Learning of the Martial Soul Fusion Skill

Shui Bing'er was completely stunned. She stared blankly at the nine Soul Rings beneath Liu Tianfeng's feet, then looked at Xue Tianxing beside her. Stormy waves surged through her heart—the elder of the "little brother" with whom she possessed a Martial Soul Fusion Skill was actually a Titled Douluo!

Recalling Teacher Sun's earlier address of "Your Excellency Poison Douluo," she suddenly realized that Xue Tianxing's background was likely far deeper than she had imagined.

The surname Xue, the Heaven Dou Empire, a Titled Douluo elder... Could he be a member of the Heaven Dou Imperial Family?

Sun Rui's expression became even uglier. Earlier, she had assumed Xue Tianxing was merely a genius from a small family, with unremarkable elders, which was why they had allowed him to venture alone into the Land of the Extreme North.

But now it seemed that two Titled Douluo stood behind him!

Thinking of how she had previously held her head high while trying to recruit Xue Tianxing into Skywater Academy, even secretly looking down on his elders, Sun Rui felt her cheeks burn. It was as if her earlier actions had been as laughable as a clown's antics in Xue Tianxing's eyes.

What frightened her even more was the terrifying thought that surfaced in her mind:

Major factions had always valued the bonds between geniuses. Since Xue Tianxing and Shui Bing'er could trigger such a powerful Martial Soul Fusion Skill, how could the force behind Xue Tianxing possibly let this opportunity slip away?

They would certainly do everything they could to keep Shui Bing'er by his side and nurture her alongside Xue Tianxing.

And Skywater Academy had no means of competing with them at all!

Just as Sun Rui was feeling unsettled, Xue Tianxing spoke again, perfectly confirming her suspicions:

"Bing'er, what do you think about what I told you before—coming home with me to cultivate together? As long as you're willing, cultivation resources won't be a problem, and Grandpa Liu can personally guide us."

This was already the second time Xue Tianxing had invited her, and Shui Bing'er's heartbeat involuntarily quickened.

Guidance from a Titled Douluo, abundant cultivation resources, and a Martial Soul Fusion Skill partner who could progress alongside her... Such temptations were difficult for any young Soul Master to refuse.

But when she thought of her family and teachers far away at Skywater Academy, she hesitated again. In the end, she bit her lip and said:

"Tianxing, I... I need to go home first and explain everything to my family and the dean. Once I've settled things, I'll come find you. Is that all right?"

Hearing this, Xue Tianxing nodded readily.

"No problem! Go back and let them know you're safe, then take care of your affairs. Grandpa Liu, Elder Dugu, and I will be returning to the Balak Kingdom next. Once Grandpa Liu's celebration banquet for becoming a Titled Douluo is ready, I'll have someone send an invitation to Skywater Academy. You have to come then!"

"All right! I'll definitely be there!"

Shui Bing'er immediately nodded in agreement, anticipation gleaming in her eyes.

At that moment, she suddenly recalled a piece of news that had spread over a year ago—the young prince of the Balak Kingdom had awakened the Ice Phoenix Martial Soul and possessed Innate Full Soul Power.

Combining Xue Tianxing's surname, Martial Soul, and background, an answer was ready to emerge:

Xue Tianxing was the young prince of the Balak Kingdom!

Yet she was still puzzled. From Innate Full Soul Power to a level forty-two Soul Ancestor, having even obtained his fourth Soul Ring, in less than two years... Such a cultivation speed was simply heaven-defying!

However, she also knew that this was not the time to ask about such matters. She could only bury her doubts in her heart.

Sun Rui stood to one side, watching the two converse so happily, her heart filled with helplessness and anxiety.

She knew that once Shui Bing'er returned to Skywater Academy this time, she would most likely not remain there any longer. Not only had Sun Rui failed to recruit Xue Tianxing, but she might also lose the academy's genius pillar.

But before two Titled Douluo, she did not dare voice any objection. She could only force a smile and say:

"Since that is the case, then let us first congratulate Elder Liu on his advancement, and wish little brother Xue a brilliant future. When the celebration banquet comes, Skywater Academy will certainly attend on time."

Liu Tianfeng smiled and waved his hand.

"You're too polite. It's also fate that Tianxing met all of you in the Land of the Extreme North."

Dugu Bo glanced at the sky and said:

"It is getting late. We should set off for the Balak Kingdom."

Xue Tianxing nodded, then turned to Shui Bing'er with a smile in his eyes.

"Then we'll take our leave for now. See you at the celebration banquet."

"See you, Tianxing!"

Shui Bing'er waved as she watched Xue Tianxing, Liu Tianfeng, and Dugu Bo set off on their return journey. Only after their figures vanished into the wind and snow did she withdraw her gaze.

Sun Rui looked at Shui Bing'er and sighed softly.

"Bing'er, we should return to Skywater Academy as well. We need to report this matter to the dean as soon as possible."

After leaving the town, Liu Tianfeng, Dugu Bo, and Xue Tianxing took to the skies and flew toward the Balak Kingdom.

The biting cold wind blew straight at them, yet it did nothing to dampen their interest in conversation.

During the flight, Liu Tianfeng recalled the young girl who had been chatting so happily with Xue Tianxing outside the inn and could not help teasing him.

"Tianxing, that little girl from Skywater Academy earlier—you seemed quite concerned about her. You even specifically invited her to the celebration banquet. What, do you like her?"

Xue Tianxing's cheeks reddened slightly at his words, but he quickly turned serious.

"Grandpa Liu, don't tease me. Bing'er is extremely talented, and our Martial Souls can trigger a Martial Soul Fusion Skill. If we cultivate together, it can greatly increase our cultivation speed, which happens to make up for the drawback of my Ultimate Spirit's slow cultivation."

"A Martial Soul Fusion Skill?!"

Liu Tianfeng and Dugu Bo stopped at the same time, their faces filled with shock.

Having spent most of their lives struggling across the Douluo Continent, they knew only too well how rare and precious a Martial Soul Fusion Skill was. It was not a simple combination of talent—it required their Martial Souls, Soul Power, and even spiritual power to be highly compatible before it could be triggered. Once formed, its power could often cross several major realms.

A glint flashed through Dugu Bo's eyes as he said to Xue Tianxing:

"Kid, an opportunity like a Martial Soul Fusion Skill is something you can only hope to encounter! That little girl and her teacher aren't far from us yet. How about I go 'invite' her to the Balak Kingdom? With you and me watching over her, she definitely won't refuse."

With the strength of a Titled Douluo, holding back a young girl who had only just broken through to the Soul Elder realm would be as easy as turning his hand.

"No, no, no, Elder, please don't act rashly."

Xue Tianxing hurriedly waved his hands, then said:

"Things like feelings and opportunities are best left to take their natural course. Bing'er isn't someone who can be forced, and I believe that once she thinks it through, she'll definitely come to the Balak Kingdom to find me."

Xue Tianxing did not want to use force to coerce Shui Bing'er. He hoped even more that the two of them could walk forward side by side of their own free will.

Seeing his firm attitude, Dugu Bo did not persist. He smiled and shook his head.

"You brat may be young, but you've got quite a mind of your own."