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A year passed in the blink of an eye.
Su Wen's milk tea shop was thriving. As business at the main branch began to level out, he opened several additional stores across the city. Although the profit per cup dropped to just one copper soul coin, the sheer volume of sales brought the revenue back up again.
During her spare time between classes, Jiang Nannan would also come by to help. Dressed in a convenience store uniform (borrowed from a cake shop), her delicate makeup and naturally stunning appearance earned her the nickname "Milk Tea Goddess," bringing in waves of foot traffic to the main store.
At the same time, the influence of the Treasure Gathering Pavilion gradually integrated into the milk tea business. Per an earlier agreement between Su Wen and Elder Lin, the profits were split 70-30. The academy would collect 30% as a management fee, while Su Wen, now a hands-off boss, comfortably enjoyed his 70% share.
Inside the Golden Treehouse—
Su Wen let out a long breath.
He could feel the golden core within his body circulating like a spiritual energy pump, flowing through his meridians in a continuous cycle.
"Level 38 peak… just one step away from Level 39," he murmured, sensing the abundant soul power within.
In less than a year, he'd advanced nearly seven levels, and this was at the Soul Elder rank. It was almost like leveling up by drinking water. Even top-tier talents like Dai Huabin and Ning Tian needed three to four months to go up one level at this stage.
Of course, this was thanks to his ascetic lifestyle and, after becoming wealthy, the cultivation boost from his three spirit beasts consuming flesh and blood.
"School's starting soon…"
Su Wen stood up and pushed open the wooden window. The full view of Shrek's outer court unfolded before him. The most eye-catching area was the massive open space known as Shrek Plaza. Further back were the white, yellow, purple, and black teaching buildings—each corresponding to Grades 1 through 6. In the distance stood the student dormitories.
At that moment, Su Wen could faintly make out hundreds of people gathering under the white freshmen building. The noise from the crowd could even be heard from here. Most were parents bringing their children to register.
"Roar!"
A low growl echoed from an ancient tree just outside the window. Hurricane clung to the tree trunk, his face full of excitement.
"There are lots of people at the freshmen building today. Don't go running around," Su Wen said calmly, shutting the window.
"Roooaaar…" Hurricane drooped his head and lazily swung over to another tree.
Walking along the edge of Sea God Island, Su Wen felt the salty sea breeze brushing against his face.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
If he wasn't mistaken, the main storyline was probably starting within these two days. A young boy would soon leave the Duke's mansion, determined to defy the heavens and change his fate. According to Jiang Nannan, Beibei and Tang Ya were set to leave the academy today to help Tang Ya obtain her third soul ring.
And this would be the first step in Huo Gua's rise.
Although Su Wen felt indifferent about the Skydream Iceworm—since he wasn't a spiritual-type soul master, it was unlikely to choose him—he absolutely had to attract Electrolux. As a necromancer, both his strength and nearly treasure trove-like knowledge were enough to entice Su Wen.
"Dean Yan?"
Su Wen was deep in thought when he suddenly looked up in surprise. Not far away stood an elegant older gentleman.
"Hehe, Xiao Wen, have you decided which department to join?" Yan Shaozhe asked with a bright smile, even showing a hint of subtle flattery.
"The Martial Soul Department, of course. Don't worry, I won't be lured away by the Soul Tool Department. I'm heading to the Star Dou Forest now, so please don't follow me…" Su Wen said, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly, waving a hand and leaving behind a dashing figure.
"Let nature take its course~" Yan Shaozhe smiled knowingly.
Only after Su Wen's figure vanished did he cheerfully head to the Martial Soul Department building. He needed to remind Du Weilun of a few things. While the student was already secured, he couldn't guard against any underhanded tricks from the other side.
Meanwhile...
Duke's Mansion.
Within the stately estate of red bricks and white walls, a small, unremarkable side door opened as a thin figure darted out. The boy turned back to look at the mansion, eyes filled with hatred. He turned again and kowtowed deeply, murmuring to himself in a voice only he could hear, "Mother, from now on, I shall take the surname Huo—Huo Yuhao!"
Then he strode forward without a glance back, heading toward the Star Dou Forest.
Outside Shrek Academy.
Two striking figures immediately caught everyone's attention.
A handsome young man in the Outer Court uniform, with deep blue short hair and youthful charm radiating from his attractive features and tall frame, drew the eyes of many Outer Court girls—and even newly enrolled freshmen.
Beside him was a vivacious girl with a ponytail and delicate features. Her lively personality was evident as she clung to Beibei's arm, clearly staking her claim.
In her other hand, she held a cup of milk tea, taking a satisfied sip before offering it to Beibei. He looked at her dotingly and didn't refuse the shared straw.
"Strawberry flavor~" Tang Ya beamed, her eyes twinkling with joy.
"Mm…" Beibei gently stroked her hair, about to speak when the smile on his face slowly faded. His light-blue eyes locked onto a figure not far away.
"Su Wen?"
A flash of suspicion crossed his expression.
He had, of course, heard of the boy's reputation in the Inner Court—an absolute monster. Recently, he'd singlehandedly beaten a Soul King in the dueling arena, leaving his opponent black and blue, completely crushed despite a two-rank gap.
And the most terrifying part?
He was only eleven.
An eleven-year-old Soul Elder.
Though Beibei had no personal conflict with him, the invisible aura the boy emitted was enough to make people feel suffocated—like facing a ferocious ten-thousand-year soul beast. Even if you knew it wouldn't kill you, the oppressive pressure remained ever-present…
"Beibei?"
Tang Ya noticed his strange behavior and nervously followed his gaze.
She saw a dazzlingly handsome young boy, smiling brightly.
"What's wrong? Why are you spacing out?" Tang Ya waved her hand in front of Beibei's face.
"It's nothing…"
Beibei quickly composed himself. Perhaps he was just overthinking.
"This little guy—is he your friend?" Tang Ya stepped forward with a grin, pinching Su Wen's cheek. Her eyes lit up. "He's so handsome! How come I've never seen him before? A new student in the Outer Court, maybe? Today's registration day, after all."
"Don't—" Beibei's pupils shrank.
A chill ran down his spine as he instinctively tried to stop her. He knew how terrifying this boy was. If Su Wen got angry, Tang Ya—despite being a peak Grand Soul Master—wouldn't withstand a single blow. Neither would he.
"…"
Su Wen's face twitched. He expressionlessly swatted Tang Ya's hand away.
If not for the fact that Tang Ya and Beibei would soon run into Huo Gua, he wouldn't have approached them at all. After all, the outskirts of the Star Dou Forest were vast, and finding someone alone was like searching for a needle in a haystack. Following them from behind would seem creepy—he might as well join them openly.
Seeing that Su Wen wasn't angry, Beibei internally breathed a sigh of relief.
He quickly pulled Tang Ya behind him and asked politely, "Li'l—cough—Su Wen, did you need something from me?"
"You're heading to the Star Dou Forest to hunt soul beasts?" Su Wen asked with a smile.
"Yeah, Xiao Ya's about to break through to Grand Soul Master, so…" Beibei hesitated, unsure how Su Wen had learned that.
"Perfect. I'm going there too. Let's go together."
(End of Chapter)