Leap in the Algorithm (2)

'You done good son.' He looked at his reflection. He remembered his parting words to Xiao Qing

...

"Oh before I go, know anything about a Soul Advancement pill?"

"Again? just how ignorant are you!"

"...."

"Alright alright don't look so glum. I'll explain."

" It's even more precious than the Mysterious Water Pill is a bit more precious than the Soul Advancement Pill because it has a cleansing effect on one's muscles and marrow. But, to soul masters above the thirtieth rank, whose muscles and marrow have already been thoroughly cleansed, the Soul Advancement Pill is better than the Mysterious Water Pill." Recalling that Shen Wushang was over the moon.

This pill would get him to rank 20 sooner, this was godsend , this is a leap in the process, the sequence, the algorithm! The future was subtly changing!

He had one person to show off to, so he went to gloat and disturb Skydream.

The main use of the Soul Advancement Pill was to increase one's soulforce; it was refined from a few heavenly treasures. Soul master could only use a single Soul Advancement Pill during their entire lifetime, and the increase in soulforce one would receive from the pill was roughly equivalent to the soulforce that a soul master at the thirtieth rank needed to advance to the thirty-first rank. This was a pill that could raise one's soulforce by an entire rank! This was truly something that was hard to come by. However, one's future cultivation potential would be affected if more than one were taken.

Furthermore, the Soul Advancement Pill and the Mysterious Water Pill were somewhat similar, as their main function was to stimulate a person's potential to provide more nourishment to the body. Because of this, their medicinal properties were relatively gentle; soul masters that were only above the tenth rank could consume them.

If he wasn't in a rush then he could wait until he was rank 21 to take the pill and in all honesty he could afford to wait it out.

"I don't want to wait, I want to get my second ring and essence as soon as possible, to cover my tracks, I'll invoke suspicion if I suddenly appear with a new spirit essence, it's more logical to have had them to begin with for the exam three months from now, that's more than enough time to get it done. I still want to hide my spirit eyes since it's first set of skills are just too crucial but I'll have to reveal my second spirit eventually so which spirit should be associated with the Shen Wushang of Shrek? I'll only be here for a short time so I don't want them knowing top much about me, hm. Especially since one route of 'that' stage in the plan might make me their enemies. Agh, I'll cross that bridge when I get to it."

In his sea of consciousness,

"What! You have a pill that will make you rank 20, that's quick! Well what are you waiting for, take it!" The worm was quite enthusiastic, Shen Wushang knew why this was but didn't expose him.

"Be patient, I'll start the journey to the north now and take it on the way."

"You!? How do you know?" Shen Wushang smiled and said he'd reveal it all when the time was right like a long winded old person. Skydream resolved himself that he'd give it his all to decipher Shen Wushang's memories, he'd definitely find out why Shen Wushang was such a know it all.

He returned to his room.

As, he looked at the stacks and stacks of golden bank notes he recently received, his mood seemed to sublime to a perfect state. However, next up he had class. Both their morning and afternoon classes were on theory. The morning class was about the classification of martial souls, while the afternoon class was about distinguishing a soul beast's age.

After the last class ended, Shen Wushang went up to Zhou Yi with a smug look on his face, but he didn't say anything and waited for her to query.

"This student, why are you blocking my vision?"

"I want a leave of absence."

"No. Now leave."

Expecting her cold response, the smile on Shen Wushang's face didn't fade, he continued to press her.

"But oh so graceful teacher, didn't you say at the first class that you only teach monsters and not trash? If you don't give me a leave of absence until the freshman exam, I will truly descend to the trashiest of trash, as a loving and almost all knowing teacher surely you know the benefit of having a second soul ring."

"I have met with a few first years so I know that we have three spirit elders among our batch, terrifying right? none of them are your students and my classmates, so in the first freshman exam our class will definitely lose despite your amazing teaching skills however if you allow me to take a three month period of absence, I'll return and dominate the exam."

Seeing her expression waver for a bit as she crossed her arms and looked terrifyingly at him, the smile on his face stayed plastered.

"...three spirit elders, you have proof of this?"

"Yes, the names of two should suffice, the first is the descendant of the White Tiger Duke, Dai Hao, Dai Huabin with their inheritance spirit and spirit fusion, the second is another with an inherited spirit, I forget her name, oh wait, Ning Tian, from the Nine Treasures Glazed Pagoda clan!"

"...", Zhou yi didn't doubt those two could be spirit elders considering their backgrounds and if she was their teacher she wouldn't reveal their strength until the exam so it wasn't so surprising that she didn't know of them being spirit elders.

"...You're confident in beating them? Furthermore your soul rank isn't anywhere near to 20."

Shen Wushang observed every detail of her expression since he was in the room and saw this as his chance.

"Guess again, I'm rank 17 now and I have something to send me to the high heavens in one step, a soul advancement pill." He released his soulforce and brought out his darling pill.

Zhou yi was slightly astonished as she was aware of his initial rank as his teacher. It had barely been a few days.

"Furthermore, my martial soul will definitely be a surprise when I reveal it, I guarantee victory."

Zhou yi rapped her fingers on the desk, and deeply looked at his confident face, "If I'm not mistaken you've also gotten to your current rank through the use pills, I can even sense the remnants on you, yet you want to take another advanced pill, What's your reason? Why are you rushing?"

Shen Wushang was caught off guard a bit before he took a deep Breath and looked at her with determination," Teacher, the truth is, my family has discovered the most suitable soul beast for me to get a spirit ring from, it's truly a rare beast and it's a once in a lifetime opportunity, I must confess teacher that I'm willing to not return to Shrek and just plainly leave as it is truly too important, Teacher please understand."

Shen Wushang did a slight bow showing his sincerity while thinking in his mind, ' This woman is getting me to bend over backwards ugh, but I must sacrifice for the greater good. Tch.' Zhou yi got up from her desk and walked to the window. After a short time,

"Very well, I'll allow it."

"Then-"

"On one condition."

Before he could rejoice she poured a bucket of water on his mood, he sighed and bit the bullet, "Yes?"

"You MUST win, place first in the freshman examination or I'll grant your wish and expel you."

A wry smile fixed itself on Shen Wushang's mouth. The furniture in the room suddenly looked interesting enough to observe and ponder, the chairs, the-

"...that's fair."

"Now leave."

As she saw his fading rear view, Zhou yi coldly spat, " I hope for your sake you don't disappoint me."

'Besides you have to be present for.me to put you in your place, I can't allow you to leave or get expelled because I will definitely teach you brat, a lesson or my name isn't Zhou yi.'

"Wait."

"?" A foreboding feeling appeared in his heart as she stopped him. He forced a smile as he turned to look at her old cold face.

"Yes my dear elegant peerlessly inner beauty of a teacher." Seeing him flatter her so openly, Zhou Yi had the urge to laugh.

"I agree with you but I need something to give the school board. A three month leave of absence is very long considering the term. You've convinced me but I won't lie for you. These matters are serious as it could hinder the growth of students if they have too much freedom. Especially the younger ones such as yourself."

Crossing her arms and staring at him, Zhou Yi found his clearly fake bright and flattering expression, shatter. He was gloomy as he ruffled the back of his head. His long pony tail swung a bit. His eyes slowly filled with annoyance.

'Should I?....Damn it. No other choice. I'll give them an appetizer. Shame I milked the favor they owed me already damn.'

His mouth slowly uttered two words.

"Ultimate Ice"

"?"

"What did you say?" Thinking she heard wrong, Zhou yi asked. Shen slowly looked at her eyes while shrugging.

"You wanted to know my martial soul right. It is an ultimate ice martial soul."

She slowly got up in shock. It was too much of a blow. Someone of her stature was all too clear what an ultimate ice martial soul meant. Their academy had records of such martial souls and knew their value. She took several deep breaths to calm herself. Suddenly she recalled something suspicious.

"I've never seen you use it. How can I be certain." She asked.

"Someone of the esteemed Shrek should know the burden of the ultimate martial soul. I've never used it because I knew intuitively.....just using it will place an immense burden on my body. Knowing this I never used it. But I should be able to bear it once I gain my second soul ring." Shen Wushang slowly explained while looking extremely distressed. Obviously he didn't want to reveal this.

"..."

"I see. In that case I'll inform the academy and come with-"

"I refuse? I don't want your or anyone else's help."

"Shen Wushang you-"

"I won't repeat myself. Miss Teacher." His fawning look seemed to have vanished completely as a hardened cold look descended on his face.

"I'll be leaving right away. See you when I see you."

Where had that cute innocent boy gone? Zhou Yi was astonished but quickly gathered her bearings as she rushed to the headmaster's department.

Elsewhere, a certain person in a secret room located on the central island of the Sea God Lake gradually woke up from their comatose state.

"Ugh…" The red-shirted woman's body moved a bit. She subconsciously covered her chest with her right hand and muttered, "I'm too hot, it's too unbearable... I feel terrible... huh?"

She gradually opened her eyes, however her pupils were now faintly pink in colour; the bloody colour within her eyes had receded. There was also a trace of doubt in her eyes. "That's strange, why isn't it hot anymore?"

She suddenly sat up, subconsciously looking down at herself. Her originally sweat-drenched clothes had already dried. She jumped off the bed she'd been laying on and took off the mask covering her face, revealing a somewhat pale, oval-shaped face. She looked to be about twenty or so, with her facial expression being slightly cold. However, it was still unable to conceal her beauty, which was peerless enough that it could move one's heart. As she stood there, she exposed her exciting figure which resembled a ripened peach.

"You're awake." An aged voice rang out, before letting out a long sigh. "Xiaotao, you almost made a huge mistake this time! I don't know whether or not it was destiny, but an otherworldly ice-type energy surged into your body, jolting the evil fire within your body. Can you remember anything you saw after you charged out from Sea God Lake?"

This woman was Ma Xiaotao, a central figure in the womanizing plans of a certain someone.

Throughout the entire history of the Douluo Continent, even when the first soul masters had appeared, a twenty-year-old Soul Emperor could rank amongst the top in terms of talent; so much so that they could even be compared to Shrek Academy's first generation Shrek's Seven Monsters.

The aged voice belonged to the white-clothed elder who'd brought her back. When she heard his question, the red-shirted girl, who was named Xiaotao, blankly shook her head. "I don't remember anything except for a patch of red appearing in front of me. After that, I felt something life-threatening. I tried to resist, but after that, I woke up here...."

The man furrowed his brow and walked up to her. He spoke in a low voice, "Why didn't you tell me that you couldn't suppress the evil fire within your body? Aren't you aware that you almost caused a calamity? A student from the outer courtyard almost died to your evil fire."

Xiaotao was dazed. "I... I didn't know that it would be this serious. I thought that I could control it. But…."

The man let out a long sigh before saying, "The longer you suppress it, the stronger it'll be when it erupts. Xiaotao, from now on, postpone your cultivation. Even if you're the most outstanding genius Shrek Academy has had in the past several hundred years, you can't destroy yourself for the sake of the school. If the evil fire destroys your consciousness in the future, your teacher will regret it for the rest of his life."

Xiaotao stubbornly replied, "No, teacher. I want to cultivate. I guarantee that it won't happen again in the future. I can even feel that the evilness and heat from the evil fire have been suppressed. There definitely won't be any problems in the near future. It's just… what kind of power was actually able to suppress my Evil Phoenix Fire?"

The man spoke with a thoughtful tone, "It's an extreme, peak-level ice-type energy. Its purity far exceeds that of your Evil Phoenix Fire, and somewhat resembles the Absolute Frost Breath of the Ancient Ice Dragons. It's completely suppressed the Evil Phoenix Fire's effects on your body—far more than any of the methods we've used."

Xiaotao asked with a doubtful tone, "However, it's simply impossible for it to be an Ancient Ice Dragon! Much less in our academy! Could it be someone who's infiltrated the academy?"

The white-clothed elder shook his head and said, "I've already sent some people to investigate. I originally thought that it might have been some people from his family sent someone however after personally investigating I saw no such figure near him when I observed him recently, his background is unknown as he entered the school on the Tang Sect quota by saving Bei Bei and Tang Ya who have only just slightly recovered, they know nothing of his background, he is likely the reason behind your current state. We'll have to observe more to get a firm answer."

Xiao Tao replied, "Teacher, forget about it. You don't need to continue investigating it."

The man spoke, "This matter concerns your future, how could I not be worried? If I can at least find the person who possesses this ice-type martial soul, and if he turns out to be male, I'll let you be a couple with him. That way, you'll be able to neutralize the negative effects brought about by the Evil Phoenix Fire within your body. That's the only way that you can truly soar into the heavens in the future. However right now, you're completely restricted. Not only has your cultivation speed decreased, even your life's at risk."

Xiaotao's charming face went red. "I don't want to get married, much less to a person I don't like for the sake of his martial soul!"

The man sighed. "The problem is, your evil fire can't be restrained!"

Xiaotao humphed and replied, "I'll restrain it. I don't want to marry anyone!"

The man said angrily, "Ma Xiaotao, if you continue to be this unruly, I won't recognize you as a disciple anymore."

When Ma Xiaotao saw that the man was angry, she immediately began to behave. She proceeded to speak in an aggrieved tone, "But, teacher I…."

The man rubbed her head. "Foolish girl. Your emotions can be cultivated, but you only have one life to live, let alone how much talent you have. No matter what, teacher will make sure that you find a good partner."

*************

That evening Shen Wushang left to find Xiao Qing before departing.

"Wait a second I need to exercise and meditate a bit."

Shen Wushang circulated his Mysterious Heaven Technique to the limit after a hardcore workout, After the baptism of the Mysterious Water Pill, cultivation was simply a form of pleasure for Shen Wushang. He quickly entered a meditative the, circulating the Mysterious Heaven Technique without any obstructions. It permeated throughout his body while simultaneously increasing his soulforce slowly, albeit at a very stable rate.

At midnight, although a lot of the medicinal properties of the Mysterious Water Pill was spread out in his body and he only absorbed a little more he still took the walnut sized orange colored Soul Advancement Pill.

A fade jade light emerged from his body as he took the pill. The surges of his soulforce continued throughout the night.

He was in too much of a rush and actually couldn't resist the temptation and took the pill without waiting to fully absorb the mysterious water pill.

As the morning sun arose he woke to practice Purple Demon eyes, while inwardly rejoicing as he expected, the pill rose his cultivation to the 20th layer, after the purple cloud disappeared and the cool feeling disappeared from his spirit eyes.

"Let's begin love." He started at Xiao Qing. Her hair was dripping wet as the strands were scattered over her collarbone. Her pitch black hair looked luscious and cool. Her amorous eyes were the definition of a foxy seductress. Her cold aura had disappeared as she suddenly became like a foxy temptress. Having learnt from temptresses all this while she was doing a great job at it. When he first saw her change his jaws were agape. Wondering where the chick from before had gone.

It took him a while to regain his bearings. Shrek had probably gotten the news already. Most likely they sent people after him as soon as the got the news yesterday but he covered his tracks well. Still though. He was in danger of being found out so after doing this one thing he decided to leave.

"Let's begin. I need your help with practicing a skill."

"A skill?" Xiao Qing's alluring figure highlighted by her skin tight dress swayed as she asked causing his throat to feel dry.

'Damnit, I'm the more experienced one. I'm a more qualified temptress from my decades of....wait that doesn't sound right.'

"Yeah a skill. Don't resist." He had an inkling she was a much higher ranked soul master than he was so he told her this before.

Shen Wushang's first pure white soul ring slowly rose from his feet. Following that, his pupils were covered in a faintly golden layer. Immediately afterwards, Xiao Qing felt a spiritual undulation emerge before her eyes.

Once she accepted it, Xiao Qing's pupils instantly expanded.

Spiritual Detection Sharing immediately appeared within Xiao Qing's sense of vision, causing everything around her to become much clearer. This clear sense of reality made it seem as if one was walking out from a dense fog. Everything became clear and orderly, so much so that she was able to completely describe everything using numbers. The precise predictions, almost as if they were coming from a second, separate brain, unceasingly changed along with her line of sight.

She felt like a goddess overlooking the mortal realm.

"Focus for me a bit. Don't resist at all. I'm going to experiment a bit"

"Just tell me what you see or feel. Don't do anything at all except that okay."

Shen Wushang patiently guided her.

"I feel like I'm in control of everything. Like the world is on my fingertips." Xiao Qing was exhilarated. She wasn't conscious of this but this skill had a greater effect on her mental state than she might've thought. Due to her past she desired control since she never had it. This godly skill was almost like a wish come true. Her face brightened up like a little girl eating her favorite food. She was glowing.

"What a miraculous skill"

A few minutes later with she suddenly found something odd, no something changed.

"Hey why can I suddenly only focus on the ground. I can't make out the rest quite clearly."

Argh!!

A low groan was heard as Shen Wushang collasped to the ground. She hurried rushed over and caught him. Her vision had returned to normal. Shen Wushang had his hand over his eyes, looking haggard and weary. Astonishingly a blood red streak was on his face. His eyes were bleeding.

"HEY!HEY!" She found herself shouting in distress. She wasn't the only one. Skydream was shouting too.

"Kid! what are you doing? you almost harmed your martial soul! thankfully I stopped it before it got too bad. what were you thinking!'

"I'm fine Qingqing. I was trying something new but it seemed I got ahead of myself...still though. It truly seems possible haha! I can see it! A new path." Shen Wushang seemed almost crazy as he had a fanatical look while collapsed within her arms.

'I'm fine' (To Skydream)

"Are you truly fine?" She asked still worried.

"Yea, I merely overexerted my martial soul which happens to be my eyes you see."

"Your eyes? A body martial soul?!"

He nodded in agreement as he slowly lost consciousness. He found himself in a bluish white space. Where he was screamed at by Skydream. He didn't retort as he usually would but took the scolding as he knew that he was worried about him.

"Sorry. I just wanted to try a new application of Spirit resonance. It seems I was right. It actually can be used that way? I might actually succeed in creating my very own sharingan!"

"Sharingpan?" Daydream puzzlingly muttered.

"I'm glad you're trying out my skills but be more careful next time."

"I will."

"I gather there was only such a backlash right now because I'm still too weak even after my eyes grew stronger after hitting rank 20. It should be possible in the future though,"

*************

"You're awake." He awoke to a warm soft feeling on the back of his head. A hand was rustling his hair as a soothing voice spoke to him like an enchanting siren of the legends. He found it to a lap he was resting his head on. Savoring the bliss he stayed like that for a while before suddenly speaking.

"I'm leaving...for a bit"

He slowly uttered those words like a child in the wrong. After all., he'd boasted of giving the two of them a shot as aa couple and taking care of her but here he was leaving for a long time.

"???' Hearing no response , he looked up to a smiling Xiao qing. Her sexy demeanor was gone and she looked like a weary widow whose husband had gone. Then with a tinge of mirth in her eyes she asked.

"How long?"

".....A month at the very least. Longer if not"

"... I see."

'I'll take this chance to leave as well but still....'

Xioa Qing found herself blushing red like an apple. Suddenly she lowered her head and stole his lips.

"?!!!" Her taking the initiative was unexpected. Shocking to say the least but now was no time for questions. He kissed her back. He slowly got up and eventually he pushed her down as he kissed every inch of her body.

"Mhmm....." Her caressed every inch of her body but she didn't resist. Instead her amourous eyes were limpid like autumn water. Her gaze was red and blushing yet submissive. Feeling the wolf inside awaken, he stripped off his shirt with his bare hands. He attacked the two lily white lumps on hear chest voraciously, the wild wolf chased the rabbit all over before the wolf used his special card and unleased his holy dragon pillar, the rabbit was attacked in her cave of wonders. The battle lasted a hour and half with the rabbits victory and a crestfallen wolf.

**************

He then entered a semi meditation state while walking having perfected it in the recent days.

"Worm, I've reached rank 20, where to?"

'Finally'

Skydream begun to see hope in his plan, more hope than he had before , if this child continued to create miracles then it was truly possible, he coughed to regain his bearings and acted normal, "I see, as expected. I-" Pity he didn't know Shen Wushang saw right through him.

"Our destination?", He asked again.

"A yes the north, the north, it'll take about a few days.", Skydream coughed again whilst containing his emotions. He then was surprised to see Shen Wushang head north without asking him anything. He had mentioned it before but what could he possibly know, he found it highly suspicious and probed him.

"Don't you want to know why and where we are going?"

"Don't worry I trust you.", Skydream's cheeks were flushed as he was giddy from the complement, 'this brat, truly loves-' Damn, he distracted me. Something is definitely off.

"I mean despite you being a pitiful worm and all.", That was, until he heard Shen Wushang continue, his face darkened with anger but he stayed quiet crossing his two front legs.

"I have a vague idea of where we are going anyway, in the academy they mentioned the Extreme North, and also you're a Iceworm who got old through ice piths so it isn't hard to put two and two together. Though you'll know the real reason if you decipher my memories. Is it two hard for little you.", He glanced at Skydream to find him with His back turned, ignoring him.

He laughed and continued walking to his destination.

He then ran without any restraints on his speed. Perhaps even a three or four-ringed expert might not be able to run as far as he had in a single day. This also doubled as his training, he had advanced too fast with external aid so he needed to push his body to the limits in order to fully digest the medicinal effects of both ills. It was during the journey he almost pulled out his hair in frustration.

'Damnit! Since when was I so careless. I could have simply waited for the effects of the Mysterious Water pill to be digested WHILE I head to the north and Then Take the Soul Advancement ill when I get there! Agh!' But there was no medicine for regret all he could to right now was soldier on. Shen Wushang didn't know that unlike a normal person, his second (third) ice martial soul actually allowed him to absorb 80% of the pill in a single night while the remainder was still within in his body. As for the Soul Advancement pill, he had consciously circulated it inside his dantian through his passageways with the Mysterious Heaven Skill, so he had actually absorbed most of it and sealed some in his passageways. The situation wasn't as bad as he thought which could be seen from the fact that he had still advanced to rank 20.

In the blink of an eye, twelve days had passed, longer than he thought which partly had to with Shen Wushang pushing himself too hard and waiting until he felt better to start pushing himself again. Shen Wushang was already able to sense the air around him getting colder and colder. However, the frigid cold didn't slow him down at all. He entered a city, bought a thick set of clothes, and replenished his supplies. Most importantly of all however, he bought a map.

He was currently within the Heavenly Soul Empire. As long as he continued to head north, he'd reach the northern borders of the Heavenly Soul Empire; at that time, he'd have reached his destination. Shrek Academy lay on the southeastern border of the Heavenly Soul Empire and the Star Luo Empire. Thus, Shen Wushang's journey would take him from the southernmost part of the Heavenly Soul Empire to the northernmost part. From this alone, the exhaustion he'd suffer throughout his journey could be imagined.

However, Shen Wushang didn't feel tired in the least. On the contrary, he treated it as experience for the future. Other than the first city he'd entered, he didn't enter any other cities before reaching the northern border; he rested in the wilderness. Of the many things he'd purchased, one them had been a small, foldable tent made of leather. The tent itself wasn't large; it was roughly 2 meters long and 1.2 meters wide. However, it was enough for him to rest in. This, added to the warm sleeping bag he'd brought, gave Shen Wushang a good rest. Moreover, he'd always cover himself with his sleeping bag when he entered a meditative state, making it so that he didn't even need to lie down or sleep.

After running at his top speed for twenty days, Shen Wushang finally neared the northern border of the Heavenly Soul Empire. Upon reaching this point, his location on the map had simply become a patch of white. Normally it would take him half that time to get to his destination but his foundation was truly too unstable a few days ago he was just a rank 15 peasant, a few days before that he was even worse, he had yet to meet Skydream and was rank 10 peasant.

Pausing his footsteps, Shen Wushang stopped to take a small breather. The white mist that left from his nose instantly turned into fragments of ice that dispersed into the air.

Shen Wushang pulled his hood over his head to block the frigid wind from digging into his face. However, the freezing air still managed to pierce into his body like minuscule daggers via the small holes in his clothes.

Water would instantly freeze into icicles where he was now. As if to prove this point, a layer of frost had already covered Shen Wushang's eyebrows.

Based on his current position on the map, he'd reach an empty void if he continued to head northwards. There was a small warning above that void:

"The Extreme North, an area forbidden to humans. Soul beasts roam about freely here. Danger, danger, danger!"

The three 'danger's were written in red.

He excitedly looked forward to this trip as he would was waiting for years since young, Shen Wushang had no idea this trip would give him more than he bargained for. His poor little life was about to be in severe danger.