Black Rabbit's Transformation, Undercurrents Surge Again

More than ten days passed in a strange, tense balance.

The dormitory building seemed shrouded in an invisible barrier, its oppressive atmosphere making it hard to breathe.

Ning Rongrong's door remained tightly shut. Yet the cold, venomous aura around it gradually withdrew, transforming into a deeper, more heart-palpitating dead silence. Whenever maids nervously delivered meals, they would find a list of requested items outside the door—not fine clothes or jewelry, but books and materials on Soul Tool principles, basic arrays, internal personnel records of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and even the distribution of rare minerals across the continent. One maid even caught a glimpse of the wastebasket in the corner, stuffed with drafts covered in complex calculations and structural diagrams, along with torn scraps bearing words like "power," "revenge," and "control."

The darkened princess was frantically absorbing every piece of knowledge she believed could bring her "power," brewing a plan no one could fathom in her own way.

Zhu Zhuqing, meanwhile, was completely immersed in her newfound strength. Her thirty-third-level Soul Power had fully stabilized, and her use of the Netherworld Soul Devouring Slash grew increasingly skilled and ruthless. She rarely left her room. Apart from cultivation, she repeatedly pondered the scattered remarks Yang Yu occasionally made about the origins of darkness and speed. She maintained a distant yet wary "cooperative" relationship with Shui Bing'er, exchanging only necessary information while remaining guarded against each other. The confidence brought by her increased strength added a sharp edge to her cold eyes.

Shui Bing'er had it the hardest. She remained by Xiao Wu's side without taking a single step away, continuously channeling her Extreme Ice Attribute Soul Power almost day and night. Her face grew paler by the day, and her Soul Power consumption was enormous. Xiao Wu's body was like a bottomless pit, yet also an extremely unstable furnace. Under the neutralizing effects of the ice-attribute Soul Power, the Immortal Herb's energy was being absorbed more slowly, but the process remained incomparably painful.

Xiao Wu often struggled between unconsciousness and brief moments of clarity. When awake, she could feel that immense, terrifying power within her slowly transforming every inch of her bones, muscles, and meridians. It brought tearing pain, but also an unprecedented illusion of strength. Yet more than anything, she felt deep fear—fear of exploding to death, fear of her identity being exposed, and fear of Yang Yu's unfathomable methods. Like a chrysalis trapped within its cocoon, she awaited an unknown transformation amid pain and despair.

Watching Xiao Wu's condition, Shui Bing'er's anxiety grew by the day. She could feel the energy in Xiao Wu's body accumulating to a critical point, ready to erupt completely at any moment. And she herself was nearing her limit as well.

That day, at dusk.

Xiao Wu's body began to tremble violently again. Seven-colored light beneath her skin flickered madly, even bursting through her body and casting the entire room in bizarre, shifting colors! Her body swelled slightly again as though being inflated, while an uncontrollable, agonized shriek escaped her throat!

"It's happening again!" Shui Bing'er's expression changed drastically. She hurriedly pressed both hands against Xiao Wu's forehead, unleashing her icy-blue Soul Power without reservation as she tried to forcibly suppress it!

But this time, the Immortal Herb energy's backlash was especially fierce! It was as if the power it had accumulated for so long had finally found an outlet! Icy-blue chill and seven-colored radiance collided violently, hissing as the room's temperature swung wildly between freezing and scorching!

Shui Bing'er let out a muffled groan, blood spilling from the corner of her mouth as the violent energy knocked her back half a step! Her Soul Power was about to fail to contain it!

"No! The energy is too strong! I can't hold on much longer!" Shui Bing'er cried anxiously toward the door, her voice carrying a trace of despair. She knew Yang Yu or Zhu Zhuqing would be able to hear her.

The door was pushed open. The one who entered was not Yang Yu, but Zhu Zhuqing.

She glanced at Xiao Wu, whose energy was on the verge of losing control, and at the pale-faced Shui Bing'er. Her cold eyes showed not the slightest ripple. Walking to the bedside, she extended her right hand. Silver-black Netherworld Soul Devouring Slash energy flickered faintly from her fingertips.

"What are you doing?" Shui Bing'er startled.

"The energy is congested. It needs to be guided out. Better to dredge it than block it." Zhu Zhuqing's voice was icy as that strand of Soul Power, filled with corrosive properties, precisely tapped several nodes where energy had gathered in Xiao Wu's lower abdomen!

Sizzle!

It was like a red-hot branding iron plunging into ice water! Xiao Wu let out an agonized scream that reached the utmost limit! Her body arched violently! Yet at the same time, a surge of overly violent Immortal Herb energy seemed to find an exit, erupting through the gap Zhu Zhuqing had torn open!

Boom!

Seven-colored energy currents spread like shockwaves, shattering the furniture in the room to pieces!

Shui Bing'er was thrown through the air by the blast, slamming heavily into the wall!

Zhu Zhuqing was also forced back several steps, her arm going numb, but her gaze remained calm.

On the bed, Xiao Wu's swelling body slowly settled after that extreme release of pain. The seven-colored light gradually withdrew as well. Though she remained unconscious, her breathing had actually become steadier!

This brutal method of "guidance" had been incredibly dangerous, but it temporarily eased the crisis of her body exploding.

Shui Bing'er struggled to get up. Looking at the wrecked room and the temporarily stabilized Xiao Wu, lingering fear filled her heart. Her gaze toward Zhu Zhuqing became even more complicated. This woman was ruthless toward herself, and even more ruthless toward others.

Zhu Zhuqing did not even look at her. She turned and left, leaving behind only a cold sentence. "She can hold on for three more days."

Shui Bing'er's face turned pale. Three days...

At that moment, Yue Guan's enchanting figure silently appeared at the doorway. His usual smile remained on his face, but his eyes were somewhat grave.

"His Highness the Holy Son requests the two of you." His gaze swept over the wrecked room and Xiao Wu, his smile unchanged. "It seems... guests have arrived. Not very friendly guests."

Zhu Zhuqing and Shui Bing'er exchanged a glance, both seeing confusion and vigilance in each other's eyes.

The two followed Yue Guan to Yang Yu's room.

Yang Yu stood by the window, gazing toward the academy entrance. The setting sun's afterglow made the outline of his profile somewhat indistinct.

"A minor nuisance has arrived." Yang Yu did not turn around, his voice calm. "People from Blazing Academy. They came because of the aura of the 'Immortal Herb.'"

Blazing Academy?

Shui Bing'er's heart tightened. Blazing Academy, one of the Five Element Academies? Known for its highly offensive fire-attribute Martial Souls, it was the sworn rival of Skywater Academy. How had they found this place? And how did they know about the Immortal Herb?

"The leader is Huo Wushuang, a forty-eighth-level Attack Type Battle Soul Sect Master with the Unicorn Fire Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul. There's also his tagalong sister, Huo Wu, a forty-fourth-level control-type Battle Soul Sect Master with the Fire Shadow Martial Soul." Yue Guan added from the side, his tone carrying a trace of disdain. "Two youngsters who don't know their limits. They sensed the aura from the Immortal Herb energy eruption earlier and assumed an Exotic Treasure had appeared. They're blocking the academy entrance and making a scene. That dumb bear Zhao Wuji is about to be unable to stop them."

Huo Wushuang? Huo Wu? Shui Bing'er frowned deeply. The two were quite famous among the younger generation of Soul Masters, and their strength was formidable. Huo Wu in particular was extremely troublesome due to her control abilities. Blazing Academy's people were notorious for their fiery tempers and domineering conduct.

"They came for me?" Shui Bing'er asked instinctively. After all, she was here, and Skywater Academy and Blazing Academy were old enemies.

"For you? Perhaps, a little." Yang Yu finally turned around, but his gaze fell upon Shui Bing'er with a hint of amusement. "But more than that, they came for the thing you've been desperately trying to conceal."

Shui Bing'er's face instantly turned deathly pale! Was he referring to Xiao Wu?! Had Blazing Academy sensed the Immortal Herb aura leaking from within Xiao Wu?!

If they discovered the secret of a Ten Thousand Year Spirit Beast Transformation... the consequences would be unimaginable! Soul Masters across the entire continent would go mad!

"Your Highness..." Shui Bing'er's voice was dry. "We absolutely cannot let them..."

"I know." Yang Yu interrupted her, his tone still calm. "That is why I need you to handle it."

"Me?" Shui Bing'er froze.

"You are from Skywater Academy. It is most appropriate for you to deal with them." Yang Yu said evenly. "Send them away. The method is up to you. I only care about the result."

Shui Bing'er's heart sank. This was a test! It was also forcing her to choose a side completely! If she handled it poorly and allowed Blazing Academy to notice anything unusual, or if she entertained other thoughts... she believed the youth before her absolutely had ways to make both her and Xiao Wu disappear!

She glanced at the expressionless Zhu Zhuqing beside her, then thought of the "human-shaped medicine" in the room that could explode at any moment. Gritting her teeth, she made her decision.

"I understand." Shui Bing'er took a deep breath, her eyes turning resolute. "I will handle it cleanly."

She turned and strode outside. Cold air spread around her like an ice phoenix about to march onto the battlefield.

A large number of students and teachers had already gathered at the academy gate to watch the commotion.

Zhao Wuji stood at the entrance with several teachers, his expression grim as he confronted the two people opposite him.

A man and a woman stood out sharply among the crowd.

The man was tall and broad, with short red hair standing upright like flames. His features were rugged, and he wore crimson combat attire. A scorching, violent aura radiated from his body. It was Huo Wushuang. With his arms folded and impatience written across his face, four Spirit Rings flickered beneath his feet.

The woman wore a fiery-red dress. She was tall and voluptuous, with stunning features, but her brows carried undisguised arrogance and fiery intensity. It was Huo Wu. She toyed with a flickering flame in her hand, her sharp eyes sweeping through Nuoding Academy as if sensing something.

"Zhao Wuji! Cut the nonsense! That special energy fluctuation clearly came from your academy just now! It must be some incredible treasure! Hand it over now, or don't blame Blazing Academy for being impolite!" Huo Wushuang's voice rang like a bell, carrying Blazing Academy's usual domineering manner.

"Bullshit! What treasure could our academy possibly have? That was... that was one of our teachers testing a new Soul Skill!" Zhao Wuji stubbornly argued, cold sweat nearly pouring down his face. The two across from him possessed both strength and powerful backgrounds. He did not dare act rashly, but he absolutely could not let them enter either.

"Testing a Soul Skill?" Huo Wu scoffed, her voice crisp but mocking. "What kind of Soul Skill could possess such pure and vast energy? Vice Principal Zhao, do you take us for three-year-old children? Move aside now, or I'll burn down the gate of your pathetic academy!"

The flame in her hand suddenly leapt higher, and the temperature rose sharply!

At that moment, a clear, cold voice sounded.

"Huo Wu, after all these years, you're still as noisy as ever."

The crowd parted as Shui Bing'er slowly approached. Though her face was still somewhat pale, cold frost radiated from her body, instantly suppressing some of the scorching atmosphere at the gate.

"Shui Bing'er?!" The moment Huo Wu saw her, astonishing battle intent and disgust erupted in her beautiful eyes. "So it really is you, you ice-cold woman! That energy fluctuation earlier had something to do with you? What are you people from Skywater Academy secretly plotting here?!"

Huo Wushuang also fixed a sharp gaze on Shui Bing'er, his brow furrowed tightly.

Shui Bing'er looked at them coldly. "Where I am and what I do, do I need to report it to Blazing Academy?"

"Hmph! Stop pretending!" Huo Wu stepped forward, staring her down without yielding. "That energy was pure and enormous, far from ordinary! Did Skywater Academy find some heavenly treasure and intend to keep it all for yourselves? Not a chance!"

"So what if we did? So what if we didn't?" Shui Bing'er's tone was icy. "Even if there is one, it is Skywater Academy's opportunity. What does it have to do with you? Go back to your Blazing Fire City!"

"Impudence!" Huo Wushuang roared. "Shui Bing'er, don't think we're afraid of you just because you're a Soul Emperor! Since my sister and I are here today, we won't leave without getting to the bottom of this! If you know what's good for you, let us search the place! Otherwise..."

"Otherwise what?" Shui Bing'er's gaze turned completely cold. "You want to fight? I'll oblige."

Before her words had even faded, two yellow, two purple, and one black Spirit Ring rose beneath her feet! Terrifying extreme cold erupted, instantly freezing a layer of frost across the ground! The pressure of a Soul Emperor descended without restraint upon Huo Wushuang and Huo Wu!

Both Huo Wushuang and Huo Wu's expressions changed. Forced back half a step by the overwhelming pressure, their Spirit Rings emerged automatically to resist the cold. They had not expected Shui Bing'er to be so unyielding, ready to attack immediately!

"Shui Bing'er! Are you really going to become enemies with Blazing Academy over some unknown thing?!" Huo Wu gritted out, the flames in her hand dancing even more fiercely.

"Enemies?" A cold curve touched Shui Bing'er's lips. "Are you worthy?"

She stopped wasting words. Her fifth Spirit Ring lit up instantly!

"Fifth Soul Skill, Ice Phoenix Whirling Dance!"

A clear phoenix cry rang out once more! Countless icy-blue phoenix feathers appeared from thin air like sharp blades, spinning and slicing through the air as they swept toward Huo Wushuang and Huo Wu with terrifying chill capable of freezing everything! She attacked with full force from the very start!

She had to end this quickly. She could not let them continue entangling themselves here and discover something deeper!

"As if I'm afraid of you!" Huo Wushuang roared. His Unicorn Fire Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul Possession activated, and his Fourth Soul Skill erupted as he transformed into a violent fireball to meet the attack!

Huo Wu also gave a sharp cry. Her Fire Shadow Martial Soul flashed as her Third Soul Skill released a large number of Flame Rings of Repulsion, attempting to block the Ice Phoenix Whirling Dance!

Boom!!!

Ice and fire—energies at the utmost extremes—collided fiercely!

A terrifying energy shockwave spread instantly! Half the academy gate collapsed on the spot! The watching crowd cried out and retreated repeatedly!

Zhao Wuji's face twisted bitterly as he hurriedly called for the teachers to evacuate the students and reinforce the barrier.

At the center of the explosion, frost and flames eroded and annihilated each other!

Shui Bing'er let out a muffled groan, her face turning even paler. She had already expended enormous amounts of energy, and forcefully activating a Soul Skill now was difficult for her.

Huo Wushuang and Huo Wu were in even worse condition. The powerful Ice Phoenix Whirling Dance sent their blood and energy churning as they staggered back repeatedly. A thin layer of ice covered their bodies, leaving them in a miserable state.

The gap between a Soul Emperor and Soul Ancestors was simply too great! Especially when Shui Bing'er wielded extreme ice!

"Shui Bing'er! You!" Huo Wu was shocked and furious. She had not expected the other woman to truly strike so ruthlessly!

"Get lost!" Shui Bing'er gave them no chance to catch their breath. Forcing up her Soul Power, she instantly unleashed her Second Spirit Ability, Ice Seal. An icy-blue beam shot directly at Huo Wu!

Huo Wu's face changed drastically as she hurriedly dodged!

At that very moment!

A black shadow silently appeared behind Huo Wushuang like a ghost! Zhu Zhuqing!

No one knew when she had already infiltrated the area! Her third Spirit Ring suddenly lit up! Netherworld Soul Devouring Slash!

Silver-black, sinister lightning wrapped around her fingertips as she stabbed directly toward Huo Wushuang's back! Her speed exceeded the limits of his reaction! The soul-corroding power contained within that strike made Huo Wushuang's scalp go numb instantly!

"Brother! Watch out!" Huo Wu cried out in alarm!

Huo Wushuang only had time to barely twist aside!

Sizzle!

Though the Netherworld Soul Devouring Slash did not pierce his heart, it viciously sliced across his ribs!

"Argh!" Huo Wushuang let out a painful scream! The wound was not deep, but a cold, sinister force instantly drilled into his body, frantically corroding his Soul Power and spiritual power! His vision went dark, and his Soul Power circulation immediately became sluggish!

Seizing the opportunity, Shui Bing'er sharply redirected the Ice Seal beam, instantly freezing the slowed Huo Wushuang into a massive block of ice! Only his head remained exposed, his face filled with shock, fury, and disbelief!

"Brother!" Huo Wu's eyes nearly split apart as she tried to rush forward to save him.

Zhu Zhuqing's cold gaze swept toward her, silver-black lightning lighting up her fingertips once again.

Shui Bing'er also stepped forward, the pressure of a Soul Emperor descending once more!

Huo Wu's steps halted abruptly. Looking at her brother frozen into an ice sculpture, then at the watchful Shui Bing'er and the black-clad girl with the strange, powerful aura, her face alternated between green and white. She knew they had completely lost today! Their opponents did not care about Blazing Academy's reputation at all!

"We... leave!" Huo Wu forced out the two words through clenched teeth, filled with humiliation and unwillingness. But she did not dare gamble further. Her opponents might truly kill them!

Shui Bing'er gave a cold wave of her hand.

The ice encasing Huo Wushuang shattered. He broke free, but his face was deathly pale and his aura weak. Casting fearful glances at Zhu Zhuqing and Shui Bing'er, he retreated miserably to Huo Wu's side.

"Blazing Academy will remember what happened today!" Huo Wu left behind a harsh warning before supporting her brother away, the two departing swiftly in a disheveled state.

A disturbance had been forcibly suppressed in the most domineering manner possible.

The spectators were silent as cicadas, their eyes filled with awe and fear as they looked at Shui Bing'er, who stood at the gate like an ice goddess descended, and Zhu Zhuqing, who was like a ghost.

Watching the direction in which they vanished, Shui Bing'er quietly let out a breath of relief, but her mood grew even heavier. She knew this was only the beginning. The Immortal Herb aura had leaked out, and Blazing Academy would not be the only one drawn here.

She turned and exchanged a glance with Zhu Zhuqing before silently walking toward the dormitory building.

After this incident, they had been forced to bind themselves more tightly together.

And Yang Yu, standing behind the window, had seen every bit of it.

That cold curve appeared on his lips once more.

"More and more fish are taking the bait..."

"The water should become muddier too."