Douluo Continent: The Ruler of Time, Reigning Supreme

Chapter 38 Nirvana Corpse Trail

After a long while, she moved gracefully to Xu Yun's side, stretched out her slender fingers, and precisely pinched Xu Yun's pink ear with a slight force.

"Ouch, ouch, ouch! Auntie, have mercy!"

Xu Yun immediately let out an exaggerated scream, tiptoed to try to relieve the pain, her little face scrunched up like a bun.

"Auntie, be gentle, give me some face, my brothers are watching."

"face?"

Xu Jiujiu was amused by her words, but did not reduce the force in her hand.

"You still know how to save face? Look at you, you don't look like an imperial princess at all. Instead of thinking about cultivating the profound mysteries of the Star Crown Martial Soul, all you do is brandish your swords and spears, form cliques, and lead a bunch of brats to dominate the academy. Dignified? Elegant? I don't think you've learned a single thing. Your royal brother has really spoiled you."

The more she talked, the more her head ached. Seeing Xu Yun's stubbornness, which remained defiant despite the pain, she became even more furious.

Seeing that her aunt seemed genuinely angry, and that her lecture wasn't as simple as usual, Xu Yun felt a little intimidated. She frantically tried to signal to Yin Chen, who was watching the scene unfold, her eyes practically screaming, "Help! Say something for me!"

Yin Chen looked at Xu Yun's pitiful yet slightly silly appearance and shook his head helplessly.

He knew that if Xu Yun was really taught a lesson today, the girl would definitely find ways to harass him in the future. For the sake of peace and quiet in the future, he still had to be the good guy.

He coughed lightly, stepped forward, and said:

"Sister Jiu Jiu, forget it. Xiao Yun is still young, so it's normal for her to be lively and active. Besides, she's talented and has her own opinions. She might just be able to forge her own path in the future."

Upon hearing Yin Chen speak up for him, Xu Yun immediately gave him a "good friend" look.

After glancing at Yin Chen for a long time, and then looking at his niece who was looking at him expectantly, Xu Jiujiu's anger had actually subsided by more than half.

She wasn't really angry; she was just disappointed in him.

As Xu Yun's aunt, she knew her personality all too well.

She released her grip on Xu Yun's ear and glared at her irritably:
"I'll let you off this time because of Yin Chen. But if it happens again, I'll lock you up in solitary confinement for a month."

"Thank you, Auntie. You're the best."

Xu Yun felt as if she had been granted a pardon. She quickly rubbed her reddened ears and came closer with a grin.

He ignored her attempts to be charming for a long time, his expression turning serious. His gaze swept over Xu Yun, Lan Susu, Lan Luoluo, and even Dai Luoli, and he ordered in a deep voice:
"Listen up, you lot. Things aren't going well in Xingluo City lately. From now on, stay in the academy after school. Don't leave without a teacher's supervision, and don't go to any remote places. Do you understand?"

"It's not peaceful?"

Xu Yun blinked curiously.

"Auntie, has some evil spirit master sneaked in?"

Lan Susu and the others also looked puzzled.

He didn't explain in detail for a long time, but said in a serious tone, "Don't ask so many questions. Just remember what I said. There are some things that you shouldn't be asking about right now."

Yin Chen, standing to the side, understood perfectly.

He could sense that just a short while ago, a unique death aura belonging to a Nirvana Corpse flashed by within Star Luo City, though it quickly disappeared. Clearly, a Nirvana Corpse had resurrected in the city and, unable to completely suppress its thirst for life, attacked the living, thus revealing its presence.

In the past two years, Yin Chen could vaguely sense that the "True Blood of Myriad Realms" had been activated several times.

Although the number of bizarre incidents involving "the dead coming back to life and attacking the living" is extremely small and most are treated as special cases of evil spirit masters, their characteristics of defying the laws of life and death have eventually aroused the vigilance and investigation of some top forces.

After all, not all resurrected Nirvana Corpses possess the same formidable strength and rapid restoration of sanity as Lingyuan Douluo.

Many weaker Nirvana Corpses are often unable to resist their instincts, causing greater disturbances. It is not uncommon for them to be suppressed or eliminated by powerful Soul Masters who pass by.

It's just that the number is still small, so it hasn't yet formed a wave that sweeps across the mainland.

However, for a top power like the Star Luo Empire, any unknown factor that could potentially disrupt the existing order must be met with high vigilance.

What they fear most is the resurrection of powerful Title Douluo-level beings like Lingyuan Douluo.

That would bring unpredictable and enormous changes to the balance of power on the mainland.

Seeing that her aunt was unwilling to say more, Xu Yun, though curious, knew the gravity of the situation and obediently replied:

"Okay, Auntie, we'll be more careful from now on."

After safely escorting Yin Chen and the dejected little ones back to the academy gate, Xu Jiujiu left in his carriage.

In fact, she came to see Yin Chen today not because she had anything urgent to say, but simply because she happened to have some rare free time.

Since deciding to invest heavily in Yin Chen two years ago, Xu Jiujiu has known that maintaining relationships, especially building strong and reliable ones, cannot rely solely on providing resources and exchanging benefits.

Relationships need to be maintained with care.

She highly valued Yin Chen's potential and his composure and wisdom beyond his years. This appreciation led her to spend as much time as possible by Yin Chen's side.

Sometimes, we would discuss with him our insights and questions about cultivating as Soul Masters, and share some ancient stories from the royal collection.

Sometimes, I would act as his sparring partner, personally sparring with him to hone his skills in real combat and also to more directly experience his progress.

More often than not, like today, we set aside our identities and cultivation, simply enjoying the scenery together, strolling through the streets and alleys of Xingluo City, tasting delicious food, and chatting casually.

Behind all of this lies the teachings given to her by her elder brother, Emperor Xu Jiawei of Xingluo:
"Jiujiu, you must remember that if you want to truly win someone over and make them work for you and the empire, it is far from enough to rely solely on binding them with interests and repaying favors. Interests can be repaid, and favors will eventually run out. Only emotions are the strongest and most difficult to sever. They will not fade with the passage of time, but will become more mellow and richer, like fine wine."

Xu Jiawei once used Shrek Academy as an example to analyze this for her:

“Look at Shrek Academy, why has it been able to stand for ten thousand years? In terms of resources, it may not be able to compare with the imperial family, and in terms of the favors it directly bestows, it is not giving without limits.”

"But it possesses top-notch strength, a complete heritage, and profound foundation. More importantly, it has woven a huge and invisible net with 'glory' and 'emotion'."

"Everyone who leaves Shrek Academy, no matter where they are or what position they hold, mostly have a strong sense of belonging and a desire to protect the academy."

"That's why Shrek Academy was able to rally hundreds of Title Douluos when faced with the Sun Moon Empire's powerful invasion, becoming a key force in turning the tide of the war. The source of this appeal lies in the emotional bond that transcends mere self-interest."

(End of this chapter)