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*****
Shui Wuya infused his soul power into the secret technique soul bone, and indeed, the lifespan began to increase.
Three days later.
"Three thousand and three hundred years, with an average increase of one hundred years per day."
Checking the growth in the years of the soul bone, Shui Wuya was reasonably satisfied.
As he grew stronger, the rate of cultivation could be even faster. Perhaps in two years, he would possess a hundred-thousand-year soul bone.
...
Star Luo City.
Losing Ma Xiaotao and the others, and only allowing members of the reserve team to compete was still a challenge for Shrek Academy.
The difference between the formal team and the reserve team members was several years of growth time.
A few years could make a significant difference.
Even though Shrek Academy enjoyed certain advantages in the competition format, it was still challenging for the reserve team to compete against the formal teams of other academies.
After just one match, Huo Yuhao and the others felt immense pressure.
"The gap in actual strength is just too obvious," Huo Yuhao said heavily after stepping off the field.
Wang Dong struggled to find words of encouragement.
There was no way to defeat the opponents head-on; this victory was too close for comfort.
When will Ma Xiaotao and the others arrive?
Each person harbored concerns in their hearts.
In the stands, a middle-aged man's gaze swept over the members of Shrek Academy, a hint of disappointment flashing in his eyes.
"Not in Shrek, could they be in another academy's team..."
"The inheritor of the Ice God..."
Failing to find his target, the man sighed and left the scene.
The sky was gradually darkening. As the head of the Tian Shui Sect, he still needed to attend a banquet hosted by the Star Luo Emperor.
He was on his way to the banquet now.
The relationship between the Tian Shui Sect and the Star Luo Empire was relatively good. As the sect's leader, his status was not much different from that of the Star Luo Emperor.
This time, he was invited by the Star Luo Emperor because he personally appeared at the scene.
However, his mind remained preoccupied with thoughts of the inheritor of the Ice God during the banquet, making him appear distracted.
"Is something troubling you, Sect Leader? Perhaps today's dishes don't suit your taste?" the Star Luo Emperor asked, sensing the man's preoccupation.
Their thoughts were different.
As the head of the Tian Shui Sect, his appearance at the event without any outstanding talents from the sect present was somewhat intriguing to the Emperor.
He governed a vast empire and naturally possessed keen observation skills.
"Just a misunderstanding. It's just that I rarely leave the sect, so I'm a bit uneasy leaving the young ones in the sect alone, afraid they might cause trouble," the man replied with a slight smile.
Hearing such a formulaic response, the Star Luo Emperor felt somewhat disappointed but quickly regained his composure.
"Chicks must learn to fly on their own eventually. The Sect Leader must learn to let go," he remarked.
"Yes, indeed," the man nodded with a smile, quickly raising his cup. "Then, I'll drink this cup first."
The two shared a toast, each silently cursing the other as cunning old foxes.
"Master, the Ling family has sent an invitation." Shui Wuya had just returned to the dormitory, somewhat surprised. "An invitation from the Ling family?"
Shui Wuya's thoughts immediately raced. He had only interacted with members of the Shui family and the Xuanming Sect. Did the Ling family receive information from the Xuanming Sect?
He immediately recalled his conversation with Ling Luochen. Last time, it was evident that Ling Luochen hadn't realized his background.
This time, the Ling family's visit...
Shui Wuya shook his head. They probably weren't certain yet, just suspicious.
"Why would they send an invitation?"
"Ling Luochen is injured, and the Ling family sent clan members to treat her, probably bringing the invitation along," Han Feng speculated.
This was what he had heard from Yan Shaozhe.
The Ling family wanting to see Shui Wuya, how could they bypass Yan Shaozhe?
"I see..."
"Master Shui?"
Just as Shui Wuya was about to speak, a voice interrupted him.
Shui Wuya's mood instantly soured, but the other person was only greeting him, so he quickly regained his composure.
Turning his head, the first thing Shui Wuya noticed was the attire of the newcomer, which was very similar to Ling Luochen's when she came, except it was for men.
"From the Ling family?" Since it was the sect leader of the Xuanming Sect who personally met him last time, Shui Wuya naturally felt respected. However, if the Ling family sent only a clan member, Shui Wuya wouldn't have such a good attitude.
The man was also surprised by Shui Wuya's attitude. As a clan member of the Ling family, or more precisely, as the third elder of the Ling family, it was the first time he had been spoken to in such a manner.
Moreover, by a teenager.
"Ahem, let me introduce myself. I am the third elder of the Ling family. Please forgive my impudence just now," the man said, not displaying annoyance, but rather apprehension.
Shui Wuya's attitude immediately made the third elder realize that their speculation was likely true.
Only someone from the Shui family could exude such an aura.
His gaze then fell on Han Feng, and he was startled by the aura emanating from him.
"You should recognize me. What business do you have with me? If there's nothing, I have things to attend to," Shui Wuya said.
"Dare I ask, are you really from the Shui family?" The matter was crucial, so the third elder suppressed his excitement and asked again for confirmation.
"Indeed."
Upon hearing Shui Wuya's words, the third elder half-knelt in excitement. "The third elder of the Ling family pays his respects to Master Shui!"
"After so many years, seeing someone from the Shui family again fills me with awe."
The third elder's emotions were extremely excited. "Is the Shui family reemerging?"
"What do you want by coming here this time?"
Instead of answering the third elder's question, Shui Wuya turned the question back to him.
"I came to confirm Master's identity and, on behalf of the clan leader, to deliver an invitation, hoping to visit the Shui family again."
"After the Shui family went into seclusion, we've had no way to visit. Please, Master..."
"Sorry, I can't help you with this." Shui Wuya directly refused.
"This, Master..."
"I'm out for training and won't involve myself in this matter. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
"In that case, farewell." Since their goal wasn't achieved, seeing Shui Wuya's attitude, the third elder knew it was time to leave.
...
"What kind of background does Shui Wuya have? Why did the third elder come specifically to see him?" Inside the room, Ling Luochen pondered, unable to understand.
"What are you thinking about?" The third elder entered, seeing Ling Luochen lost in thought, and asked.
"I was just thinking about Shui Wuya."
"I was just about to discuss this matter." The third elder took a deep breath. "Starting today, you must treat Shui Wuya well. Do you understand?"
"Why? I don't understand. I'm seriously injured, and the clan actually seizes this opportunity to see him?"
"Why do I have to treat him well now?" Ling Luochen couldn't understand.
"Of course, it's because he comes from the ultimate Shui family. Is that reason enough?" With one sentence, the third elder left Ling Luochen speechless.
(End of this chapter)