He knew it was rude, yet he still asked!
"Innate soul power…"
Zhongli fell into thought.
He wasn't a native of this world—no, he wasn't even human anymore. How could he have innate soul power?
Observing the group, their conversations and distinctive traits gave them away.
These were likely the Shrek Academy members, freshly expelled from the Heaven Dou Royal Academy by Dugu Bo.
"Innate soul power?"
"Zhongli, what's innate soul power?"
Paimon floated closer, tilting her head in confusion.
Everyone: "...???"
No wonder he hesitated!
He… he didn't have any innate soul power!
How pitiful!
Grandmaster might be weak, but at least he had half a level of innate soul power—enough to cultivate.
This man had none. A true mundane among mundanes.
What a waste of such a unique martial spirit.
"No innate soul power?"
Yu Xiaogang muttered, eyeing Paimon with regret before shaking his head.
Useless. A spirit with no potential.
Without soul power, how could he study spirit abilities?
If his descendants inherited this martial spirit, perhaps a mutation could grant them soul power…
Then, this spirit might finally shine!
A humanoid martial spirit!
Paimon's stunted form suggested "poor development." With spirit rings and soul power, she could've been formidable!
"Sigh. Two detached beast spirits, yet both fated for obscurity."
A flicker of schadenfreude crossed Yu Xiaogang's heart.
At least I have half a level. That's something, right?
"What innate soul power is, or its origins, I'm not entirely certain."
Ignoring the onlookers, Zhongli turned to Paimon.
"On the Douluo Continent, children awaken their martial spirits at age six, guided by a soul master using an awakening stone."
"Innate soul power emerges alongside the spirit."
"Without it, one cannot meditate—cannot become a soul master."
"Even a single level, or half, allows cultivation through effort."
"Why some awaken with soul power and others don't… likely ties to spirit quality."
"Though exceptions exist. The child's own constitution matters too."
"The same spirit can yield different innate soul power in different individuals."
He claimed not to know!
He said he wasn't sure!
Yet this explanation surpassed Yu Xiaogang's clarity!
This was ignorance?!
The crowd's gazes shifted. Some glanced at Yu Xiaogang.
No way. Could it be…?
This man, denied soul power, turned to studying martial spirits instead?
The only two detached beast spirit holders in history—both walking the same path?
What were the odds?!
"Wow, martial spirits are so fascinating!"
"If only Paimon could have one too!"
The audience twitched, mouths agape yet speechless.
"Six."
A martial spirit wanting its own martial spirit?
This was cosmic absurdity!
Suddenly, a raven-haired girl—whose modest stature hid surprising curves—stirred from silence.
That voice. That demeanor. Every gesture…
Why so familiar?
"On your journey, you'll meet thorns and mire. No need to rush—pause for the flowers by the path…"
"All things return to dust."
"Solid as stone."
"Impervious to all."
"..."
"Is it… him?"
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes narrowed, transfixed.
Countless nights, she'd dreamed the same dream—only to forget upon waking.
Shrek's Seven Monsters. Jialing Pass. The War of Gods…
"The weight of rock brings comfort."
Under that amber glow, no attack could fell her.
Hearing those words, no peril could shake her.
With him near, defeat was unthinkable.
"The Geo Archon…"
"No. Impossible. How could an Archon be… ordinary?"
She shook her head.
That peerless deity couldn't be this powerless man.
Just a mortal who resembled him.
"Zhuqing, what's wrong?"
Dai Mubai frowned, following her gaze.
"Dai Mubai, we're not close. Use my full name."
Zhu Zhuqing snapped back to reality, her tone icy.
"You—!"
Dai Mubai's finger trembled, but he dared not act.
Zhu Zhuqing would fight him tooth and nail.
Why, after all his efforts to change, did she still scorn him?!
Infuriating!
Then, noticing her focus, realization struck.
Was she… drawn to this handsome weakling?
What did this trash have that he didn't?!
"Hmph."
Fresh from their academy humiliation, Dai Mubai needed an outlet.
This pretty-faced nobody was perfect.
Bullying the weak? His specialty!
"Dai Mubai! What are you doing?!"
Zhu Zhuqing's voice sharpened.
"None of your concern!"
Striding forward, Dai Mubai smirked at Zhongli and Paimon.
"Oh? A little blondie?"
"!!!"
"???"
Paimon's quip instantly reduced the Star Luo Empire's third prince to a roadside hooligan.
"Old man, can I park my ghost bike under your window?"
(Zhongli was, technically, a 6000-year-old "old man.")
"Brat, you can eat recklessly, but don't speak recklessly!"
Dai Mubai's fists clenched, his glare menacing.
Flander and Zhao Wuji watched, arms crossed, amused.
"B-blondie! P-Paimon's not s-scared of you!"
Trembling from head to toe, Paimon ducked behind Zhongli, peeking out.
"Dai Mubai! Harming civilians is forbidden!"
"This is Heaven Dou City! Think of the consequences!"