Word Count: 2,754 Words
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The next day, early morning.
Ling Bai slowly opened his eyes. Ma Xiaotao, however, was still sound asleep, her voluptuous, delicate body undulating like a rolling mountain range.
He gently wrapped his arms around her soft, fragrant body. Those pink phoenix eyes cracked open a sliver, and she mumbled sleepily:
"What time is it?"
"It's still early."
Ling Bai glanced at the sky outside. The faint light of dawn was just breaking. Morning truly sets the tone for a productive day.
Ma Xiaotao swatted away his mischievously wandering hand and gave a soft snort.
"I'm all sweaty. I'm going to take a bath."
"Perfect, let's go together."
"Then hurry up..."
An hour later, Ling Bai walked out of the bathroom feeling completely refreshed. Golden flames rose from his skin, instantly evaporating all moisture. Ma Xiaotao needed more time to clean up the lewd mess and adamantly refused to let him linger inside any longer.
Taking advantage of the free moment, Ling Bai let his consciousness sink into his Spiritual Sea. He immediately saw the Snow Empress there, her arms crossed and a cold sneer on her face.
"What's with that look?"
Ling Bai asked, puzzled.
"You were an hour shorter than your average just now."
The Snow Empress tilted her chin slightly. "Running out of stamina already?"
"What?"
Ling Bai's pupils involuntarily dilated. He felt more insulted than ever before.
Fight magic with magic! The innocent Snow Empress who used to blush at the slightest sound was long gone. The one standing before Ling Bai now was a mature Snow Empress, calm enough to time an entire session without batting an eye!
Before Ling Bai could fire back a retort, Snow Empress waved her hand and decisively changed the subject, her expression turning serious. "How long you last doesn't matter to me. What does matter is that I thought about your second Spirit Core all night, and there are some things I need to ask you in advance."
"Go ahead."
Jokes aside, the second Spirit Core was one of the most crucial milestones in any Spirit Master's future. Ling Bai walked back to the ice hut with the Snow Empress, and the two sat down at the table.
"Because you condensed your first Spirit Core early as a Spirit Emperor, when you reach Titled Douluo, you'll have to condense your second Spirit Core. If you ever reach Limit Douluo, you'll go for an unprecedented third Spirit Core. But that's too far off, so today I just want to discuss the second Spirit Core. Humans, unlike spirit beasts, have two methods to condense the second Spirit Core."
The Snow Empress was straightforward, getting right to the point. "First, there's Resonance, unique to humans. Second, there's Yin-Yang Complement, which both humans and spirit beasts can choose.
The difficulty of forming dual Spirit Cores through Resonance is far less than Yin-Yang Complement. This is one reason why nearly every era of human history has seen the birth of Limit Douluo. But everything is fair. The power of Yin-Yang Complement dual Spirit Cores surpasses Resonance dual Spirit Cores by several times. Those human Limit Douluo are absolutely no match for Di Tian or the Evil Emperor.
Stability versus power, both types of Spirit Cores have their advantages, and either is a valid choice. I'll respect your decision completely, and I'll help pave the way according to what you choose. So, I want to hear your thoughts now."
"Yin-Yang Complement."
Ling Bai's tone was resolute, without a shred of hesitation.
"Good."
The Snow Empress nodded calmly, but a trace of relief flickered in her sky-blue eyes. Clearly, she had hoped Ling Bai would challenge the Yin-Yang Complement path, and he hadn't let her down.
"I exchanged opinions with Elder Yi. Although he isn't native to the Douluo Continent, his insight is sharp and precise. He hit the nail on the head regarding the essence of Yin-Yang Complement dual Spirit Cores.
Take me as an example. My first Spirit Core was an Ultimate Snow Spirit Core, condensing the essence of my origin power. My second Spirit Core was supposed to complement it with the space attribute, but because I wasn't proficient in space, the conflict kept me from taking that final step, and I was forced to start over as a human.
But you're different. You are blessed with Twin Martial Spirits, and your two Martial Spirits, the Seraphim and the Death Abyss Spider Emperor, are one holy and one evil. They are naturally like the two sides of yin and yang, opposing and complementing each other..."
Ling Bai pondered, "So what you're saying is, my first Spirit Core gathers the essence of the Seraphim into an Angel Spirit Core. To achieve Yin-Yang Complement, the second Spirit Core should condense the origin of the Death Abyss Spider Emperor into a Death Abyss Spirit Core?"
"Exactly."
"There's a question."
Ling Bai raised his eyes. "The prerequisite for Yin-Yang Complement is the balance of yin and yang. After the Seraphim evolved into a Tri-Ultimate attribute Martial Spirit, it firmly suppressed the Death Abyss Spider Emperor with its Ultimate Death. The balance of yin and yang has been disrupted. Yang is flourishing while yin is withering."
Conversations with smart people were effortless. Ling Bai had already seen right through the problem without her having to spell it out. The Snow Empress chuckled lightly. "That's why Elder Yi and I both believe that if you choose Yin-Yang Complement, then before your spirit power reaches rank 90, you must evolve your Death Abyss Spider Emperor into a Tri-Ultimate Attribute Martial Spirit on par with your Seraphim.
The Death Abyss Spider Emperor possesses the attributes of Ultimate Death, Evil, and Poison.
In other words, achieving Ultimate Evil and Ultimate Poison is your future goal."
"I see..."
Ling Bai fell into contemplation. Having experienced the Seraphim's evolution, he understood the path to advancing the Death Abyss Spider Emperor. It would require 100,000-year Ultimate Evil and Ultimate Poison, whether from Heaven and Earth Treasures or from spirit beasts.
The target for Ultimate Evil was clear as day. That massive 100,000-year Dark Demon Evil God Tiger was right there.
There were three steps: find the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, kill the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, and devour the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger.
Finding a source of Ultimate Poison, though, would take some searching.
"You really do give me tough challenges..." Ling Bai smiled wryly.
The Snow Empress's lips curled. "Happy challenges."
"I'll head back first. I'll figure out a way to handle the Death Abyss Spider Emperor." Ling Bai smiled noncommittally, and his figure gradually faded away.
Back in the outside world, Ma Xiaotao walked out of the bathroom fully dressed. She noticed Ling Bai staring off into space and waved her hand before his eyes.
"Stop spacing out. Let's go, or Big Senior Sister will start worrying."
"Mm."
…
By the small pavilion beside Sea God Lake.
The fragrance of tea drifted in the air. Experienced tea drinkers didn't even need to taste it; just smelling the delicate aroma told them it was top-quality stuff. Inside the pavilion, Zhang Lexuan, Han Ruoruo, Wu Ming, Hua Yao, and Gu Fan, the five core pillars of the Inner Courtyard, sat around a round stone table.
"They're here."
Han Ruoruo, who had been staring into the distance, spoke softly. The others looked over and saw two figures approaching in their vision, one shining gold, one blazing red.
"Ruoruo, do you ever feel that seeing them is like seeing ourselves in the past?" Zhang Lexuan said gently.
"Time waits for no one. They are in the prime of their youth, while we are no longer young."
Han Ruoruo took a sip of tea, her deep, black eyes flickering slightly.
Ling Bai and Ma Xiaotao had not yet been tempered by the years; they were like flowers in full bloom, beautiful and vibrant with an unrestrained, flamboyant energy.
"Morning, Senior Brothers and Sisters."
"Good morning. Come, have a seat."
After exchanging polite greetings, the two took their seats. Across from Ling Bai sat Zhang Lexuan and Han Ruoruo, the two senior sisters.
They resembled fine tea, not as intense but possessing a refined elegance. Compared to the stunning, radiant beauty of Ma Xiaotao beside him, whose allure was bright and soaring, the senior sisters triumphed with their lingering charm.
"Director Ma, have things gone smoothly these past three months?"
Zhang Lexuan began, showing concern for Ma Xiaotao instead of diving straight into the main topic.
Ma Xiaotao was momentarily taken aback, then sighed. "Big Senior Sister, don't tease me. It's just the position of Outer Courtyard Deputy Director of Education, hardly worthy of being called 'Director Ma.'
It's only after becoming a teacher that I realized just how much of a mixed bag the Outer Courtyard is. Sometimes, I honestly wonder if those students are the geniuses recommended by the city lords.
I don't see much cultivation talent, but there's no shortage of trivial disputes. And those Outer Courtyard teachers!"
The more Ma Xiaotao spoke, the angrier she became. Her fiery temper flared, and she slammed the table—bang, bang, bang—fuming, "The academy really needs to carefully screen the educational standards and moral conduct of the Outer Courtyard teachers! They want to expel students at the drop of a hat. When I ask what the students did wrong, it's always some flimsy, nonsensical excuse.
If there are issues with the students, then educate them! Don't just drive them out without even trying!"
The table immediately began to wobble under the strength of an Ultimate Spirit Saint. Ling Bai hurried to pick up the teapot and poured himself a cup before the teaware could topple. That tea was the premium Cold Jade he'd originally given to Han Ruoruo, and it would be a pity to waste it.
Zhang Lexuan smiled and soothed her. "It's precisely because you can see the academy's real situation that Elder Mu decided to let you temper your disposition in the Outer Courtyard's education department. When you enter the Sea God Pavilion in three years, you'll be able to address the shortcomings you've observed."
"I understand."
Ma Xiaotao let out a deep breath. Other than Ling Bai, Zhang Lexuan was the only Inner Courtyard student who could persuade her. This was the authority Zhang Lexuan had built over the years through her talent, character, seniority, and every action she took.
"Alright, let's get down to business," Zhang Lexuan said. "You two are the strongest in the Inner Courtyard. This time, I want to hear your opinions.
Tomorrow afternoon, the exchange students from the Sun Moon Imperial Academy will arrive at Shrek Academy. The Sea God Pavilion elders have entrusted me with handling their reception.
I asked Dean Yan about the specifics of the exchange plan between the two academies. Shrek originally hoped Huo Yuhao, Ning Tian, He Caitou, and the other exchange students could directly enter Illustrious Virtue Hall to study Spirit Guidance Devices. Illustrious Virtue Hall is the holy land for Spirit Guidance Masters, equivalent to Shrek's Inner Courtyard. Jing Hongchen flatly refused and was only willing to grant them sixth-year student privileges. They'll have to pass Illustrious Virtue Hall's exam on their own.
So, Dean Yan adjusted the plan. Tomorrow, the Sun Moon exchange students will face an additional Inner Courtyard entrance examination."
Ling Bai instantly understood: a hundred disciplinary sticks.
Wu Ming was the first to lose patience. She raised her fist and volunteered, "Me! Let me do it! I guarantee I'll beat those bastards from the Sun Moon Empire until they run away whining!"
Zhang Lexuan took a sip of tea to moisten her throat and shook her head. "Ming'er, the entrance exam has to follow the rules. According to the list provided by Sun Moon Imperial Academy, the ten exchange students all possess powerful Martial Spirits within the Sun Moon Empire. The leaders are direct descendants of Illustrious Virtue Hall Master Jing Hongchen: Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen, who already made a name for themselves at the last tournament.
The dossier says the Hongchen siblings are just Spirit Emperors. The Inner Courtyard entrance examination involves challenging Inner Courtyard students of the same rank. There's no need for a Golden Crow Spirit Saint like you."
"Aww—"
Wu Ming dragged out her complaint, clearly displeased.
Gu Fan and Hua Yao seemed lost in thought. Both of them were Spirit Saints, so the entrance examination had nothing to do with them. They were here simply as witnesses.
Ma Xiaotao was also quite disappointed. She'd hoped to experience the Hongchen siblings' Spirit Fusion Skill, Hongchen's Yearning, but it looked like that plan was doomed.
Zhang Lexuan continued, "The purpose of Shrek's exchange plan is to teach them something, but not to reveal our core knowledge.
After all, the two academies are enemies in every aspect. Until true peace arrives on the Douluo Continent, there's no reason to give everything to our rivals. I believe the Sun Moon Imperial Academy thinks the same about our exchange students.
According to Dean Yan's intentions, we need to make the exchange students feel the gap between them and Shrek's Spirit Masters during the entrance examination, and then admit them into the Inner Courtyard with an attitude of magnanimity beyond the rules.
The Sun Moon side has eight Spirit Kings and two Spirit Emperors. So, who will face them from our Inner Courtyard becomes extremely important. Does anyone have recommendations?"
"Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, Jiang Nannan, Chu Qingtian, Ye Liu, Tai Xing, Zhou Sen, and Li Yongyue. They're all outstanding among the Inner Courtyard's Spirit Kings," Han Ruoruo suggested.
Zhang Lexuan noted them down one by one. "What about the Spirit Emperors? Three Legged Golden Toad Xiao Hongchen, and Red Eyed Ice Toad Meng Hongchen. Both are dual cultivators of Spirit Master and Spirit Guidance Master. Xiao Hongchen's Three Legged Golden Toad Martial Spirit is innately gifted in metal control and focuses on ranged combat. Meng Hongchen excels in close range, relying on the Red Eyed Ice Toad's potent poison."
Han Ruoruo hesitated. "Between the siblings, Meng Hongchen's Martial Spirit is a bit weaker, but if you want someone in the Inner Courtyard who can reliably defeat a 6-ringed Spirit Emperor like her...
I'm afraid there's only one. Her ability happens to counter Meng Hongchen, but her temperament..."
Her eyes involuntarily glanced in Ling Bai's direction as she spoke. That person's temperament was growing more and more eccentric. She usually kept to herself but was different only toward Ling Bai, always smiling brightly when she saw him.
Zhang Lexuan knew exactly who Han Ruoruo meant. She decided, "Meng Hongchen's opponent will be her. Ling Bai, please inform her for me. I will try my best to meet any conditions she has."
Ling Bai nodded silently.
"What about Xiao Hongchen?" Zhang Lexuan asked next.
"Xiao Hongchen is a bit trickier..."
Han Ruoruo's willow-like brows furrowed. "Chen Zifeng... Ling Luochen. Neither seems a sure bet in a one-on-one. If Xiaotao hadn't broken through to Spirit Saint, she would have been the perfect candidate..."
Ling Bai agreed completely. Xiao Hongchen's talent and strength were on par with a Shrek Seven Monsters captain. Ordinary Seven Monsters wouldn't stand a chance against him. Just then, he caught the sly, knowing smiles from the two senior sisters.
"You're going too far."
Ling Bai instantly saw through their intentions. He pointed at himself, helpless. "Do I even count as a Spirit Emperor? Aren't you bullying a little too much..."
Tri-Ultimate attributes, first Spirit Core, six-winged form, four 100,000-year spirit bones, domain evolution!
He could probably fight a Titled Douluo with a weaker Martial Spirit, yet they wanted him to fight the Rank 60-something Xiao Hongchen?
Frankly speaking, he was afraid he might accidentally use too much force and directly twist Xiao Hongchen's head off.
Han Ruoruo blinked innocently. "But you are indeed a Spirit Emperor. Spirit Masters are proud people, especially geniuses like Xiao Hongchen.
Compared to the other Inner Courtyard students, he probably wants to challenge you, the one who defeated him before, even more. Having you as his examiner might be exactly what he wishes for."
"Tsk, Elder Sister, you've really picked up some bad habits..."
Ling Bai complained. He always thought his own standards were low, but compared to Zhang Lexuan and Han Ruoruo, his standards still had room to fall.
"Since both of you insist, it's hard for me to refuse. I'll just treat it as a chance to test out some new spirit skills..."