After hearing Mu Wu's words, Su Yu felt that the way Snow Empress and Shui Lingguang looked at him had changed.
Mu Wu, this guy, was completely ruining his reputation.
He wasn't that desperate.
Taking a deep breath and resisting the urge to shove Mu Wu's head into a dung pit, Su Yu patted Mu Wu's shoulder again.
"I'll say it one last time, so listen carefully."
"The next time you defeat Ye Xishui, if you can kill her, just do it."
"An old fossil like Ye Xishui is beyond me. She's too complicated—better to let Long Xiaoyao handle her."
"That woman is perfect for him."
"A whore and a dog—together forever."
Su Yu sighed softly.
"You're right, Young Master. That's a sharp observation," Haibodong said with a thumbs-up.
Wasn't it true? Ye Xishui was a crazy whore, and Long Xiaoyao had been simping for her for over a hundred years. What else could he be but a simp?
Su Yu's description was spot on.
Shrugging, Su Yu looked at Haibodong. "Elder Hai, since Ye Xishui has appeared, Long Xiaoyao should be here too, right?"
Haibodong nodded. "Young Master, you guessed correctly. When I was about to kill Ye Xishui, Long Xiaoyao showed up."
"If not for him, Ye Xishui would already be dead."
"But even with both of them attacking together, they weren't my match—I could still defeat them."
"It's just that I got careless. Who would have thought that Ye Xishui had the Phoenix Nirvana technique?"
"No one would expect an Evil Soul Master to have a second martial soul—the Radiant Phoenix. I was caught off guard, and they managed to escape."
Hearing this, Su Yu smiled. "Elder Hai, you're not to blame. It's my fault for not telling you in advance—I knew Ye Xishui had a second martial soul."
"I share some responsibility for this."
"Young Master, don't say that. If you hadn't sent me, that fool would have died already. It was thanks to your foresight."
"And even though they escaped, they still took a direct hit from my Ice Dragon Soar. They won't be feeling good anytime soon."
"Once I recover my Quasi-God strength, dealing with those two will be as easy as flipping my hand."
Haibodong spoke with confidence.
Su Yu nodded with a smile.
Haibodong's strength was beyond doubt—he wasn't called the Ice Emperor for nothing.
His gaze flickered as he lightly kicked Mu Wu beside him. "Alright, stop kneeling. Get up and go heal your injuries first."
"You've worked hard this time."
"This subordinate is not worthy—it was my incompetence."
Mu Wu hurriedly replied.
Su Yu shook his head.
This time, it wasn't Mu Wu's incompetence.
Being able to injure Ye Xishui single-handedly was already proof of his strength.
If not for Ye Xishui's soul tool protection, she might have fallen to Mu Wu.
For someone at the half-step Ultimate Douluo level to push Ye Xishui to such a degree was already an incredible feat.
Aside from Mu Wu, no other 98th-level Super Douluo on the continent could probably achieve this.
Of course, part of the reason was also due to the Ice God's secret technique.
Others, like Du Busi, did have ways to forcibly boost themselves to Ultimate Douluo.
However such methods came with severe side effects.
For example, if Du Busi used his Golden Awakening, he could suffer serious backlash—or even die.
That was his final trump card, a desperate last resort.
But the Ice God's secret technique, Sublimation, was different. Other than causing three days of weakness afterward, it had no real drawbacks.
Compared to forcibly boosting one's strength by an entire level, such a minor flaw was negligible.
This was the true heritage of an ancient superpower.
"Go on."
Su Yu waved his sleeve.
Mu Wu cupped his hands toward Su Yu and then followed Bing Qing to receive treatment.
As the only healing-type Super Douluo among the Nine Guardians, Bing Qing's healing and support abilities were unparalleled on the continent.
Even the famous Medical Immortal Douluo of the Star Luo Empire paled in comparison to Bing Qing.
The only one among the Guardians who lacked strong combat abilities yet still held a place among them—how could she be ordinary?
Su Yu glanced at the other Guardians, his gaze pausing on Shui Lingguang for two seconds as if deep in thought.
Raising an eyebrow slightly, Su Yu took Snow Empress's hand and turned to leave.
Once Su Yu was gone, the other Guardians all breathed a sigh of relief.
Although Su Yu's strength wasn't at its peak yet, even someone like Lu Yuan felt an instinctive pressure in his presence.
Only Haibodong could act freely in front of Su Yu without concern.
Seeing Su Yu leave, Haibodong lost interest as well. After instructing the others to take care of Mu Wu, he disappeared.
With the two powerhouses gone, the atmosphere immediately became livelier.
Lu Yuan exhaled and looked at Mu Wu in admiration. "Brother, you're something."
"To say something like that in front of the Young Master—you're way too honest."
"If it were me, I wouldn't dare say it. Is that something you talk about openly?"
"It'd be better to secretly capture that woman and offer her to the Young Master. Even if he doesn't like her, at least he wouldn't get mad, right?"
"Brother, you don't know how to adapt."
"Second Brother, what are you talking about? Why are you all always thinking about giving women to the Young Master?"
Shui Lingguang glared at Lu Yuan, her delicate eyebrows furrowing in anger. Her cold eyes made Lu Yuan hesitate to meet her gaze.
"Ahem, Lingguang, don't be mad. I was just joking. How would I dare do that?"
Lu Yuan coughed, trying to explain.
"Hmph, I don't buy it. You're full of schemes and always stirring up trouble. Is there anything you wouldn't dare to do?"
Xiao Qiancheng spoke up.
Lu Yuan panicked and quickly clarified, "Sister Xiao, be fair! Everyone knows I'm an honest and righteous man, loyal to the Young Master!"
"I'm not the kind of person you think I am!"
"I fully support Lingguang—she's my closest ally! You have to believe me!"
"Pfft, you're the most slippery one here. I'm warning you—don't lead the Young Master astray."
Xiao Qiancheng glared at him.
Lu Yuan smirked. As if the Young Master needed anyone to lead him astray?
The Young Master wasn't a proper person to begin with. What proper person acted like him?
Big Brother might be too blunt, but he was right.
Big Brother had been following the Young Master for so long—how could he not understand him?
It's just that Ye Xishui was too extreme this time. Otherwise, the Young Master might have taken her in.
After all, he had a thing for powerful, beautiful female experts.
Big Brother wasn't wrong about his tastes.
Of course, Lu Yuan wouldn't say this out loud.
The Young Master might be lenient with his people—at most, he'd scold or kick them a few times—but Big Brother was different.
Big Brother was too rigid and wouldn't take jokes lightly.
"You're making a face—are you dissatisfied?"
Seeing Lu Yuan's expression, Xiao Qiancheng scolded.
Lu Yuan shrank back and muttered, "No, I wouldn't dare."
Though in terms of strength, he was superior to Xiao Qiancheng, when she scolded him, he behaved like a meek child, not daring to talk back.
"That's better. The Young Master is still young and impressionable. He can't be swayed."
"The Young Master is destined for greatness—his life must be spotless."
"Those kinds of women are worse than weeds. How dare you even consider offering them to the Young Master?"
"Both you and that fool Mu Wu are out of line."
"If the young master has any requests, do you think our Ice God Palace can't find a few stunning beauties?"
"You two idiots, have you lost your minds?"
"The young master is too lenient with his people and won't hold it against you, but as the eldest sister, I can't just stand by and watch."
"Both of you, get to the bottom of the Bitter Cold Waters right now! I want the Ice Dragon Emperor to teach you a proper lesson."
Hearing this, Lu Yuan shivered.
No way, the Ice Dragon Emperor?
That old guy is ruthless!
And in the Bitter Cold Waters—that's his domain.
Even Big Brother would struggle there, let alone me.
I'd be beaten black and blue for sure.
Sister Xiao is way too ruthless!
"What, you have a problem with that?"
Xiao Qiancheng narrowed her eyes.
"No problem, no problem!"
Lu Yuan shook his head like a rattling drum.
"Good, you know your place. Now get lost!"
Xiao Qiancheng waved her hand dismissively, looking disgusted.
Lu Yuan, feeling like he had just been granted amnesty, bolted away. Even Mu Wu, who was receiving treatment in the distance, couldn't help but twitch at the corner of his mouth.
With his level of cultivation, it was impossible not to hear what was going on.
The Ice Dragon Emperor—that cunning old beast!
Back when he took the Guardian Trial, he had some minor conflicts with the Ice Dragon Emperor.
That old thing wouldn't take this as an opportunity to get revenge, would he?
And then there was the three-month Ice Prison arranged by the young master...
Mu Wu had a sinking feeling that he was about to go through hell.
Did he act too recklessly this time?
Mu Wu couldn't help but doubt himself.
Xiao Qiancheng glanced in Mu Wu's direction and waved at Shui Lingguang.
"Lingguang, come here. I have something to say to you."
Shui Lingguang was puzzled but still approached.
"Lingguang, don't take those two fools' nonsense to heart. I, Sister Xiao, still have high hopes for you."
Xiao Qiancheng patted her shoulder with a smile.
Shui Lingguang blushed. "Sister Xiao, what are you talking about?"
"Hehe, you know exactly what I mean."
"I just want to say, if you like someone, don't hesitate. The young master is too outstanding, too attractive to others."
"If you don't act fast, someone else will."
"You think the young master will take the initiative? Don't be naive."
"I also took a glance at that girl by his side. She's no ordinary person—she possesses the power of Ultimate Ice."
"Lingguang, you should feel a sense of crisis."
Xiao Qiancheng sighed.
Shui Lingguang's beautiful eyes flickered, but there was a hint of helplessness in her expression.
"But the young master doesn't seem... interested in that way."
"Feelings can be nurtured. How do you know it won't work if you don't try?"
"Besides, your entire lineage has waited tens of thousands of years for him, haven't you?"
"And in the upcoming Divine Trial, the young master will need you..."
"Don't leave yourself with regrets!"
Xiao Qiancheng ruffled Shui Lingguang's hair, speaking earnestly.
"Yes, Sister Xiao, I understand now."
Shui Lingguang nodded, her gaze growing determined.
"Good, as long as you understand. We can't let outsiders take what belongs to our Ice God Palace, can we?"
Xiao Qiancheng chuckled.
Shui Lingguang's cheeks turned even redder, and her eyes darted around, as if deep in thought.
Xiao Qiancheng gave her a knowing smile, patted her shoulder again, and then turned to leave.
...
Meanwhile...
Su Yu was walking hand in hand with Snow Empress along the Emerald Water.
The icy aura and dense spiritual energy here were exactly what Su Yu and Snow Empress liked the most.
"Su Yu, be honest with me—what did Mu Wu mean when he said the young master likes to recruit powerful female warriors?"
Snow Empress had no patience for a stroll. Mu Wu's earlier words kept replaying in her mind.
This damn man—does he have such a preference?
Facing Snow Empress's sharp, icy gaze, Su Yu twitched his lips.
"Snow Empress, Mu Wu was just talking nonsense. Don't listen to his wild speculations."
"You know me, don't you?"
"I may not be the most devoted man, but I don't mess around with relationships."
"You should know my standards—I have high taste. Do you think I'd just go for anyone?"
"You saw it yourself—I outright rejected him. Someone like Ye Xishui? Even if she threw herself at me, I wouldn't accept her."
Su Yu straightened his back and spoke righteously.
"Really?"
"Then why did I hear that someone never says no to free things?"
Snow Empress smirked playfully.
Su Yu gasped in outrage.
"Slander! This is outright slander! Who dares to smear my name?"
"I, the young master, am a man of principle! How could I possibly accept free favors?"
"Impossible, absolutely impossible!"
Snow Empress chuckled coldly.
"I think it's entirely possible. If there were no consequences, you'd probably be the first to accept."
"You damn man, I've long since seen through you. You're nothing but a lecher."
Su Yu shrugged.
"Being attracted to beauty is basic human nature. What else should a man be interested in?"
"But don't worry—I don't act recklessly. Little Snow, if you don't trust me, you can just stick by my side, right?"
"That was my plan all along. I will stay by your side."
"But don't get the wrong idea—it's not because I like you. I'm just keeping an eye on you for the Great Sovereign... Wait... the Great Sovereign?"
Snow Empress suddenly realized something and stomped on Su Yu's foot.
"And you still say you're not into powerful women?"