Bei Bei stepped forward at once, putting himself between Tang Ya and the wary boy, who was still maintaining Martial Soul Possession.
A gentle smile played on his face.
"Brother, don't misunderstand."
Bei Bei cupped his hands, his tone sincere.
"We're third-year students at Shrek Academy. I'm Bei Bei, and this is Tang Ya. We've been tracking this Mandala Snake for a long time. Tang Ya needs its Soul Ring to advance to Soul Elder."
Tang Ya poked her head out from behind Bei Bei. She'd been looking at the motionless Mandala Snake on the ground with a pained expression, but the moment Bei Bei introduced her, she puffed out her chest.
Though her blue dress was smeared with grass and leaves, leaving her a little disheveled, her big eyes were still bright and lively.
"That's right, we're Outer Academy students at Shrek!"
Tang Ya muttered, but she couldn't help glancing at Dai Huabin. The imposing might of his "White Tiger Vajra Transformation" had clearly stunned her.
Dai Huabin recognized them, of course.
Now that they'd revealed who they were, there was no need for him to keep up his guard.
"So you're senior students from Shrek Academy."
Dai Huabin let the Soul Power surging around him dissipate.
As the white barrier faded, the explosive muscles across his body slowly receded. The "king" on his forehead vanished, and he once again looked like a golden-haired young noble.
Dai Huabin straightened his slightly rumpled collar and gave a small nod.
"I'm Dai Huabin, from the White Tiger Duke Mansion in the Star Luo Empire. I'm also an incoming student this year."
At the words "White Tiger Duke Mansion," a look of Just as I thought flashed in Bei Bei's eyes.
"So you're Dai, a junior from the White Tiger Duke Mansion."
Bei Bei's smile turned a little more genuine.
"Seems we're quite fated to meet. We haven't even started school yet, and we've already run into each other here."
Beside him, Tang Ya's eyes widened. Her jaw nearly hit the ground.
She pointed at Dai Huabin, then at herself, looking utterly crushed.
"You said you're a new student?"
Tang Ya's voice rose.
"You're a new student and already a three-ring Soul Elder? Is this for real? I've worked my tail off for all these years, and only today did I finally manage to hunt down a Third Soul Ring, and you actually..."
Tang Ya felt as though she'd taken a ton of critical hits.
Was this what the foundation of a great family looked like?
Was this the difference between a genius and an ordinary person?
Tang Ya's Martial Soul was Blue Silver Grass, but the gap in their cultivation speed still left her feeling sour.
"Bei Bei, I don't want to live anymore. Comparing yourself to others is infuriating." Tang Ya tugged on Bei Bei's sleeve and shook it, her face full of despair.
Bei Bei smiled helplessly, then turned to Dai Huabin with an apologetic tone.
"Xiao Ya's rather blunt, so don't take it to heart, junior. But with talent like yours, you'd rank among the best even in Shrek Academy's history."
Dai Huabin barely reacted.
"I was just lucky," he said offhandedly.
Just then, Tang Ya seemed to think of something. Her eyes lit up, and all her gloom vanished.
She darted two steps over to Dai Huabin, her big eyes blinking brightly.
"Junior Dai, since you're from the White Tiger Duke Mansion, do you know that your ancestor Dai Mubai and our ancestor Tang San were sworn brothers ten thousand years ago? This has to be fate!"
Here it comes.
The Tang Sect recruiting pitch was live.
Dai Huabin grumbled inwardly, but kept his expression neutral. "It's indeed recorded in our family histories."
"Then that's wonderful!"
Tang Ya clapped her hands excitedly.
"Since our families were so close back then, would you consider joining the Tang Sect?
"Though the Tang Sect is a little... short on members these days, we still have a solid foundation! Since you're from the White Tiger Family, joining the Tang Sect would make us practically family. And since you're a Soul Elder, we'll make you an elder right away. What do you say?"
Tang Ya looked at him expectantly.
Bei Bei stayed quiet, but gave a slight nod. It was clear that having a young Soul Elder like Dai Huabin join the Tang Sect would be wonderful.
Dai Huabin looked at Tang Ya's eager expression. He had just one thought: Ha.
Join the Tang Sect?
The Tang Sect had no money, no people, and no resources.
Why would he join?
The Mysterious Heaven Skill was pretty good, but Dai Huabin didn't want to get too involved with the Tang Sect.
"I appreciate the offer, senior."
Dai Huabin's reply was faultlessly polite.
"But joining a sect is a major decision. Though I'm the duke's son, I can't decide on my own; I'd have to report it to my parents first. Besides, I've only just arrived at Shrek, and I'd rather focus on my studies."
The light in Tang Ya's eyes dimmed at once. Her shoulders drooped in disappointment.
"I knew it wouldn't be that easy. Those great families never want to join a declining sect like ours."
"Teacher Xiao Ya," Bei Bei gently reminded her, signaling that she shouldn't make a scene in front of an outsider.
Tang Ya stuck out her tongue, then turned and ran to the unconscious Mandala Snake.
"Fine, fine. Since junior Dai isn't interested, I'll take this Soul Ring first. Hmph, at least the snake's knocked out, so I don't have to fight it."
She pulled out a short knife and lined it up with the Mandala Snake's vitals.
Dai Huabin saw no reason to stay.
Huo Yuhao had already fused with the Sky Dream Ice Silkworm, and Electrolux had already moved into his mind. There was nothing left for him here.
"Since you two still have things to do, I'll leave you to it."
At that, Bei Bei glanced at the sky.
"Junior Dai, this is the Star Dou Great Forest. Even though we're near the outskirts, there's still some danger. Why don't we head back to the academy together after Xiao Ya absorbs her Soul Ring? It'll be safer to travel in a group."
Bei Bei really was a considerate person. He genuinely treated Dai Huabin like a junior he'd be looking after at school.
But Dai Huabin just wanted to get to Shrek City and find somewhere to properly examine Electrolux in his mind. He had no time to waste here with them.
"Thank you for the kind offer, senior Bei Bei."
Dai Huabin waved a hand, the corner of his mouth lifting in a faint smile.
"But my fiancée already left for the academy ahead of me. I need to catch up with her so she doesn't worry. I'll see you at the academy."
"Your fiancée?"
Bei Bei and Tang Ya both froze.
He was engaged at such a young age?
But on second thought, if the White Tiger Dai Family had arranged a marriage alliance, it would likely be with the Zhu Family of the Hell Spirit Cat.
"I see. Then we won't keep you, junior."
Bei Bei understood and cupped his hands.
"When we get to the academy, dinner's on me. I want to thank you for stopping that Mandala Snake for us today."
"Sure."
Dai Huabin turned and strode away without hesitation.
He didn't even look back at Tang Ya, who was still busy wrestling with the snake.
Watching Dai Huabin's figure vanish among the trees, Bei Bei's smile gradually faded. His gaze grew thoughtful.
"Bei Bei, he's so arrogant."
Tang Ya murmured as she skillfully bled the Mandala Snake.
"He's pretty handsome, but he feels so cold. Not cute at all."
"It's normal for someone from the White Tiger Duke Mansion to be proud," Bei Bei said thoughtfully.
"But Dai Huabin is much more mature than I expected. For a moment back there, I could hardly believe he was an eleven- or twelve-year-old boy."
"Who cares? At least he didn't join the Tang Sect." Tang Ya sat cross-legged and drew the purple Soul Ring toward herself. "Once I absorb this Soul Ring, I'll be a Soul Elder too!"
Bei Bei smiled fondly and stood guard beside her, but his gaze remained fixed on the direction Dai Huabin had gone.
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