Ma Xiaotao

Inside a room by Sea God Lake, a faint aura of revival quietly spread through the air. The woman in red slowly awoke, letting out a weak groan as she instinctively raised both hands to clutch her unbearably burning head.

"So hot, so hot..." Her voice was weak and hoarse, as though every word took immense effort to utter. She slowly opened her eyes. Her formerly blood-red pupils had now returned to a gentle cherry pink, like delicate blossoms in the morning light.

She looked around, her delicate brows knitting unconsciously. Where was this? What had happened? Her figure was voluptuous, and her long red hair cascaded down her back like silk, resembling flowing flames.

She appeared to be around twenty years old. At some point, her previously drenched clothes had completely dried, clinging tightly to her graceful body and lending her an even more seductive air.

At that moment, a steady, aged voice rang out in the silence. "Xiaotao, why didn't you tell me when your evil fire flared up and you couldn't handle it yourself? If not for an ice-element Soul Master knocking you unconscious today, you nearly would have caused a terrible disaster. The consequences would have been unthinkable."

The woman before him was Xiaotao, the very culprit who had nearly killed Lin Qianyi, Huo Yuhao, and Wang Dong. She gently rubbed her aching head, her voice carrying confusion and helplessness. "I only remember my evil fire acting up. Then I went out and was attacked. I tried to resist, but I couldn't..."

The old man's gaze was profound, his tone filled with reproach and concern. "Why didn't you tell me? You nearly caused someone's death today!" Guilt flashed through Xiaotao's eyes. "I thought I could handle it myself. I really didn't expect things to turn out this way."

The old man let out a long sigh, his voice heavy with helplessness. "The longer it is suppressed, the more violent the eventual eruption will be. Xiaotao, you may be a rare genius of Shrek Academy in the past century, but as your teacher, I must consider your safety.

Give up cultivating." Xiaotao abruptly raised her head, determination shining in her eyes. "No, Teacher! You have always taught me never to give up halfway. There must be a solution. We'll definitely find a way to suppress the evil fire!"

Seeing the determination in Xiaotao's eyes, the white-robed elder understood that it would be utterly impossible to make her give up now. He sighed softly before slowly speaking. "It is not as though there is no solution at all. I specifically investigated the backgrounds of those three outer academy students, and one of them caught my attention: the girl named Lin Qianyi."

"Teacher, what is so special about this Lin Qianyi?" Xiaotao asked doubtfully, her eyes full of curiosity.

The white-robed elder paused slightly, a trace of amazement in his tone. "Lin Qianyi reached Level 36 Soul Elder at only twelve years old. Her Martial Soul is the Azure Luan, a top-tier assault-type Beast Martial Soul.

To have achieved so much at such an age, her talent is naturally exceptional. Yet I feel that talent alone cannot explain her current strength. I even suspect that she possesses Twin Martial Souls."

"Twin Martial Souls?" Xiaotao repeated softly, shock flashing through her eyes. "Twin Martial Souls are extraordinarily rare on the continent. If that is true, then her talent must far surpass that of ordinary people. She is surely one of the academy's finest."

The white-robed elder nodded. "That's right. At the time, I sensed two kinds of Soul Power fluctuations within her, one of which carried a faint chill.

That makes it difficult not to suspect that she has Twin Martial Souls, with her second Martial Soul very likely being a top-tier ice attribute. If so, she may be able to help you suppress your evil fire."

After hearing this, Xiaotao felt somewhat reassured. She looked up at her teacher and said firmly, "Teacher, don't worry."

The white-robed elder earnestly reminded her, "Remember, as a senior student, you must take responsibility for guiding others when necessary."

"Teacher, don't worry." Xiaotao reaffirmed, her eyes filled with unwavering resolve.

At night, Shrek Academy's snack street was filled with the tempting aroma of food and smoke. Lin Qianyi and Huo Yuhao were busily selling grilled fish, while Wang Dong, Xiao Xiao, and Tang Ya helped nearby.

At that moment, Wang Dong suddenly turned to Tang Ya. "Senior Tang Ya, have you considered what I told you before about joining the Tang Sect?" Tang Ya looked at him resolutely. "If you win first place in the freshman assessment, I'll let you join the Tang Sect." Without hesitation, Wang Dong replied, "All right!"

Just then, a figure lightly weaved through the crowd, gradually approaching Huo Yuhao's stall. Lin Qianyi, Huo Yuhao, and Wang Dong immediately recognized the woman in red—Xiaotao.

Huo Yuhao spoke first. "Senior, who are you looking for?" Xiaotao's gaze fell upon Lin Qianyi. "I'm looking for a girl named Lin Qianyi." Lin Qianyi looked somewhat puzzled. "That's me. Senior, what do you need from me?" Without another word, Xiaotao grabbed her arm. "Come with me."

Xiao Xiao could not help crying out, "Qianyi!" A trace of worry also appeared on Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong's faces. Seeing this, Tang Ya reassured them, "Don't worry. Senior Xiaotao won't make things difficult for Qianyi." Her words were casual, yet carried an unquestionable force, as though she had given everyone a shot of reassurance.

Ginkgo leaves swayed gently in the autumn breeze as Ma Xiaotao led Lin Qianyi into a quiet grove. With her back to Lin Qianyi, she stood silently, seeming to blend into the tranquil surroundings.

"Senior, what did you need from me?" Lin Qianyi asked softly. Ma Xiaotao slowly turned around and removed her delicate mask, revealing a face tinged with apology. "Actually, this isn't our first meeting. My name is Ma Xiaotao. Last time, my Soul Power went out of control and hurt you all. I've always wanted to apologize."

Lin Qianyi smiled faintly. "Senior, there's no need to mind it. Since it wasn't intentional, I've already put it behind me."

However, Ma Xiaotao's gaze suddenly deepened. The surrounding air seemed to ignite, and the temperature abruptly rose. An overwhelming pressure from her Soul Power surged forth like a tidal wave. Caught off guard, Lin Qianyi involuntarily crouched down and let out a faint groan of pain.

In that instant, several silver needles silently appeared behind Lin Qianyi. Her gaze hardened. The moment Ma Xiaotao approached, she decisively released a thread of Soul Power, spun around, and fired the silver needles. This was not an attack, but an attempt to seize a sliver of survival.

Yet Ma Xiaotao did not dodge. She merely reached out and firmly caught Lin Qianyi by the shoulder. Their eyes met. There was no threat in Ma Xiaotao's gaze—only appreciation.

"All right, I won't tease you anymore." Ma Xiaotao released her, speaking lightly. "I wanted to test you, but I didn't expect you to remain so calm. Being able to stay rational in the face of an opponent stronger than yourself—I'm very satisfied with that composure."

Lin Qianyi tilted her head, a trace of confusion appearing in her eyes. Her voice was gentle, yet carried a hint of speculation. "Senior, you didn't bring me here merely to test me, did you? You should have something else you want to tell me."

Ma Xiaotao froze slightly, surprised that Lin Qianyi had seen through her intentions so quickly. She gave a light cough, trying to conceal her awkwardness, and forced a casual tone. "Well... I do have something I want to ask you. Qianyi, would you be willing to help me?"

Curiosity sparkled in Lin Qianyi's bright eyes. She gently tilted her head, her tone full of sincerity and concern. "Senior, what is it? Please, go ahead."

Ma Xiaotao took a deep breath and stared directly into Lin Qianyi's eyes, her voice becoming low and solemn. "You have Twin Martial Souls, right?

And your second Martial Soul is ice attribute?" Her words were like a huge stone cast into the lake of Lin Qianyi's once-calm heart. She froze slightly as panic surged through her like a tide. Her throat seemed to be blocked by something. She wanted to make up an excuse and brush it off, but under Ma Xiaotao's direct and unwavering question, she did not know where to begin. The sincerity and inquiry in those eyes made it impossible for her to lie. In the end, she could only slowly nod, her voice as soft as a falling feather. "Yes."