Chapter 30 – Breakthrough & the Pig Who Peeks the Greens

"You're already extraordinary," Dugu Yan praised. "Food-type soul-beast users are rare—and you have innate full soul power. You'll accomplish so much. Maybe you'll even inherit the title of Great Aid Spirit like the Seven-Treasure Glazed Pagoda Sect!" It wasn't teasing—it was sincere.

Oscar had been an orphan until six when his Food God (comic version) soul-beast awakened. If not for that talent, Flanders never would have taken him in—Blue Tyrant Academy's admission rules would have otherwise barred him. Oscar was only favored because of his ability; he was one among countless orphans, and Flanders relied on soul power, not sentiment.

Oscar now advanced three soul rings and soul skills:

Restorative Stinky Tofu – recovers soul and physical power.

Detox Petal-Garlic Candy – eliminates toxins and abnormal conditions.

Berserk Flying Mushroom – from a millennium-level Emerald Demon Bird; grants massive flight speed and enhanced attack.

Yun Yibai had gone to great lengths to capture that soul-beast—its birdlike speed and intelligence made it perfect for flight-based skills.

In testing, Oscar's skills proved a treasure—his teammates initially groaned at the smell, but the effects were instant, overwriting the taste. With mastery, Oscar's mischievous smile grew sincere.

A crisp zip later, Yun Yibai's soul power stabilized. He opened his eyes, dressed swiftly, and …

Creak!—the door. Dugu Yan and Oscar looked up.

"You did it!" Dugu Yan exclaimed, moving to Yun Yibai's side as he effortlessly looped an arm around her waist. Two years of companionship had naturally deepened into a romantic bond.

"Level 40 now—ready to grab your soul ring? Should I call Grandpa?" Dugu Yan teased, unsure whether Yun Yibai planned to summon Blue Tyrant clan forces.

"No rush yet." Yun Yibai smiled softly—he enjoyed being pampered. Not because girls are immature, but because older people understand how to care deeply.

"I can wait with you until you hit 40." Dugu Yan's flirtatious grin added pressure.

"Actually… I want to discuss something else with you." Yun Yibai said quietly.

"Sure." She nodded.

They continued speaking, drawing Oscar's fading attention. He looked at them, then retreated with a sigh: "Shouldn't have stayed—I'm just eating dog food here."

"Oscar!" Yun Yibai called.

"Yes!" Oscar perked up, eager as always—his training under Yun Yibai brought growth.

"I want you to hit level 40 before the next Continental Elite Academy tournament. Can you do it?" Yun Yibai asked.

Oscar gulped. He expected a gentle path after breaking a ring—but Yun Yibai set ambitious goals. Deep down he knew he should be grateful.

Oscar swallowed again. "I'll try my best." He lacked confidence—full soul power meant potential, not speed. Plus, he'd never taken the enhancement route like Yun Yibai.

"I believe you can do it." Yun Yibai replied. Oscar steeled his resolve:

"Big Brother… give me your training plan. I know you've prepared it already."

"That's the spirit!" Yun Yibai beamed, pleased. He knew Oscar's weakness—he needed a push, and Oscar had it in him.

Yun Yibai's gaze lingered on Dugu Yan's hair—originally light blue, subtle changes hinted at deeper matters. Yun Yibai noticed everything when he wanted to.

A few days later…

"Hey kid—Dugu Yan said you asked for me?" Grandpa Dugu Bo's blunt tone disguised concern. He'd previously praised Yun Yibai's drive and intelligence but lately felt disregard for his granddaughter's future. The situation demanded attention.

"Senior Dugu," Yun Yibai called respectfully—he dared not address him as "Grandpa" when Dugu Bo had just scolded him.

"Cut the crap—spit it out. I don't like your vibe lately."

"Senior, Yan's hair and eyes have been shifting color… gradually, but noticeably. I've been with her long enough to see it."

Yun Yibai's expression turned serious as he awaited Dugu Bo's response.