Chapter 99: Skywater City

Bonus chapter for 50 powerstones! Gimme moreeee

...

There was one crucial problem—neither Aether nor Paimon had any real understanding of martial souls, soul power, or any of the associated systems.

That meant they couldn't teach Keke properly, and might even end up delaying her path to strength.

But now that Skywater Academy had extended an invitation, Aether suddenly thought of a solution: he could send Keke to Skywater Academy as a temporary student.

After all, this girl had only picked up fragments of martial soul knowledge from the vague teachings of her father.

Even a genius, if given the chance to stand on the shoulders of giants, could understand the world much faster and better than fumbling blindly up from the bottom on her own.

With Keke's current talent and strength, simply learning the proven basics of martial soul theory would be enough.

As for more advanced topics—soul bones, soul rings, and the like—with him around to guide her, she wouldn't go astray. There was no need to suffer through pointless hardship.

"Your Excellency, then you're agreeing to come?" Wang Wan asked respectfully, her voice trembling slightly.

She and the others had overheard the conversation between Paimon, Keke, and Aether.

And this exalted being hadn't refused their invitation—that meant he really might be going to Skywater City!

To think, a legendary figure like this had actually been invited by her to Skywater City… even to Skywater Academy!

Wouldn't the headmaster lose her mind once she heard the news?

She could say with certainty—if His Grace so much as set foot in Skywater Academy, then regardless of anything else, even the Spirit Hall and the Upper Three Sects would have to show them proper respect in the future.

After all, Skywater was just one of the five elemental academies of the Heaven Dou Empire.

Even on a continental scale, it was merely a notch above the average high-tier soul master academies.

Whether in terms of strength or resources, they were worlds apart from behemoths like the Upper Three Sects, let alone the towering colossus that was Spirit Hall.

But if this legendary figure lingered in Skywater Academy for even half a day—

Then just mentioning his name would be enough to make even the strongest sects think twice before disrespecting them!

That was the power of reputation this man had earned among soul masters, despite barely stepping into the world.

"Mhm. I do have some matters to discuss with your academy during this trip—thank you for your help."

Aether smiled and nodded at the hopeful Wang Wan.

"Yay!"

"…"

Beside them, Shui Yue'er jumped up excitedly the moment Aether agreed to accompany them to Skywater City.

Then she realized everyone was now staring at her—including the hundred-thousand-year soul beast resting quietly at Aether's feet. Its gaze carried a strange, unreadable expression.

Her face Instantly flushed bright red. She looked pleadingly at her elder sister, silently begging for rescue.

But Shui Bing'er just looked on with an amused smirk.

Panicking, Shui Yue'er could only cover her face and stammer, "I'll go scout ahead…!" before bolting away.

Wang Wan couldn't help but call out,

"Yue'er, Skywater City is that way. You're going the wrong direction…"

…

"Wah~ So that's Skywater City? Looks a bit smaller than Heaven Dou City,"

On a hill near the city, a mighty lion stood proudly against the wind, its blazing mane flowing like fire. The beast radiated power and majesty.

But sitting atop its head was a tiny figure—creating a sharp contrast that felt a bit like Beauty and the Beast.

"Right? The others are still behind us—should we wait here?"

Aether finished speaking, then picked up Yu Keke and leapt down from the lion's back. Paimon lazily floated down beside him.

"I don't get why they're scared of Fire Meow-Meow. I even offered to let them ride, but they wouldn't dare! It's super cute!"

As she spoke, Paimon glanced over at the large lion beside her.

"Rawr~"

The lion instantly got the message. In a blink, it shrank down to the size of a housecat and let out a string of flattering purrs and growls.

It had understood from the start—this little missy could be even more terrifying than that big guy in certain ways.

So no matter what, going along with her wishes was always the safest bet.

Yes, the Fire Meow-Meow that Paimon mentioned was none other than the hundred-thousand-year soul beast she'd nicknamed out of boredom on their way to Skywater City.

She figured—since it was her mount now, how could it not have a nickname?

And as the self-proclaimed nickname genius she was, Paimon bestowed upon this terrifying soul beast an adorably ridiculous name: Fire Meow-Meow.

Surprisingly, the Flame Mane Lion seemed to really like the name. At least in Aether's eyes, when Paimon asked it if it liked the nickname, it tearfully responded:

Yes~

Very much~

I love it a lot~

"I know right? I think Fire Meow-Meow's super cute too."

Yu Keke agreed, crouching to pet the lion's head. The beast squinted in enjoyment, clearly pleased.

"…"

Aether watched as the terrifying soul beast got lovingly patted by Keke, the corner of his mouth twitching.

Sure, they thought it was cute—but Shui Bing'er and the others clearly didn't share that view.

As if they'd dare ride it.

To them, no matter how gentle it acted around Aether's group—or how soft and cuddly it seemed in Keke's hands—it was still a hundred-thousand-year soul beast.

Even a Titled Douluo would think twice before messing with something like this!

The group waited on the hill for a while until finally, a carriage appeared in the distance along the main road.

Aether then mounted the now-enlarged Fire Meow-Meow with Paimon and Keke and raced toward them.

Honestly, before he had a mount, it had felt like walking anywhere was fine. Distance wasn't a big deal.

But once you owned a personal ride, even going downstairs to grab some soy sauce or pick up a package made you want to hop on and cruise over…

"Your Grace, this is Skywater City. Our Skywater Academy is located inside."

Outside the city gates, after reuniting with the academy group, Wang Wan stood beside Aether and offered her introduction.

"Mhm."

Aether nodded lightly, quietly listening as she continued explaining various things.

He could indeed sense that the concentration of hydro elements in the air here was significantly higher than in most places.

As Wang Wan kept up her introduction, the group gradually approached an upscale-looking hotel.

Standing at the entrance was a poised and elegant woman in pale cyan robes.

Upon seeing Wang Wan approaching with Aether, she quickly stepped forward and bowed to him. Her voice was bright and composed, full of maturity and confidence.

"I've long heard of Your Excellency's name. It is truly an honor to meet you in person—so handsome and extraordinary, just as the stories say…"

"Uh… hello."

Aether looked at the graceful woman, but found not even a trace of familiarity in his memory.

_

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