Originally, Xiao Xiao's two martial souls could only be considered top-tier, still a step away from being super-class martial souls.
But with the help of the Qiluo Golden Rose, her current Nine Dragon Cauldron and Frost Phoenix Flute had undoubtedly reached the level of super-class martial souls.
Though the Douluo Dalu 2: The Unrivaled Tang Sect era introduced the concept of "Divine Beast Martial Souls," these still fell under the super-class category. Moreover, Xiao Xiao's Nine Dragon Cauldron and Frost Phoenix Flute could also be considered borderline Divine Beast Martial Souls.
In terms of quality, her two martial souls were now no weaker than Xu Sanshi's Black Tortoise after its awakening.
Let's not forget—this was the Qiluo Golden Rose, a 100,000-year-old true body combined with the essence of immortal herbs. Such an immense amount of energy only raised Xiao Xiao's soul power by six levels. Ninety percent of the remaining medicinal potency was used to evolve her martial souls, with less than ten percent lingering in her body, slowly being absorbed as she cultivated.
When she sensed her current soul power rank, Xiao Xiao was overjoyed.
At the start of the semester, her soul power had only just reached the two-ring level—a full ten ranks behind Dai Huabin and Ning Tian.
But now, she had caught up and even surpassed them.
Lin Yun could clearly see the adoration in Xiao Xiao's eyes—so intense it was practically dripping with affection.
"Brother Yun… I think I can't live without you anymore." Her voice was soft, almost dreamy.
"Then don't." Lin Yun wrapped an arm around her slender waist and kissed her tenderly.
After lingering by the Sea God Lake for a while longer, the two finally headed to the cafeteria as the morning sun rose.
Along the way, many outer courtyard students were already out and about. Xiao Xiao felt something was off, but she was too distracted by Lin Yun to pay much attention.
It wasn't until they finished eating and entered Class 2, Grade 1 that she finally realized—
"Brother Yun… why is everyone staring at me?" She leaned in close, whispering into his ear.
Only now did it dawn on her—all those gazes on their way here had been directed at her, not Lin Yun.
She hadn't noticed earlier because:
She was still exhilarated from consuming the immortal herb and evolving her martial souls.
Her beloved was right beside her—nothing else mattered.
She had grown used to people staring at Lin Yun, the most dazzling figure among the freshmen.
But this time, the attention had shifted entirely to her.
Even though she knew she had become stunningly beautiful, Xiao Xiao still wasn't used to the sudden change. She instinctively moved closer to Lin Yun, her small hand clutching the hem of his clothes.
"Haha, you're underestimating your own charm!" Lin Yun chuckled, playfully tapping her nose. "You're a full-fledged beauty now—calling you Shrek Academy's most beautiful female student wouldn't even be an exaggeration!"
Xiao Xiao's face flushed, a mix of shyness and unconcealable delight.
What could be more satisfying than being acknowledged by the person she loved?
For her, nothing at the moment.
"N-No way… Don't just say things like that!"
"Me? Just saying things?" Lin Yun smirked. "I declare you the prettiest girl in Shrek. Who agrees? Who opposes? Let them step forward and debate me!"
For Lin Yun, attending Shrek Academy had become secondary.
Causing chaos and romance were far more interesting.
And he wasn't afraid of stirring up trouble. With the Golden Dragon King Martial Soul fully unsealed, the divine-grade soul bones of the Ice and Fire Dragon Kings, three 50,000-year soul rings, two 100,000-year soul rings, and a 56th-rank cultivation, he could look down on every student in Shrek—inner courtyard included.
Even Zhang Lexuan probably wasn't his match anymore.
With so many cheats at his disposal, if he still lacked the confidence to fight above his level, then he might as well have gone to lick Tang San's boots.
As for Xiao Xiao? Already deep in her love-struck state, her heart had completely molded itself around Lin Yun. Since enrollment, he had maintained a deceptively gentle yet aloof demeanor, occasionally revealing his innate dominance.
This domineering aura hadn't fully registered with her before—but now that she felt it, she didn't dislike it.
In fact… it made her feel incredibly safe.
"Brother Yun is so cool… I'm falling for him even harder!" Her heart pounded wildly, each beat drawing her closer to him.
Admittedly, Lin Yun's declaration might have sounded childishly chuunibyou to most people. But for their age—young love and university life—it was perfectly fitting.
When he decided to gift the Qiluo Golden Rose to Xiao Xiao, Lin Yun had already resolved to claim her heart. Otherwise, he could have given it to Ning Tian—the temptation of the Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda would have been enough to make her abandon all dignity and principles.
That wasn't an exaggeration.
Since Ning Rongrong's era, the Nine Treasure Glazed Sect had spent ten thousand years searching for the Qiluo Golden Rose, desperate to restore their legendary Nine Treasure realm.
With this immortal herb, even if Lin Yun demanded Ning Tian become his plaything, she likely wouldn't hesitate—at most, she might request leaving behind a descendant with the Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda to continue the lineage.
Imagine—the aloof, untouchable young mistress of the Nine Treasure Glazed Sect, a wealthy loli with riches rivaling nations, willingly becoming a summoned-at-will servant. The temptation was undeniable.
If Lin Yun didn't genuinely like Xiao Xiao, why would he give such a priceless treasure to her?
Sure, there was a hint of leading an innocent girl astray, but it wasn't truly malicious. Xiao Xiao already had feelings for him—he merely amplified them, ensuring his presence in her heart grew deeper.
The benefits he gave her were real, and he was seriously nurturing her potential. It wasn't exploitation.
Wasn't this far more sincere than "Revive, my love!"?
Though the two still hadn't formally confessed, they had silently acknowledged their relationship.
As for Shrek Academy's rule forbidding romance among outer courtyard students?
Who the hell cares?!
(End of Chapter)
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