Chapter 167: Ma Xiaotao's Reward
Time passed slowly.
Since Ma Xiaotao's Fire Phoenix had already been extremely close to reaching the level of Extreme Fire, its evolution proceeded far more quickly this time.
In barely half an hour, the blazing phoenix in the sky finally completed its transformation. Its feathers turned into a brilliant blend of scarlet and gold, glimmering dazzlingly under the sunlight.
The aura it released had now fully ascended into true Extreme Fire.
Even the faint breath leaking out caused the surrounding temperature within a kilometer to rise by dozens of degrees.
Thankfully, with so many powerful experts present, that intense heat was quickly contained before spreading further.
Moments later, Ma Xiaotao's Fire Phoenix descended and dissolved, returning into her body.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
At that instant, the elders hovering above could no longer restrain themselves. One after another, they landed in Ma Xiaotao's courtyard.
More than twenty figures surrounded the small compound completely.
Outside, teachers and students gathered one after another, drawn to the commotion—Zhang Lexuan among them.
After all, what Ma Xiaotao had just done was unprecedented—it was impossible not to attract attention.
"Xiao Tao, what happened?"
"Xiao Tao, how do you feel?"
"Your martial spirit… why did it suddenly evolve?"
The elders began bombarding her with questions the moment they arrived.
There was no hostility in their tone—only astonishment and concern.
Martial spirit evolution was an unbelievably rare phenomenon. It could occur naturally with great leaps in cultivation—or through dark, forbidden techniques that force the spirit to change.
But something like this—purging demonic energy and evolving the spirit into an Extreme Flame—had never once appeared in all of Shrek Academy's millennia‑long history.
Even across the entire continent, it was unheard of.
Curiosity burned in their eyes.
"I don't know either… I just ate a heavenly treasure that Xiao Chen gave me, and then it happened," Ma Xiaotao said sheepishly, under their collective gaze, quickly pushing all the attention onto Ye Chen.
All eyes immediately turned toward him.
"I stumbled upon a fire‑attribute heavenly treasure while traveling," Ye Chen said casually, spreading his hands. "I thought I'd gift it to Xiao Tao to help her cultivation. I didn't expect it would actually evolve her martial spirit."
"What kind of herb was it? Where did you find it?"
"That must've been an extraordinary treasure! Such a shame it's already gone. If we could've preserved it, maybe we could've cultivated more of its kind in the future."
The elders and teachers sighed regretfully.
A treasure capable of evolving a martial spirit was beyond priceless. Such things were the stuff of legends.
To have it consumed so casually—it felt like wasting divinity itself.
Had they at least saved its roots or seed, there might have been hope to grow another. But now, it was gone forever.
"I didn't think that far ahead," Ye Chen said with a shrug. "But since Xiao Tao‑jie has reached the realm of Extreme Fire, I'd say it was well worth it."
He knew better than to reveal any details about immortal herbs—greed could turn even decent people into monsters.
"Alright, enough. Xiao Tao's awakening is a blessing for the academy, not something to interrogate her over," Yan Shaozhe finally said, his voice carrying a hint of irritation.
The elders quieted down instantly, exchanging awkward smiles.
"Yes, yes, it's a good thing! No need to crowd her," Elder Xuan chuckled, strolling over while gnawing on a chicken leg. "Xiao Tao, this is your own fortune. We won't pry. Take a few days off to stabilize your power. Once you're ready, I'll personally accompany you to obtain your seventh spirit ring."
As Ma Xiaotao was not only Shrek Seven Devils' captain but also Elder Xuan's student, he was visibly proud.
With her ascended Fire Phoenix and newly gained strength as a Soul Saint, Shrek's victory in the upcoming Continental Advanced Spirit Master Tournament was guaranteed.
Even before this, the academy was unbeatable. Now, their supremacy was absolute.
"Thank you, Elder Xuan."
Ma Xiaotao bowed respectfully, gratitude shining in her eyes.
Meanwhile, Ye Chen couldn't help but feel uneasy.
"Damn… Elder Xuan himself accompanying her for a soul ring—please don't let anything go wrong…"
Still, Ma Xiaotao's power was now tremendous. Unless a beast actively sought her out, she'd be perfectly safe.
"Elder Xuan, allow me to handle it. After all, Xiao Tao is my student," Yan Shaozhe suddenly said, stepping forward.
As her teacher, it stung that he hadn't been able to solve her martial spirit's problem himself. Now that her potential was unlocked, he was determined to be the one guiding her next step.
Besides, a disciple destined to reach the rank of Extreme Douluo wasn't the kind of bond you left to someone else.
Elder Xuan eyed him knowingly but simply smiled.
"Ha, as you wish, Shaozhe."
After one last round of questions to confirm Ma Xiaotao's condition, the others left, their astonishment still lingering.
Soon, the courtyard was quiet again—only Ye Chen and Ma Xiaotao remained.
"Xiao Chen… I did it!"
Ma Xiaotao tackled him without warning, pinning him to the ground with a joyful laugh.
"I'm an Extreme Fire spirit now! Hehe… Uuuh…" Her laughter broke off as tears began to fall.
"Why are you crying? Shouldn't you be celebrating instead?" Ye Chen asked, helplessly patting her back.
"Hmph, I am happy," she murmured, wiping her tears on his clothes without a second thought.
The gesture was intimate, natural—and left Ye Chen speechless.
Her gifts had moved her deeply; she didn't even know how to repay him.
But then, her expression changed slightly. She leaned closer, her voice barely a whisper beside his ear.
"Since you've been so good to me… that thing you mentioned last time… I'll agree to it."
"Huh? What thing?" Ye Chen blinked, genuinely confused. He didn't remember asking her for anything.
"It's…"
Ma Xiaotao's face turned scarlet. The corners of her lips trembled as she struggled to say it aloud, while a faint shiver ran down her spine at the memory—especially somewhere behind her.
Ye Chen: "…"
(END CHAPTER)
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