Dark Undercurrents

Cultivation was always grueling and tedious, but one had no choice but to keep going.

As night fell and the stars shifted, Fu Hua and Zhu Zhuqing's figures crossed paths in the courtyard. After the high-intensity training that afternoon, everyone had returned to their dorms to cultivate after eating and replenishing their energy. Yet Zhu Zhuqing still followed Fu Hua in practicing basic martial arts.

"I have little to teach you about Soul Power, but when it comes to martial arts alone, I can still manage."

The exchanges between Fu Hua and Zhu Zhuqing were sparse—so sparse that no one would think they knew each other. Yet the tacit coordination in their movements was something strangers could never achieve.

Close combat was the simplest and most direct means of attack. Beyond charging headlong, adding a few small techniques could catch an enemy completely off guard.

Just like Fu Hua and Zhu Zhuqing's sparring match right now.

Zhu Zhuqing excelled at speed. In the dark of night, she could move without a trace. Like an assailant concealed in the shadows, she was impossible to guard against.

Yet even so, she still could not get close to Fu Hua.

Whenever she charged, Fu Hua would deflect her with subtle force.

Whenever she launched a sneak attack, it was as though Fu Hua had a third eye, always swiftly detecting her whereabouts.

"When you launch an attack, there will be fluctuations in your Soul Power. As long as you predict where the attack will land beforehand, it becomes easy to defend against."

Fu Hua calmly explained Zhu Zhuqing's shortcomings.

This was likely a weakness shared by every Soul Master—except for those old monsters who had spent years consolidating themselves within a single realm.

Whenever a Soul Master attacked, faint Soul Power fluctuations would appear in the air. Fu Hua's six senses were extremely sharp, so she could naturally detect them immediately.

It could also be called foresight.

"Your attacks are too direct. It is easy for an enemy to see through your intentions. As an Agility Attack System Soul Master, you should learn to adapt and vary your methods. When pushed to the limit, one must seek change. You cannot cling stubbornly to the old ways."

With every blow she received, Fu Hua pointed out Zhu Zhuqing's flaws. Each time, Zhu Zhuqing improved. Though the progress was slow, she was undeniably growing.

Fu Hua withdrew her fist and stood still.

Her eyes fell upon the exhausted Zhu Zhuqing once more. Her voice was calm and indifferent.

"It is getting late. Let us continue another time. We still have to undergo Master's training tomorrow."

Zhu Zhuqing offered no objection and simply nodded. She wiped the sweat from her brow, then turned to return to her room.

Fu Hua spoke again. "Take another bath before you sleep. It will ease your fatigue. I have already prepared the hot water, so go to bed after you finish."

Zhu Zhuqing did not ask when the hot water had been prepared. She merely nodded again.

Her trust in Fu Hua seemed rather deep, but it was understandable. This was probably what Master wanted.

If a team lacked sufficient trust, it would be no better than a scattered mob.

The night receded, and dawn arrived.

The morning remained as usual. The bell for class rang on time, and the students who had already gathered on the field all looked spirited. Their gazes rested on Master's stiff face with reverence.

"Very good. You all arrived quickly today."

Master nodded, his gaze habitually sweeping across everyone's faces.

"I was very satisfied with your actions yesterday. Although some of you did not complete your punishment, what satisfied me was that I saw in you the spirit of never abandoning and never giving up. As companions, how can you feel safe entrusting your backs to one another? What you need is trust. You have all done very well. Your trust in one another allowed you to complete yesterday's test even better."

"Before today's lesson begins, Tang San, go complete yesterday's punishment first."

"Yes."

Tang San answered and turned to run out of the academy.

What was a whole? Sharing hardship and enjoying fortune together.

Only Shrek's little monsters were true Shrek little monsters.

Master's training was not particularly harsh—at least, in Fu Hua's eyes, it was far too easy. Of course, based on Master's regimen, she had not held back from giving herself extra training, and Zhu Zhuqing joined her as well.

If Master was a devil, then Fu Hua's training was truly hell. The first time Zhu Zhuqing tried cultivating with Fu Hua, she had nearly gone into shock and died.

This had nothing to do with willpower. Zhu Zhuqing's physical condition simply could not compare to Fu Hua's, so naturally it would not be easy.

But the results were outstanding. Master's training already pushed everyone to their limits, and medicine relieved their exhaustion at night. Combined with Fu Hua's training in combat techniques and martial arts, Zhu Zhuqing's growth was unquestionably the most noticeable among them all.

Even Master could not help casting her a second glance.

Perhaps having noticed Zhu Zhuqing's changes, the others gradually began paying attention to Fu Hua as well.

The outcome was easy to imagine. When everyone saw that hellish training, they felt genuine awe. She was a devil even more terrifying than Master!

Three months passed just like that.

Everyone had grown in different ways. Dai Mubai had become more robust. Ma Hongjun was slimmer than when they had first met him. Oscar's body was no longer so delicate. Ning Rongrong looked more heroic. Beneath Zhu Zhuqing's thin frame lay terrifying speed. Xiao Wu was still Xiao Wu, and Tang San was still Tang San.

Were they really worthy of being siblings? Even this was the same.

Over those three months, much had also happened outside. For example, many unfamiliar faces had appeared in Suotuo City, and someone frequently visited the city's only library.

The higher-ups of the Great Soul Arena continued living in tension and unease.

Inside Suo Tuo Library.

The surroundings were tranquil. Tea fragrance lingered in the air, and the scent of books was intoxicating. Yet it was unclear whether it was people or hearts that had become drunk.

"Qinghe, you have come to wait for Fu Hua again."

"Grandpa Sol, I merely came to read."

Xue Qinghe was refined and courteous. His gentlemanly smile was intoxicating.

Sol did not expose his lie. He shook his head and sat down across from him.

"I know you came looking for Fu Hua. That girl Fu Hua values relationships deeply. She can be stubborn at times, but she is a good girl. For the sake of an old man like me, she even gave up going to Heaven Dou Royal Academy. I know she wishes to repay the kindness I have shown her over the years, but seeing her like this makes me feel terrible as well."

It seemed that Librarian Sol had opened some sort of floodgate. Once he began speaking of Fu Hua, he could not stop. Perhaps it was because there was someone here willing to listen to the bitterness of his past.

"If not for that little girl, my library would have closed long ago. She was so mature at such a young age, and her talent was so high, yet she never coveted wealth or glory. With such a temperament, there is no second person like her left on this continent."

Worry covered Librarian Sol's aged face.

"What a pity that she is a woman. If only she had been born a man. This world is unfair to her in the end."

"I think Grandpa Sol worries too much. Even as a woman, Fu Hua makes men pale in comparison. Her brilliance is destined to be beyond the reach of many men." Xue Qinghe spoke solemnly, without the slightest hesitation because Fu Hua was a woman.

Librarian Sol nodded, comfort showing on his face.

"I know. I understand. But she is still a woman, and she needs someone who will love and cherish her. Sometimes, when one's light shines too brightly, it can obscure many things."

Librarian Sol's words carried deeper meaning. His clouded eyes stared directly at Xue Qinghe across from him.

Xue Qinghe understood what Librarian Sol meant, but the first thing that arose in his mind was a strange feeling. His expression turned awkward, and he did not know how to respond.

This... seemed rather pointed.

"A woman as outstanding as her is naturally admired by everyone. I am no exception."

"Merely admired?"

"Yes, merely admired."

Librarian Sol did not shift his gaze, as if he wished to see through Xue Qinghe's heart.

"Forget it. I should not force the matter."

Xue Qinghe lifted the tea on the table and took a light sip, suppressing the strange feeling in his heart. As usual, he sat before the desk.

His eyes gazed into the distance, watching the crowds passing outside the door. He seemed to be searching for someone, yet searching for no one at all. He merely watched aimlessly until the sky gradually darkened. Only then did he rise and bid Librarian Sol farewell.

He climbed into a carriage that appeared plain on the outside but was luxurious within, heading for the Great Soul Arena.

This was what he had done for the past three months. It was dull and tedious, making him want to abandon Fu Hua and return to the imperial city. He still had many matters to handle; he was not here to waste his time.

Spirit Hall in Suotuo City seemed to have welcomed some important figure as well. This made Xue Qinghe even more anxious. Were dark currents about to rise even in this small Suotuo City?

Shrek Academy, girls' dormitory.

Several girls sat together, chatting about everything under the sun and discussing the private matters of young women.

"Fu Hua, Zhuqing, you two have been so elusive lately. You are not still doing that devilish training, are you?" Ning Rongrong's slightly heroic face wore a smile, and her tone was teasing.

Though it was unclear what exactly she was trying to tease them about.

Zhu Zhuqing responded coldly, while Fu Hua nodded lightly. She paid no mind to Ning Rongrong's teasing. To her, cultivation was simply cultivation. There was nothing worth fussing over.

Ning Rongrong's face fell in disappointment. Sure enough, the serious Fu Hua was truly exasperating!

"Rongrong has become prettier lately too. It is thanks to Master's training, so you must not slack off."

With a serious expression, she delivered a serious compliment. Ning Rongrong did not even know how to react.

Her face reddened slightly, and she shot Fu Hua a reproachful look.

Naturally, girls were happy when praised for being beautiful. But being praised by Fu Hua always felt somewhat strange.

"So, Fu Hua means Rongrong was not pretty before?" Xiao Wu teased.

"No. She was just as pretty before as she is now."

Xiao Wu was instantly defeated!

Fine, it was still too early to try teasing Fu Hua.

"I heard that you and Tang San are siblings, Xiao Wu?" Fu Hua asked.

"Yes! Why?"

Xiao Wu was puzzled. For some reason, she had a bad feeling.

So that was it.

Fu Hua lowered her head in thought, propping her chin up with one hand as realization dawned on her face.

"So sibling affection can be so open? Though it is uncommon, Xiao Wu, you must keep working hard. Tang San is very strong, and his future path will certainly lead far. If you fall behind, you may regret it for the rest of your life," Fu Hua said.

Although they knew she meant Xiao Wu should cherish Tang San, only Fu Hua could say it so seriously without making anyone feel upset.

It was like how some men spoke about women's breasts—somehow, it was impossible to get angry.

Ning Rongrong was speechless. Xiao Wu fell silent. Zhu Zhuqing's expression was strange.

Before the girls' dormitory, the atmosphere was unexpectedly harmonious.

Trying to trick Fu Hua? You are still too inexperienced. Hidden from view, amusement gleamed in Fu Hua's eyes.

As the sky gradually darkened, the girls returned to their own dorm rooms. Only Fu Hua and Zhu Zhuqing remained in the courtyard, sitting opposite one another beneath the moonlight and meditating quietly.

Not long after, perhaps around five minutes later, Fu Hua let out a soft sigh. It had not been long since she had obtained her Soul Ring, yet her Soul Power had once more reached its peak.

Level forty.

On this continent, there was probably no one whose cultivation progressed as quickly as hers. It was like riding a rocket.

"Fu Hua?"

"Did I disturb you?"

Zhu Zhuqing shook her head. She was merely puzzled as to why Fu Hua had sighed.

"What level has your Soul Power reached now?"

"Level twenty-nine."

One more level to go?

Among the Shrek group, aside from Dai Mubai, Tang San, Xiao Wu, Oscar, and Fu Hua, everyone else remained below level thirty. Even Ma Hongjun, who had the highest Soul Power among the rest, was only at level twenty-eight. Zhu Zhuqing could be said to have overtaken those who had started ahead of her.

It was also thanks to Master and Fu Hua's training that she had grown so quickly.

During the day, she underwent Master's special training. At night, she cultivated alongside Fu Hua. Her body and combat skills were trained together. If she still showed no improvement, then she would not deserve to remain at Shrek Academy.

"Tonight, we will cultivate Soul Power."

Zhu Zhuqing was surprised. Usually, they trained combat skills, with occasional basic physical exercises, but Fu Hua had never spoken of Soul Power cultivation.

No matter how many doubts she had, Zhu Zhuqing would never refuse anything that could strengthen her.

She nodded firmly and waited for Fu Hua's next words.

PS: Honestly, I have no idea what I was writing in this chapter. It feels like I have a high fever—my mind is hazy. Maybe it is because I did not sleep well last night.

PS1: Go read the must-read notice. I explained it there.