A discerning eye chose ice to inherit a god's will; Madam Liu's flattery could not hide her envy

Salas led the way, with Qian Daoliu, the Ice Empress, and the Snow Empress close behind. Qian Daoliu kept Qian Renxue and Ye Lingling protected at his side with gentle soul power, shielding them from the chill of the morning breeze; Xiao Xi and Xiao Guang had entered the Chaos Bell's inner space, concealing their presence for the time being.

Skywater Academy stood in the northern part of Heaven Dou City, sprawling across a vast expanse. Waterways wound through its grounds, with pavilions and towers arranged in graceful harmony. Moisture filled the air, making it especially suitable for soul masters with water and ice attributes to cultivate.

As the core family that had founded the academy, the Shui Family had built its residence on Heart Lake Island deep within the grounds, accessible only by boat.

When Salas brought Qian Daoliu and his companions onto Heart Lake Island, the Shui Family's members and core descendants were already lined up outside the residence gates, their expressions respectful but tinged with an apprehension they could not quite conceal.

At their head stood a middle-aged man in a dark blue brocade robe, with refined features and a steady gaze. He was Shui Cang, the head of the Shui Family. Beside him stood a woman in lavish clothing and exquisite makeup, her features revealing a measure of shrewdness and arrogance. She was Madam Liu, the matriarch of the Shui Family.

Madam Liu held the hand of a little girl with dark green hair styled into twin buns and lively eyes-Shui Yue'er. Behind Shui Yue'er hid another small figure: Shui Bing'er.

Shui Bing'er wore a pale blue dress and was somewhat smaller and thinner than Shui Yue'er. Her ice-blue hair fell smoothly over her shoulders, and her exceptionally bright eyes held a composure far beyond her