"Ma Xiaotao?"
Neuvillette approached calmly, his expression unchanged.
"Looking for me about something?"
"What, can't I come to you without a reason?" Ma Xiaotao pouted, though her bright eyes were filled with amusement. From time to time, she cast curious glances toward the distant bedroom.
"Oh? So you've already started hiding beauties away?"
Neuvillette gave her a flat look and simply walked past, heading downstairs without explanation.
Of course, he knew there was nothing to explain to this mischievous girl—sometimes, the more one tried to clarify, the murkier things became. Better to ignore her entirely.
"Hey! You're really not going to explain?"
When Neuvillette didn't respond, Ma Xiaotao's smile faltered briefly. But she quickly clasped her hands behind her back and bounced after him, following him down the stairs like a lively shadow.
"Neuvillette, come on, at least acknowledge me."
"Neuvillette, aren't you worried about rumors spreading?"
"Neuvillette, you wouldn't want our Senior Sister to hear about this, right?"
"Out with it. What do you really want?"
Neuvillette sighed, helpless before this girl who had firmly latched onto him.
He remembered the first time he met Ma Xiaotao—an aloof, fiery-tempered beauty. But after growing familiar with him…
Since he was the only one capable of suppressing the evil fire inside her, she had practically glued herself to him. No matter how he tried, he couldn't shake her off.
"Hehe, the day after tomorrow, we're taking a group into the Star Dou Forest to obtain soul rings. But since we'll only be heading to the outskirts, the strongest supervisor is a Soul Sage from the inner court… I'm kind of scared, so maybe you could…"
Ma Xiaotao pressed her curvaceous figure against his arm, clinging tightly as if she were a delicate bird seeking protection. Her jade-white arms wrapped around his elbow, her pleading eyes refusing to let him go.
"You, afraid?"
Neuvillette raised a brow, feeling the softness pressed against him.
"Hehe, just say yes or no. The outer court disciples have admired you for ages, and I already bragged that we're on good terms. Won't you give me this favor?"
"So that's how it is."
Neuvillette lifted a teacup from the table, took a slow sip, and glanced at her sidelong.
When it came to looks, she was on par with Wang Dong'er. Wang Dong'er was like a masterpiece sculpted by the Creator—every feature flawless, her beauty ethereal and refined.
Ma Xiaotao, however, possessed a different charm: bold, striking, brimming with a heroic aura.
And as for figure…
Cough. The latter was undeniably superior.
She tended to throw herself against him without warning, and even he found it difficult to handle.
"Alright."
After some thought, Neuvillette gave his answer.
This winter break was originally meant for Wang Dong and Huo Yutong to obtain their third soul rings. But now that the Ice Emperor had chosen to follow him, and with Wang Dong'er having severed ties with the Clear Sky Sect…
As their teacher, he might as well accompany them to hunt for soul rings.
"Yes!!"
Ma Xiaotao leaped into the air with joy, cheering loudly. Her smooth, fair arms suddenly hooked around his neck, and she planted a quick kiss on his cheek before darting away on her long legs.
"See you in two days!"
"…You seem to be quite popular with human women."
The Ice Emperor's crisp, amused voice rang out as Ma Xiaotao's figure disappeared.
"That's hardly my fault," Neuvillette replied expressionlessly.
"Still, by human standards, you are handsome. And with talent as monstrous as yours, it's no surprise you attract attention."
The Ice Emperor's tone was teasing, yet thoughtful.
"As for the plan to ascend to godhood, I'm becoming more confident. When the time comes, we can even bring Snow Emperor into this."
Meanwhile…
In front of the freshman dorms, a tall girl in a light pink dress stood watching another young beauty clad in fiery red.
"Do you really think… Teacher Neuvillette will be joining the academy's soul beast hunting team the day after tomorrow?"
Ning Tian's eyes glimmered with anticipation.
"It seems so." Wufeng nodded helplessly.
"I even spent some gold soul coins to ask an inner court senior. Senior Sister Xiaotao herself said she invited Teacher Neuvillette to join."
"I see."
Ning Tian bit her lip gently, her expression thoughtful.
Since the last tournament, she had gone to great lengths—going so far as to use her influence in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect—to transfer into Class One.
Yet, no matter what she did, Teacher Neuvillette always regarded her with calm indifference. Her identity, her talent—none had earned her any special treatment.
That constant aloofness left her both frustrated and intrigued.
But she wasn't the type to give up easily.
Originally, she should have returned to her sect to obtain her next soul ring with the help of a sect elder. Instead, she chose to remain at Shrek Academy, determined to seize any chance to get closer to him.
And now, the opportunity had finally come.
"Alright. I understand." Ning Tian nodded firmly.
"But, Young Miss, are you sure? Wouldn't it be safer to return to the sect, with stronger protectors at your side?" Wufeng asked cautiously.
"Enough!" Ning Tian's brows arched sharply.
"If you want to go back, then go yourself. I have my own plans."
"I understand."
Wufeng shrank back, unwilling to press further. She knew exactly what feelings her young mistress harbored, though she couldn't help but feel a trace of unwillingness herself…
"Let's prepare for the soul beast hunt in two days," Ning Tian said, waving her hand. "Even with teachers and inner court seniors leading us, we still need to be ready."
"Yes, Young Miss."
Wufeng sighed softly.
She was a girl, too. Even if she wanted to steal Ning Tian's heart for herself, her mistress clearly wasn't interested.
(End of Chapter)