Yan Shaozhe cupped his hands in respect and said seriously, "Young Master Su Yu, your guess is correct. We indeed intend to hunt down a powerful sea soul beast as a ninth spirit ring for Lexuan."
"But Young Master Su Yu, as you know, sea soul beasts generally live in the ocean. To hunt such a beast, we must venture out to sea."
"The ocean is different from the land. The vast, boundless sea hides countless dangers."
"Moreover, finding a suitable beast for Lexuan might require us to venture deep into the ocean."
"Sea soul beasts, in terms of overall power, far surpass land soul beasts. A single misstep could lead us into great peril."
"Furthermore, on the ocean—where it's their home ground—the strength of even an ordinary soul beast is an unknown factor."
"Thus, to ensure safety, we wish to request Young Master Su Yu's assistance."
Yan Shaozhe expressed his concerns honestly, and Su Yu listened attentively, finding the reasoning quite sound.
Indeed, the ocean harbored many powerful soul beasts, even super beasts with cultivation surpassing 600,000 or 700,000 years. Such creatures were not uncommon.
Although the strongest soul beast on the Douluo Continent was undoubtedly the Beast God Di Tian, that supremacy was largely due to Di Tian possessing the Dragon God's Claw.
In terms of raw cultivation, there might well be beings in the ocean stronger than Di Tian.
Who knows what monstrous creatures lurk in the deep sea? It wouldn't be surprising if some 700,000–800,000-year-old beasts emerged. Such scenarios weren't impossible.
Su Yu had never underestimated the sea soul beasts as a group.
For Yan Shaozhe to come personally to request help showed he had some self-awareness about the risks involved.
The vast ocean was not a place Yan Shaozhe's limited strength could recklessly explore.
Forget the deep sea—even the shallow waters could harbor spirit beasts powerful enough to teach him a harsh lesson.
And on the ocean, their home ground, even an ordinary ferocious beast could prove extremely difficult to deal with.
Without much hesitation, after Yan Shaozhe finished speaking, Su Yu glanced in Zhang Lexuan's direction and said softly, "I accept. Once Lexuan reaches level 90, I will have the High Priest accompany her on the journey."
Yan Shaozhe was overjoyed upon hearing this.
What had he just heard?
Su Yu was going to have the Ice Emperor, Haibodong, accompany them on this mission.
This was incredible.
With the Ice Emperor's strength, they could roam the ocean freely without concern.
What sea soul beast could stand against the Ice Emperor, Haibodong?
Moreover, Haibodong possessed ice attributes, which, to some extent, counteracted water.
This was a guaranteed win.
Yan Shaozhe was ecstatic and looked at Zhang Lexuan with admiration.
Lexuan truly could earn Su Yu's favor. For Su Yu to even lend out the Ice Emperor showed how much he valued her.
Unlike Yan Shaozhe's joy, Xu Jiujiu's expression turned somber.
She glanced in Zhang Lexuan's direction, feeling as though she was facing a formidable adversary.
She, too, was stunned by Su Yu's words.
The Ice Emperor, Haibodong—how could she not know what kind of existence that was?
It seemed Su Yu had genuine feelings for Zhang Lexuan.
Coupled with Zhang Lexuan's impressive talent—so young yet already an eighty-eighth-level Soul Douluo—she was a powerful rival.
Without a doubt, a formidable rival.
Xu Jiujiu dismissed her previous underestimation. This Zhang Lexuan deserved to be taken seriously.
"Is there anything else?"
"If not, we'll end it here for now..."
Su Yu spoke again, and Xu Jiujiu rose to her feet, her beautiful eyes flickering with emotion.
"Young Master Su Yu, I still have something to discuss," she said.
"Oh?" Su Yu raised an eyebrow. "Please, go ahead."
Xu Jiujiu composed herself and said, "In addition to the alliance matter, I also bring thanks on behalf of my imperial brother for the Ice God Palace's assistance in the past."
"If it weren't for your temple's Grand Guardian and High Priest stepping in, the Star Luo Empire might have suffered greatly at the hands of the evil soul masters."
"My imperial brother asked me to deliver some gifts as a token of gratitude."
As Xu Jiujiu finished speaking, the attendant behind her, Man Yi, stepped forward, holding two jade boxes.
Su Yu glanced at them briefly before looking away.
Anything stored in jade boxes was either soul bones or rare treasures of heaven and earth.
Su Yu leaned toward the former—soul bones.
The Star Luo Empire had amassed countless soul bones over the years. Giving away two wouldn't be a big deal.
"Since your country's ruler is so courteous, I shall accept them," Su Yu said casually, gesturing to a Titled Douluo nearby, who stepped forward to collect the jade boxes.
"Princess Jiujiu, you must be tired from your journey. Since you've made such an effort to come here, why not stay for a few days and let us extend our hospitality?"
The Star Luo Empire had been so considerate as to deliver soul bones. It wouldn't be polite to dismiss them outright.
Besides, Su Yu was well aware of Xu Jiujiu's intentions. But he wasn't the kind of person who could be easily won over.
Letting her stay for a few days might make her realize that pursuing him was a futile endeavor.
"Thank you, Young Master Su Yu. I shall accept your kind offer," Xu Jiujiu said, striving to maintain a composed expression, though her heart was brimming with joy.
Had it not been for the formal setting, she might have broken into a celebratory dance.
Su Yu had invited her to stay—she was sure this meant he had feelings for her.
If she put in more effort, she just might win Su Yu over.
Such a high-quality prospect—she couldn't let him slip away. Missing this chance would be a lifelong regret.
Observing Xu Jiujiu's barely restrained excitement, Yan Shaozhe smirked in disdain.
Little girl, you're celebrating too early.
Judging by Su Yu's purely professional attitude toward her, Yan Shaozhe doubted Su Yu had any romantic interest.
Having studied Su Yu, Yan Shaozhe had noticed a pattern.
If Su Yu didn't like someone, he would treat them with excessive politeness.
Take Han Ruoruo, Wu Ming, and Hua Yao, for example. They had pursued Su Yu for months yet to no avail. Su Yu hadn't taken them seriously in the slightest.
He treated them with utmost courtesy—but only courtesy.
In contrast, Zhang Lexuan was different. Yan Shaozhe had heard from Mei'er that Su Yu had once taken the initiative to strike up a conversation with Zhang Lexuan.
In essence, Su Yu was informal with those he was close to, but excessively polite with those he wasn't.
Like himself.
Despite knowing Su Yu for years, Yan Shaozhe could tell Su Yu hadn't truly accepted him.
This was why he had brought Zhang Lexuan along.
With Zhang Lexuan present, Su Yu was less likely to turn hostile. If nothing else, he had to show some respect for her.
Cupping his hands again, Yan Shaozhe said, "Young Master Su Yu, Lexuan and the others are also quite curious about the Ice God Palace. Would it be possible for us to stay a few more days?"
He had to ask—he'd been kicked out before.
Without hesitation, Su Yu replied, "Of course. Ling Guang."
"Young Master."
Shui Ling Guang curtsied gracefully.
"Arrange accommodations for Yan Pavilion Master and Princess Jiujiu. Ensure they are well taken care of."
"Yes, my lord."
Shui Ling Guang responded softly, then turned to Yan Shaozhe and the others.
"Pavilion Master Yan, Princess Jiujiu, please follow me."
With a gentle voice, she led them out of the hall.
As they walked, Xu Jiujiu glanced meaningfully at Yan Shaozhe and remarked, "You certainly know how to seize opportunities, Pavilion Master Yan."
Yan Shaozhe chuckled. "The same could be said for you, Princess."
Xu Jiujiu's eyes narrowed slightly, and she fell silent.
Regardless, she wasn't giving up on Su Yu. Who ultimately earned his favor would depend on their abilities.
Yan Shaozhe glanced at Xu Jiujium, completely disregarding her.
This little girl might have plenty of cunning ideas, but he had Lexuan.
With Lexuan around, who could compete?
Both groups harbored their schemes, neither willing to concede to the other.
Throughout the whole process, Zhang Lexuan didn't say a single word. Her beautiful eyes glimmered faintly, though.
Not being able to exchange even a sentence with Su Yu left her feeling a bit regretful.
As for Xu Jiujiu, Zhang Lexuan didn't take her seriously at all. A woman as calculating as her? There was no way her story would ever reach Su Yu's bedside.
No one knew Su Yu's personality better than Zhang Lexuan.
Inside the grand hall, Su Yu looked at the empty chamber before him and suddenly motioned with his hand.
A titled Douluo stepped forward.
Su Yu instructed, "Deliver these two items to the Ice Phoenix Hall. Once Lingguang returns, hand them over to her for safekeeping."
Shui Lingguang's identity was unique. In the Ice God Palace, all the inherited soul bones were under her care.
She held the accumulated soul bones of the Ice God Palace from tens of thousands of years—more than anyone could imagine.
It could be said that Shui Lingguang's role was of utmost importance.
"Yes, Young Master!"
Su Yu nodded slightly. In a flash, his figure appeared at the hall's entrance.
With another step forward, Su Yu abruptly disappeared from sight.
...
Ice God's Long Staircase.
Snow Empress opened her eyes and looked at Su Yu standing before her, sniffing lightly.
"There's a woman's scent. Be honest—who is it this time?"
She puffed up her cheeks like a little pufferfish, her cold eyes shimmering with playful light.
"You're becoming cheekier by the day, aren't you, little troublemaker?"
Su Yu tapped her forehead lightly, feigning irritation.
Snow Empress broke into a smile, her expression taking on an uncharacteristic playfulness.
In recent days, she had become noticeably livelier.
Su Yu sat beside her, seemingly immune to the pressure and discomfort surrounding her.
The pressure emanating from Snow Empress was nothing compared to what Su Yu had endured over millennia.
"Yan Shaozhe and Xu Jiujiu came by. Shrek Academy and the Star Luo Empire both want to ally with our Ice God Palace."
Su Yu gently pinched Snow Empress's delicate cheek, speaking with a grin.
"Did you agree?"
Snow Empress blinked curiously.
Su Yu lay back lazily and said, "Agree? With what? A bunch of nobodies thinks they're worthy of an alliance with me?"
"With their paltry strength, they'd be nothing more than cannon fodder in a war. Who would bother allying with cannon fodder?"
"Yan Shaozhe, at least, has some self-awareness and only mentioned it in passing. Xu Jiujiu, though… how should I put it? She seems a little too oblivious to reality."
"Being a princess has made her forget her actual worth."
"In a world where strength reigns supreme, what is the title of princess worth?"
"Mortal empires don't even qualify to enter the stage in the eyes of true powerhouses."
"Wow, you're so cold-blooded! Even if it's true, don't you care about their feelings?" Snow Empress teased with a laugh.
Su Yu rolled his eyes. "It's not like I said it to her face; I was polite enough."
"Whoever you're polite to has no chance with you. If I recall correctly, that princess seems to like you."
"She even chased you all the way to the Ice God Palace. Aren't you going to give her any response?" Snow Empress teased mischievously.
Su Yu raised an eyebrow. "What if I marry her? I could find an opportunity to sleep with her tonight. You don't have to wait for me."
"Dare you!"
Snow Empress's beautiful eyes turned frosty as she glared at him, her face darkening instantly.
Su Yu burst into laughter. "You're jealous, yet you insist on making such jokes. Little Snow, you're the one who started this game."
"And now you can't handle it?"
"So what if I can't? I can't handle it, and that's that!" Snow Empress pouted with a haughty expression.
Su Yu chuckled as he pinched her delicate cheek. "Fine, fine, whatever makes you happy. But I wasn't lying—tonight, I really won't be coming back."
"Why?"
Snow Empress looked at him in confusion.
"Because Sister Xuan is here. You understand."
Hearing Zhang Lexuan's name, Snow Empress visibly calmed down.
Zhang Lexuan was different from Xu Jiujiu. She was someone Su Yu genuinely cared about.
Snow Empress understood this and didn't make a fuss.
"I always knew my Little Snow was the best." Su Yu spoke with a grin.
Snow Empress rolled her eyes at him. He always called her the best, but the moment Zhang Lexuan showed up, she would immediately take a back seat.
Still, she didn't feel jealous. She knew Zhang Lexuan wouldn't stay long.
She and Su Yu were together every day, while Zhang Lexuan and Su Yu only saw each other occasionally. Giving way this one time wasn't a problem.
As Su Yu looked at Snow Empress's delicate face, he couldn't help but reach out to pinch and poke here and there, earning himself an exasperated glare.
...
Eastern Ice Snow City.
In a secluded side hall, Zhang Lexuan opened the window. Outside was the ceaselessly flowing icy blue waters.
Her attributes leaned toward yin and coldness, so this frigid hall suited her well.
Especially near the icy blue waters, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth was exceptionally dense—an ideal place for cultivation.
"What are you looking at? Enjoying the view?"
A clear and cheerful voice suddenly rang out in the hall, causing Zhang Lexuan to freeze momentarily.
She immediately recognized the familiar voice and turned around quickly. A tall figure entered her sight.
"Xiao Yu, you're here."
Zhang Lexuan's face blossomed with a smile, her eyes soft.
"I didn't inform you beforehand. You're not mad at me for neglecting you, are you?"
Su Yu gazed at her slender figure, speaking with a smile.
Zhang Lexuan shook her head. "I raised you. How could I not understand you?"
"How could I ever be angry at you?"
Su Yu's lips curled into a faint smile. He stepped forward and opened his arms, pulling Zhang Lexuan into a warm embrace.
With her soft and fragrant presence in his arms, Su Yu inhaled the faint fragrance of her hair and whispered, "Sister Xuan, did you miss me?"
Listening to Su Yu's heartbeat, Zhang Lexuan replied softly, "What do you think? You're the only one I have. If I didn't miss you, who else would I miss?"
Su Yu didn't reply, only holding her tighter, as if trying to merge her into his embrace.
"Sister Xuan, why don't you stay this time instead of leaving?" Su Yu asked gently, holding Zhang Lexuan close.
PS: In terms of appearance, talent, and grace, Zhang Lexuan has always been described as resembling Bibi Dong from Soul Land 1. What? We don't have Bibi Dong at home? Look! We have Lexuan!