Seeing Ma Xiaotao charging straight at him, Zhu Ziyang knew he could no longer afford to hold back. She was engulfed in flames—if she hit him directly, she'd probably burn his clothes off!
He immediately began maneuvering the Scythe of Silent Judgment, retreating step by step in an orderly fashion. The golden blade barred Ma Xiaotao's path, but she growled in fury. Even in her frenzied state, she could still activate soul skills—her first soul ring lit up, and with a slight parting of her lips, she spat a flame tinged with red and black directly at the scythe.
The blade sizzled under the heat, but remained steady in its position. Ma Xiaotao rushed forward, attempting to grab it. But Zhu Ziyang dodged quickly, shifting the scythe just out of reach. She wasn't deterred—both hands came into play, one reaching for the shaft, the other punching directly at the blade.
Zhu Ziyang easily evaded her frantic attacks. As the weapon's wielder, he was far more agile than her. But Ma Xiaotao clung to the weapon like a lifeline, completely obsessed with it, unwilling to let go. He had no choice but to continue backing up while fending her off.
Despite several failed attempts, Ma Xiaotao only grew more unstable. The unhealthy flush on her cheeks deepened, and her mental state verged on collapse. If this continued, she might truly burn her brain out.
"Stop toying with her!" the blue-haired girl cried anxiously. "Throw her into the lake—hurry, before it's too late!"
Zhu Ziyang recognized that the situation was critical. Without further hesitation, he spun the Scythe of Silent Judgment and struck from an unexpected angle. The blade slammed into Ma Xiaotao's waist, launching her into the air.
She flailed for a second or two before splashing into the lake with a loud splash. Bubbles rose briefly before the surface went still.
"She's in!" the blue-haired girl cheered. "Stay here—I'll get help!"
Before Zhu Ziyang could respond, she dashed off, leaving him alone at the water's edge. He sighed and stood watch over the lake, just in case.
She's a Soul Ancestor... she won't drown, right? he thought.
But as minutes passed—three... four—he began to worry. Not even a single bubble had surfaced.
Frowning, he stepped closer to the shore and leaned out, scanning the water for any sign of her.
Just then, Ma Xiaotao burst out from the lake.
She tackled him with shocking force, dragging him down with her.
"...Help me... please..."
Her voice was soft and pitiful, yet urgent.
To Zhu Ziyang's frustration, she clung to him like an octopus, arms and legs locked tightly around him. He couldn't move at all.
The two of them sank deeper into the water. With her blazing body pressed against his, he finally understood the reason for her instability.
That temperature... no wonder she lost control.
"Sigh... looks like you're in luck today," Zhu Ziyang muttered.
His eyes gleamed. He released his Heavenly Frost Saint White Dragon martial soul, and an aura of extreme cold burst forth.
The surrounding water froze rapidly, spreading outward in a sheet of ice.
Feeling the chill, Ma Xiaotao clutched him even tighter. Her grip loosened slightly, but her body squirmed uncontrollably as if trying to meld into his.
Her arms coiled around his neck, her legs wrapped tightly around his waist. She clung to him like a sloth, trying to bury herself in his embrace.
Finally able to move, Zhu Ziyang supported her gently. She had fallen into a deep sleep—if he didn't surface soon, she might actually drown.
He swam upward, carrying her.
—
At that very moment, Yan Shaozhe, alerted by the blue-haired girl, arrived in a rush.
Zhu Ziyang emerged from the lake holding Ma Xiaotao in his arms. The two locked eyes—master and student—and froze.
"Ziyang... you..." Yan Shaozhe was speechless. His eyes drifted past Zhu Ziyang to the crimson soul ring floating behind him and the frosty aura emanating from his body. He didn't even register the girl in his arms.
"Uh... Senior Brother, maybe we can talk later? This girl in my arms is kind of the priority here," Zhu Ziyang said awkwardly.
"Yes, yes!" Yan Shaozhe snapped out of it and pulled them both ashore.
Back on land, Zhu Ziyang retracted his martial soul and looked at Ma Xiaotao.
Her temperature had dropped. The once burning furnace was now a soft, delicate warmth. The stark contrast left Zhu Ziyang a bit flustered.
He looked at Yan Shaozhe helplessly. "Senior Brother... what should I do with her?"
Yan Shaozhe touched her forehead, then smiled. "She's fine. The evil fire in her body has been suppressed."
"That's good," Zhu Ziyang said in relief. "But... what exactly is going on with her?"
"She's actually my disciple," Yan Shaozhe explained.
"I figured," Zhu Ziyang replied calmly. They both had phoenix-type martial souls, and Ma Xiaotao's talent was outstanding. It would've been odd if she weren't his student.
"She's also a descendant of the original Shrek Seven Monsters—Phoenix Douluo Ma Hongjun."
Zhu Ziyang's expression shifted slightly. He remembered reading about Ma Hongjun—his martial soul, the Fire Phoenix, had originated from a mutated trash martial soul. Though the mutation was positive, it came with a serious flaw: evil fire. He could only suppress it through... certain "activities." It wasn't until Tang San gave him a rare immortal herb that he fully resolved it.
Apparently, that flaw had passed down through the generations.
Zhu Ziyang was stunned—and full of admiration. Evil fire was difficult enough for a man to deal with. For a proud, gifted girl like Ma Xiaotao, enduring it must have taken incredible willpower.
"She awakened the Fire Phoenix martial soul from her ancestor. Born with full soul power, she reached rank 47 at just fifteen. A genius like no other," Yan Shaozhe continued. "But the evil fire haunts her still. As she grows stronger, it only becomes harder to suppress. Even rare ice-type treasures can't contain it anymore."
They arrived at Ma Xiaotao's dorm.
"This is her room. Go ahead and put her to bed," Yan Shaozhe said.
Zhu Ziyang paused. Something about the way he said it felt... suspicious. But he couldn't refuse, so he entered.
The room was simple. Zhu Ziyang laid Ma Xiaotao on her bed and struggled to free himself from her grip. Finally, he tucked her in and left.
Outside, Yan Shaozhe waited with a strange look in his eyes.
Then he asked, "Junior Brother... are you a twin martial soul holder?"
"Yes," Zhu Ziyang replied.
"What's your second martial soul? It suppressed her fire completely... Could it be—the Ultimate Ice?" Yan Shaozhe's eyes widened.
Zhu Ziyang nodded. "Yes." He was puzzled by the look of delight on Yan Shaozhe's face. It seemed... too eager.
"Perfect! Come, we need to speak with the teacher!" Yan Shaozhe exclaimed.
"Huh? Why?" Zhu Ziyang was caught off guard.
"There's something I need permission for," Yan Shaozhe said, his eyes gleaming.
—
Sea God's Pavilion
"Teacher, are you aware that Junior Brother has twin martial souls?" Yan Shaozhe asked respectfully.
"Yes," Mu En replied without opening his eyes. "Keep it quiet."
"Do you also know that his second martial soul is Ultimate Ice—and he has a hundred-thousand-year soul ring?" Yan Shaozhe pressed.
Mu En's hand trembled slightly. He still didn't open his eyes, but nodded again.
"Then... what about my proposal from the other day...?" Yan Shaozhe asked, visibly excited.
"Focus on your own matters," Mu En said firmly, finally opening his eyes. Disappointment flickered in them. "Don't force things that aren't meant to be."
Yan Shaozhe's heart dropped. He realized Mu En was upset and had no choice but to retreat silently.
Outside the pavilion, Yan Shaozhe was visibly frustrated. With Ziyang's Ultimate Light and Ultimate Ice, if he and Xiaotao were to... combine forces, it could not only resolve her soul's flaw, but perhaps even evolve her into a user of Ultimate Fire.
Two Title Douluos with ultimate elements in Shrek Academy... who could rival us then?
Why wouldn't Teacher approve? Yan Shaozhe couldn't understand.
—
Inside the pavilion, Mu En turned to Zhu Ziyang.
"Show me your hundred-thousand-year soul ring."
"Yes, Teacher." Zhu Ziyang didn't hesitate. He released his Heavenly Frost Saint White Dragon. His right arm morphed into a massive dragon claw, and a red ring with golden inscriptions floated around him—powerful and terrifying.
"…Alright, that's enough," Mu En said after a close inspection.
Zhu Ziyang retracted his martial soul.
"Tell me where that ring came from," Mu En asked, curiosity in his aged voice.
"Yes, Teacher…" Zhu Ziyang explained the sacrifice of the Silver Dragon Wolf, emphasizing the oath tied to the soul ring.
"A divine beast… a sacrifice..." Mu En was deeply moved. His face was filled with shock and admiration. Looking at Zhu Ziyang, warmth filled his eyes.
"You are truly favored by destiny. Don't worry about that oath. A mere hundred-thousand-year Ice Demon Snow Soul King is nothing! When the time comes, I'll help you deal with it personally."
"Yes, Teacher!" Zhu Ziyang replied, heart swelling with pride.
Having a powerful teacher really does make all the difference.