Liu Erlong's fists clenched tightly, producing a crackling sound.
"Kid, looks like you need a little lesson!" she said coldly.
"Wait! Let me explain! We're students from Shrek Academy, here ahead of time to scout. Dean Flender and Master Yu Xiaogang will arrive in two months."
Liu Erlong's clenched fists relaxed, and she muttered to herself:
"Xiaogang… you're finally coming to see me…"
Soon after, under Liu Erlong's arrangement, Meng Bei and his companions were admitted to Blue Tyrant Academy.
Liu Erlong didn't doubt Meng Bei's words.
Few people knew about her past, and the claim that Xiaogang and the others would arrive in two months would be easy to verify when the time came. Thus, she saw no reason to question it.
Meng Bei, on the other hand, was fearless.
After all, he had Tang Hao secretly protecting him at all times. No matter what situation arose, Tang Hao's strength could keep him safe.
And Meng Bei had a plan. He would use these two months to win over Liu Erlong, making Master Yu Xiaogang regret crossing him for the rest of his life!
If everything went as he remembered, his Demon Emperor Domain would exert absolute dominance over dragons, and Liu Erlong's spirit just so happened to be a Scarlet Dragon!
The Next Day
Meng Bei sought out Liu Erlong alone.
"Aunt Erlong, I've broken through to level 40. I'd like your help to hunt for my fourth soul ring!"
Liu Erlong dismissed his words initially.
"Hunting soul rings is simple enough. You can just find—wait, what did you say?"
Meng Bei smirked.
"Level 40!"
"What? At your age?"
Liu Erlong's eyes widened in disbelief.
She grabbed Meng Bei and began examining his hands and legs, feeling his joints.
Meng Bei feigned ignorance, acting offended.
"Aunt Erlong, how could you do this? I… I won't sacrifice myself just for a soul ring!"
Liu Erlong raised an eyebrow and slapped him lightly on the head.
"Don't overthink it. I'm checking your bone age."
She carefully examined him again. Though she concluded his age was genuine, she still found it hard to believe.
"This… your cultivation is progressing too fast! How on earth are you achieving this speed?"
Meng Bei smiled, satisfied with her astonishment.
"Fast? Dean Flender says Shrek Academy only takes in monsters. This shouldn't be surprising for a monster, right?"
Liu Erlong was left speechless by Meng Bei's comment.
Not surprising?
With talent like his, even among monsters, Meng Bei would undoubtedly stand at the top.
At this rate, Meng Bei could potentially reach the Titled Douluo level before age 30, becoming the youngest in history to do so!
Unconsciously, Liu Erlong found herself curious about the other students of Shrek Academy. She wanted to see what kind of monsters her sworn brother Flender had gathered.
"Alright, I'll personally help you hunt for your fourth soul ring!"
For a soul master with such immense talent, Liu Erlong was willing to provide attentive guidance. Moreover, since Meng Bei was one of Flender's students, she felt even more inclined to nurture him.
Halfway There
While on their way to the Star Dou Forest, Liu Erlong asked:
"By the way, what's your martial spirit?"
"Snow Rabbit," Meng Bei replied.
Liu Erlong…
"Snow Rabbit?" she repeated, her voice rising an octave. She grabbed Meng Bei's collar. "Why didn't you say so earlier? Snow Rabbit spirits need to go to the Extreme North! We're heading for the Star Dou Forest!"
Meng Bei blinked innocently.
"I thought you already knew."
Liu Erlong's chest heaved in exasperation.
"Change of plans!"
The two adjusted their course toward the Extreme North.
The Extreme North was significantly farther than the Star Dou Forest, and Liu Erlong worried the detour might delay her reunion with Yu Xiaogang and Flender. Finding a suitable spirit beast could also take time.
After some consideration, Liu Erlong used her Martial Spirit Avatar.
Transforming into a massive, crimson dragon over ten meters long, she soared through the air. Grabbing Meng Bei in her claws, she flew toward the Extreme North.
Meng Bei, however, suffered during the flight. The areas gripped by her dragon claws were unbearably hot, while the rest of his body was exposed to the freezing wind.
The alternating heat and cold made him extremely uncomfortable.
If not for his exceptional physique, he might have fainted or vomited halfway through the journey.
After hours of flight, Liu Erlong landed to recover her spirit power.
Meng Bei looked disheveled. His hair was a mess from the wind, his eyebrows were frosted, and parts of his clothing had been burned to ashes by the dragon's claws.
Liu Erlong turned away, blushing. She handed him a spare robe, embarrassed.
"Well, I had to hurry. There's only a bit more distance to cover."
Meng Bei knew that feigning vulnerability was key to winning someone over. He played the part of a victim, giving Liu Erlong an accusatory look.
"You didn't burn my pants on purpose, did you?"
Liu Erlong's face turned red with anger and embarrassment.
"Don't flatter yourself! You're just a kid. Put on the robe!"
After some commotion, they settled down. Liu Erlong lit a fire, and they ate a simple meal of dry rations.
Leaning against a large tree, Liu Erlong closed her eyes, seemingly relaxed.
Meng Bei, however, deliberately sat far away from her.
Liu Erlong frowned.
"Why are you sitting so far away? Do you think I'm going to eat you?"
Meng Bei nodded earnestly.
Liu Erlong's fury exploded.
"You think I'm interested in some little brat? Get over here!"
She had two reasons for calling him closer.
First, she wanted to assert her innocence. She had no improper thoughts about him.
Second, it was easier to protect him from potential dangers in the wild if he stayed nearby.
Meng Bei knew Liu Erlong had no improper intentions, but he continued to act hesitant, his eyes filled with suspicion.
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