Traces of the Nirvana Corpses

Xu Jiujiu stepped gracefully over to Xu Yun, extended her slender fingers, precisely pinched Xu Yun's delicate ear, and gave it a slight tug.

"Ow, ow, ow! It hurts! Auntie, spare me!"

Xu Yun immediately let out an exaggerated scream, rising onto her tiptoes in an attempt to ease the pain. Her little face scrunched up like a bun.

"Auntie, go easy on me. Give... give me some face. My little brothers are all watching."

"Face?"

Xu Jiujiu was so angered by her words that she laughed. The strength in her hand did not lessen.

"You still know about saving face? Look at yourself. Where is there even the slightest resemblance to an imperial princess? Instead of contemplating the profound meaning of the Star Crown Spirit every day, all you do is wave swords and spears around, form cliques, and lead a bunch of brats around the academy like some tyrant. Poised? Elegant? I'd say you haven't learned even a trace of either. My imperial brother has completely spoiled you rotten."

The more she spoke, the more her head ached. Seeing Xu Yun's stubbornly unyielding gaze despite the pain only made her even angrier.

Seeing that her aunt seemed genuinely angry this time rather than merely lecturing her as usual, Xu Yun began to panic. She hurriedly shot frantic looks at Yin Chen, who was standing nearby watching the show. Her little eyes were full of, Help! Say something for me!

Yin Chen looked at Xu Yun's pitiful yet comically mischievous expression and helplessly shook his head.

He knew that if Xu Yun were truly punished harshly today, she would definitely find all sorts of ways to pester him afterward. For the sake of future peace and quiet, he had to play the good guy.

He cleared his throat, stepped forward, and said,

"Jiujiu, forget it. Xiaoyun is still young. It's normal for her to be lively and restless. Besides, her talent is not bad, and she has ideas of her own. In the future, she may yet carve out a path that belongs to her."

Hearing Yin Chen speak up for her, Xu Yun immediately shot him a look that said, You're a real one.

Xu Jiujiu glanced at Yin Chen, then at her niece, who was looking at her expectantly. Most of the anger in her heart had already dissipated.

She had not truly been angry to begin with. She was simply disappointed that Xu Yun was not living up to her potential.

No one understood Xu Yun's temperament better than her aunt did.

She released Xu Yun's ear and shot her an irritated glare.

"For Yin Chen's sake, I'll let you off this time. If there's a next time, I'll lock you up for a month."

"Thank you, Auntie! Auntie, you're the best!"

Xu Yun acted as though she had been granted a pardon. Rubbing her reddened ear, she hurried over with a cheeky grin.

Xu Jiujiu ignored her attempts to ingratiate herself. Her expression turned solemn as her gaze swept over Xu Yun, Lan Susu, Lan Luoluo, and even Dai Luoli.

"You lot, listen carefully. Star Luo City hasn't been peaceful lately. From now on, stay obediently in the academy after classes. Do not leave without a teacher accompanying you, and absolutely do not go to secluded places. Do you understand?"

"Hasn't been peaceful?"

Xu Yun blinked curiously.

"Auntie, did some Evil Soul Masters sneak in?"

Lan Susu and the others also wore puzzled expressions.

Xu Jiujiu did not explain in detail. She merely said gravely, "Don't ask so many questions. Just remember what I said. Some matters are not for you to investigate at your current age."

Yin Chen, standing to the side, understood what was happening.

He had sensed it not long ago: a unique deathly aura belonging to a Nirvana Corpse had flashed through Star Luo City before swiftly concealing itself.

Clearly, a Nirvana Corpse had revived within the city. Unable to completely suppress its craving for life force, it had attacked a living person and exposed its trail.

Over the past two years, Yin Chen could vaguely sense that the True Blood of Myriad Karmas had activated several more times.

Though the bizarre incidents involving "dead people reviving and attacking the living" were extremely rare and were mostly handled as special Evil Soul Master cases, their violation of the natural laws of life and death had ultimately drawn the vigilance and investigation of certain top-tier powers.

After all, not every revived Nirvana Corpse possessed strength like Lingyuan Douluo's, nor could they regain their rationality so quickly.

More often, weaker Nirvana Corpses could not resist their instincts, causing greater disturbances. It was not uncommon for them to be suppressed or destroyed by powerful Soul Masters passing by.

It was only because their numbers remained low that they had not yet formed a tide sweeping across the continent.

But to a top-tier power like the Star Luo Empire, any unknown factor that might overturn the existing order had to be treated with the utmost vigilance.

What they feared most was the revival of an existence at the Title Douluo level who had possessed great strength in life, like Lingyuan Douluo.

That would bring an immense and unpredictable variable to the balance of power across the continent.

Seeing that her aunt refused to elaborate, Xu Yun remained curious but understood the seriousness of the matter. She obediently replied,

"Understood, Auntie. We'll be careful from now on."

After safely escorting Yin Chen and the few dejected youngsters back to the entrance of the academy, Xu Jiujiu left in her carriage.

In truth, there had been nothing particularly urgent that she absolutely needed to discuss with Yin Chen today. More than anything, she had simply happened to have some rare free time.

Ever since deciding to make a major investment in Yin Chen two years ago, Xu Jiujiu had understood that maintaining a relationship—especially building one that was strong and dependable—could never rely solely on providing resources and exchanging benefits.

Relationships needed to be maintained with sincerity.

She placed great importance on the potential Yin Chen had displayed, as well as the composure and wisdom that far exceeded his age. This importance drove her to take the initiative to appear by his side whenever she had time.

Sometimes, she would discuss insights and difficult questions regarding Soul Master cultivation with him, sharing ancient records from the royal collection.

At other times, she would serve as his sparring partner, personally exchanging blows with him to hone his techniques in actual combat while gaining a more direct sense of how quickly his strength was progressing.

More often, though, it was like today. Setting aside their identities and cultivation, they would simply travel and enjoy themselves together, stroll through the streets and alleys of Star Luo City, sample delicious food, and chat about everyday matters.

Behind all of this was the guidance her elder brother, the Star Luo Emperor Xu Jiawei, had once given her.

"Jiujiu, remember this. If you truly want to win someone over and make him serve you and the empire, relying solely on binding him with benefits and earning his gratitude through favors will never be enough. Benefits can be repaid, and favors will one day be exhausted. Only emotions are the strongest and hardest-to-sever bonds. They will not fade with the passage of time. Instead, like aged wine, they will grow ever richer."

Xu Jiawei had once used Shrek Academy as an example to analyze the matter for her.

"Look at Shrek. Why has it stood firm for ten thousand years? In terms of resources, it may not surpass the imperial family. In terms of direct favors bestowed, it does not give without limits either."

"But it possesses top-tier strength, a complete inheritance, and profound foundations. More importantly, it has woven an enormous invisible net with 'glory' and 'emotion.'"

"Everyone who leaves Shrek, regardless of where they are or what position they hold, generally possesses a strong sense of belonging to and a desire to protect the academy."

"That is why, when facing the Sun Moon Empire's powerful invasion back then, Shrek was able to make the call from on high and receive countless responses, gathering more than a hundred Title Douluo and becoming the key force that turned the tide of war. The root of that power of influence lay in emotional bonds that transcended mere benefits."