Shui Bing'er and Xue WuStarry Sky Forest.
In the dense forest, ancient trees reach for the sky, and traces of spirit beast activity can be seen everywhere. A group of women dressed in light blue clothing are making their way into the forest at a leisurely pace.
Leading the group was a tall woman, who was extremely beautiful in the eyes of outsiders. She was in charge of reconnaissance at the front of the group. Behind them was a woman with long hair tied up, who was also extremely beautiful and was in charge of the rearguard action.
In the middle of the large group stood a tall woman with long, flowing light blue hair. Compared to the other two, her beauty surpassed theirs. She constantly observed her surroundings, and the occasional flash of wisdom in her beautiful eyes added to her rational demeanor.
In the middle of the group, an older woman nodded with satisfaction upon seeing the former's performance.
Shui Bing'er's talent was among the best of her peers. Although she couldn't compare to the other prodigies in that competition, she was already the most promising student in the history of Tianshui Academy. Five years had passed, and her soul power had broken through level fifty-eight. She was only two levels away from becoming the youngest Soul Emperor in the history of their academy.
Moreover, Shui Bing'er did not become arrogant or complacent because of her talent. Instead, she remained grounded and made steady progress, her cultivation speed increasing rapidly. The dean even directly offered her the position of vice dean.
Although she and Shui Bing'er were both vice deans, she knew very well that Shui Bing'er was a genius with the potential to become a Title Douluo, which was incomparable to her, a Soul Douluo who had just broken through to Soul Douluo and whose potential had been exhausted.
"Bing'er, let's stop here for today. Let everyone stop and set up camp here. We can continue the journey tomorrow."
She smiled gently.
The woman was none other than Shui Bing'er from Tianshui Academy.
This team was the one from Tianshui Academy that came to hunt soul beasts.
Shui Bing'er was slightly taken aback. Although she was the nominal commander of this team, the elder was their protector on this trip and also the vice dean of the academy. Shui Bing'er had to carefully consider her opinion. After a moment's thought, she relayed the order to set up camp there.
They were a group of dozens of women, but they were efficient and decisive in their work.
In less than half an hour, the tent was set up and the surrounding protective measures were in place.
As the sun set and a chill began to rise, Yu Hairou at the front of the group and Gu Qingbo at the rear returned to the camp to rest.
"Children, go inside and rest. I'll keep watch tonight."
These children are all quite old and have already reached the Soul King level, so there's no need for them to undergo any more training. Therefore, the vice-principal chose to let them rest properly.
The vice president smiled.
"Thank you, Vice Dean."
The women thanked them sweetly and then went into the tent.
As soon as she entered the tent, Shuiyue'er sprawled out on the bedding without any regard for appearances. However, with only a thin blanket separating the bedding from the ground, Shuiyue'er's delicate back could clearly feel the hardness of the ground, and she said somewhat uncomfortably:
"I wish I were at home. I can't even sleep comfortably here. And what I can't stand the most is that I can't take a bath here!"
Yu Hairou took off her high heels and massaged her aching feet. Even as an agility-type Soul Master, the long journey had taken its toll. Hearing Shui Yue'er's complaint, Yu Hairou shook her head and smiled.
"Moon, in the Star Dou Great Forest, living conditions like ours are extremely rare. You're still thinking about taking a bath? If Bing'er hears you, see how she scolds you."
Yu Hairou's words sent a shiver down Shui Yue'er's spine. She wasn't afraid of anyone, but she was terrified of this older sister.
"I was just saying..."
Shuiyue smiled awkwardly and muttered something.
Seeing Shuiyue'er's reaction, all the girls couldn't help but laugh. Even the mischievous little devil in the academy had her nemesis.
Xue Wu covered her mouth and smiled, summoning her martial soul. Her first soul ring lit up, and a faint mist began to gather, immediately relieving everyone's fatigue.
"Thank you, Xiaoxue."
Yu Hairou thanked her in a very casual manner.
Xue Wu withdrew her martial spirit and raised an eyebrow at Yu Hairou. Yu Hairou was tall and curvaceous, with short, grey-blue hair that gave her a striking and spirited appearance. She teased, "..."
"Don't thank me. You're not young anymore, it's time to find a man. Next time your feet hurt, if I'm not around, you'll have someone to massage them for you."
Yu Hairou was stunned for a moment, then lunged at Xue Wu fiercely, pinning her down and saying:
"Oh, so you've picked up bad habits from them, Xiaoxue. You even dare to make fun of me now?"
Xuewu quickly apologized with a smile.
After some playful banter, Yu Hairou let Xue Wu go, glanced outside the tent, and then said:
"What you said is actually true. I'm not young anymore, and my parents are always urging me to get married. But, alas... I can't find a man who moves my heart."
Beside him, Gu Qingbo glanced meaningfully at the figure sitting opposite the vice dean in the moonlight outside the tent, and said calmly:
"Isn't Bing'er the same?"
Everyone fell silent.
Since the conclusion of the Continental Elite Soul Master Tournament, Shui Bing'er has devoted herself to rigorous training, rejecting all advances from men. Her closest friends, of course, understand why.
During the competition, that man dominated everything, overcoming all obstacles and defeating countless powerful enemies, finally reaching the top of the Spirit Hall.
Shui Bing'er can't forget him, so how could they? However, Shui Bing'er still has the potential to be worthy of him, but they don't even have the courage to stand by his side.
In particular, the news that came from the Star Luo Empire not long ago was like a bomb, leaving the entire Heaven Dou Empire speechless with shock.
Dai Yao, leading his newly established forces, ventured thousands of miles deep into enemy territory. Under the protection of a Title Douluo, and with his Soul Emperor cultivation, he personally slew the Star Luo Emperor, a Soul Douluo-level figure, and escaped unscathed. Such news would have been unbelievable to anyone without confirmation from the Heaven Dou Empire.
"I really don't know how that person cultivated. He's clearly younger than me, so how come he's so much stronger than me..."
Shuiyue'er's eyes flickered, and she muttered with her head down.
Actually, she should have been the first one at Tianshui Academy to take a liking to Dai Yao, but everyone's attention is now focused on her older sister. Although she has a good relationship with her sister Shui Bing'er, she still feels somewhat resentful.
"What are you angry about now? Don't you think about how many female confidantes Dai Yao has according to rumors? Why are you still going to get involved with them?!"
Yu Hairou laughed and scolded.
Xue Wu said softly, "But why do Dai Yao's female confidantes still flock to him, knowing he has so many women around him? If Bing'er really runs into Dai Yao, I don't think she'll be able to escape either..."
Suddenly, the tent door was flung open, and Shui Bing'er strode in with her long, slender legs. She glanced at the women's faces and said with some surprise:
"What's wrong? Why is everyone staring at me? Is there something on my face?"
The women looked at each other and decided to remain silent.
"N-nothing..."
Seeing that no one was going to answer, Shuiyue'er decided not to hold back; some things needed to be clarified. Some men were like shooting stars in the sky, dazzling and beautiful, but unattainable. She understood this, but her incredibly intelligent sister, who was completely clueless about love, did not.
She said directly:
"We were talking about Dai Yao, and we also mentioned you, sister. Sister, it's been so long, it's time for you to let go."
Shui Bing'er was taken aback, and only then did she realize the strange looks people were giving her. However, she was not the kind of woman who indulged in romantic feelings. She did have some affection for Dai Yao, but more than that, she felt grateful for the life-saving grace.
Back then, when the students from various academies of the Heaven Dou Empire were traveling to Wuhun City to participate in the Soul Master Competition, they were ambushed by a group of men in black while passing through a valley. They were saved only because Dai Yao intervened. Although Dai Yao concealed his identity at the time, she learned from subtle clues that the person who saved her was Dai Yao.
She smiled helplessly and said:
"Okay, I'm not what you think..."
Just then, a series of crackling sounds suddenly came from outside the camp. The women were startled, quickly put on their gear, and rushed out of their tents. In the dense forest not far away, towering ancient trees were falling like wheat being harvested, and powerful fluctuations of soul energy, accompanied by a strong gust of wind, rushed towards them.
"Such a powerful fluctuation of soul energy! Who exactly is this person? Choosing to fight at night—is it due to exceptional skill and daring, or simply reckless behavior?"
Gazing at the distant, faintly visible battle, Shui Bing'er kept speculating about the possibilities.
"Foolish fellow, fighting at night will only attract more soul beasts. Doesn't this person know this basic common sense?"
Yu Hairou muttered curses under her breath.
It's no wonder she was so angry. Nighttime is the peak activity period for soul beasts. At this time, soul masters who hunt soul beasts in the Star Dou Great Forest will lie in wait. Because if they make too much noise, they will attract a large number of soul beasts to attack them, and they might even perish there.
The place where that person was fighting was neither too far nor too close to their camp, and such a commotion would surely bring them considerable trouble.
Only the vice-dean, a Contra-level expert, revealed an expression of utter horror. The aftershocks of the battle contained an aura that even she found chilling! That extreme evil made her feel as if she had seen a demon wreaking havoc on the human world, and her hands and feet immediately turned ice-cold.
"No, we have to get out of here right now..."
Before she could finish speaking, she noticed the man in the distance, who had noticed their presence and was rushing towards them at high speed!
This man was none other than Dai Yao!
Dai Yao strangled the massive soul beast to death, his right hand digging deep into its neck. Activating his Devouring Talent, the soul power within the soul beast flowed into Dai Yao's soul power space like water.
For the past few days, Dai Yao has been staying in the Star Dou Great Forest, hunting soul beasts. After several days of hunting, the soul power space within Dai Yao's body, which can hold level 99 soul power, has been mostly filled.
However, correspondingly, various negative emotions accumulated: greed, killing, lust... like a volcano about to erupt, wanting to be released. This is also the reason why he cruelly tortured and killed soul beasts.
Upon seeing human traces, Dai Yao was initially uninterested, but then he noticed the presence of a woman opposite him, who was quite attractive. His long-suppressed desires instantly overwhelmed his reason.
Or rather, he did it on purpose.
Dominated by his 'evil' side, he was happy to see himself sinking into the abyss.
Its broad wings spread wide, blotting out the sky. These are the wings of the Dark Demon God Tiger. Although it cannot match the speed of the Holy White Tiger, its intimidating power is far greater. Evil, dark, domineering, and powerful, it inspires fear from the bottom of one's heart.
In just a few breaths, Dai Yao arrived in front of the Tianshui Academy students.
In the night sky, Dai Yao looked down at several women. His black wings blotted out the sun, and his only black soul ring emitted a breathtaking light in the pitch-black night.
When the girls from Tianshui Academy saw that Dai Yao had only one spirit ring lit up, they were all greatly surprised. This completely overturned their understanding; how could someone absorb a ten-thousand-year spirit ring with only their first spirit ring?
Even Dai Yao couldn't do that.
Only Shui Bing'er frowned slightly, because she sensed a familiar scent emanating from this person.
The vice-dean watched Dai Yao warily, her brows furrowed. Although this person only had one spirit ring, the pressure he exerted was in no way inferior to that of a powerhouse of the same level. Despite the absurdity of this feeling, she chose to trust her instincts.
"Your Excellency, our Tianshui Academy has no grudge against you. Please do not make things difficult for us."
Her words directly pointed out their background, hoping to make the uninvited guest hesitate. However, why would this person be worried about a mere Tianshui Academy?
However, upon hearing the words 'Tianshui Academy,' Dai Yao's eyes flickered for a moment, but were then enveloped in darkness once more.
He needed to vent, and since there were women all around him, perhaps...
Just as I was thinking this, a very strong sense of resistance arose from the depths of my heart.
"Alright, alright, I can't persuade you otherwise. Since you won't agree, I'll only take one of me. This is my bottom line. You have no right to refuse the other me..."
Thinking of this, a sinister smile appeared on Dai Yao's lips.
Immediately, with a flap of his wings, he transformed into a streak of light and flew towards the girls of Tianshui Academy!
"not good!"
The vice president called urgently.
Before she could finish speaking, Dai Yao came to Xue Wu's side and gently put his arm around her waist.
"Minor Snow!"
"Sister Xuewu!"
Urgent cries rang out from all directions.
"They're gone."
Dai Yao turned his head and whispered to Xue Wu.
Completely restrained and unable to move, Xue Wu was at a loss for words when she looked at that evil-looking face, and didn't know how to refuse.
Immediately, Dai Yao flapped his wings and soared into the sky.
The vice-dean, enraged, unleashed his full soul power, unleashing a barrage of soul skills at the man. However, a gray-black shield appeared around him, blocking all the attacks!
"How is that possible?"
The vice-dean said in disbelief. Although she wasn't known for her offensive prowess, only a Soul Master could withstand her attacks. This person had managed to withstand all of her attacks using just one Soul Skill; it was simply unbelievable.
"Vice Dean, please take care of everyone. I'm going to rescue Xiaoxue!"
As soon as she finished speaking, Shui Bing'er instantly activated her martial spirit. With a surge of soul power, the ice phoenix streaked across the night sky, leaving a trail of white frost behind as it chased after the direction the person had gone.
"Come back, Bing'er!"
Seeing Shui Bing'er leave, the vice-dean was extremely anxious. If anything happened to Shui Bing'er, she would never be able to forgive herself.
But if Shui Bing'er wanted to leave, how could they give her the chance to stay? The vice-dean could only watch helplessly as Shui Bing'er disappeared into the horizon...
(The next chapter is unlikely to pass review; I'll post it in the group this weekend.) (End of this chapter)