Lu Jingming said nothing further, knowing that true strength deserves respect. Yan Shaozhe, after all, was a rank 95 Super Douluo—a top powerhouse.
Even fiery Ma Xiaotao only glared at Lu Jingming now and then, venting her frustration with her eyes rather than words, showing Yan Shaozhe's authority.
She was impulsive, not stupid; from her teacher's attitude, she could tell Jingliu was a powerful figure deserving respect.
She knew she had no place to butt in.
"Hunting rules have always been first come, first served. Whoever kills the soul beast, it's theirs. If you have a problem, settle it with strength," Jingliu said coldly. Her meaning was clear: even if you'd been tracking the Cinder Radiance Bird, we're the ones who killed it. If you don't like it—fight.
Yan Shaozhe's face twitched. He hadn't expected her to be so blunt, giving Shrek Academy no face.
He hadn't wanted trouble over the bird, just an apology or some compensation. But Jingliu left him no way out. If he backed down, it would cost him and Shrek Academy their dignity.
The situation seemed destined for a fight.
"Fine! If that's your stance, let's see whose skills are greater!" Yan Shaozhe laughed coldly. As he spoke, a brilliant phoenix apparition appeared behind him, and his powerful soul power swept out like a tidal wave.
The radiant light instantly dispelled the forest's shadows, illuminating the area like daylight.
At the same moment, a sharp sword cry pierced the air.
An icy sword intent soared to the heavens, freezing the air and sending snow swirling down.
Under Jingliu's sword intent, Yan Shaozhe's momentum was instantly suppressed.
Ma Xiaotao instinctively retreated, feeling as if she saw a sword that could slice stars and moonlight that could freeze all things.
Strangely, under the biting cold, the evil fire that had long plagued her subsided, leaving her feeling an unprecedented comfort.
Her anger, too, faded, replaced by an unusual calm.
"Ultimate Ice!" Yan Shaozhe said, his eyes filled with both dread and joy.
For years, he'd tried everything to rid Ma Xiaotao of her evil fire, searching in vain for a soul master with the ultimate ice attribute. He'd nearly given up. Who'd have guessed, on this hunt for her third soul ring, he'd run into one here?
But after the surprise came a headache. In this situation, he couldn't possibly fight over a mere soul beast with such a powerful person.
Judging from their brief clash, he knew he was likely not Jingliu's match.
Yet, to yield so easily would hurt Shrek Academy's reputation.
As he struggled, he looked at Ma Xiaotao, whom he cared for as a daughter.
Gritting his teeth, after much internal struggle, he finally decided to let go of his pride and concede.
"Please, let's not fight. Let's talk this out."
Just then, a melodious, oriole-like female voice rang out.
At the sound, both Jingliu and Yan Shaozhe withdrew their auras.
Yan Shaozhe breathed a sigh of relief, looking toward the newcomer with goodwill.
A golden-haired girl in a luxurious gold dress walked gracefully toward them, her every step exuding nobility and elegance.
Several figures followed, all exuding powerful soul force, but their deference centered on the golden-haired girl.
Among them was an elderly, silver-haired woman, kind-looking but radiating immense soul power. It was she who had shielded the golden-haired girl from the clash just now.
"Senior Jingliu, Dcean Yan, it's just a thousand-year soul beast—not worth fighting over. Whatever the issue, let's sit down and talk peacefully," the golden-haired girl said with a gentle, melodious voice, soothing the tense atmosphere.
Lu Jingming, hearing this, couldn't help but look at her in astonishment.