Hunted Down? A Timely Rescue

On the street after they got out of the carriage, five black-clad figures appeared before them like shadows, brimming with killing intent as though they would strike at any moment. Lin Qianyi made a swift decision. "Wang Dong, Yuhao, go first!" Her voice carried an unquestionable resolve.

Wang Dong quickly nodded and worked in tacit coordination with Huo Yuhao, trying to escape this dangerous trap. Meanwhile, Lin Qianyi bravely faced the enemy. "First Soul Skill: Azure Luan Feather Thorn!" she cried. Countless azure feathers instantly surged forth behind her, glinting coldly in the air before turning into sharp blade-like streaks that shot toward the black-clad men.

Although she knew such an attack might cause them limited harm, as long as it distracted them for a moment, it would be enough for her and her companions to find a chance to escape.

With an agile leap, a pair of blue-green wings spread from her back. Like an Azure Luan soaring into the sky, she swiftly chased after Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong in the direction they had fled, leaving everyone stunned.

"Damn it, we've been played! Get after them!" one of the black-clad men roared. The six of them revealed their soul rings—four purple and two black, five purple and one gold. Though they were not the absolute strongest, their Soul Power clearly surpassed that of Lin Qianyi's group. There was no doubt about that. "Five five-ring Soul Kings and one six-ring Soul Emperor," Wang Dong said grimly, her gaze heavy.

Lin Qianyi knew they could not keep running forever. They had to find a way to take out one or two enemies. Seeing that Shrek Academy was not far away, Huo Yuhao decisively sent out a distress signal.

Lin Qianyi beat her wings and spun through the air as her martial soul fully manifested. A massive phantom of an Azure Luan appeared behind her, and with a clear cry, two purple and two black soul rings lit up beneath her feet.

Before the enemy could recover from their shock, she shouted, "Fourth Soul Skill: Azure Luan Storm!" In an instant, a blue-green storm erupted around her. It seemed to contain countless blades as it swept fiercely toward the two Soul Kings.

The two hurriedly released their Soul Power to defend themselves, but under the overwhelming assault, their resistance was exceptionally difficult. They wanted to seize the chance to evade, but could not manage it.

Lin Qianyi seized that opening. Feather blades appeared behind her once more and shot out like lightning, striking the two men with perfect accuracy. After ending their lives, she turned and left without hesitation.

Seeing this, Huo Yuhao had Wang Dong fly higher while he spread his arms. The temperature around them abruptly plummeted. "Eternal Frozen Domain!" he called softly. An icy force spread outward, temporarily blocking the remaining enemies and allowing the three of them to continue fleeing.

An excerpt from "Shrek Horror"

The black shadows behind them pursued relentlessly as Lin Qianyi, Huo Yuhao, and Wang Dong fled in panic. The gates of Shrek Academy were already within reach. With a flash of her Purple Gold Demonic Eye, Lin Qianyi joyfully discovered that Beibei, Xu Sanshi, and Jiang Nannan had already entered the academy ahead of them and stood ready for battle.

At that moment, a black-clad man suddenly leaped out, his fierce momentum sending chills down their spines. "Not good!" Beibei cried out, but the man had already unleashed his Sixth Soul Skill—Black Flame Heart-Piercing Sword! The sword shadow was black as ink as it stabbed straight toward them.

At the critical moment, Lin Qianyi raised her jade-like hand. "Azure Luan Bodyguard!" A verdant curtain of light appeared out of thin air, barely blocking the fatal strike. Seeing this, Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong forced out the last of their Soul Power and unleashed the Golden Path Martial Soul Fusion Skill, finally severely injuring their opponent. However, the two had exhausted their strength and were about to fall.

"Senior Brothers, Junior Brothers!" Lin Qianyi anxiously wanted to rush forward to help, but Xu Sanshi dashed out and steadily caught them both. She let out a breath of relief, landed on the ground, and joined the others. "Junior Sister, are you all right?" Beibei asked with concern. "I'm fine, Senior Brother Beibei," Lin Qianyi replied softly.

At that very moment, a mass of blazing fire descended from the sky, painting the gates of Shrek Academy red. A figure stepped out from the flames—it was Ma Xiaotao. Her gaze swept across the battlefield, and the corner of her lips lifted into a familiar smile. Feeling that scorching aura, Lin Qianyi could not help but smile as well.

"Hmph! You dare act so brazenly before Shrek Academy's gates? Are you tired of living?" Ma Xiaotao snorted coldly. Soul Power surged around her like a sudden gale. Her figure flashed, and in the blink of an eye, the four black-clad men had been sent flying. "Well, well," Xu Sanshi teased as he looked at the enemies sprawled miserably on the ground, "did Sister Xiaotao roast them alive? After all, her nickname is the Flame Demon!"

Ma Xiaotao said awkwardly, "I forgot to leave anyone alive!"

Inside Shrek Academy, Yan Shaozhe and several teachers had arrived quietly long ago. They had not hurried to reveal themselves and rescue the students, instead wanting to see just how long these young disciples could endure.

Yan Shaozhe watched the battle with a complicated expression and could not help sighing. "This Xiaotao still hasn't changed that fiery temper of hers. But I truly didn't expect Lin Qianyi to kill two Soul Kings in return. She really is exceptional. And Wang Dong and Huo Yuhao's performance has impressed me even more."

He turned to Elder Lin beside him and asked, "Elder Lin, did you notice what that flash of blue light was just now?"

Elder Lin nodded slightly before speaking slowly. "As far as I know, that should have been Domain Power. When I first gave those two soul bones to them, I was indeed somewhat reluctant. But today's battle has proven that the decision was worthwhile."

Yan Shaozhe nodded, a cold glint flashing through his eyes. "Those two children are no ordinary talents. To dare harm Shrek Academy's students—they truly have boundless nerve. Bring those two corpses back to the academy. We must investigate this matter thoroughly." An unquestionable majesty naturally rose from his words.

The next morning, classes continued as usual. The moment Lin Qianyi entered the classroom, Ma Xiaotao called her aside. They walked all the way to the Sea God Lake Shore before stopping. Lin Qianyi vaguely sensed that something was off about Ma Xiaotao today. Her expression carried an indescribable urgency and unease.

"Sister Xiaotao, you..." Before Lin Qianyi could finish, Ma Xiaotao had already stepped close and gently pressed her against the wall. A trace of helplessness and pleading flickered in Ma Xiaotao's eyes. "Yesterday's fight was too intense, and my evil fire is flaring up beyond my control. Qianyi, can you help me?" Her voice was slightly hoarse, carrying exhaustion and earnestness.

Seeing Ma Xiaotao like this, Lin Qianyi's heart softened. "All right," she answered softly, her words full of trust and concern.

Lin Qianyi summoned her martial soul and helped Ma Xiaotao suppress the surging evil fire. However, she had not expected this eruption to be far more violent than usual. Even after giving it everything she had, she spent a considerable amount of time before barely managing to suppress it.

Once everything finally calmed down, Lin Qianyi felt that the Soul Power within her was nearly depleted. The exhaustion of the past several days and the weakness from her drained Soul Power struck her all at once, turning her lips slightly pale.