Caelus was a treasure capable of driving any faction insane.
Yet, Elder Mu's attitude was to let nature take its course?
"No."
Yan Shaozhe's gaze became incredibly firm.
"I absolutely cannot gamble the future of the academy, and the future of Ma Xiaotao, on this illusory 'letting nature take its course'."
Yes, there was also Ma Xiaotao.
Thinking of his Disciple, whom he cherished like a daughter but who was tortured day and night by the evil fire, Yan Shaozhe's heart stung as if pierced by needles.
He had sacrificed too much for Ma Xiaotao.
He had scoured all the academy's ancient texts and begged all the old acquaintances he could, just to find Ultimate Ice and secure a glimmer of hope for her survival.
Yet, hope was ignited and extinguished time and time again.
He had even prepared for the worst, ready to use his own power to forcibly suppress Ma Xiaotao's cultivation to the Spirit Saint Realm, letting her live out her life as a cripple—mediocre, but safe.
But now, Ultimate Ice had appeared.
It was not only the hope for Shrek's future, but also Ma Xiaotao's only salvation.
How could he let it go? How could he remain indifferent?
He dared not defy Elder Mu's order.
Forcibly interfering with Caelus's decision and compelling him to stay at Shrek Academy was the worst possible strategy; it would only cause resentment and push this Genius to the opposite side.
But... just because he couldn't do it openly didn't mean he couldn't use other methods.
In Yan Shaozhe's mind, countless thoughts spun rapidly, weighing and deducing.
Suddenly, his tightly furrowed brows relaxed, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.
A bold idea quickly took shape in his heart.
"Right, that could work too."
He thought of Ma Xiaotao.
He thought of her figure and appearance, which could be considered top-tier even within the entire Shrek Academy.
"Although that kid has Heaven-Defying talent, he is ultimately just a teenager. Who can resist the temptation of beauty at that age?"
"Furthermore, Ma Xiaotao needs his Ultimate Ice to suppress the evil fire. This need itself is a connection. As long as it is handled properly, allowing an inseparable relationship to develop between the two..."
By then, with this relationship, the probability of Caelus leaving Shrek Academy would be much lower.
This was not just for Shrek, but also for Ma Xiaotao.
Yan Shaozhe found a justified reason for his plan.
The last trace of hesitation in his heart vanished.
He no longer hesitated and turned to fly towards the residence of the Inner Court Disciple.
However, just as he set off, a beautiful figure appeared silently before him, blocking his path.
The soft moonlight spilled onto her, outlining her graceful and mature curves.
It was his wife, Dragon Spear Douluo Cai Meier.
"Shaozhe."
Cai Meier's voice was calm, but there was a hint of scrutiny and warning in her beautiful eyes.
"What are you trying to do in such a rush?"
Yan Shaozhe's movements stiffened.
He looked at his wife before him, feeling somewhat helpless in his heart.
No one knew him better than Cai Meier.
With just one look or one gesture, she could guess what he was thinking.
"Meier, you..."
"Don't try to hide it from me."
Cai Meier interrupted him, her tone still calm.
"We both know the final decision made by Elder Mu at the Sea Gods Pavilion meeting."
She took a step forward, closing the distance between them.
She could feel the aura on him that had not yet settled, mixed with excitement and anxiety.
"I understand you, Shaozhe. For the sake of Shrek's future, there is nothing you wouldn't do."
A hint of worry seeped into her voice.
"I will only ask you one thing: are you intending to defy Elder Mu's order and do something you shouldn't?"
She was afraid.
She was afraid that her husband would be blinded by his obsession and commit an irreversible, foolish act.
Forcing such a talented Genius, if not handled well, wouldn't create a bond, but an enemy.
By then, let alone keeping Caelus at Shrek, the academy might even create a terrifying enemy in the future that they couldn't imagine.
If that happened, many things would truly be difficult to handle.
Seeing the worry in his wife's eyes, the impulse in Yan Shaozhe's heart gradually subsided.
He reached out and gently held Cai Meier's hand, his tone becoming gentle and solemn.
"Don't worry, Meier."
"I still know the weight of the situation."
He sighed and continued:
"I understand Elder Mu's concerns. I won't be stupid enough to force that child, nor will I do anything that violates Elder Mu's orders. I just... want to add some bargaining chips for our Shrek, for Ma Xiaotao."
Although his style of doing things was sometimes aggressive, he was, after all, the Dean who had managed the Martial Soul Department for many years; he wouldn't lose his head.
"Bargaining chips?"
A hint of confusion appeared in Cai Meier's eyes.
Yan Shaozhe looked at her, a confident, even slightly calculating smile appearing on his face.
"Of course, Ma Xiaotao."
He slowly revealed his plan:
"Think about it, she needs Ultimate Ice to suppress the evil fire, and Caelus is the only hope. It just so happens they have gone on missions together before, so they are somewhat familiar with each other. Plus, there isn't much of an age gap between them; they are at the age where feelings are just blossoming..."
Before he finished speaking, Cai Meier understood instantly.
She was stunned for a moment, then her beautiful eyes widened, and she looked at her husband in disbelief.
"You want to..."
She didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
She never expected that Yan Shaozhe's so-called 'adding bargaining chips' was actually this kind of scheme.
Cai Meier rolled her eyes at him, pulled her hand back forcefully, and chided:
"Yan Shaozhe, how old is that child? Eleven! You, a dignified Dean of the Martial Soul Department, are actually starting to scheme about a child's feelings? Have you no shame?"
Faced with his wife's accusation, Yan Shaozhe felt no guilt at all; instead, he puffed out his chest righteously.
"How can this be called scheming? This is a win-win situation, a way to help others fulfill their wishes."
"Just look at what kind of person my Ma Xiaotao is. Evil Fire Phoenix Martial Soul, gifted with immense talent, her future achievements are limitless. In terms of appearance and figure, looking across the entire continent, how many girls can compare to her? That kid gaining Ma Xiaotao's favor is him taking a massive advantage; he is not losing out at all."
Watching Yan Shaozhe's smug expression as if his own cabbage was the best, Cai Meier was both angry and amused.
She shook her head and finally sighed.
"Do as you wish."
She no longer stopped him.
Because, after she calmed down and carefully considered this seemingly absurd plan of Yan Shaozhe's, she had to admit...
This was, indeed, a good move.
------------------------
I've posted 70+ chapters in advance on Patreon.
Webnovel updates will still be daily, as usual.
It might not seem tempting right now but who knows what the future holds?
[email protected]/DaoistRoeoNQ
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"