Martial Soul Advancement

Zhu Zhuqing noticed Ye Feiyang suddenly lost in thought, and even after calling "Master" several times, she received no response.

She wondered to herself: Could it be... he's too overjoyed? Cautiously, she reached out and gently waved her hand before his eyes.

Just as she leaned in to get a closer look—

Ye Feiyang snapped awake!

The moment he opened his eyes, he saw Zhu Zhuqing's ethereally beautiful face mere inches away, separated by only a fist's distance!

"What are you doing?" he asked instinctively, a hint of confusion in his voice.

Zhu Zhuqing jerked her hand back, startled like a frightened kitten.

Her cheeks flushed slightly: "N-nothing! I saw you spacing out, and you didn't respond when I called. I was worried you might have suddenly fainted."

Ye Feiyang raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes.

Oh? Was this iceberg starting to thaw?

A teasing remark with a little edge—coming from her of all people?

"Alright, calm yourself..."

Ye Feiyang immediately put on his masterly demeanor and pointed at the ground: "You, sit cross-legged and steady yourself."

He cleared his throat, his tone carrying a hint of pride: "Your master has said before that countless people beg to become my disciple, and I can't be bothered to pay them any mind—that was no empty boast."

Watching Zhu Zhuqing sit as instructed, her eyes shimmering with anticipation, He was already imagining the expression she'd wear in a moment.

"Now, focus your mind and prepare to receive the opportunity your master bestows upon you!"

Ye Feiyang's expression was solemn, and Zhu Zhuqing inexplicably felt trust.

She followed his guidance, sitting with poise and a trace of hope.

An opportunity? What kind of opportunity required such gravity?

Ye Feiyang stood with his hands behind his back, an air of unfathomable depth gathering between his brows, paired with his striking features—truly eye-catching.

With a turn of his palm, a pill appeared in his hand, its surface flowing with faint light and radiating soul power fluctuations.

It was that Martial Soul Advancement Pill.

"Ask no more questions. Just do as I say."

"This pill can stir the origin power of your martial soul, helping it undergo a transformation. Take it."

Zhu Zhuqing stared at the pill, about the size of a pigeon egg. Setting aside whether she could swallow it smoothly, Could something like advancing a martial soul really be possible?

But looking at his expression, it didn't seem like a lie, and a storm of shock churned within her heart!

Such a miraculous thing was unheard of—did such a divine object truly exist in this world?

She even began to wonder if she'd run into a charlatan!

Yet at that moment, the Spirit Cat Martial Soul within her trembled uncontrollably.

A surge of longing from the depths of her bloodline rushed forth, frantically urging her to take the pill.

She wanted to ask something.

But Ye Feiyang only signaled with his eyes for her to take it.

The craving from her martial soul grew stronger.

Zhu Zhuqing hesitated no longer. She took the pill, tilted her head back, and swallowed it. Just as she thought to chew a bit to make it go down—

The pill dissolved on her tongue, turning into a torrent of pure energy that surged unerringly toward the origin of her martial soul!

"Mmph!"

Zhu Zhuqing let out a soft grunt, feeling a force of transformation erupt within her!

She quickly composed herself, not daring to be distracted, and focused all her energy on guiding this miraculous power.

She could clearly sense that her originally elegant and sharp Spirit Cat was now bathed in a deep, dark radiance!

Its form was undergoing a drastic change.

Its body grew longer and more agile, its lines brimming with explosive power, and ancient, mysterious dark-gold patterns emerged on its fur.

Her martial soul had successfully advanced to: Nine Nether Spirit Cat!

After the martial soul advancement, the residual energy of the pill directly pushed her cultivation, raising her level by two.

Zhu Zhuqing's level had now reached twenty-eight.

An unparalleled shock overwhelmed Zhu Zhuqing. Never in her life had she experienced such a liberating sensation.

This wasn't a dream, yet everything felt like one—truly hard to believe.

All her earlier doubts and skepticism toward Ye Feiyang now seemed so ridiculous!

She even felt a pang of guilt, unable to meet his eyes.

So close—just a hair's breadth away, and he would have personally pushed away this heaven-defying opportunity!

Items produced by the system were indeed reliable; no other complications arose during the Martial Soul Advancement process.

When Zhu Zhuqing opened her eyes again, those originally cold cat pupils now held not only shock but also deep gratitude and excitement.

She looked at Ye Feiyang, who was watching her with a gentle smile, and tears involuntarily filled her eyes.

Suddenly, a surge of impulse rose from the depths of her heart—she wanted to rush over and tightly embrace this man!

Every word this man had spoken, though seemingly casual, had proven true.

"Master! You, you really... I'm so moved I don't know what to say."

"I, my Martial Soul evolved into a Nine Nether Spirit Cat, its rank elevated. Master's kindness is beyond repayment; I can only..."

Ye Feiyang quickly raised his hand to stop her, clearly seeing this was an emotional, unguarded outburst.

"Since you've entered my sect, you're family. Among family, there's no need for formalities, understand?"

"But disciple, your joy comes too early. The fortune I wish to bestow upon you is far from over!"

Zhu Zhuqing's lips parted slightly, once again lost for words.

A Martial Soul Advancement was already unbelievable to her. What? Could there be something even more astonishing than this?

Ye Feiyang had just consulted the system on how to impart techniques to his disciple.

Heh, it was actually quite simple!

He only needed to strike a graceful pose, and the system would handle the rest.

"First, calm your mind and steady your spirit."

Then Ye Feiyang once again displayed his transcendent bearing.

He pressed his fingers together like a sword, a faint, barely perceptible starlight gathering at his fingertips, and gently tapped them against Zhu Zhuqing's smooth forehead!

A torrent of information surged into Zhu Zhuqing's spiritual sea!

The profound essence of the Shadow Profound Nether Art, the martial dao truths of the Nine Yin Manual, the killing intent of Instant Hell Kill...

All the essential teachings, insights, and energy circulation paths of these three ultimate techniques were deeply imprinted into the depths of her soul!

This method of imparting techniques through direct enlightenment left Zhu Zhuqing in awe.

So there were still so many mysteries in this world she had never encountered.

At this moment, her curiosity about Ye Feiyang's enigmatic nature grew even stronger.

The technique transmission was extremely fast, completed in an instant.

When Ye Feiyang withdrew his finger, Zhu Zhuqing slowly opened her eyes.

Without her noticing, crystal-clear teardrops slid down her fair cheeks.

"What's wrong?" Ye Feiyang reached out and wiped the tears from her face.

Her nature was cold; she rarely shed tears.

But everything that had happened today made it impossible for her to suppress the turmoil within.

"Disciple is fine, just overwhelmed with emotion. This grace of rebirth, I will never forget for all eternity!"

She lifted her head, tear stains still fresh, but her gaze had become unshakably resolute.

"Disciple will not disappoint Master's high expectations!"

Ye Feiyang looked at the sensible and obedient young woman before him, feeling quite gratified.

Still, he could understand—if someone treated him like this when he was at his lowest, he too would be moved beyond control.

Indeed! Striking while the iron was hot yielded twice the results with half the effort.

The growth gift pack gifted by the system, he had fully transferred to Zhu Zhuqing.

It wasn't so much that he was recruiting disciples widely, but rather that the system was selecting disciples through him.

If you can't find the book by its title, try searching by the author—maybe it just changed names!

But Ye Feiyang had long since figured it out; he and the system were more like partners in a mutually beneficial relationship.

As long as he could gain from it, that was enough.

Following the system's instructions, he carefully explained:

"The Shadow Profound Nether Art is of a higher level, so its cultivation progress will be slow. Just take it step by step, advancing gradually. The other two are equivalent to Self-Created Soul Skills, with relatively lower consumption and faster mastery. Grasp them as soon as possible to enhance your combat capabilities."

The energy level of this world was low, and the Shadow Profound Nether Art already fell within the realm of immortal cultivation techniques, so naturally, its progress couldn't be fast.

After a moment's thought, he added, "The techniques I've imparted to you must not be leaked, understand?"

Zhu Zhuqing was no fool; she knew that once these techniques were exposed, they would inevitably attract countless greedy eyes, even invite deadly disaster.

Just the inheritance in her mind alone covered a series of cultivation methods: movement techniques, attacks, body refinement, spiritual power...

Was there any more precious inheritance in the world than this?

She fully understood the stakes and nodded solemnly in response: "Master, rest assured. Disciple understands."

"Very good." Ye Feiyang nodded with satisfaction.

He wasn't afraid of trouble, but he detested annoyance.

Besides, how could the techniques he personally taught be casually passed on?

Unless... a hefty sum of money was offered in exchange, a very large amount of money.

This system was truly extraordinary—when imparting techniques, it fully granted the essential insights and circulation paths, making cultivation much smoother.

There was no need for Ye Feiyang to guide from the sidelines, though... he wasn't all that knowledgeable either.

As the medium, he still reaped benefits; otherwise, seeing so many rare techniques, he would have been green with envy, or even thrown in the towel.

After handling everything, Ye Feiyang instructed further:

"Alright, first get familiar with the technique on your own. Tomorrow, you'll come with me. We're going to... recruit new students."

"R-recruit new students?"

Zhu Zhuqing recalled that Ye Feiyang had mentioned founding an academy.

"Master, I'm already your disciple. Why do we need to recruit more?"

She had thought Ye Feiyang's talk of starting an academy was just to motivate her.

She hadn't expected him to be serious?

When she asked this, she hadn't thought it through, and there was even a hint of petulance in her tone.

Ye Feiyang gave her a knowing half-smile: "Of course we need to recruit. I'll take on nine disciples, and you'll be the chief."

Zhu Zhuqing came to her senses and realized she had lost her composure.

Ye Feiyang had never said he would only take her as a disciple.

But hearing the word "chief," the little disappointment in her heart instantly dissipated.

She couldn't monopolize Master, but being the chief senior sister wasn't bad either!

That way, Master was above, and she was below.

She had already gained so much; she shouldn't be greedy.

"Alright."

The gloomy mood brought on by encountering Dai Mubai earlier had been washed away completely by Ye Feiyang's series of actions.

Ye Feiyang was also pondering—after doing all this, the bond between those two should be mostly severed by now, right?

He'd need to keep an eye out in the future. If the plot tried to force them back together, showing signs of rekindling, he would naturally strike first to snuff it out.

Ye Feiyang was in high spirits, his steps light, the smile at the corners of his mouth hard to suppress.

Indeed, as long as you swing the hoe diligently, no wall is unbreakable!

One of the Shrek Three Beauties had been successfully claimed.

Two left? Naturally, he'd keep swinging the hoe!

He glanced at Zhu Zhuqing, who was still meditating with closed eyes, and didn't disturb her.

They had said they'd rest well, but instead, the two of them sat in cultivation all night, only opening their eyes at dawn.

Cultivation, sometimes, was truly intoxicating.

Their itinerary was already set.

The two stood up, exchanged smiles, and everything was understood without words.

Ye Feiyang's goal was clear—to head to that rundown village where Shrek Academy was located!

"Little Zhuqing..."

Ye Feiyang rubbed his chin as he led the way, "What do you think we should name our academy?"

Zhu Zhuqing followed behind, startled: "Ah? Master, are you asking me?"

In her heart, she silently prayed: Hopefully, no one can think of a good name, and the academy plan will fall through!

She had her selfishness too, but she only dared to think it.

Out loud, she obediently replied, "I, I don't know either. Master, didn't you think about it beforehand?"

"Tsk," Ye Feiyang clicked his tongue.

"If founding an academy weren't simpler, I'd really want to start a sect! What a pity, though—short on manpower."

He thought it over and said, "How about 'Supreme Academy'? What do you think?"

Zhu Zhuqing's little scheme failed, but she still went along: "Master, whatever you think is fine. Any name works."

Ye Feiyang curled his lip. He hated that kind of "whatever" attitude the most!

She had none of the initiative befitting the founding disciple.

Forget it, he couldn't be bothered to think further. 'Supreme Academy' it was!

Today's Zhu Zhuqing seemed to be in a good mood, as if yesterday's gloom had been swept clean.

It seemed she had truly let go of her past obsession.

Because it appeared she had already found a new pursuit.

"Master..."

She looked at the two of them empty-handed. "Are we going to recruit disciples just like this, with nothing in hand?"

Ye Feiyang's steps abruptly halted!

Right! If you want to poach talent, you need to bring a tool...

He glanced around. The desolate wilderness had nothing but a few crooked trees.

Suddenly, his gaze locked onto an aged tree by the roadside, and his eyes lit up!

"Well said! Showing up empty-handed really won't do. Wait here!"

Before his words faded, his figure flickered and he was already beneath the tree. A phantom of his long sword flashed and vanished!

A sharp sword aura swept through. The tree, which would take two people to wrap their arms around, fell with a crash, its cut as smooth as a mirror!

Zhu Zhuqing watched, her small mouth slightly agape. The fleeting glimpse of his martial soul aura and the way he felled the tree—so dashing!

But what was Master going to do with the tree?

Before she could figure it out, Ye Feiyang was already carrying a large wooden plank back.

"Master, what do you need this plank for?" Zhu Zhuqing looked at the wood, utterly puzzled.

Ye Feiyang grinned, revealing two rows of white teeth. "Naturally, to make the signboard for our Supreme Academy! We need a storefront to open for business!"

With that, he pressed his fingers together like a sword, gathering soul power at his fingertips, and began to scribble wildly across the plank in a flurry of strokes!

Wood chips flew everywhere. In no time, the four big characters "Supreme Academy" leaped onto the board.

The calligraphy was majestic and imposing, exuding a sharpness like a blade's edge, with a hint of a master's bearing.

Zhu Zhuqing marveled at it. She hadn't expected her Master to have such skill with a brush!

"Master, the writing is excellent! But where do you plan to hang this signboard?"

Ye Feiyang's hand, holding the signboard, froze mid-air. "Uh... how about you hold it for now?"

Just then, a furious roar came from afar:

"Hey, which damned bastard chopped down my family's thousand-year-old peach tree? Get the hell out here and pay up!"

At the spot where the tree had been felled, an old farmer holding a hoe was hopping and cursing in their direction, his spittle clearly visible in the sunlight.

Zhu Zhuqing tugged at Ye Feiyang's sleeve and whispered, "Master, it seems that old man is cursing at you?"

"Things are looking bad. Time for a swift retreat!"