Chapter 98: Invitation

"Sorry, had to deal with something and ended up waking everyone."

Aether waved at the others with a hint of apology in his voice.

"It's fine, it's fine… We couldn't really sleep out here anyway…"

Wang Wan replied quickly.

She and the teachers from Skywater Academy had been idly chatting in the tent. Whether intentionally or not, they seemed to have guessed at the true identity of the young man before them. That realization had left them too excited to sleep.

"Paimon, is this soul beast the same big lion from before?"

Yu Keke looked at the silly little lion at Aether's feet and asked in surprise.

"Mhm! The Traveler asked it to shrink a bit. That way, it doesn't look so punchable anymore—in fact, it's kind of cute now. What do you think, Keke?"

Paimon rested her chin on her hand, evaluating the tiny lion seriously.

"Yeah! It's way cuter than before."

Yu Keke was tempted. She wanted to pet its fluffy head, but just thinking of its terrifying true form made her hesitate.

"Sister Wang, this soul beast's aura feels even stronger now."

The students from Skywater Academy also studied the little lion. Though its body was small and didn't seem threatening at first glance, any soul master present could feel the immense pressure emanating from it.

"Mm… It must have evolved into a hundred-thousand-year transformed soul beast…"

Wang Wan whispered softly.

Earlier, when facing this beast, she hadn't felt such intense dread. Now, if they were to fight, she probably wouldn't last even a single exchange.

No wonder hundred-thousand-year transformed soul beasts were said to rival titled Douluo. Just the aura alone was enough to suffocate someone at the Soul Saint level.

"But it didn't have this kind of pressure before. A hundred-thousand-year soul beast can't just evolve overnight. Could he really be…"

Instructor Xu muttered again, sneaking a glance at Aether—who was chatting casually with Paimon—but didn't dare finish his sentence.

"Really be what?"

Shui Yue'er was confused, unable to follow the conversation.

"Teachers, why are you being so cryptic? Is it about him?"

Shui Bing'er picked up on her teachers' strange behavior and grew more curious.

"Bing'er, Yue'er, we'll talk about it later when we're back. For now, just remember this—under no circumstances should you ever offend him or his companions."

Wang Wan warned them seriously.

"Uh… we didn't offend them, did we? Actually, my sister's been kind of—mmmph!"

Shui Bing'er looked innocent as she tried to expose her sister's little secret, only to have her mouth quickly covered by Shui Yue'er.

"You two little troublemakers…"

Wang Wan sighed with a helpless smile.

She more or less knew what the two sisters were thinking. But she wondered—when they learned his true identity, would they still dare to think that way?

"Since there's nothing else, let's all get some rest."

Aether's voice came as he cupped his hands politely toward the Skywater group and returned to his tent with Paimon, Yu Keke, and the little lion.

Seeing this, Wang Wan and the others also returned to their tents one after another.

But Shui Yue'er and Shui Bing'er, now lacking any excuse to stay by the fire, found themselves listless as they watched the fiery little lion stationed outside the tent.

Wang Wan understood what the two girls were thinking and shook her head, sending them back into the tent. She sat cross-legged outside to rest and meditate, ready in case of any unexpected events.

"Paimon…"

Inside the tent guarded by the little lion, Aether mumbled in his sleep, turning over and pulling the already-dozing Paimon into his arms.

"..."

On the other side of the makeshift bed, Yu Keke lay quietly in the darkness, deep in thought. Eventually, like a cautious snail, she slowly inched closer until she gently pressed against Aether's back, eyes closed and satisfied.

...

Dawn broke.

The morning air was fresh with the scent of grass and soil.

"Traveler! Wake up!"

That familiar voice rang out as Aether slowly opened his eyes, only to be greeted by sunlight blinding him through the opened tent flap. Paimon and Yu Keke stood outside, each lifting a corner of the tent.

"Mm~ You're hungry, huh? Go gather some firewood, I'll make breakfast."

He stretched and spoke without thinking.

After all, whenever Paimon woke him up, it was never because she'd slept enough—it was because she'd woken up hungry.

"Brother, Bing'er said they invited us last night, so this morning it's their turn to treat everyone…"

Yu Keke said sweetly. As she recalled last night's events, her cheeks flushed faintly.

"That so…? Alright, you two go ahead. I'll be right there."

Aether nodded. Fine—saved him the trouble of cooking.

But when he saw the two still lingering by the door, along with the little lion poking its head in curiously, he asked in confusion:

"What is it?"

"We're waiting for you, of course! They said we're going into town for a feast, hehe…"

Paimon beamed. Judging by her excitement, she'd already been told all about the amazing food in Skywater City during the invitation.

"…"

Aether sighed and lifted the tent flap. Sure enough, the Skywater group was already waiting outside.

"Your Excellency…"

They greeted him respectfully the moment he emerged.

"Good morning, everyone."

Aether smiled and returned the greeting.

"Your Excellency, we came to the Star Dou Forest this time to help Yue'er obtain her soul ring. Now that she has it, it's time we returned to Skywater City."

"During our journey, we encountered danger, and it was only thanks to your aid that we made it through. Though we have little to offer in return, we'd be honored to invite you to Skywater City so we might show our gratitude."

As the leader of this trip, Wang Wan stepped forward to explain after a group discussion.

"It's fine, really. You don't need to worry about it."

Aether waved it off casually. Meeting the Skywater Academy group had been a coincidence—and that so-called danger had only come about because their choice of soul beast happened to trigger a beast tide.

But going to Skywater City…

He turned to look at Yu Keke. Her mission still showed no progress—it hadn't changed since he first saw it.

After last night's mysterious voice from the Akasha Terminal, he couldn't afford to take any chances.

Keke's mission was to become stronger. That was the right path. Now that she had her soul ring, she just needed time to cultivate.

_

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