An Invitation Amid Ice and Snow

In the fourth round of the Finals, the drawing results were announced quickly.

Spirit Hall Academy Team versus Tianshui Academy.

The moment the news came out, all of Spirit City buzzed with excitement.

On one side was the seeded Spirit Hall Team.

On the other was Tianshui Academy, a renowned powerhouse from the Heaven Dou Division.

Although most people believed Spirit Hall had better odds of winning, Tianshui Academy was no weak opponent.

Especially their captain, Shui Bing'er, who possessed the top-tier ice-attribute Martial Soul, the Ice Phoenix, and had extremely powerful control abilities.

If there was any team besides Shrek in the Heaven Dou Division that could cause Spirit Hall trouble, Tianshui Academy was undoubtedly one of them.

On the day of the match, when Tianshui Academy's seven members took the field, a wave of cheers immediately erupted from the stands.

An all-female team naturally drew immense attention, and Shui Bing'er walked at the very front.

She wore a water-blue Team Uniform, her bearing cool and aloof, her gentle features concealing unwavering resolve.

Beside her, Shui Yue'er looked toward Spirit Hall with a cheerful grin.

"Big Sister, we're facing the strongest seeded team today."

Shui Bing'er said softly:

"Just do our best."

Shui Yue'er blinked.

"Don't tell me you're scared?"

Shui Bing'er shook her head.

"I'm not scared."

She looked at the white-and-gold figure among the Spirit Hall Team.

"They're just very strong."

Especially Gu Changsheng.

She had watched Spirit Hall's match against Yunluo Academy.

That battle had been brief, yet it had revealed more than enough.

The Spirit Hall Team did not simply rely on overwhelming others with Soul Power.

Their rhythm, breakthroughs, divisions, and mental interference were all almost entirely coordinated by one person.

If they could not disrupt Gu Changsheng's rhythm, Tianshui Academy would find it difficult to win.

In Spirit Hall's preparation area.

The moment Yan heard that their opponent was Tianshui Academy, he perked right up.

"Ice attribute? Isn't that perfect for me?"

Hu Liena glanced at him blandly.

"Don't underestimate Shui Bing'er."

Xie Yue added:

"Her control is not weak."

Gu Changsheng opened the Myriad Heaven Book, and information on Tianshui Academy surfaced across its pages.

"Shui Bing'er, Martial Soul: Ice Phoenix."

"Control-type, with large-scale Ice Sealing abilities."

"She and Xue Wu possess a Martial Soul fusion skill, Ice and Snow Drifting."

Yan raised an eyebrow.

"Then should we take Xue Wu out first thing?"

Gu Changsheng shook his head.

"That's too obvious. They'll definitely be on guard."

Hu Liena asked:

"Then how do we fight?"

Gu Changsheng raised his eyes.

"Make them think they can complete their fusion skill."

Yan froze.

"What do you mean?"

Gu Changsheng said calmly:

"Give them the opportunity."

"Then, at the most critical moment, make the ice and snow fall in the wrong direction."

Yan could not help grinning.

"You really are devious."

Hu Liena smiled faintly.

"Our junior brother calls that tactics."

Yan muttered under his breath:

"Tactics and being devious aren't that different."

Xie Yue said flatly:

"You can say that louder."

Yan immediately shut his mouth.

The referee announced that both sides should take the stage.

The Spirit Hall Academy Team still centered around Gu Changsheng, Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan, accompanied by three Soul Sect teammates.

Every member of Tianshui Academy, meanwhile, possessed ice or water attributes.

Once both sides had taken their positions, the temperature in the air seemed to drop several degrees.

Shui Bing'er looked at Gu Changsheng and said softly:

"Please enlighten us."

Gu Changsheng gave a slight nod.

"Likewise."

The referee shouted:

"Both sides, release your Martial Souls!"

On Tianshui Academy's side, icy mist rose into the air.

Behind Shui Bing'er, the phantom image of an Ice Phoenix spread its wings.

Xue Wu's Martial Soul appeared as well.

Soul Rings pulsed beneath the feet of the remaining members as streams of water intertwined with frigid air.

On Spirit Hall's side, Hu Liena merged with her Demon Fox, Xie Yue drew his Moon Blades, and Flame surged around Yan.

The Myriad Heaven Book slowly opened in Gu Changsheng's palm, its pages turning without wind.

"Begin!"

Shui Bing'er made her move at once.

First Soul Skill, Ice Sealing.

Several icy-blue beams shot straight toward Spirit Hall's front line.

Yan stepped forward, flames erupting as he forcefully vaporized the Ice Sealing power.

"This little bit of ice is nothing!"

Yet in the next instant, Shui Bing'er's second Soul Skill followed immediately.

Ice Ring Armor!

Ice armor covered Tianshui Academy's front-line members as they endured Yan's flames and pressed forward.

Pink light flickered in Hu Liena's eyes. Just as she unleashed her Charm Soul Skill, Shui Bing'er said in a low voice:

"Close your eyes."

Tianshui Academy's members actually avoided Hu Liena's gaze at the same time.

Hu Liena raised an eyebrow slightly.

"You came prepared."

Gu Changsheng said blandly:

"She studied you."

Hu Liena smiled softly.

"Then did she study you too?"

Gu Changsheng did not answer.

His Third Soul Ring lit up.

"Minor Thousand-Faced Phantom Realm."

The illusion quietly spread outward.

Yet Shui Bing'er seemed to have anticipated it. With a flap of the Ice Phoenix's wings, a ring of cold air spread from beneath her feet.

The icy stimulation sharpened Tianshui Academy's senses.

The illusion's influence was suppressed.

In the Spectator Area, Tang San's gaze shifted slightly as he stared fixedly at Gu Changsheng.

"Shui Bing'er is using low temperatures to stimulate her teammates' senses and resist mental interference."

Yu Xiaogang nodded.

"She is very clever."

Dai Mubai asked:

"Will that restrain Gu Changsheng?"

Tang San shook his head.

"It won't be that simple."

On the Soul Arena, a trace of admiration appeared in Gu Changsheng's eyes instead.

"Not bad."

When Shui Bing'er heard those words, her expression became even graver.

Gu Changsheng's reaction was far too calm. She had clearly countered his illusion, yet he seemed to have anticipated it all along.

"Xue Wu."

Shui Bing'er spoke softly.

Xue Wu immediately stepped back.

Their Soul Power began to merge.

In the sky, the aura of ice and snow rapidly gathered.

Seeing this, Yan immediately said:

"They're going to use their fusion skill!"

Xie Yue moved as though he intended to break in.

But Gu Changsheng raised a hand.

"No rush."

Xie Yue came to an abrupt stop.

Shui Bing'er's eyes shifted slightly.

They were not going to stop them?

She did not believe Spirit Hall did not know the power of Ice and Snow Drifting.

But the more this happened, the less she dared to relax.

Xue Wu said softly:

"Big Sister?"

Shui Bing'er said in a deep voice:

"Continue."

The sky darkened as great flurries of snow began to fall.

Martial Soul Fusion Skill, Ice and Snow Drifting!

Intense cold covered the Soul Arena.

With the ice-and-snow environment, Tianshui Academy's members simultaneously gained greater speed and control.

The flames around Yan were suppressed somewhat. He frowned and said:

"This really is a little troublesome."

At last, Gu Changsheng moved. He raised the Myriad Heaven Book, and his Fourth Soul Ring lit up.

"Myriad Heaven Mirror Body."

A reflection appeared at his side. Then it opened the book as well, splitting the mental fluctuations into two.

Shui Bing'er's pupils contracted. Two Gu Changshengs?

No, one was fake!

But which one was using the Soul Skill?

The Third Soul Ring of Gu Changsheng's true body lit up, and the reflection's Third Soul Ring lit up as well.

Two Minor Thousand-Faced Phantom Realms spread out in overlapping layers.

The illusions did not directly attack Tianshui Academy's members. Instead, they blended into the wind and snow filling the sky.

The direction of the snowflakes quietly changed.

Shui Bing'er quickly noticed something was wrong.

She had clearly controlled the ice and snow to bear down on Yan and Xie Yue, yet the falling snow seemed to be misled by some invisible force, beginning to drift toward Tianshui Academy's own flank.

"Xue Wu, hold steady!"

Xue Wu's face turned pale.

"Big Sister, the snow currents are in disarray!"

Gu Changsheng's voice remained calm.

"The strength of Ice and Snow Drifting lies in environmental control."

"But once the environment is misdirected, it will backlash against the formation."

Hu Liena seized the chance to strike.

Pink Light blended into the curtain of snow.

The two Tianshui Academy members avoided Hu Liena's gaze, but they could not evade the Spiritual Charm she spread through the snowy veil.

Their movements stalled.

Xie Yue's Moon Blade swept past, directly forcing one of them out of the safe zone.

Yan's Flame erupted, forcibly tearing open a corner of the ice and snow.

"Open up!"

Flame and ice collided, and white mist instantly billowed upward.

Gu Changsheng raised a hand and pointed.

"Left flank."

Xie Yue and Yan pressed forward at the same time.

Tianshui Academy's flank was torn apart.

Shui Bing'er gritted her teeth as the phantom of an Ice Phoenix released a clear cry.

She forcibly reversed the ice and snow, gathering the chaotic snow currents once more.

The admiration in Gu Changsheng's eyes deepened.

"Quick reaction."

Shui Bing'er said coldly,

"It's not over yet."

Her Fourth Soul Ring lit up.

The Ice Phoenix beat its wings, and a vast expanse of frost swept toward Gu Changsheng.

The target was clear.

Seal Gu Changsheng first.

Hu Liena's eyes turned cold. Just as she was about to step forward, Gu Changsheng gently shook his head.

Ice Sealing descended, and Gu Changsheng was actually frozen in ice!

Shui Yue'er's eyes lit up.

"It worked!"

But in the next instant, the ice-sealed Gu Changsheng shattered into countless specks of page-light.

That body was a mirror image!

The real Gu Changsheng had somehow appeared on the other side.

He opened the Myriad Heaven Book, and chains of pages coiled out, precisely locking around Xue Wu's feet.

Xue Wu's expression changed.

Shui Bing'er wanted to save her, but Hu Liena had already blocked her path.

"Shui Bing'er, I'm your opponent now."

Charm collided with icy mist.

The two female Spirit Masters locked eyes, and the air itself seemed to gain several more edges.

Xue Wu was restrained for a moment, and Ice and Snow Drifting completely fell apart.

Yan seized the opportunity. Flames surged into the sky, blasting a massive breach through the curtain of ice and snow.

Xie Yue moved like a blade, forcing back two Tianshui Academy members in succession.

The situation was decided!

Shui Bing'er took a deep breath and withdrew her Soul Power.

"We concede."

The referee announced loudly,

"Spirit Hall Academy Team wins!"

Applause rang out from the stands.

Although Tianshui Academy had lost, this battle had been far more difficult than Spirit Hall's previous match.

They had truly caused Spirit Hall trouble.

Yan withdrew his flames and could not help saying,

"That Ice Phoenix was pretty formidable."

Xie Yue nodded.

"It deserves respect."

Hu Liena looked at Shui Bing'er and said softly,

"She nearly stabilized the situation."

Gu Changsheng closed the Myriad Heaven Book.

"If her Soul Power were a little higher, this battle would not have ended so quickly."

After the match, the two sides shook hands according to custom. Shui Bing'er walked up to Gu Changsheng.

Her face was slightly pale, but her expression was calm.

"From the start, did you intend for us to use Ice and Snow Drifting?"

Gu Changsheng nodded.

"Yes."

Shui Bing'er asked again,

"Why?"

Gu Changsheng said,

"Because that was your strongest method."

"If we didn't let you use it, you wouldn't have accepted the outcome."

Shui Yue'er could not help saying from the side,

"That sounds a little irritating. And aren't you being far too confident?"

Gu Changsheng glanced at her.

"But that is the truth."

Shui Yue'er said, "You..."

But Shui Bing'er was not angry.

She looked at Gu Changsheng seriously.

"Your mental control is very unusual."

Gu Changsheng said,

"Your control over ice and snow is unusual too."

Shui Bing'er froze slightly.

Gu Changsheng continued,

"You don't simply rely on frost to suppress your opponents. You use ice and snow to construct a sensory domain."

"If you can further strengthen your mental perception in the future, your control will improve greatly."

A faint light appeared in Shui Bing'er's eyes.

Those words struck directly at the question she had long been contemplating.

After hesitating for a moment, she said softly,

"After the competition, may I ask you for guidance?"

The moment she said that, Hu Liena's eyes narrowed slightly.

Shui Yue'er was stunned as well.

In Shrek's Spectator Area, Xiao Wu had been watching the excitement. Upon hearing that, her ears immediately perked up.

Before Gu Changsheng could answer, Hu Liena had already walked to his side, her smile gentle.

"If Miss Shui Bing'er wishes to exchange insights on the control system, of course she may."

She paused, gently hooking her arm through Gu Changsheng's.

"However, Changsheng is preparing for battle lately, so he may not have much time."

When Xiao Wu saw that, her expression immediately became somewhat unnatural.

"Why is she linking arms with him?"

Ning Rongrong blinked.

"Xiao Wu, do you care about that?"

Xiao Wu immediately said,

"Of course not!"

Tang San glanced at Xiao Wu, his gaze darkening slightly.

Shui Bing'er watched Hu Liena's gesture and seemed to understand something.

She smiled softly.

"Then I'll wait until Young Master Gu is available."

Gu Changsheng glanced at Hu Liena. Hu Liena's smile did not change, but her hand tightened slightly.

Gu Changsheng could only say,

"All right."

Hu Liena gave him a sidelong look.

"Hm? That's all?"

Gu Changsheng hurriedly added,

"Senior Sister will come too."

Only then was Hu Liena satisfied.

"That's more like it."

Shui Bing'er looked at the two of them, a thoughtful glint passing through her eyes.

Unlike Xiao Wu, she did not let her emotions show. She merely nodded gently.

"Then thank you."

The Spirit Hall group departed.

On the way, Yan could not help laughing.

"Junior Brother, you're quite popular now."

Xie Yue said flatly,

"Shut up."

Yan said,

"I'm just telling the truth."

Hu Liena cast Yan a light glance.

"You'll do an extra round of training today."

Yan's expression stiffened.

"Why is it me again?"

Hu Liena smiled.

"Because you talk too much."

Gu Changsheng said nothing.

He looked back at the Soul Arena.

Shui Bing'er was a good Control System Spirit Master.

Rational, calm, and exceptionally talented.

If she could be recruited, she might prove useful in the future.

As for feelings...

Gu Changsheng withdrew his gaze. At least for now, he had no such intentions.

Hu Liena walked beside him and asked softly,

"What are you thinking about again?"

Gu Changsheng said,

"Shui Bing'er is worth recruiting."

Hu Liena smiled faintly.

"Only recruiting?"

Gu Changsheng nodded.

"For now."

Hu Liena gave a soft snort.

"For now?"

Gu Changsheng said, "Senior Sister, I really only mean recruiting!"

In the distant Spectator Area, Xiao Wu watched the backs of Gu Changsheng and Hu Liena as they left side by side, and for some reason, her chest felt tight.

She clearly knew Gu Changsheng was not a good person, and she also knew he had admitted to using her.

Seeing him look at someone else with that kind of admiration still made her unhappy.

Xiao Wu lowered her head and looked at the handkerchief hidden in her sleeve. The more she looked at it, the more annoyed she felt!

Tang San stood beside her and said softly:

"Xiao Wu, we should go back."

Xiao Wu hurriedly withdrew her hand.

"Mm."

Tang San watched her flustered movements, and his gaze deepened.

Gu Changsheng is gradually influencing Xiao Wu. Gu Changsheng, I want you to lose!