Chapter 103: A Familiar Silhouette

Dozens of lavishly decorated buildings stood proudly in the area, but one stood out above the rest—elegant and imposing. This was Skywater Academy.

At its grand entrance hung a plaque with the golden words: Skywater Advanced Soul Master Academy. Its scale and grandeur rivaled that of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy.

"From here on is the territory of our Skywater Academy," Shui Xinrou introduced warmly as everyone stepped down from the carriage.

As one of the elite soul master academies on the Douluo Continent, Skywater Academy held a prestigious reputation.

Not to mention—just the fact that it exclusively enrolled female students and instructors made it stand out among the many academies.

"Wow! This academy is beautiful! I almost want to enroll too—what do I do?" Paimon exclaimed, eyes wide as she peered past the gate.

Inside was a scenic fountain surrounded by lush greenery, with gurgling water and elegant landscaping. It gave off a tranquil yet grand atmosphere.

"Paimon wants to join our Skywater Academy too?" Shui Yue'er gasped in delight.

She had always been curious about the peculiar and fascinating Paimon, though her status had prevented her from asking too much.

But if Paimon did enroll, they'd have plenty of time to chat—and maybe she could get more information about His Excellency from her.

It wasn't just her—Shui Bing'er and Shui Xinrou were also still thinking about the stories Paimon had shared about their travels.

And they could tell that was just the tip of the iceberg. They were filled with eager anticipation for more.

"Hmm? Should I ask the Headmaster for one more spot?" Aether glanced sideways at Paimon with a teasing smile.

"Paimon is welcome anytime~" Shui Xinrou chuckled beside him.

"Nah, I'll pass. Studying's just not for me, hehe~" Paimon scratched her head and laughed sheepishly.

She had only been joking earlier.

Studying? No way. She couldn't cultivate soul power, wouldn't understand the lectures, and probably wouldn't be able to learn a thing…

Adventuring with the Traveler was way more fun. Still… she did wonder if the academy had any good food. Once Keke enrolled, maybe she could get the scoop from her…

"Would His Excellency like to take a look inside?" Shui Xinrou asked politely.

They had been chatting at the entrance for a while, and she didn't want to seem like she was neglecting her guests.

"No need. We've already taken up too much of your time. We'll come by another day," Aether replied with a wave.

Ever since they arrived, Shui Xinrou had personally escorted them. As the head of Skywater Academy, she surely had plenty on her plate. There was no need for her to keep delaying her responsibilities for their sake.

With that thought, Aether glanced toward a nearby row of buildings. Just across from the academy was a hotel. He pointed and said, "Paimon and I will go find a place to stay. I'll leave Keke in your care."

"No trouble at all. If His Excellency is looking for lodging, there's a residence right over there." Shui Xinrou pointed with a slender hand to the building across the street.

"That house is under my name. I don't really use it, so if His Excellency doesn't mind, it's yours to rest in."

"…"

Aether stared at the elegant, traditional-style residence she pointed to and twitched the corner of his mouth.

Why were people on the Douluo Continent so obsessed with buying houses they never lived in?

First Dugu Bo, and now Shui Xinrou. These people really lived like tycoons…

"Your Excellency? If it's not to your liking, I can book a hotel room immediately," Shui Xinrou offered cautiously when she saw his silence.

"…Alright then. Thank you, Headmaster." Aether nodded helplessly.

It seemed Shui Xinrou was determined to handle everything for them—lodging included.

But maybe that wasn't such a bad thing. Less hassle for him, and it made visiting Keke much more convenient.

"It's just a trivial matter. No need to be so polite, Your Excellency." Shui Xinrou's eyes lit up as he accepted.

"How about this—Bing'er and Yue'er can take Keke to the academy, while I escort His Excellency to the residence."

"Yes, Headmaster," the Skywater sisters replied in unison.

"Great! Then I'll leave her to you," Paimon agreed to the plan.

Then she turned to the little red cat curled in Yu Keke's arms. "You take care of Keke, okay?"

"Rrrow~" Fire Meow Meow meowed confidently, lifting its tiny head.

It might seem like a small fry in front of Aether, but in everyone else's eyes, it was still a hundred-thousand-year soul beast.

This mission? It was guaranteed to be a flawless success!

"Brother, Paimon, I'll go with the sisters now," Yu Keke said as she stroked Fire Meow Meow's fluffy head and waved goodbye.

"Mhm. We'll be right over there. Be strong, alright?" Aether gave her a thumbs-up and pointed toward the house.

"Got it! Bye-bye, Brother! Bye-bye, Paimon!"

Keke waved and followed the sisters into the academy.

Meanwhile, under Shui Xinrou's guidance, Aether and Paimon arrived at the residence across from the school.

Soon after they entered, two young maids showed up—clearly arranged by Shui Xinrou in advance. They thoroughly cleaned the rooms once more, left instructions to call them anytime, and then quietly excused themselves.

Back at the academy, Yu Keke followed the sisters through the campus with Fire Meow Meow in her arms, her wide eyes drinking in every detail.

This was her second time entering a soul master academy.

The first time had been a brief visit to the imperial academy while searching for an item with her brother.

This time, however, she was entering as a student. Everything here was fresh and unfamiliar—and she felt incredibly lucky.

Her father had always told her he wanted her to attend the best soul master academy.

She never really knew what "the best" meant… but this place definitely didn't feel like a bad choice.

Being admitted here… maybe that meant she had fulfilled her father's wish…

"Keke, are you okay?" Shui Yue'er asked, her usual playful tone tinged with concern.

Despite her lively nature, she was the more perceptive of the two sisters.

"Nothing. Just thinking about some things," Keke replied with a soft smile, gathering her emotions.

"Now that you're here, we're good friends. If anything's bothering you, just let us know, okay?" Shui Bing'er added gently.

"Mhm. Thank you, Sister Bing'er, Sister Yue'er," Keke said, feeling the genuine warmth behind their words.

"Heehee! You seem really curious about the place. Want us to show you around a bit before we head to the administrative office?" Shui Yue'er suggested.

"Sounds good to me. We just got back, so this can count as a bit of slacking off too," Shui Bing'er chimed in with a playful wink.

Don't be fooled by their relaxed demeanor—once back in school, they had to train and attend classes daily to prepare for the upcoming Soul Master Tournament.

"Sisters, if you're busy, I don't want to trouble you…"

"Aiya, come on, come on. Showing you around is something we're supposed to do!" Shui Yue'er skipped ahead, then turned and stuck out her tongue mischievously.

"Huh? That girl over there…"

As they strolled through a shaded corridor in the academy, Yu Keke suddenly spotted a lone girl sitting under a tree in the distance.

There was something oddly familiar about her—like they'd met before.

Her head tilted, full of questions.

_

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