Time flows quietly, slipping away without notice. The sweltering summer days have given way to the cool breezes of autumn, and the once lush green branches outside the window now bear touches of fading yellow.
In the serene room, sunlight poured in, creating a gentle patchwork of light and shadow.
After the semi-final match, Xiao Yan returned alone to his room to rest and adjust, preparing himself for the finals that would take place in the afternoon.
Inside the quiet room, the black-robed youth sat cross-legged on the bed, and faint ripples of energy flowed through the air, drawn into his body with each breath, refining into battle energy and stored within his Qi Cyclone.
Suddenly, the black ring on Xiao Yan's finger trembled slightly, and Yao Lao's ghostly form slowly emerged, floating before him.
"Xiao Yan," Yao Lao's face grew serious as he spoke, "you'd best keep your distance from that person named Wang Dong. I sensed a power within him that doesn't belong to him."
"Huh?" Xiao Yan's expression changed slightly. "A power that doesn't belong to him? Teacher, do you mean that someone with power like yours is also residing within him?"
"From the first time I saw him, I sensed something odd, as if his soul were missing a piece, as if it were incomplete. The golden light that emerged from his forehead today—its energy definitely didn't belong to him." Yao Lao explained with a solemn look.
"I can't be sure if there's someone like me within him, but I'm certain that there's a foreign power residing in his body. Be cautious if you ever have to face him again."
"Understood, Teacher. I'll be careful." Xiao Yan's face turned serious as he nodded.
At that moment, a grey light flickered in Xiao Yan's mental sea, pulling his consciousness inward.
"Who are you, old guy? Why did you try to take over earlier?" Tianmeng Iceworm's voice echoed in frustration, glaring at the grey mist around him.
"Trying to take over? You're nothing more than an oversized, long-lived bug. If I still possessed my full consciousness, I'd reduce you to nothing more than nourishment," came a disdainful reply from the grey orb hovering in Xiao Yan's mental space.
The Iceworm retorted angrily, "Big words! If you have the guts, come over and try. Let's see who beats whom! Don't think I haven't noticed—you're nothing more than a remnant spirit without any energy left!"
The other entity, Electrolux, replied with disdain, "No energy? Then was it you who acted just now? My consciousness may be weak, but my soul's power far surpasses yours. Test my patience, and I'll turn you to dust, just as the old man outside said."
"You… you dare threaten me?" Tianmeng Iceworm fumed, trembling with rage.
In the mental space, Xiao Yan watched the scene unfold, both bemused and exasperated. "What's going on between you two?"
Electrolux's voice softened when addressing Xiao Yan. "Kid, the power that struck at you earlier had an intense aura of death, awakening me from my slumber. I intervened as a way to repay you for letting me reside here."
"By the way, there's something else I should tell you. Recently, I sensed an intense hatred growing within you. Remember this well—do not let hatred blind your eyes."
Xiao Yan's face darkened slightly, his voice laced with defiance. "Don't let hatred blind me? Should I not avenge my grievances, then?"
Electrolux shook his head. "That's not what I mean. Avenge yourself, but do not let your anger extend to the innocent. For example, if a village chief wronged you, would you slaughter the entire village in revenge? What guilt do innocent villagers bear?"
Xiao Yan chuckled slightly, waving his hand. "Sir, I think you misunderstand me. I, Xiao Yan, am not one to kill indiscriminately. I know where my grudges lie and would never harm the innocent."
Electrolux nodded, a hint of satisfaction in his expression. "Xiao Yan, I've reviewed your memories and can see you bear a heavy burden of hatred. When my consciousness recovers further, I'll do my best to help you. I also hope that one day, you might inherit my necromancy. For now, I'll return to slumber. Until we meet again."
The surrounding grey light swiftly receded, and the grey orb returned to its usual place.
"Hey, Xiao Yan already has a teacher! He doesn't need your necromancy. Do you think Teacher Yao Lao here is just some extra?" The Iceworm sneered at the grey orb after Electrolux disappeared.
"Teacher, you agree with me, don't you?" The Iceworm looked toward Yao Lao, seeking validation.
"Agree, my foot! I have to go. The finals of the freshmen assessment are about to start." Xiao Yan grabbed the squirming Iceworm and casually tossed it several meters away.
"Hey! What are you doing? Ow!" The Iceworm landed face-first, dazed and complaining.
---
Today was bound to be the liveliest day of the year at Shrek Academy, as the final match of the freshmen assessment was set to reach its climax that afternoon.
As Xiao Yan and his teammates approached the arena, they were met with a massive crowd, making it nearly impossible to enter. Only with Wang Yan's help did they manage to enter through a special passageway.
The three walked through the designated corridor to the resting area, where they found seats by their Class Seven section. Xiao Yan casually picked up a cup of tea from the table and took a sip. Just then, three other freshmen entered from the special corridor across from them—it was Dai Huabin's team.
"So this year's freshmen are really weak, huh? I heard a one-ring support soul master with a ten-year ring made it to the finals," Dai Huabin sneered as he scanned Xiao Yan's direction, his handsome face contorted in a mocking smile.
Crack.
A sharp sound echoed. The team members of Class Seven looked up to see Xiao Yan's dark expression. The teacup he'd been holding had shattered to pieces, and blood mixed with tea dripped from his fingers.
"Dai Huabin… the youngest son of the White Tiger Duke. I said I'd end the White Tiger Duke's lineage, and I meant it."
Xiao Yan's voice, strained and low, carried a hint of madness as his eyes gleamed with an intense, almost feral, hatred.
-Support me in Patreon for more chapters 35+ chapters in there
patreon.com/GodofTL236
Thanks!