Chapter 222: Oh, Thank You, Fate!

The next morning, Li Si woke feeling refreshed. Although nothing particularly exciting had occurred the previous night, the shared time had undeniably brought him closer to both Gu Yuena and Xiao Wu.

Their unmatched appearances drew every eye as they strolled through the bustling streets. Li Si's regal aura paired with Gu Yuena's otherworldly beauty left passersby marveling at the duo.

Beside them, even though Xiao Wu's striking looks and perfect proportions were undeniable, her presence seemed more akin to a servant in comparison.

This realization left Xiao Wu fuming—utterly and completely livid!

With only a few days left until the opening ceremony of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament, nearly all participating teams had already arrived in Heaven Dou City.

Groups of young, uniformed contestants often crossed paths with the trio, many stopping in their tracks to gawk at Li Si and Gu Yuena.

"Who are they?"

"With such an aura and presence, they must be soul masters. Could they be competitors?"

Li Si's handsome features, coupled with Gu Yuena's unparalleled beauty, sparked a buzz of whispered speculation.

"With a face like that, he's got to be strong. That's the rule of the universe—handsome guys are always powerful," one youth quipped.

"Yeah, but… look at those two girls with him. Both are incredible, and they're already taken? Life's unfair!"

"Having a boyfriend doesn't matter. Just beat him up to prove your strength, and they'll—"

"You first, then."

"Never mind. I'd lose."

Amidst the murmurs and envious stares, Li Si remained unfazed. In fact, he wished someone would challenge him.

It had been far too long since he'd flexed his muscles.

As they walked, an odd sensation made the trio pause.

Li Si quickly reassured Gu Yuena and Xiao Wu, gesturing for them to act as if nothing had happened.

Someone in the crowd had dared to cast an illusion on them!

The attempt was laughable.

Li Si and Gu Yuena's spiritual power was leagues above ordinary humans, rendering such illusions useless. If they wished, they could even force a backlash on the caster.

Meanwhile, Xiao Wu—while momentarily disoriented—had quickly recovered thanks to her naturally heightened spiritual awareness.

Nodding subtly to Li Si's instructions, the two women allowed him to lead them out of the city.

As they walked, Li Si's thoughts raced.

Could it be…?

A grin spread across his face. If he was right, this had to be Shi Nian—the infamous Soul Sage from the original story.

Shi Nian was known for targeting young prodigies, using his illusions to prey on those who had yet to reach their full potential.

How considerate of him to deliver his head—and his spirit bone—on a silver platter.

About thirty minutes later, the trio reached an isolated clearing outside Heaven Dou City.

Not far away, a pale, sinister-looking old man stepped into view. Dressed in white robes, his appearance radiated malice.

"Heh heh heh…"

Shi Nian's laughter echoed ominously as he approached.

"I never expected to encounter such exceptional young talents," he sneered, his tone dripping with mockery. "But alas, your beauty has betrayed you. Even in a crowd, you're impossible to miss."

"Old as I am, I've always had a singular hobby: killing geniuses before they can grow."

With that, Shi Nian stopped less than five meters from Li Si and the others.

Unaware that his illusion had already failed, Shi Nian believed his targets to be trapped in his fabricated reality, helpless and oblivious to his presence.

Li Si exchanged a glance with Gu Yuena, who blinked in mild confusion.

Is this weakling really trying to kill us?

Gu Yuena tilted her head slightly. With her immense strength, she could annihilate dozens of such "humans" with a single slap.

"Shi Nian… oh, Shi Nian. Why couldn't you just stay hidden?"

Li Si's smile grew wider.

"Oh, thank you, fate, for arranging this meeting!"

To Li Si, Shi Nian was nothing less than a gift—a courier delivering a headpiece spirit bone.

Though the spirit bone's usefulness might be limited, who would complain about adding to their collection?

Shi Nian froze, his expression shifting from smug confidence to outright terror.

"He knows my name?"

Shi Nian's heart raced as the realization hit him. The young man before him wasn't just a random prodigy—he knew exactly who Shi Nian was.

"Could this be the end?"

Swallowing hard, Shi Nian forced a pained smile and stammered, "My sincerest apologies. I didn't recognize such a distinguished… senior. Please forgive my offense."

His mind raced for an escape plan.

Though Li Si appeared young, Shi Nian knew better than to judge a book by its cover. This could very well be a Titled Douluo who had mastered the art of preserving his youth.

Against a Titled Douluo, there was no escape—not for him. His only chance was to beg for mercy.

Li Si chuckled, releasing the women's hands as he strode toward Shi Nian.

"I'm not like Tang San," he mused. "No need for tricks to deal with someone like you."

With each step Li Si took, Shi Nian instinctively retreated, cold sweat soaking his back.

That smile… Shi Nian had seen it countless times before—in his own reflection—when he killed countless geniuses.

Now, the tables had turned.

Steeling himself, Shi Nian suddenly stopped retreating and met Li Si's gaze.

"Honored Titled Douluo, if I am to die, please grant my disciples their lives!"

Li Si arched an eyebrow.

"Oh, you mean the ones capable of unleashing the Seven-in-One Fusion Technique?"

Shi Nian's eyes widened in disbelief.

He had never publicly revealed this secret. How could this man possibly know?

"Yes," Shi Nian whispered hoarsely, his voice trembling. "I only ask that you spare them."

"Funny," Li Si said with a smirk. "They're planning to take your spirit bone for themselves. Are you sure about this?"

(End of Chapter)