Chapter 59

Yin Xiaoya had just learned that the Azure Flame Heaven Griffin was a rare hybrid, a blend of the Ghost-Faced Griffin and the Azure Phoenix—two distinct avian races. The offspring of their union possessed a genetic quirk that threatened the reproductive stability of both species. Even the royal blood of the parents couldn't overcome the impact, underscoring the magnitude of the Griffin's existence.

Yin Xiaoya's intervention promised to alter the course of that destiny. He had not only spared the Griffin's life but also offered it an opportunity for growth that it could never have found in the wild. Yet, for the Ghost-Faced Griffin King and the Azure Phoenix King, the underlying problem remained unresolved. Their offspring still slumbered within the fiery heart of the lava mountain's supervolcano.

Yin Xiaoya would never refuse a call for aid, but he knew that even he couldn't guarantee that the power of the Kamen Rider could resolve their children's dilemma.

Xiaoman, can their problem be solved?

[Turning them into Kamen Rider power is still possible. The only difference is whether they unlock as a new Rider or an original Rider. But whether the problems affecting them can be eliminated, I can't judge without seeing them. Based on their description, unlocking is a problem. Except for unowned spirit rings, no matter which method is used, it must be done willingly while the soul beast is awake. Their children are in a deep sleep, so that condition can't be met.]

He knew Xiaoman was right. It wasn't his place to decide whether they unlocked their power or not. Even if their parents agreed, the transformation had to occur in a conscious state.

To avoid any misunderstandings, Yin Xiaoya shared the issue with the Griffin King and Azure Phoenix King. However, they remained undeterred.

"As long as you're willing to help, it's worth a try," the Ghost-Faced Griffin King said. "If the mutations don't disappear after transformation, we'll accept our fate. After all, even if we do nothing, they don't have many years left. This, I can withstand."

The Azure Phoenix King voiced its agreement. "That's right, I think so too. It's worth trying, even if it fails, I won't blame you. Requiring a conscious choice is a small problem we can fix."

Since they insisted on proceeding, Yin Xiaoya had no reason to refuse.

"Okay, I'll go with you. But first, I have a small condition. You have to wait for me to finish something first."

He needed to find a soul beast to unlock the power of a main Rider, hoping that the upgrade would improve the odds of solving their problems.

Hearing that it could increase the chance of success, the two readily agreed, even offering to accompany him in his search.

"Choose with confidence," the Ghost-Faced Griffin King said. "As long as it's something you want, I'll see who dares disagree."

"That's right," the Azure Phoenix King added, "If they don't agree, they'll face the burning of my heart."

Yin Xiaoya's head swam. These two were truly top-tier soul beasts, capable of inspiring both awe and trepidation. Usually, he had to coax and trick people into helping him, but these two were ready to flex their power as soon as they came up.

Bidding farewell to the Skullgarry, Yin Xiaoya climbed onto the Ghost-Faced Griffin King's back. It was a mark of the Griffin's character that it would humble itself and allow a human to ride it. How thoughtful.

As Yin Xiaoya was getting swept up in this incident, Su Xuan, covered in soot, pushed the motorcycle back toward civilization. After emerging from the lava mountain, she felt a pang of guilt as she looked at the battered Meteorstar.

"Are you sure this is okay?" she asked. "Won't he blame us?"

Mantis, cradling the baby Mantis Immortal, said flatly, "I've told you before, Master will never blame you for something like this. Fixing it will only take him a minute. Even if you threw it away, he wouldn't care."

"When you comfort someone, can't you show some expression?" Su Xuan said. "You're making me panic."

Mantis's face began to contort in an attempt to express something.

"Forget it," Su Xuan said. "I'm even more panicked when you do that."

The emotionless reassurance had been enough to soothe Su Xuan's conscience. Still, she couldn't help but complain, "This thing is fast, but why is it so hard to control?"

Mantis nodded in agreement. Not long after they had left Yin Xiaoya, Su Xuan had driven the Meteorstar straight into a stone wall. Even with a helmet, she had felt dizzy. Mantis had immediately jumped off, clutching Mantis Immortal, so they had been unharmed.

Then, they switched positions, with Su Xuan in the back, holding Mantis Immortal, and Mantis driving. The motorcycle had sped up a hill and sailed for more than two hundred meters through the air. Again, both of them had leaped off in time, but the Meteorstar had crashed to the ground, its parts scattering across the landscape.

"I sense a certain energy from it," Mantis said.

Su Xuan paused. "What energy?"

"It appears to be programmed not to be tamed by females."

"..."

The two pushed the broken vehicle toward the nearest town in a state of mortification. The Shrek Academy students were already waiting for them there. Fang Xin, having received a message through the Batta Candroid, had directed everyone to meet them at the city entrance.

But as soon as they arrived, a figure burst forward.

"Mom, Mom, Mom!" Xiao San shouted, tears streaming down his face as he ran to Mantis.

Su Xuan realized what was happening. Since Mantis had mimicked Xiao San's mother's appearance, she now looked like a ghost from his past.

Although Xiao San's life had been a mystery, at least one thing was clear: his mother was gone.

Su Xuan was about to urge Mantis to be gentle, but Mantis spoke first, rejecting Xiao San's assumption.

"I'm not your mother. This appearance is simulated. You should be able to sense that my energy is very different."

Xiao San froze. Now that he focused, he realized that, although the woman in front of him wore his mother's face, her aura was completely different. And he knew what had happened to his mother. Regaining his composure, he lowered his head, his face etched with frustration.

"Sorry," he said, "I was being presumptuous."

Su Xuan nudged Mantis, but Mantis didn't react. She simply stared at Xiao San, then at the baby in her arms, her face unreadable.

After introductions, Su Xuan explained Mantis's origins to everyone. Revealing Mantis's true nature was Yin Xiaoya's decision.

In his view, concealing one's identity to fit into human society only led to misunderstandings. Instead of endlessly explaining things, it was better to be open from the start. Even if someone coveted the Core Medal and the power of a Kamen Rider, Yin Xiaoya didn't worry at all. After all, as long as he wanted, no one could take away his Rider powers.

While the students gathered around Mantis to gawk at the baby, the teachers pulled Su Xuan aside, eager to relay the events of the past two days.

Su Xuan had known about Yin Xiaoya's mission to eliminate the evil soul masters in the forest, but she hadn't realized that he had rescued students from the Sword God Academy.

That morning, a messenger had delivered a joint invitation from the Sword God Academy and the Gangbone Academy, intended for Yin Xiaoya. The invitation clearly expressed their friendship and hinted that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, their patron, was interested in cooperating with him.

"Hmph," Su Xuan said, "As expected of the sect with the world's number one auxiliary system. They're quick to gather information."

For some reason, Su Xuan felt a surge of irritation after seeing the invitation. She even felt the urge to tear it up. Of course, she couldn't do that. After a moment, she decided to keep it safe until Yin Xiaoya returned.

"Also, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect has united with the Sword Bone Sect and publicly announced that they will participate in the Martial Soul Saint Meeting," one of the teachers said. "We all know how prestigious those schools are, and they've never mixed in such activities before. It seems that this time, they're under pressure from the Martial Soul Hall."

Su Xuan wasn't troubled, but excited. "The Sword Bone Alliance? Interesting. And behind them is the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. If they're united in this competition, their strength will be incredible. Not only me, but the other Shrek Seven Monsters have wanted to know their strength, and this is the perfect chance."

"You're right," another teacher agreed. "This year's Martial Soul Saint Meeting will be the most grand in history. But we've sensed a hint of conspiracy. We suspect that the Martial Soul Hall is planning something."

Evil soul masters... Lately, bad things had been happening everywhere. The evil soul masters alone had created chaos in the soul master world. Speaking of evil soul masters, Su Xuan remembered the soul tool that Yin Xiaoya had given her, the one he had taken from an evil soul master. Because it had already recognized its owner, only a Title Douluo could open it.

Remembering this, Su Xuan called over the teacher with the highest agility. She handed over the soul tool and explained its history.

"Your speed is the fastest here," she said. "Please, send it to Dean Flender at the academy. I feel that there are secrets hidden in it. To prevent any problems, it's best to find out the information as soon as possible."

As Su Xuan was sending the teacher away, the children got into a conflict with a group of strangers.

"Astra!" one of the strangers said. "Since we came out, why didn't you return to the team in time? Do you know that you've delayed our schedule?"

Astra looked at the group, his face flushed. "You left me in the ecological zone on purpose," he said. "You even robbed me of my food, killing me. I was lost for so long, I almost died."

The woman in her twenties who was the leader of the group had been listening to Astra. A trace of impatience flashed in her eyes, but she maintained a look of concern. "I think you know that there was an evil soul master there," she said. "We were stuck at the entrance, arguing with the Soul Master Guild, and they wouldn't let us in. So, you can't blame us. We've already talked to the teachers. Come with us."

She grabbed Astra's arm, ready to drag him away, regardless of whether he resisted or not.

"Let me go!" Astra said. "I've decided to quit this academy. I'm no longer a member. I don't want to leave. Just let me go!"

The other stranger, who had been quiet until now, lost his temper. "We've already given you enough face," he said. "Do you think you're special? If you didn't have the ability to make sausages, do you think we'd want to be with you?"

"You!" Astra couldn't find words to respond, but struggled harder. "Let go! I told you, I don't want to go with you!"

Seemingly annoyed by his resistance, the woman's smile turned grim.

"It's a waste of time," she said. "Knock her out and take him back."

It was clear that the woman held authority. As soon as she gave the order, several members of her team moved to attack Astra. But at that moment, a hand reached out and smacked the back of one of the attacker's hands. The attacker yelped and glared at the little fat boy. "Who are you?" he demanded. "How dare you meddle in the affairs of Canghui Academy!"

"I don't care if you're Canghui or Shihui," Ma Hongjun said, puffing out his chest. "My sister said she doesn't want to go with you, so no one can take her away. And this is what Shrek Academy says."

"Fatty..." Astra said, touched that the boy, who had been so eager to taste her sausages, was standing up for him.

"Sister, don't worry," Ma Hongjun said, "With me here, you can stay at ease. This kind of low-level school that discards its companions, the sooner you leave, the better. I welcome you on behalf of Shrek Academy."

"Smack!"

Before he could finish, Su Xuan imitated Yin Xiaoya and slapped him on the back of the head.

"Look at you posturing," she said. "Since when did you start representing Shrek?"

"Hey, hey, hey," Ma Hongjun said, hastily giving up his position with a flattering smile. "Teacher Su Xuan, you're right. You're the one who can best represent the academy."

Ma Hongjun hastily gave up his seat with a flattering face. If there is a boss standing on the platform, then he can just hug his thighs.

***

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Advance chapters are in my P@|r3on - Najicablitz