hands.
"And the Extreme North is full of ice-type soul beasts. You're a Fire Phoenix....what exactly are you planning to do there?"
"The Extreme North…?"
Ma Xiaotao froze, her bright eyes turning distant.
Her teacher's words from a year ago suddenly resurfaced in her mind.
So… he really had guessed it right.
"Hm?"
Seeing her sitting there in a daze, emotions flickering across her face, Su Wen grinned and casually pinched her cheek. Soft. Warm.
"Relax. Just wait here. When your big brother gets stronger, I'll have your back in the Inner Court."
With that, he waved without looking back, called out to Gale, and bolted straight out the door.
A second later...
"WHO ARE YOU CALLING YOUR LITTLE SISTER?!"
A pillow flew after him.
Sea God Pavilion – Upper Level
Mu En sat quietly in his wheelchair, his gaze warm as he studied Su Wen.
"You've decided, then. Your second soul beast will be ice-attribute?"
"Yes, Elder Mu."
There was no need for further explanation.
Mu En nodded slowly.
"Very well. Since you've made your choice, I won't interfere.
But one matter remains...who do you want to accompany you to the Extreme North?"
His voice grew solemn.
"That place is no less dangerous than the Star Dou Great Forest.
If you encounter one of the Three Heavenly Kings of the Extreme North, even an ordinary Titled Douluo wouldn't escape unscathed.
Only a Super Douluo would suffice."
Having a Super Douluo escort a mere Level-20 Grand Soul Master…
Only Shrek Academy could afford such extravagance.....and even then, people would fight for the chance.
Su Wen glanced sideways at Yan Shaozhe, who was aggressively making eye contact.
"If Dean Yan is available," Su Wen said calmly.
"Good," Mu En replied. "Shaozhe."
"Yes, Teacher," Yan Shaozhe answered instantly, barely suppressing his grin.
"You will accompany Su Wen to the Extreme North. No matter what happens....his life comes first."
"Yes."
Outside the Sea God Pavilion
Mist drifted across the lake as dusk approached, the setting sun scattering gold across rippling waters.
Su Wen breathed in deeply.
As for why he hadn't chosen Xuan Zi—he had no desire to experience another surprise betrayal.
Would Xuan Zi change?
Not a chance.
If he ever did, the Ming Dou Mountain incident in the original timeline wouldn't have happened.
Honestly, if Su Wen were Mu En and didn't know the future, he'd already be wondering whether someone had cursed the academy.
Su Wen's stance on Xuan Zi was simple:
Please remain a mascot.
Stand there. Look intimidating. Flex when needed. Perfect.
Xian Lin'er and Qian Duoduo weren't bad choices either....but they belonged to the Soul Tool Department.
Since Su Wen had no intention of joining them, it was best not to owe unnecessary favors.
As for Cai Meier… capable, but weaker.
All things considered, Yan Shaozhe was the most suitable option.
Though still silent, Yan Shaozhe was practically glowing inside.
The bet paid off.
This kid really was a man of feeling—willing to reserve his second soul beast slot purely for Xiaotao.
The more Yan Shaozhe looked at Su Wen, the more he felt like an old father-in-law appraising a son-in-law.
They parted ways, agreeing to depart at dawn.
Wooden Cabin – Night
Gale was restless, pacing and leaping about nonstop.
Su Wen didn't stop him.
Perhaps it sensed that a new companion was coming.
After more than a year, Gale had grown from barely a meter tall to nearly one-point-seven meters. Its aura had sharpened along with its frame.
Once a tamed pet....
Now it finally carried the ferocity of a true soul beast.
Its fangs and claws gleamed coldly, and its Wind Blades flowed far more smoothly than before.
By Su Wen's estimation, although Gale's cultivation was only around the hundred-year mark, it could easily crush soul beasts of the same level....fighting two at once wouldn't even be a stretch.
"Tch… still not quite enough," Su Wen muttered.
Gale's strength was currently carried almost entirely by attribute boosts gained from devouring soul beast flesh. Its bloodline and skills remained unchanged.
"So evolution really is the key," Su Wen murmured.
"Only by reaching the next stage can it unlock new abilities… and elevate its wind attribute."
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