NOVEL NEXT Chapter 169: [DD2]: 168
"Even a Soul Emperor might not perform as impressively as you. That move was truly astonishing."
Yan Shaozhe chuckled, while Su Yu simply gave a faint smile without saying anything.
Seeing Su Yu remain silent, Yan Shaozhe shifted the conversation, "Su Yu, what do you think of our Shrek team's performance?"
"Impressive and strong overall. Aside from a few who seem to be just filling numbers, the rest of the team lives up to their reputation," Su Yu replied nonchalantly.
To be fair, many of the Shrek Academy team members had decent talent. Especially Ma Xiaotao, whose aptitude could almost rival Zhang Lexuan's—truly outstanding. Although Su Yu wasn't fond of Shrek Academy, he wouldn't deny that it had talented individuals. The prestigious name did carry some weight.
"Filling numbers?"
Ma Xiaotao, standing nearby, raised an eyebrow. Was Su Yu referring to Dai Huabin and Xu Sanshi? Or perhaps Chu He and the others?
Indeed, Chu He and his group were relatively weaker. If not for an incident with Chen Zifeng and Yao Haoxuan, Chu He and his peers wouldn't have had a chance. Their overall strength was noticeably inferior, even their teamwork less coordinated than with the original team.
In truth, Ma Xiaotao herself wasn't entirely satisfied with the current team.
Hearing Su Yu's comment, Yan Shaozhe wasn't offended. He was aware of Su Yu's previous conflicts with Xu Sanshi and others. From his perspective, filling numbers likely referred to Xu Sanshi's group.
Given Su Yu's demonstrated strength, it was a fair assessment—Xu Sanshi and Dai Huabin were indeed far behind.
Yan Shaozhe smiled and asked, "Su Yu, have you ever considered studying at Shrek Academy?"
Finally, the conversation came to its main point.
"Dean Yan, your approach feels a bit too direct," Su Yu replied with a half-smile.
Yan Shaozhe: "????"
What did he mean by that?
Without elaborating further, Su Yu continued, "So, Dean Yan, you're here to poach talent?"
Yan Shaozhe chuckled, "I wouldn't call it poaching. I simply believe that someone with your talent deserves the best training possible. If I'm not mistaken, you possess the Ultimate Ice Martial Soul, correct?"
Su Yu nodded.
A hint of a smile played on Yan Shaozhe's lips. "An Ultimate Martial Soul is exceptionally rare. Its strength is unparalleled, but it also presents significant challenges in cultivation. The Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy primarily focuses on soul tools and has no expertise in training Ultimate Martial Souls. You wouldn't want your talent to go to waste, would you?"
"In contrast, Shrek Academy has experience teaching Ultimate Martial Souls. Our martial soul department is unmatched on the continent. Shrek Academy is the perfect place for you to develop your skills."
Yan Shaozhe sighed dramatically, as if genuinely concerned for Su Yu's future.
Su Yu chuckled inwardly and calmly said, "Dean Yan, isn't that an exaggeration? From what I know, Shrek Academy has no experience with Ultimate Ice training."
Yan Shaozhe faltered momentarily. Indeed, Shrek had no direct experience with Ultimate Ice.
But Yan Shaozhe was not one to be easily deterred. He quickly countered, "Su Yu, you're nitpicking! While we haven't specifically trained Ultimate Ice, we have experience with other Ultimate Martial Souls. We've developed strategies that can be adapted."
"We also have the best resources, deepest knowledge of soul masters, and the most professional training system on the continent. When it comes to cultivating soul masters, Shrek Academy is second to none!"
"Besides, Su Yu, you're a soul master at heart. From your actions, it's evident that you prioritize soul master techniques—be it soul bones or domain abilities."
Yan Shaozhe leaned forward confidently. "If you join us, you'll gain access to unparalleled training, guidance from Titled Douluos, and weekly cultivation in the Sea God Pavilion. When you need soul rings, Shrek will secure the best ones for you—even a 100,000-year-old soul ring and soul bone!"
Yan Shaozhe's impassioned pitch was topped with a playful wink, "And let's not forget—Shrek Academy has many outstanding female students. Perhaps you'll encounter a fateful meeting!"
Ma Xiaotao's lips twitched as she watched her teacher's unorthodox tactics.
"Outstanding female students?" Su Yu raised an eyebrow with a faint interest.
"How about Ma Xiaotao here?" Yan Shaozhe gestured toward his prized disciple.
Su Yu's gaze shifted to Ma Xiaotao, scanning her from head to toe. Taking advantage of the situation, he remarked, "Not bad."
"Exactly!" Yan Shaozhe grinned, only for Su Yu to add, "But I already have a girlfriend. Miss Ma Xiatao is excellent, but she's not for me."
"As for your other promises, Dean Yan… they're tempting, but I'll have to decline. I prefer to forge my path, even if it's a harder one."
"Su Yu, don't be so stubborn!"
Su Yu's casual scrutiny of Ma Xiaotao, followed by his outright dismissal and refusal of Yan Shaozhe's offer, left Ma Xiaotao feeling somewhat displeased. Were the conditions not generous enough? Don't push it too far!
In all her years, she had never seen anyone receive such an extraordinary offer. The academy had shown its utmost sincerity, yet Su Yu didn't seem to appreciate it. Ma Xiaotao even felt indignant on Yan Shaozhe's behalf.
Of course, was she upset that Su Yu didn't find her appealing? Perhaps just a little. After all, as a girl, being so flatly rejected was bound to sting, regardless of the reason.
"Miss Ma Xiatao, I don't quite understand your words. Am I not allowed to refuse?"
Su Yu blinked and locked eyes with Ma Xiaotao, engaging in a silent confrontation.
Ma Xiaotao stepped forward, her aura surging outward in a display of high-level Soul Emperor pressure. Yet Su Yu remained utterly composed, walking toward her despite the overwhelming pressure.
Looking at her delicate and finely chiseled face, Su Yu smiled playfully and remarked, "Miss Ma Xiatao, girls shouldn't be so hot-tempered. Men don't find that appealing."
"Not appealing? Who cares if they don't like it!"
Ma Xiaotao's brows furrowed in anger, and she moved to grab Su Yu's chest in a fit of frustration.
Su Yu raised a hand and firmly caught her wrist, his gaze turning cold. "Girls who like to fight aren't exactly endearing either."
Ma Xiaotao tried to wrench her hand away, but Su Yu's grip was unrelenting. Her irritation boiled over, and she was just about to unleash her martial soul when Yan Shaozhe called out.
"That's enough, Xiaotao!"
Yan Shaozhe's brows furrowed deeply, not expecting matters to escalate like this.
This Su Yu was far more stubborn than he had anticipated. Despite the irresistible terms he had offered, Su Yu remained unmoved.
On the one hand, Yan Shaozhe was annoyed by Su Yu's lack of appreciation, but on the other, he admired Su Yu's resoluteness. After all, someone who could resist such tempting offers wouldn't be easily swayed by any future enticements.
Such integrity and determination were rare, and Yan Shaozhe was even more determined to recruit him. Talent combined with loyalty was a treasure anyone would value.
"Hmph, lucky for you," Ma Xiaotao huffed indignantly, suppressing her soul power.
Releasing her wrist, Su Yu replied with a calm demeanor, "Who's lucky and who's not is yet to be determined."
"You think you can beat me?" Ma Xiaotao asked sharply.
"Doesn't seem difficult," Su Yu replied with a faint smile.
"Arrogant!"
Ma Xiaotao snapped at him angrily.
"A little arrogance requires skill, and as luck would have it, I happen to have it," Su Yu said with a confident grin.
"Ha!" Ma Xiaotao scoffed, glaring at him.
Yan Shaozhe watched the scene unfold, feeling a headache coming on. Sure enough, ice and fire didn't mix—these two were already at odds.
Wait a moment…
As Yan Shaozhe observed the tense exchange, a thought sparked in his mind.
"Su Yu, how about a wager?" Yan Shaozhe interjected.
"A wager?"
"Yes. Since you're unwilling to leave Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy, you must think soul engineers are superior to soul masters."
"How about this: we'll wager on the outcome of the finals. If Shrek Academy wins, you transfer to Shrek Academy. What do you think?"
"Not interested. Why should I wager with you?"
"Are you afraid, Su Yu?"
"Afraid?"
Su Yu sneered coldly. "Dean Yan, don't bother provoking me. That trick doesn't work. You've only mentioned what happens if you win, but what do I get if you lose?"
"Are you trying to make a free bet? Sorry, I'm not that naive."
Yan Shaozhe was momentarily speechless.
This kid saw right through him!
He had indeed planned on making a one-sided bet, but this Su Yu wasn't so easily fooled.
After a moment of consideration, Yan Shaozhe said, "How about this: if Shrek Academy loses, we'll provide you with a 10,000-year soul bone. Does that work?"
"Not enough!" Su Yu immediately shook his head in rejection.
"Su Yu, don't be too greedy. That's a 10,000-year soul bone!" Ma Xiaotao protested.
"A 10,000-year soul bone compared to me? Is that all I'm worth?"
"An Ultimate Ice martial soul isn't something you can simply equate to a soul bone," Su Yu said flatly.
Ma Xiaotao fell silent. He had a point—Ultimate Ice was exceedingly rare and far more valuable than an ordinary soul bone.
Yan Shaozhe added, "Then how about this: if you win, we'll give you a soul bone that's at least 50,000 years old, and it must come from a top-tier soul beast."
"Deal!"
"Good, then it's settled," Su Yu said with a slight smile. "Some people are generous benefactors, delivering wealth without being asked."
"To make it official, let's draft a written agreement," Yan Shaozhe suggested, cautious of Su Yu potentially going back on his word.
With both sides confident of their victory, they finalized the wager, leaving no room for cheating.
"Su Yu!" Ma Xiaotao called out as he prepared to leave, her pink eyes ablaze with fighting spirit. "We're going to win!"
"Oh?" Su Yu glanced back, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "I think…you're going to lose."
With that, he casually descended, one hand in his pocket, leaving behind the echo of his calm yet decisive declaration.