Inside the Seven Treasure Academy's tent, Gu Xuan sat with Zuo Yan, a pot of his favorite fruit tea already prepared on the table.
Opposite them sat a mature woman in her forties. She carried a lingering charm, poised and elegant, reminiscent of Ye Haitang's type of beauty. Beside her, Shui Bing'er sat silently, looking very much like a submissive young bride—a far cry from her usual heroic and valiant demeanor as the team's leader.
Though the woman's mature grace was significant, Gu Xuan's heart remained steadfast. Having daily dealings with three top-tier beauties of various types, he was a gentleman of refined discipline; he wasn't so starved as to lose his composure here.
Unless... unless she took the initiative.
The woman was the current Dean of Skywater Academy, Xue Qingluan. Her Martial Soul was the Ice Spirit Blue Phoenix, and she was a powerful Soul Douluo as well as Shui Bing'er's teacher.
"Junior Gu Xuan greets Dean Xue," Gu Xuan said, cupping his hands in a respectful salute.
Xue Qingluan studied Gu Xuan with a strange expression. This was her first time meeting him, but she couldn't help but notice how remarkably similar he looked to the fused form Bing'er and that Seven Treasure brat had just displayed. The only real difference was the eye color: Gu Xuan had a red left eye and a blue right eye, while the fusion was the inverse.
Beyond that, she was surprised that such a significant matter was being handled by a youth. She expected Ning Fengzhi himself, or at least the Dean of the Seven Treasure Academy. However, seeing Gu Xuan's poise, she refrained from commenting. Perhaps his talent was as high as his looks.
"No need for formalities. I assume I don't need to explain why I brought Bing'er here?" Xue Qingluan waved a hand. "I am not one to look down on others, but can a junior like you truly make decisions on this matter? Even if your elder is the Bone Douluo."
Given the shared surname with Gu Rong and his position within the clan, she had easily deduced his identity.
Gu Xuan smiled. "The Bone Douluo is my grandfather, and I do hold a fair amount of weight within the clan. My meeting with you today is also per the Clan Master's wishes."
His words established his authority. Xue Qingluan acknowledged this with a nod. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan weren't fools; a Martial Soul Fusion Skill between two geniuses was a massive event. Sending Gu Xuan proved they trusted his capability.
"Then I'll speak plainly." Xue Qingluan took a sip of water. "The fact that Bing'er and Zuo Yan have a fusion skill was unexpected. You felt the power they displayed—it reached the level of a Soul Emperor just upon their first fusion. Once they grow, they might not be inferior to Spirit Hall's Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluos. I won't let this opportunity go to waste."
She paused, her voice hardening. "But I will not sell my disciple."
It was a blunt statement, but it showed her protective nature as a teacher. Gu Xuan nodded understandingly. "Then what are your thoughts, Dean Xue? I'm listening."
Xue Qingluan didn't hesitate. "I discussed it with Bing'er on the way here. My suggestion is to let the two youngsters interact first. They have a fusion skill, but they are strangers. Mutual trust and reliance are the first hurdles they must clear."
Gu Xuan maintained his warm smile. "It seems we are of one mind. After the tournament ends, they could travel the continent together. If they develop feelings for each other, even better. If not, there are still plenty of opportunities for Skywater and Seven Treasure to cooperate."
He pointedly referred to the academies rather than the clans, placing them on equal footing. However, Xue Qingluan shook her head. "You may have heard rumors of Skywater's origins. For now, we cannot have any conflict of interest with your side. I cannot guarantee more than that."
Gu Xuan felt a twinge of helplessness. In the original records, it was hinted that the Five Element Academies all had formidable backers. While Thunder Academy was backed by the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and Elephant Academy by the Elephant Armor Clan, the backers for Godwind, Blazing, and Skywater Academies were never explicitly mentioned.
Even during the Spirit Hunt five years later, these backers were silent, seemingly leaving the younger generation to fend for themselves. Gu Xuan's investigations revealed only fragments; these sects had long since withdrawn into seclusion. He suspected Skywater was backed by the Mystic Water Sect, Blazing by the Divine Fire Gate, and Godwind by the Wind God Valley. These sects might not rival the Upper Three Sects, but they were stronger than the Lower Four, possibly even possessing Titled Douluos.
This was a mystery Gu Xuan intended to solve. His goal of unifying the continent wasn't just talk; it meant absolute, unrivaled unification.
"I understand your position, Dean Xue," Gu Xuan said. "But this is a good start for them. Their talent shouldn't be limited by old constraints." He added meaningfully, "I know what it's like to feel helpless against fate. If Zuo Yan and Shui Bing'er truly reach that point, you can come to me. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has deep roots; we still have some say in this world."
Xue Qingluan's eyes sharpened. She was impressed that a twenty-year-old could grasp the depth of their situation. She saw no deception in his eyes; there was a difference between a hollow promise and the truth. As a teacher who didn't want Bing'er to share her sister's tragic fate, she turned serious. "Very well. I hope you are a man of your word."
Gu Xuan patted Zuo Yan's shoulder. "That depends on whether our Xiao Yan is worthy of walking beside Shui Bing'er. But let me say this: Xiao Yan is my brother. For my brother, I will do whatever is necessary."
Zuo Yan felt a surge of emotion. He looked at Gu Xuan, then his gaze turned resolute. When Gu Xuan gave him the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, he had promised that if he worked hard, they would reach the peak together. He couldn't let Gu Xuan down.
Zuo Yan turned to Shui Bing'er and spoke with startling sincerity. "Hello, my name is Zuo Yan. I am sixteen years old, 1.8 meters tall, and weigh 86 kilograms. My favorite food is spicy rabbit head. My Martial Soul is the Phoenix God's Wings, evolved from the Wind God's Wings. I am a Rank 45 Agility Attack Type Soul Ancestor. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Shui Bing'er blinked, stunned by the sudden, direct introduction. Even Xue Qingluan and Gu Xuan were speechless.
'Height and weight? Spicy rabbit head? Since when did this kid become so blunt?' Gu Xuan thought.
Gu Xuan and Xue Qingluan exchanged a smile and stood up to leave the tent, leaving the two alone. Behind them, they heard Shui Bing'er's soft voice: "Hello... my name is Shui Bing'er..."
(End of Chapter)
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