After leaving the temporary ice cave, Liu Yuan didn't linger for even a moment.
His goal was crystal clear—return to the Sun Moon Empire's capital, Capital City, and represent the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy in the upcoming All-Continent High-Rank Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament!
At the thought of the enticing reward—a brand-new Divine Rank Spirit—and the scene of crushing Shrek Academy's glory before the eyes of the entire continent, his blood began to boil.
"Swoosh—!"
A green-gold streak flashed as his figure shot forward like an arrow tearing through the blizzard. With the activation of Extreme Speed, he sped back the way he had come.
The biting wind and swirling ice of the Extreme North Land might have been deadly to others, but to him, they were nothing.
However, just as he crossed a vast glacier—
A rich, mouthwatering aroma suddenly drifted into his nose.
It was completely out of place in this frozen wasteland.
Grilled fish.
Not only that—the technique was excellent. The scent of crisped skin and melted fat blended perfectly with spices, making it irresistibly appetizing.
In a place like this… someone was cooking?
Curiosity stirred within Liu Yuan. His speed slowed unconsciously as he followed the scent, weaving silently across the icy terrain.
Soon, he rounded a massive ice mound—
—and stopped.
Under a wind-sheltered ice cliff ahead, a small orange flame flickered gently.
A young boy, around twelve or thirteen, crouched beside it, carefully turning a skewer of golden grilled fish.
The fish sizzled softly as oil dripped into the fire, sending sparks dancing into the air.
And that boy…
Liu Yuan recognized him instantly.
"Yuhao?"
A hint of surprise flashed across his eyes as he stepped out.
The boy froze.
Then, as he looked up and saw Liu Yuan, his eyes widened in disbelief.
"Big Brother Liu?!"
Joy replaced shock almost instantly.
He sprang to his feet, excitement written all over his face.
"Is it really you? Why are you here?!"
Liu Yuan smiled faintly.
"I was about to ask you the same thing. I didn't expect to find someone grilling fish out here… let alone you."
The distance between them vanished in an instant.
"Come, sit!" Huo Yuhao said eagerly. "I just got a spirit ring and was celebrating. What a coincidence meeting you here!"
Liu Yuan nodded and sat down beside the fire.
Based on the timeline, he already had a rough guess—Huo Yuhao had likely obtained the Ice Jade Empress Scorpion and gained the Ultimate Ice attribute.
"You came here alone for a spirit ring?" Liu Yuan asked casually. "That takes courage."
"Hehe… just got lucky," Huo Yuhao replied, scratching his head.
He didn't elaborate further.
And Liu Yuan didn't press.
Everyone had their secrets.
They understood that without needing to say it.
Huo Yuhao handed him a perfectly grilled fish.
"By the way, Big Brother Liu… what about you? Why are you here? And where did you go after leaving Shrek?"
Liu Yuan accepted the fish and answered simply.
He talked about meeting Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen.
About going to Capital City.
About joining the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy.
About becoming a Core Disciple.
His tone was calm.
But every word hit Huo Yuhao like thunder.
The Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy…
A Core Disciple…
Huo Yuhao's eyes filled with shock—and a trace of envy.
He was genuinely happy for Liu Yuan.
But deep down…
A bitter feeling surfaced.
He remembered the Freshman Assessment.
He, Wang Dong, and Xiao Xiao had fought with everything they had and won first place.
Yet…
He wasn't chosen as a Core Disciple.
Just because his spirit power was too low.
That frustration still lingered.
Liu Yuan noticed it instantly.
"How have things been… at Shrek?" he asked.
Huo Yuhao fell silent.
Then, after a moment, he spoke quietly:
"It's fine… just…"
He clenched his fists.
"We won the Freshman Championship. I thought the academy would recognize me."
"But because my spirit power is low… they said my potential is limited."
"They don't see my mental strength. They don't see my role in the team."
"In their eyes… low spirit power is a flaw."
His voice carried suppressed anger and grievance.
Liu Yuan's expression turned cold.
So-called Number One Academy…
Yet blind to true potential.
What a joke.
He tossed the fish bones into the fire and looked directly at Huo Yuhao.
His voice was calm—but firm.
"If Shrek doesn't recognize your worth…"
"If they insist
on using rigid standards to judge you…"
He paused slightly.
Then spoke each word clearly:
"Then come to the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy with me."
------------Author---------------
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