Taking advantage? Feng Ling crossed his arms. Fine. If any one of you can take a single attack from me, then Ill let you all go.

Big Brother, let me take care of this. Naer stepped past Tang Wulin before he could react. A wave of power burst from her body, her silver eyes shining iridescently.

Feng Ling felt as if hundreds of swords were aimed at him, their razor sharp edges grazing his skin. He instinctively summoned his martial soul to defend himself. But he was too late. In a flash, a silver spear pricked his throat. The chill of metal on skin froze his blood. If the spear had moved a centimeter further, he would be dead. His martial soul summoning was interrupted, his soul power unable to circulate properly to call forth his martial soul. He stood still, sweating. Paralyzed by fear.

From start to finish, the whole encounter lasted no more than a tenth of a second. Her movements had been too fast to follow, no more than a blur. A mere flicker. Whether it were Tang Wulin or Yuanen Yehui or anyone else present, no one could keep track of what had happened.

Four soul rings revolved around Naer. Three purple, one black. She held a silver spear nearly four meters in length against Feng Lings throat with a single, still hand. A fine layer of silver hexagonal scales decorated the slender shaft, spanning the entire length. At the end of the spear was a single blade. It made up a third of the total length of the spear and featured a conical tip. On it were twelve grooves, perfect channels for the blood of any it pierced.

A shiver ran down Feng Lings spine. His knees buckled, legs collapsing beneath him. Something warm and wet ran down the sides of his thighs to his ankles, but he didnt have the capacity to care at the moment. Complexion deathly pale, he wore not a hint of his previous bravado. All the while his underlings watched in fearful silence, postures no longer as proud, mouths wiped of shameless grins. None of them dared to make a move.

They were all soul masters and understood what the soul rings of Naer signified. Such a soul ring configuration at the age of thirteen held only one explanation. She was from the inner court. As one who belonged to Shrek Academys elite class, she was destined to one day overturn the continent! Her young age only amplified her status. An inner court student as young as her was as rare as a phoenix!

Naer hadnt even spared Feng Ling a glance the entire time, her gaze fixed on Tang Wulin, a sweet smile dancing on her lips. Big Brother, lets get going. I still wanna chat with you some more. Lets not waste time on these guys.

Tang Wulin stared at her blankly. When he first began cultivating, she hadnt even Awakened her martial soul! Yet now she was more powerful than him, already attaining the strength of a Soul Ancestor with four mighty soul rings. She possessed the black fourth soul ring he so desperately hoped for as well.

Is that spear her martial soul? Is she an agility-type? Shes so great! Tang Wulin had felt his blood essence rousing when her spear appeared. It piqued his interest.

The spear disappeared in a silver flash. Then Naer walked past the thugs. Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, and Yuanen Yehui snapped out of their dazes and followed. While Xie Xie kept a straight face, Yuanen Yehuis eyes shone brightly, her gaze glued to Naers back. She wanted to know where she stood relative to Naer. If she could handle the speed Naer exhibited.

Naer acted as if nothing had happened. She latched onto Tang Wulins arm the entire way back, sneaking tender glances at him from time to time, smiling adorably while she praised the food they just ate.

Tang Wulins heart warmed at the sight of her so animated. But buried deep was an inkling of doubt. That silver flash. He couldnt get it out of his head.

After Tang Wulins party left, Feng Ling and his thugs eventually regained themselves. They were pale, trembling with fear still. But in the end, they returned home with their tails tucked between their legs. What the thugs had seen was merely the tip of Naers power. They couldnt even fathom the gap between them.

Once Tang Wulins group returned to campus, Tang Wulin directed his attention to Xie Xie and Yuanen Yehui. You guys go on ahead. Im going to go cultivate on Sea Gods Island for a few more days. Ill be back by the start of the semester. Yuanen, Ill deliver what I promised you then.

Okay, Yuanen Yehui said, before heading for her room.

Xie Xie swept his gaze from Tang Wulin to Naer. A few words danced at the tip of his tongue,but in the end he said nothing. He waved goodbye to Tang Wulin and ran after Yuanen Yehui like a puppy.

Tang Wulin and Naer turned onto the path to the inner court. She skipped along ahead of him, humming a cheerful tune.

As he watched her, he couldnt help but smile. Mom, Dad, Ive finally reunited with Naer. Ill find you two next. I will reunite our family.

Yuanen, wait for me! Xie Xie shouted as he chased after her.

Yuanen Yehui headed straight for their dormitory without sparing him a glance.

Owing to his speed, Xie Xie eventually caught up with her. Yuanen, theres something I want to talk to you about. He made sure to scan the area for onlookers before speaking in a hushed voice.

What are you being all secretive for? From the corner of her eye, she snuck a peek at him. Her anger had subsided in the last two days. Looking back with a clear head, she had determined that Xie Xie truly hadnt peeped on purpose, and his confession had moved her. He was the first boy to show her any affection. Even if she didnt like the circumstances under which he confessed, it still left a deep impression in her heart. No one disliked being loved. She kept telling herself to ignore him, but she wasnt angry enough to follow through anymore.

Then there were the chores. Xie Xie cleaned the dormitory daily, and had recently picked up the task of bringing her a fresh basin of water every morning. He kept at it even at her act of ignoring. Even at her scorn.

Dont you think Wulin and his little sister are close? Like, too close? Theyre not siblings by blood! And his sister is so pretty too! Xie Xie exclaimed.

What are you saying? She narrowed her eyes as she watched him.

Nothing much. Im just a bit worried. His little sisters girl power is too strong. Shes absolutely stunning and super attached to him. Theres no way a man wont be attracted to her. Of course, Im not talking about me! Youre the only one in my heart!

Get away from me. Yuanen Yehui hastened her steps.

Wait! Dont run! Hear me out on this! Xie Xie said as he tailed her. Im worried. What about Gu Yue? None of us are blind here. Its obvious that she likes Wulin! Youve been around us for a while now too. What do you think will happen to Gu Yue if Wulin ends up with his little sister?

Yuanen Yehui froze, her eyes once again focusing on Xie Xie. What does that have to do with you? Just mind your own business. Let them sort out their relationships themselves.

Worry flitted in Xie Xies eyes. But were friends! I dont want anything to come between that! And youve seen how differently Gu Yue treats Wulin.

So what if Ive seen it? Or if I havent? Youve barely started puberty and your heads already full of this rubbish. No wonder youre so weak.

Xie Xies face soured. How am I weak? Arent you just saying I dont meet your standards?

Indifference coated Yuanen Yehuis words. As long as you understand, then its fine. You dont have to say it out loud.

You Xie Xie glared at her. Then if one day Im able to defeat you, marry me!

Yuanen Yehui stopped in her steps. Bit by bit her neck turned, robotically, until her eyes were aligned with Xie Xies for a third time. Her lip twitched but she uttered not a word. Then she lurched forward and broke into a mad dash for her room.

Naturally, Xie Xie was not one bit discouraged, pumping his fist in the air. She didnt say no! So if I become stronger than her, Ill have a chance! Beating her though The grin on his face that had just formed quickly melted away. Thats going to be hard. Both her martial souls are amazing. Its not fair. I have twin martial souls too, but mine cant compare! Damn it! I have to word harder! I have to defeat her!

Xie Xies thinking was on the right track. He had to show off his manly appeal for any hope of winning Yuanen Yehuis heart.