"It'll become familiar in time. Follow me."
A hoarse voice sounded from under the black robe. Without waiting for Lin Xiao's reaction, the figure turned and walked toward the dungeon exit.
The warm sensation on his face was so vivid. The child who had huddled with him all this time had become a cold corpse.
Sadness, anger… fear?
He didn't know how to describe the complex emotions in his heart, only numbly lifting his legs and stepping forward…
The purple lights on the walls weren't bright, leaving the outer corridor dim. Lin Xiao couldn't make out the faces of those passing by, only hearing their conversations.
"Old Eight, is this today's sacrifice?"
"No, this is my new disciple."
After an unknown time, the surroundings finally changed. The black-robed figure turned, the purple light revealing a withered face—it was unclear if it was an old man or a skeleton wrapped in skin.
"You know, even in the church, not everyone's martial soul can directly touch death itself like yours. You were born to be a disciple of our church. Come, raise your hand."
As he spoke, a fist-sized crystal ball was placed before him. As soon as the childish hand touched it, a dazzling blue light filled the room.
"Level 9, innate Level 9."
The gaze under the black robe grew fervent. "I knew it. You'll be the church's most outstanding disciple, the sharpest blade of our church…"
"Hah—"
Lin Xiao snapped his eyes open. As expected, Nightmare Douluo's figure stood by the bed.
"Teacher, why did you come personally?"
Nightmare Douluo didn't speak, staring at Lin Xiao for a long moment. "You've seen Xu He?"
"Yes," Lin Xiao said, not lying, unsure of all Nightmare Douluo's methods.
"Where did he go?"
"He was taken by people from Shrek Academy."
"Shrek Academy?" Nightmare Douluo's expression changed. He stroked his chin. "No wonder the mark I left was erased. I didn't expect Shrek Academy to intervene. In that case…"
As Nightmare Douluo pondered, Lin Xiao's gaze flickered slightly.
Nightmare Douluo indeed had other means. No, Lin Xiao had already suspected as much; this was just confirmation from Nightmare Douluo's mouth.
Perhaps as his cultivation advanced and the Spirit Ascension Ceremony approached, Nightmare Douluo's attitude toward him had shifted, no longer as cautious, his words less guarded.
"You seem to have broken through again?" Nightmare Douluo said, glancing at Lin Xiao as he came back to his senses.
"Yes," Lin Xiao nodded. "On the way back, I fought someone and gained something, breaking through in soul power level as well."
"Not bad for innate Level 9 talent. Even your teacher is a bit envious," Nightmare Douluo said with a smile that felt unsettling.
Lin Xiao said nothing more, standing quietly to the side.
"Alright, Xu He being taken by Shrek Academy isn't entirely bad. Even if Xu Jing finds Xu He's trail, he won't dare act against Shrek Academy. This way, Xu He will remain a thorn in Xu Jing and his son's side even longer."
Nightmare Douluo waved his hand, and his figure gradually faded. "You've done well. Rest up. Once you're back at the academy, continue studying soul tools diligently."
Lin Xiao watched Nightmare Douluo leave, then sat cross-legged on the bed, circulating his soul power through his meridians.
After returning to Mingdu, he had immediately reported to Lin Jiayi, claiming he had been delayed by family matters. Though his excuse was flimsy, with Nightmare Douluo likely having spoken to Lin Jiayi, the latter didn't press further.
As for the Gold-Devouring Beast's soul bone, he had absorbed it in the wilderness. With no one around, he had taken the risk.
He didn't know if it was his first time absorbing a soul bone or due to the Gold-Devouring Beast's exceptional physical strength, but just the left arm bone had greatly enhanced his body.
During his enrollment test, his physical strength equated to Level 59 Soul King. Now, without retesting, he could feel it matched a Soul Emperor's—even beyond Level 60.
For a soul master with a tool martial soul, this was quite impressive.
Lost in thought, Lin Xiao soon reached the dormitory area. But as he approached his dorm, his steps halted.
Outside his dormitory, a figure was peering around suspiciously.
Stepping lightly, Lin Xiao approached quietly and placed his left hand on the person's shoulder.
"Ouch, that hurts!"
A startled cry rang out. The person slapped Lin Xiao's arm vigorously, struggling to turn around.
Recognizing the face, Lin Xiao frowned but released his grip.
This face was familiar—the same person who had approached him outside Illustrious Virtue Hall on his first day.
The person seemed to recognize Lin Xiao too, their expression brightening instantly. "Where have you been these past few days? I haven't seen you at all."
"What are you doing outside my dorm?" Lin Xiao didn't respond directly.
"I haven't seen you for days, so I was worried something happened and came to check," the person said, rubbing their shoulder.
"The academy is huge; not seeing someone is normal."
"Not normal. I've been paying attention to you…" At this, the person seemed to realize they'd slipped up, their expression turning awkward. They stole a glance at Lin Xiao before quickly looking away.
Lin Xiao said nothing, just watching the performance quietly.
Seeing no reaction from Lin Xiao after a while, the person sighed. "Ah, I knew I couldn't pull off that cute and playful role. I just wanted to see you, okay? You're so handsome; can't a girl look?"
Hearing this, Lin Xiao's expression finally shifted. This demeanor suggested someone high up was guiding her.
Her contradictory behavior that day had aroused his suspicion. Today, upon meeting again, she openly admitted to acting, seeming honest but actually covering her previous mistake. Unfortunately, Lin Xiao sensed little sincerity from her.
"What's your name?"
"I'm Shangguan Qing," the person said, raising an eyebrow, their smile growing more evident.
Shangguan?
In this world, it was an uncommon surname. Lin Xiao's memories surged as he pondered where he might have heard it before.
Shangguan Qing had thought Lin Xiao's question indicated interest, but after that single sentence, he fell silent again.
"Alright, now that I know you're fine, I'll head back," Shangguan Qing said after waiting a bit longer, then ran off on her own.
Lin Xiao watched her retreating figure thoughtfully until she vanished completely.