The Scarlet King Wants to Spar with Me?

Dai Huabin stepped forward a few steps and nodded slightly.

"Sister Bi Ji, it's been a long time."

"It's been a long time." Bi Ji's gaze lingered on him for a moment, then swept over the people behind him. "And these gentlemen are..."

After the brief introduction, Ice Empress and Snow Empress nodded in acknowledgment, without saying much more.

Bi Ji then completely released Di Lingxi from her embrace and reached out to straighten the wrinkled hem of her skirt.

"Ling Xi has been well taken care of by Huabin all these years while she was away."

"What are you saying, Sister Bi Ji?" Dai Huabin waved his hand with a smile. "Ling Xi is smart and quick-witted; she takes care of herself. I've benefited a lot from her."

Di Lingxi immediately straightened her chest.

"Of course, I've always been this good."

Seeing her smug look, Bi Ji smiled and turned to Dai Huabin.

"Is Huabin planning to stay with Ling Xi for a few days after bringing her back this time?"

"Sister Bi Ji, the main reason we came here this time is to bring Ling Xi back to see you." Dai Huabin paused, "I have some personal matters to attend to, and I may need to travel to various parts of the continent afterward. I just happened to be passing through this area, so I thought I'd bring her back for a visit."

Upon hearing this, Bi Ji paused, her emerald eyes becoming more serious.

"Traveling to various parts of the mainland? Is Huabin planning to leave Shrek Academy?"

"It's not that I'm leaving, it's that I might not be staying at the academy for a while," Dai Huabin explained. "I need to gain experience and also need to make more preparations for the people around me. I've already spoken to the academy about it."

Bi Ji didn't ask any more questions, but a thoughtful look appeared in her eyes.

"In that case, Huabin, why don't you stay in the Core Circle for the next few days? It just so happens that the Scarlet King and the others also want to see you."

"Then I'll have to trouble you."

Bi Ji turned around, her emerald wings fluttering gently, creating a soft breeze.

"Let's go, the entrance to the Core Circle is just ahead."

Di Lingxi immediately rushed to Bi Ji's side, grabbed her hand and walked forward, chattering about the interesting things that had happened outside during this time.

"Sister Bi Ji, let me tell you, Huabin's grilled meat is especially delicious, it's better than any other way we eat it here!"

Bi Ji listened with a smile, occasionally offering a word or two in response.

As Dai Huabin walked behind and watched this scene, the complex emotions he felt about leaving the academy gradually subsided.

Zhi Ling Xi is truly happy here.

The entrance to the Core Circle was more hidden than Dai Huabin had imagined. It was a seemingly ordinary dense forest, but once you walked in, the terrain suddenly dropped, and the view opened up before you.

The giant trees are so thick that it would take more than a dozen people to encircle them. Their canopies block out the sun, but sunlight filters through the gaps, creating dappled shadows on the ground.

The air was filled with an extremely pure sense of life; taking a breath made even breathing feel much more comfortable.

Zhu Lu couldn't help but sigh.

"The spiritual energy here is much richer than at the Shrek Academy."

"Of course," Di Lingxi replied smugly, "This is our territory."

They hadn't gone far when a red figure appeared in front of them in the open space.

The newcomer was burly, with messy red hair and a somewhat irritable expression on his face. His every step made the ground tremble slightly.

"Auspicious Beast, you're finally back!"

The sound was so loud it was like thunder, and Dai Huabin's eardrums vibrated.

Di Lingxi immediately let go of Bi Ji's hand, jumped in front of the person, crossed her arms, and looked unhappy.

"Scarlet King, could you please lower your voice?"

"My voice has always been like this. What, after all these years, you dare to look down on me?" The Scarlet King glared at her, but there was no real anger in his eyes. He looked more like an elder seeing a child who had been away for a long time.

"I didn't dislike you, I just disliked how noisy you are."

"The same meaning."

The two bantered back and forth, looking like old friends who hadn't seen each other in a long time.

The Scarlet King then turned his gaze to Dai Huabin, scrutinizing him from head to toe with a hint of scrutiny in his eyes.

"You're here too?"

"Long time no see." Dai Huabin cupped his hands in greeting, his expression neither humble nor arrogant.

"I heard you've taken good care of Ling Xi, and even helped her evolve her Martial Soul." The Scarlet King crossed his arms, his tone ambiguous. "But first, I must ask, what exactly are your feelings for Ling Xi?"

These words immediately created a subtle atmosphere.

Bi Ji coughed lightly beside her, as if she wanted to say something but didn't.

Zhu Lu's gaze also fell on Dai Huabin, with a hint of inquisitive interest.

Di Lingxi showed no embarrassment whatsoever; instead, she spoke as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"Scarlet King, why are you asking this? I've already said I like Dai Huabin."

The Scarlet King's brows furrowed even more deeply.

"I'm not asking you, I'm asking him."

When asked so bluntly, Dai Huabin didn't intend to gloss over it.

"Scarlet King, Ling Xi is a very important partner to me, and someone I care about deeply." He carefully chose his words, "However, matters of the heart cannot be rushed or forced. I don't want to give an irresponsible answer right now."

The Scarlet King stared at him for a long time, then suddenly grinned.

"I think that's true." He patted Dai Huabin on the shoulder with considerable force, making Dai's back slump. "Much better than those smooth-talking brats."

Dai Huabin swayed slightly following the force, secretly marveling.

That old guy is really strong.

"Alright, alright." Seeing that the atmosphere had eased, Bi Ji stepped forward with a smile to interrupt, "Scarlet King, please don't make things difficult for the guests here. Dai Huabin brought Ling Xi back specifically to see everyone."

"I didn't make things difficult for him either." The Scarlet King waved his hand, not dwelling on the topic any further, and turned to look at Di Lingxi, "Girl, you haven't suffered any losses these past few years, have you?"

"How could I possibly suffer a loss?" Di Lingxi raised her head. "I'm quite the big shot outside; everyone knows I'm Auspicious Beast."

The Scarlet King nodded in satisfaction, then suddenly remembered something and looked at Dai Huabin with a forced smile.

"By the way, Dai Huabin, I heard from Bi Ji that you're planning to stay in the Core Circle for a few days this time?"

"Yes, if it won't bother you."

"It's not that I'm bothering you," the Scarlet King clicked his tongue, his tone suddenly becoming meaningful, "But I've been guarding the Core Circle for years and I'm quite bored. I'd like to find someone to practice with. Since you're someone Ling Xi values, let me see if your skills are worthy of her."

Zhu Lu's expression tightened slightly, and she subconsciously looked at Dai Huabin.

Ice Empress raised an eyebrow with interest.

"I am quite curious about the strength of the Three-Headed Scarlet Demon Mastiff."

Upon hearing Ice Empress's words, Scarlet King was instantly filled with fear. Ice Empress's strength was already above his own, and given the inherent incompatibility between ice and fire, this was likely...