"I'm absorbing! I'm absorbing! I'm absorbing—!"
Just as the white dragon transformed from Mu En dissipated, a voice rang beside the tear-streaked Huo Yuhao's ear.
"Yuhao, let your teacher give you one last gift. Remember, you must protect Shrek Academy for me. This place is your home."
Immediately afterward, Huo Yuhao felt an enormous surge of energy pour into his body, rapidly boosting his cultivation that had been rising only gradually before.
But the power was far too overwhelming for him to withstand. His eyes rolled back and he fainted instantly.
At this moment, with Mu En gone, Tianmeng Iceworm was no longer worried about exposing itself, as no one present would be able to detect it easily. And as its origin power merged more deeply with Huo Yuhao, it could now perfectly suppress its aura.
So it directly took control of Huo Yuhao's body from the shadows, frantically absorbing the energy. Even the golden light scattered around started converging toward Huo Yuhao.
Because Tianmeng could feel clearly—this energy was the purest possible origin force, the refined essence of Mu En's lifelong cultivation.
Naturally, it wouldn't be polite about taking it.
Inside Huo Yuhao's spiritual sea, he watched Tianmeng Iceworm working tirelessly and quietly stood by.
"Tianmeng-bro, after absorbing all this energy, my cultivation will be massively boosted, right?"
"Guaranteed. Absolutely guaranteed,"Tianmeng Iceworm replied confidently.
"You know… for a teacher, this guy's really straightforward. Leave just like that, but dump such a huge benefit on you before going."
"Tianmeng-bro, that joke isn't funny."
Huo Yuhao said calmly, his eyes tinged with melancholy.
"Ai… fine, I won't say more. I'll help you store all this energy for future cultivation."
With an attitude of "I don't get it but I respect it," Tianmeng Iceworm stopped talking.
"Elder Xuan, what's happening with Yuhao?"
Yan Shaozhe stared at the scene in surprise.
"Ai, nothing wrong. Being able to… absorb a lot at this age is a good thing. His Ultimate Ice makes cultivation slow, after all."
Xuan Zi looked at Huo Yuhao. His gaze flickered slightly—he frowned, but then relaxed, waving dismissively.
"You all stay here and take care of Yuhao. Our exchange with the Sun and Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy is about to begin, and Yuhao is very important to that."
"I'm going out to clear my head."
Seeing the golden light converging around Huo Yuhao, Xuan Zi's throat bobbed involuntarily, an unexpected feeling of "hunger," a desire to "eat" rising in him.
His figure blurred and vanished from the Sea God Pavilion.
"…Why do I feel Elder Xuan is acting strange…"
Yan Shaozhe muttered in confusion as he watched him leave.
"Maybe it's because Elder Mu passed away… Elder Xuan probably can't accept it,"Cai Mei'er said softly beside him.
"Is that so?"
Yan Shaozhe's eyes flickered with thought. Just moments ago, his martial soul had suddenly trembled—as though encountering a mortal enemy.
But his Light Phoenix only reacted that way before truly heinous evil soul masters.
And Elder Xuan could never be one. He must've been imagining it.
Rubbing his temples, he sighed.
"Looks like I'm really too tired…"
Star Dou Forest, Core Region.
Dense darkness enveloped the Lake of Life. A tall, imposing figure hovered above it—golden hair falling behind him, sharp handsome features, and eyes of an unusual, shimmering gold.
At this moment, he was half-kneeling in mid-air, expression respectful, faint excitement showing in his eyes.
"Lord, you've awakened?"
"Di Tian, my slumber has not ended. I was merely stirred awake temporarily by the aura of that Light Holy Dragon. Remember—while I sleep, do not provoke Shrek Academy."
A vague, ethereal voice echoed out.
Di Tian frowned faintly, cold light flashing in his eyes.
"My Lord, that person from Shrek is provoking us. Are we supposed to fear them?"
"No. Shrek Academy possesses the ability to connect to that place. You must not act rashly."
The voice paused, then continued.
"My injuries have reached the most crucial stage of healing. In at most ten thousand more years, I will fully recover."
"Once I awaken, humanity's reign shall come to an end."
The voice was filled with boundless confidence—as though once it returned, the fate of soul beasts would be utterly transformed.
"Yes, my Lord!"
Di Tian responded respectfully, though a streak of wild joy flashed in his eyes.
When the Lord awakened,the soul beast clan would once again have their Azure Sky above them.
But in his heart, he murmured silently:
Ten thousand years is too long. We must fight for every day we can.
The voice faded away, and the darkness surrounding the Lake of Life slowly dissipated.
"I'm digging in the Ice-Fire Yin-Yang Well, digging and digging, digging up immortal herbs to offer the young master—digging!"
Nangong Wan quickly collected one immortal herb after another under Youyou's guidance, strictly following Jiang Jue's orders:
Only take the high-quality, high-age herbs.New sprouts and immature herbs were left untouched.
"You stay put for now. I'll deliver these herbs to the young master first."
Nangong Wan nodded in satisfaction as he surveyed the surroundings, speaking to Youyou perched on his shoulder.
"Don't rush. There are still a few high-age herbs over there,"Youyou quickly added.
Nangong Wan froze, giving Youyou a deep look.
"You… really do have talent. Rare talent. Work hard—I'll be waiting for you in the Soul-Refining Banner. Beasts like you—there aren't many. Truly."
"Really? I think you're pretty nice too. You talk sweetly."
Youyou said, delighted.
By the ice spring, Jiang Jue stored away the five immortal herbs that would be left behind as seed stock, then released the Emerald Demon Bird.
"You've lived here for so long. Are there any stronger soul beasts around?"
The Emerald Demon Bird tilted its head, its blood-red eyes flickering as though recalling something. It flapped its wings repeatedly.
"Ji-ji-ji!"
"A tiger with wings… with a hooked tail… arrived only two years ago… and even you had to flee?"
"An Evil Demon Tiger?"
Jiang Jue's eyes lit up. The description matched a top-tier soul beast from his memory. If it really was that one, then his next spirit ring was basically secured.
"Ji-ji-ji!"
The Emerald Demon Bird nodded furiously, angrily recounting its grievances.
It used to be a top contender in the Sunset Forest, living a carefree life.But two years ago, the Evil Demon Tiger arrived—severely injured at the time, like it was fleeing something.
Yet from then on, the bird's peaceful days disappeared. The already limited number of soul beasts became even scarcer.
"No rush. Once the Ice Emperor absorbs the energy from this spring, we'll avenge you. We'll make it join our big 'harmonious and loving' family."
Jiang Jue said lightly.
Hearing this, the Emerald Demon Bird's blood-red eyes lit up instantly. It flapped its wings excitedly, circling Jiang Jue.
Beast-subduing schemes and whatnot—it rather enjoyed doing those…
(End of Chapter)