Although the academy had anticipated this and set up numerous checkpoints to filter out most of the interference for Xiao Han, which of these forces wasn't incredibly powerful and influential?
Invitations, gifts, and solicitation letters poured into Xiao Han's secluded courtyard like snowflakes.
Even more extreme, some have directly offered marriage as a condition for alliance.
"Young Master Xiao, my daughter is sixteen years old. Though she is of delicate appearance, she is gentle and virtuous, possessing an S-rank water-type Martial Soul. She is a perfect match for you. If you are willing, my family is willing to offer a spiritual vein in the south of the city, plus thirty million Federation Credits as a dowry!"
A middle-aged fat man with a bloated belly and wearing a tacky gold-embroidered robe finally managed to catch Xiao Han, who was about to leave, after being "screened" by Lin Qingxia. He then proceeded to sell his wares with great enthusiasm, spitting as he spoke.
Xiao Han glanced at the timid girl behind him, whose appearance was indeed only average, and his lips twitched. He politely but distantly cupped his hands in greeting. "I appreciate your kindness, Xiao Han. However, I am devoted to martial arts and have no intention of settling down at the moment. I hope you will understand."
The fat man wanted to continue the argument, but Xiao Han's indifferent gaze chilled him to the bone, and he retreated sheepishly.
"Hmph, these guys will use any means necessary." Lin Qingxia appeared beside Xiao Han at some point, watching the fat man's fleeing figure, and curled her lip.
"Mentor Lin." Xiao Han bowed.
"Come with me." Lin Qingxia led Xiao Han to a secluded pavilion. "The academy's higher-ups have already blocked over 90% of the harassment for you, but there are always some flies that are hard to guard against. You're a piece of Tang Monk's flesh now; everyone wants a bite."
Her expression grew more serious. "Xiao Han, you must remember, the olive branches these forces extend are all tied to unseen threads. They are eyeing your potential and the secrets you may possess. Once you accept, it means you'll be bound to their chariot, and often you won't have a choice."
"Some powerful forces may appear respectable on the surface, but they engage in many dirty deeds behind the scenes. If you really want to choose a patron, you must keep your eyes open and not be blinded by temporary gains."
Xiao Han nodded; he naturally understood this principle. In recent days, he had politely declined most offers of recruitment, maintaining only polite contact with a few forces with relatively clean backgrounds or potential future cooperation opportunities, such as the Su Family, remaining neither humble nor arrogant, and leaving no room for error.
"Thank you for the reminder, mentor. I understand."
Looking into his calm eyes, Lin Qingxia secretly admired him. This young man was so composed at such a young age. It was truly remarkable that he could remain sober in the face of such a huge temptation.
"Alright, as long as you know your limits." Lin Qingxia put away her serious expression and reverted to her usual confident and capable mentor persona. "The academy has done everything it can to stop them, but there are always some who slip through the net. You're like a piece of Tang Sanzang's flesh now; everyone wants a bite."
"Remember, every olive branch that's offered comes with a strings attached. They see your potential, and maybe even a secret about you. Once you accept it, you're on their side, and often you have no choice."
"Some powerful forces may appear respectable, but they're often involved in dirty deeds behind the scenes. When choosing a patron, keep your eyes open and don't let short-term gains blind you."
Xiao Han nodded, indicating that he understood. In recent days, he had indeed only maintained polite contact with relatively clean forces like the Su Family, and had politely declined all others without leaving any room for negotiation.
Seeing his calm expression, Lin Qingxia inwardly praised him. This kid, facing such a great temptation, can still remain so composed.
Within the academy, Xiao Han's status has indeed changed. Before, he was an exception, a controversial figure. Now, he is the undisputed number one, an existence that all students look up to.
Wherever he goes, he is met with looks of awe, envy, and even worship. Those who used to look down on him now greet him politely as "Senior Xiao."
He poured all one million contribution points, the prize money for winning the grand competition, into the academy's treasury. Pills to stabilize his cultivation level, spiritual liquids to temper his body, rare and precious materials to repair his soul, as well as rare materials with spatial and shadow attributes, were all preparations for the next evolution of the Eternal Night King Martial Soul.
The mentor in charge of the redemption looked at the astonishing numbers on the list, his hands trembling, and his attitude became extremely respectful.
With everything prepared, Xiao Han's goal was clear: the Chaos Pool.
That was a special cultivation realm awarded to the champion, said to help Martial Soul evolve, temper the physical body, and enhance realm comprehension.
The hidden dangers left by burning the source, and the injuries from the battle with Ye Wuchen, all need to be completely resolved and further improved with the power of the Chaos Pool.
That day, he greeted Lin Qingxia and Su Linglong, and went alone to the Chaos Pool deep within the forbidden area of the academy.
The path to the Chaos Pool is quite hidden, with several layers of restrictions and tight security.
Xiao Han walked along the quiet stone path, flanked by tall ancient trees, with dappled sunlight filtering through. He appeared relaxed, but in reality, all six senses were activated, and the perception of his Eternal Night King Martial Soul quietly spread out.
Since gaining fame, I've always felt like there are eyes watching me from the shadows. Some are curious, some are in awe, but some have ill intentions.
I know I am now a light in the darkness, attracting everyone. Behind the flowers and applause lies an unseen knife.
As he reached a corner, Xiao Han paused. Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at the dense thicket of trees not far behind him. There, a faint fluctuation of energy could be felt, but it vanished in an instant.
He didn't stop, he kept walking forward, a cold laugh running through his mind.
It seems some people still can't hold back. This trip to the Chaos Pool is unlikely to be peaceful.
However, he's not someone to be trifled with. Anyone who wants to take advantage of him should first consider their own strength!
The Chaos Pool is a must-have. Those who stand in our way will be utterly crushed! Thinking of the immense power the Chaos Pool might bring, Xiao Han felt a surge of excitement.
The Chaos Pool is located at the innermost part of the forbidden area of the Imperial Capital Academy. It is a mysterious pool shrouded in a thick, liquid-like, chaotic mist.
The pool isn't large, only about a hundred square meters. Yet it seems to hold a newly born world within it.
The air contained not ordinary spiritual energy, but a more primordial, ancient, and primordial chaotic energy.
The moment Xiao Han stepped inside, he felt a sense of lightness throughout his body, as if a tremendous burden had been lifted. His Twin Martial Souls instantly erupted with an unprecedented thirst for power!
Buzz!
The illusory image of the Chaos Green Lotus Martial Soul emerged on its own, anchoring itself in the void, its twelfth-grade lotus platform swaying gently.
Each lotus petal unfurled, greedily absorbing the extremely pure chaotic energy surrounding it.
The feeling was like a wandering child finally returning to its mother's embrace—warm and joyful.
On the blue lotus, Dao runes flickered, light flowed, and the aura became more sacred and solemn at a visible speed.
At the same time, the Eternal Night King Martial Soul also stirred, transforming into a deep shadow that weaved through the chaotic mist.
Those chaotic energies that seemed incompatible with its properties were strangely decomposed and absorbed the moment they came into contact with it.
It is completely transformed into the purest source of shadow and spatial power.