On the way back to school, Lin Shuo traveled alone through the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest.
Morning light streamed through the branches and leaves of ancient trees, casting dappled shadows across the ground. The fresh scent of earth mingled with dew filled the air. Now and then, low growls from Soul Beasts sounded in the distance, only to be swallowed by the forest's silence.
Lin Shuo wasn't in a hurry. He walked at an unhurried pace, his footsteps making the faintest rustle against the soil of the Star Dou Great Forest.
It had only been a short while since he'd left Gu Yuena, yet the warmth lingering on his shoulder had not faded. He suppressed the faint reluctance in his heart and was just about to channel his Soul Power to pick up speed when an almost imperceptible ripple stirred in the depths of his Sea of Consciousness.
"Young friend."
The calm, aged voice rang out in the Sea of Consciousness. It was Electrolux.
Lin Shuo paused briefly, then continued walking as he replied with a thought. "Elder Yi? What is it?"
Gray currents of air stirred faintly at the edge of his Sea of Consciousness, more substantial than they had been a few months ago. The outline of the old man had grown clearer, revealing the faint shape of a white-haired elder, surrounded by a soft gray glow.
"I have been pondering the matter you brought up last time."
Electrolux spoke at an unhurried pace, with the composure of a wise man. "I have made some progress on the method by which that Soul Beast could sacrifice itself and become a Wisdom Soul Ring, coexisting with a Soul Master."
Lin Shuo stopped beneath an ancient tree and sank his consciousness into his Sea of Consciousness. Amid the void swirling with rainbow light, Electrolux's gray figure floated before him, a faint smile on his aged face.
"Please, Elder Yi." Lin Shuo's voice was more serious than usual.
The Soul Spirit Method could, to some extent, ease the conflict between Soul Masters and Soul Beasts that had lasted for tens of thousands of years.
When Artificial Soul Spirits appeared in the future, they would be able to address Soul Masters' need for Soul Beasts at its source.
But all of this came with one condition: the gap in strength between Soul Beasts and humans could not be too great.
Otherwise, Soul Bones and forced contracts with Soul Spirits would only bring Soul Beasts an even more tragic fate.
"I have been studying that Sky Dream Ice Silkworm," Electrolux said slowly. "Perhaps Necromancy can be used to draw a Soul Beast's soul out of its body and form a contract with a Soul Master. I think that would achieve an effect similar to what happened with that Ice Silkworm."
"This would not only provide Soul Masters with Soul Rings, but might also help them in battle. But it has never been tested in practice, so you will have to try it yourself later."
"Young friend, your idea of using this method to ease relations between the two sides does have merit. But if humans become far stronger than Soul Beasts, they could simply force them into contracts and enslave the Soul Spirits. You will have to consider where to draw the line."
After speaking, Electrolux passed the spell formula on to Lin Shuo.
"When you wish to try it, call for me, and we can proceed."
"Thank you, Elder Yi." Lin Shuo then withdrew his consciousness from his Sea of Consciousness.
For now, he should return to the academy and wait until he had a chance to try it later.
With that thought, Lin Shuo channeled his Soul Power and headed for Shrek Academy.
Shrek Academy.
It was the most important time of year—the start of a new school term. Even in the afternoon, crowds still gathered outside Shrek Academy. Returning students were joined by parents bringing their children to enroll.
Lin Shuo passed through the gates of Shrek City and entered Shrek Academy's square. The moment he arrived, a commotion broke out.
It spread like a pebble dropped into a lake, rippling outward in widening circles from a single point.
"Senior, what happened?" a new student asked a fourth-year student.
"You don't even recognize Lin Shuo? Are you a new student?" The fourth-year student glanced at the newcomer's young face and asked casually.
When the new student nodded, the older student continued, "That's Lin Shuo. He's only thirteen, but already a Four-Ring Soul Ancestor. All four of his Soul Rings are Ten Thousand Year Soul Rings! When he first enrolled, no one in the outer court could withstand even one move from him. Only the seniors in the inner court can probably match him."
The new students all turned to look at Lin Shuo, their mouths hanging slightly open.
Lin Shuo acted as if he hadn't heard the voices around him and headed straight for the dormitory.
Mu En was still lying in his deck chair at the entrance to the dormitory, looking as frail as a candle in the wind, his eyes nearly closed.
Lin Shuo didn't stop. He simply nodded as he passed, a greeting of sorts. Mu En didn't open his eyes, but the corners of his aged mouth twitched ever so slightly.
Lin Shuo pushed open the door to Room 108. The room was filled with the chill of a place long unoccupied. He opened the window a crack to let out the stuffy air. After cleaning the room, he changed into a clean robe and stepped back outside.
He had just reached the dormitory entrance when a pink-and-blue figure came running toward him.
"Lin Shuo!"
Wang Dong'er's pink-and-blue hair was tied into two playful buns at the back of her head, with a few wisps falling beside her ears and making her already delicate face look even more lively. She stopped in front of Lin Shuo and gave him a once-over with her pink-and-blue eyes, then nodded in satisfaction.
"Hehe, long time no see." Wang Dong'er's voice was clear, bright with the joy of a long-awaited reunion.
Lin Shuo looked at her and gave a slight nod. "Long time no see."
It had only been one holiday, but Wang Dong'er seemed to have grown a little taller. Her pink-and-blue hair shimmered softly in the afternoon sunlight, making her look as though she had stepped out of a painting.
"Hmph, I've already reached level thirty-one." Wang Dong'er looked at Lin Shuo, her adorable face practically begging him to praise her.
"Not bad." Lin Shuo gave a slight nod, approval flashing in his dark eyes. "Looks like you didn't slack off over the holiday."
At his words, Wang Dong'er's pink-and-blue eyes lit up, and the corners of her mouth lifted higher. She clasped her hands behind her back and leaned forward slightly, her twin buns swaying with her movement. Her whole being seemed to radiate, Go on, praise me some more.
"Of course! I trained hard the entire holiday and didn't slack off for even one day!" she said, then suddenly remembered something and added, "Oh, right. Where's Yu'er?"
Lin Shuo shook his head. "I just got here myself. I ran into you after finishing up in my dorm."
"Then I'll go check Room 402 first. Wait for me in your room."
Wang Dong'er tugged Lin Shuo by the sleeve and led him into the dormitory. She dragged him along for a few steps, and he didn't pull away, simply following at an unhurried pace.
"Wasn't Yu'er going to ask the academy to help her get her Second Soul Ring? I wonder what Soul Skill she got. Let's go straight out for grilled fish later!" Wang Dong'er said excitedly.
Once they entered the dormitory, Lin Shuo went straight to his room to wait while Wang Dong'er ran upstairs.
A few minutes later, hurried footsteps sounded on the stairs.
"Lin Shuo, Lin Shuo! Yu'er isn't back yet!"
Before she'd even finished speaking, Wang Dong'er had already rushed into Lin Shuo's room.