In an instant, the surrounding temperature plummeted below zero, followed by the appearance of two hundred "Ice Lotuses" in the air, each one spinning rapidly like a large disc—utterly uncanny!
What in the world is happening?
Everyone present froze, and even the "Ice Rose" paused, turning to regard the bizarre spectacle. Her gaze finally settled on Zhong Shenxiu and Robin.
Right in front of Zhong Shenxiu, an "Ice Lotus" was visible, and by the light, one could discern something rotating within it—a product of both ice and water!
The "Ice Rose" was stunned, almost unable to believe her eyes. If it had merely been ice magic, she wouldn't have been so shocked. But the integration of water magic within the ice magic, and more unsettlingly, the visible rotation of water inside the "Ice Lotus," was simply too strange!
All eyes converged on Zhong Shenxiu’s hand as they tried to decipher the mystery of the "Ice Lotus." Just then, Zhong Shenxiu gently lifted his hand, and the "Ice Lotus" in his grasp floated upward like a rising balloon.
When this single "Ice Lotus" ascended to about five meters above the ground, a sharp shattering sound suddenly echoed. To everyone's surprise, the lotus exploded, its petals flying outward. Anything they touched instantly became encased in a thick layer of ice.
And that wasn't all. The core of water inside the "Ice Lotus" suddenly transformed into a miniature Flood Dragon, soaring and diving. Wherever it passed, a wave of chill followed, and within moments, a dense fog materialized out of thin air!
Then, ice spikes began erupting from the ground, one after another. In just a few breaths, the area had been transformed into an icy realm!
Zhong Shenxiu maintained exquisite control while casting, ensuring no one was harmed, though the surrounding flora suffered miserably.
This technique was astonishingly powerful. Just one "Ice Lotus" possessed such destructive force. If those hundred-plus "Ice Lotuses" were to activate simultaneously, no one dared to imagine the scene—perhaps they would all have been turned into ice sculptures by then!
The temperature had swung instantly from summer to deep winter, and the crowd could hardly bear it, shivering involuntarily, with a few people even starting to sneeze!
The fog was too thick, reducing visibility to less than two meters. No one knew what Zhong Shenxiu was doing. They only heard a melodious female voice whispering softly to him, though they couldn't make out the words!
Just as everyone was speculating whether this voice belonged to the "Ice Rose," a sudden gust of wind swept through, clearing all the fog and revealing the ground as it truly was.
The surroundings remained an ice world, the crystal-like ice spikes appearing strikingly beautiful under the sunlight.
However, Zhong Shenxiu was in no mood to admire the scenery, as the sight before them stunned them once more.
The girl known as the "Ice Rose" was standing respectfully beside Zhong Shenxiu and Robin, her expression akin to that of a devout believer facing a deity! How could this be?
The crowd felt their minds reeling. The drastic shift was too much to process. Just moments ago, she had been aloof towards Zhong Shenxiu. How could she be like this now?
As everyone struggled to fathom what had been said between them, Zhong Shenxiu, Robin, and the "Ice Rose" had already walked over.
"She has joined the 'Ethereal Mercenary Group' now. Get acquainted!" Zhong Shenxiu announced with a hint of pride.
Everyone's eyes widened, thinking, This developed way too fast! They didn't even know each other moments ago, and now she’s a companion!
After a brief round of introductions, they finally learned that the "Ice Rose" was named Xibeier, a mage, and furthermore, she was not from the "Winter Moon Empire"!
After only a few exchanges, Xibeier took her leave, though not before noting down the hotel address of Ailena and the others.
Everyone was intensely curious about what Zhong Shenxiu and Xibeier had discussed, and what the nature of their deal was. Xibeier seemed exceptionally compliant with Zhong Shenxiu's wishes—but why?
One question sparked another in their minds, yet no one dared to ask. Such matters were best left to internal speculation; asking might involve prying into someone else's privacy!
Zhong Shenxiu and his group continued their leisurely stroll down the academy path. Unbeknownst to them, shortly after they departed, that patch of lawn became crowded with people, all pointing and murmuring about his recent display.
They were all astonished by what kind of magic could produce such a profound effect. It clearly required a large-scale ice spell, yet they hadn't sensed any violent magical fluctuations. Nor had they heard any significant noise—a clear contradiction, and profoundly eerie!
If someone hadn't coincidentally witnessed the event, no one would have even known the area had become an icy world!
Not long after, another event sent shockwaves through the entire "Wuxing Magic and Martial Arts Academy":
Xibeier, the peerless beauty and seeded contestant for the "Royal Tournament," put in a request for immediate graduation!
Xibeier’s stance was unwavering. Although the school administration tried their utmost to dissuade her, they ultimately failed and had to approve her application!
Once this news spread, it caused an immediate uproar. People rushed to share it, speculating wildly about the secret behind this decision!
As a result, numerous conflicting theories surfaced, but not a single one managed to grasp the actual truth!
Xibeier was highly efficient. As soon as her graduation procedures were complete, she packed all her belongings and moved out of the dormitories. That very evening, she located the hotel Ailena had mentioned earlier and booked a room right next door.
Over the next two days, Zhong Shenxiu did not reappear. No one knew what he was busy with. Although Xibeier was reserved, she quickly became familiar with Cherie and the other girls, who had all started calling her "Belle"!
On the third day, Zhong Shenxiu finally returned. This time, he was bringing the group to the fourth-ranked "Juyi Magic and Martial Arts Academy"!
Everyone was chatting and laughing. Xibeier’s inclusion hadn't made the atmosphere stiff; in fact, it felt livelier than before!
Cherie especially enjoyed asking Xibeier questions, and learning that Xibeier had once been pursued by Cherie's brother unexpectedly sparked a favorable impression of her!
In the "Capital City," most Magic and Martial Arts Academies were open to the public. The benefit of this was allowing the general public a clear view of the academy's faculty and resources.
The group continued to wander aimlessly. Xibeier seemed somewhat familiar with the area. Upon inquiry, they learned that the previous "Royal Tournament" had been held at this very academy!
Perhaps due to the sheer number of beautiful women in Zhong Shenxiu’s entourage, their arrival immediately attracted attention. Several older gentlemen even approached to flirt, but they were all coolly dismissed by the group.
As fate would have it, Zhong Shenxiu suddenly stopped, turned, and smiled at Angelina, saying, "Girl, remember your former opponent?"
Angelina was momentarily confused by Zhong Shenxiu’s abrupt remark, but when she looked ahead, she instantly understood. She saw an acquaintance—and it was none other than Austin, the one who had defeated her in the finals!
Why was he here?
Angelina wasn't the only one thinking this. Laurent and Solomon, who had dealings with Austin before, were also startled.
Austin was accompanied by a youth who turned out to be Caribbean—the same one who had once insulted Laurent and was subsequently thrashed by Robin. It was unexpected that after several years, both of them were now students here!
When enemies meet, their eyes burn with resentment. Although Laurent and Solomon held no deep-seated hatred for them, they hadn't forgotten the humiliation suffered! During that period, they had endured feelings of frustration and anger. It was precisely because of those encounters that Laurent and Solomon became even more relentless in their pursuit of strength!
The current Laurent and Solomon had been completely transformed; their power had multiplied many times over compared to before. Seeing these two suddenly, they desperately wanted to rush over and give them a lesson, to show them how the tables had turned!
However, nearly two years of arduous training and refinement had matured their temperaments significantly. They acted now based on reason rather than impulse. This wasn't the opportune moment to confront them, nor was this the right location. Moreover, they wouldn't dare act without Zhong Shenxiu's permission!
Angelina's thoughts were less complicated. She was merely surprised to see Austin here again, nothing more. At her current level, Angelina no longer considered a figure like Austin a threat, and she understood now that the "Butterfly Step" Austin had learned from her was merely an empty imitation!
When Zhong Shenxiu's group spotted Austin, Austin had already noticed them.
Their degree of shock far exceeded that of Angelina and the others. They never imagined such a coincidence, running into his former defeated opponent here—it was utterly unexpected!
Unlike Austin's polite smile, Caribbean’s face turned ashen upon seeing Zhong Shenxiu and Robin. He had nearly been beaten to death by Robin back then, and the memory still sent shivers down his spine!
Although he had recounted the incident to the elders of his family, no one believed him, as no one could accept that a little girl around seven years old could have beaten him so badly!
Seeing that no one believed him, Caribbean buried the incident deep in his heart and never mentioned it to anyone again—not even Austin. If anyone asked how he got injured, he would dismissively claim, "I don't remember"!
Now, suddenly encountering the little menace Robin, he was almost scared out of his wits!
Austin, standing nearby, clearly hadn't noticed Caribbean’s expression and continued to examine Zhong Shenxiu’s group with interest.
This group was very strange: there were young and old alike, and they were accompanied by so many beauties. He truly couldn't fathom how these people had ended up together. Furthermore, he recognized Xibeier, knowing she was a seeded contestant from the "Wuxing Magic and Martial Arts Academy" with formidable strength!
At this moment, Zhong Shenxiu and his party were walking toward him. Austin stood quietly, showing no intention of leaving! Caribbean, perhaps paralyzed by fear, forgot to step away as well!
"Fellow student Angelina, long time no see!" Austin felt he had a deep impression of Angelina; that final battle had exposed him to many novel techniques!
Angelina did not respond, acting as if she didn't know Austin at all.
"Fellow student Angelina, why are you all here? Surely you aren't just visiting?" Austin knew Angelina's temperament, so he wasn't bothered, maintaining his usual genial smile.
Angelina remained silent, completely ignoring Austin. She held no positive feelings for him whatsoever; she despised the type of person who wore a pleasant facade while harboring contempt, especially toward women!
"Fellow student Angelina, has your skill improved these past two years? I truly miss our battles!" Austin said, adopting a thoughtful expression.
Angelina frowned but kept walking steadily behind Zhong Shenxiu.
"Hey, fellow student Angelina, surely you don't mean you don't recognize me anymore?"
Just as Austin finished speaking, one person could no longer tolerate it!
Leng Xiangxue suddenly stepped forward and said coldly to Austin, "Are you finished? If so, hurry up and disappear from our sight!"
Leng Xiangxue had been closely watching Angelina’s changing expression, and seeing this fellow keep pestering her made her blood boil.
Austin turned to look at Leng Xiangxue, then smiled again, "This fellow student, perhaps you haven't grasped the situation. This appears to be my academy. Shouldn't you be the ones to disappear?"
"You..." Leng Xiangxue’s brow furrowed. She finally understood why Angelina ignored this person—he was the type who specialized in deliberately provoking others! She truly wanted to give him a lesson right now, just to test how thick his skin really was!
Normally, Leng Xiangxue wouldn't be this impulsive, but anytime Angelina was involved, she struggled to control herself!
"Xiangxue, ignore him!" At this point, Angelina, who had been silent, finally spoke.
Leng Xiangxue seemed very obedient to Angelina. After giving Austin one last glare, she indeed stopped speaking and quickly caught up with the group!
Zhong Shenxiu was merely passing through, not specifically seeking out Austin, so he made no further stops!
Caribbean, watching from the side, finally let out a long sigh after Zhong Shenxiu's group moved away. That damned little devil is finally gone. He scared me half to death; I thought I was going to get beaten again!
After walking for a while, Zhong Shenxiu and his group found a quiet spot to rest.
Leng Xiangxue felt uncomfortable being stared at so intensely by Xibeier and finally asked, "Belle, why are you looking at me like that?"
Xibeier remained silent for a moment before replying, "Are you Angelina’s 'close wife'?"
"'Close wife'? What is that thing?"
Everyone stared blankly at Xibeier, while Leng Xiangxue’s face instantly flushed crimson... J-just n-now... sh-she said...