Mist rolled over the green hills surrounding Lamba Academy, a modest yet respected soul master academy tucked away in the eastern provinces. It was not as renowned as Shrek Academy nor backed by a powerful clan, but it was quietly known for nurturing outcasts and rare-talented soul masters.
Dean Liu Erlong, once known as the Fiery Tyrant, stood tall by her window, watching the students spar with spirit energy under the pale morning sky. Her fierce appearance hadn't dulled with age, but the fire in her eyes now held a quiet sorrow.
Fifteen years had passed since Yu Xiaogang vanished.
Her beloved. Her only weakness.
He had disappeared while investigating the secrets of soul mutation theory, a pursuit that had drawn both admiration and danger. She never gave up hope—but the silence had eaten at her resolve.
A knock echoed through her office. A young instructor entered, visibly nervous. "Dean Liu… there's a man here. He claims to represent someone powerful… and says it's urgent."
She nodded. "Send him in."
The door opened, revealing a tall, cloaked figure. His face was concealed, but the aura around him was distinct — controlled, synthetic, almost too perfect.
"I am here on behalf of my master," the man began, voice steady and robotic. "We wish to acquire Lamba Academy. My master is prepared to pay three million gold soul coins in full."
Liu Erlong narrowed her eyes, stepping away from the window. "Tell your master Lamba Academy is not for sale. I built this place with my blood and soul. I won't let it become someone's pawn."
The clone's tone didn't change. "Expected. But my master has something else to offer."
He paused.
"We know where Yu Xiaogang is."
Time froze.
Liu Erlong's breath hitched. "What… what did you just say?"
"He is alive," the clone said, simply. "And my master knows where he is."
"Liar." Her soul power surged, flame-like energy dancing across her arm.
But the man didn't flinch. "You are free to burn me alive, but it won't change the truth. My master has eyes in places others do not. Yu Xiaogang is alive — in a place only he can take you to."
"…What does your master want?" she asked, voice trembling.
The clone answered, "The academy. At its normal valuation. My master desires to use it as a training ground — for his only disciple. Not for domination, nor control. The disciple possesses an extraordinary martial soul — one that even the Spirit Hall cannot classify. But training such a soul requires a unique spiritual environment… and your academy, Dean Liu Erlong, stands atop one such site."
He added carefully, "Lamba Academy will remain operational. Teachers may stay. But its purpose will shift — its heart will beat for one student: my master's heir."
Liu Erlong clenched her fists. She had sworn never to bow to power again. Never to sell out her cause. But if there was even a chance she could see Yu Xiaogang again…
"You have a deal," she whispered, tears brimming in her fiery eyes. "But if you lie… if this is a game…"
The flames ignited in her palm.
"I will burn your master and his fake bloodline to ashes."
The clone bowed. "Understood, Dean Liu Erlong."