Xu Xingyu stared silently at Wang Dong'er, who was already lying on the bed like a salted fish that had lost all dreams. Honestly, he was a bit speechless.
Sure, Teacher Zhou Qi was strict to the extreme, but was it really necessary to end up like this? Running over a hundred laps around the training ground—it couldn't be that intense, right?
At that moment, Wang Dong'er seemed to detect the sound of the door opening and looked up just as Xu Xingyu returned.
The moment she saw him, Wang Dong'er instantly perked up and dashed toward him, trying to throw her arms around his neck.
"You're finally back! Do you know how long I've been waiting for you?"
Seeing this, Xu Xingyu realized it was because he had been away too long that she'd started worrying.
He gently patted her back and comforted, "Sorry, I was busy with Yanxue at the Soul Tool Department's assessment, so I came back a bit late today."
"Oh, the Soul Tool assessment? Oh! I remember you said you wanted to minor in the Soul Tool courses before."
"But won't you be too busy? Taking both Martial Soul and Soul Tool courses at the same time—that's a heavy workload."
Hearing that, Xu Xingyu ruffled Wang Dong'er's hair and said, "The Soul Tool courses here aren't too difficult for me. After all, their understanding of soul tools is still quite backward compared to our Qiling Tower."
"Besides, according to the Vice Dean, I only need to spend half an hour a day on the Soul Tool classes since I'm still a freshman. It's better to focus on the upcoming freshman assessment for now."
"Is that so? Then, Brother Xingyu, after you finish your Soul Tool classes tomorrow, will you take me to stroll through Shrek Academy's food street?"
Wang Dong'er looked at him with those big, abandoned-puppy eyes, and Xu Xingyu immediately knew he had no right to refuse.
"All right, after my Soul Tool classes tomorrow, I'll come find you. We'll use our Soul Tool communicators to contact each other."
"Yay! Brother Xingyu is the best!"
The Soul Tool Communicator was a soul tool invented by Qiling Tower in recent years. Its prototype was basically a cell phone from Blue Star, but powered by soul energy.
Inside the device was a special mineral called Soul Magnetite. When it came into contact with soul energy, it emitted a unique electromagnetic wave that only Soul Magnetite could receive.
Utilizing this property, Qiling Tower successfully created this groundbreaking communication device.
However, the signal range was limited, so Qiling Tower never sold it on the open market—it was only for internal members.
If they wanted it public, they would need to build countless signal towers across the continent, which they currently weren't authorized to do—and the cost was astronomical.
Back to Xu Xingyu and Wang Dong'er—they chatted about their first days of school.
"Ah, your Teacher Mu is way too nice, huh?" Wang Dong'er complained. "Our Teacher Zhou is just unreasonable!"
"Her teaching style doesn't look like proper education at all! Even an army wouldn't be that harsh!"
Xu Xingyu shrugged. "You just have to bear with it. After the freshman assessment, we'll be divided according to our Martial Soul directions. Maybe you'll get a chance to escape Teacher Zhou then."
"Speaking of Martial Soul directions, which one are you planning to choose?" Wang Dong'er asked casually, clearly trying to find out so she could be in the same class.
Xu Xingyu smiled faintly. "I'll probably pick Control."
"Why Control? I always thought you preferred a strong offensive style."
"That's true, I do like to solve problems with brute force. But don't forget I'm a Twin Martial Soul wielder."
"My first Martial Soul, Ziwei Star, has attack skills, but overall, its development leans toward Control."
"I only show strong offense when I use my second Martial Soul."
"So theoretically, you can think of me as a Control-Offense hybrid. But because my second Martial Soul is special, I don't want to expose it too much."
"After much thought, I decided to focus on my first Martial Soul Ziwei Star here at Shrek, which is why I chose Control."
"Ohhh..." Wang Dong'er made a slightly disappointed face.
Xu Xingyu teased, "What, Dong'er? Are you upset you might not be in the same class as me?"
Wang Dong'er blushed and retorted, "Who says that? I don't care what class you're in! I just want you to stay away from me!"
She was clearly disappointed but trying hard to cover it up.
If only I could put down Control as my development path to be in the same class, she thought, but with Teacher Zhou's personality, she'd definitely force me to switch to Strong Offense.
She was really looking forward to being in the same class as Xu Xingyu, but now not only are we separated at the start, but we'll probably be separated after the assessment too.
My whole plan for conquering Shrek Academy with Xu Xingyu is falling apart!
Seeing Wang Dong'er's pouty expression, Xu Xingyu suddenly laughed.
"Brother Xingyu, what are you laughing at? Is teasing me that fun?"
"Well... no, I mean—if you're worried about not being in the same class, don't be."
"Because Control and Strong Offense aren't separated as different classes. Both paths are arranged to be in the same class."
"Oh! Then my disappointment was for nothing!" Wang Dong'er exclaimed in surprise.
"So, you admit you really want to be in the same class as me?"
"You… fine, I admit I want to stay with you! But only to prevent you from finding some new little sister!"
"Heh, consider it that way."
"You!!"
"Alright, it's getting late. Go wash up and get some sleep. You want to visit the food street tomorrow, right? Don't tire yourself out tonight."
"Okay, got it."
The next day, Shrek City's Food Street
Three stunningly beautiful girls eyed each other as if they were mortal enemies on a battlefield. Their gazes burned with unyielding resolve.
Caught between them was Xu Xingyu, who sighed with a look of worldly weariness.
Did I forget to check the Yellow Calendar before coming out today? he thought bitterly.
Xu Xingyu found himself utterly trapped in a vice—three girls flanking him, none willing to yield. For a moment, he considered breaking through their encirclement by force, but that was impossible. These three weren't just ordinary acquaintances; their relationships with him were deeply intertwined.
He could only endure the pressure a boy his age should never have to bear, silently praying that one day his strength would grow enough to keep these girls in check—otherwise, facing this daily living Asura Battlefield was unbearable!
Yes, the three girls surrounding him were none other than Wang Dong'er, Xu Yanxue, and Jiang Nannan.
One was his lover and fiancée, one his official sworn sister yet secret love, and the last, his trusted personal secretary.
Thinking of this, Xu Xingyu couldn't help but recall the silver-haired figure waiting for him back at Qiling Tower—and inwardly lament that he might be turning into a scoundrel.
Attracting so many extraordinary girls was perhaps his greatest blessing, but Xu Xingyu was no indecisive man.
If he loved someone, he loved them. Xu Xingyu would never put up a false front of loyalty by refusing affection he secretly wanted, nor would he feign indifference to enjoy stolen kisses and embraces.
Whether it was the former or the latter, both were far worse than being a genuine scoundrel. (Yes, looking at certain Huo and certain San!)
Xu Xingyu was the classic "I want it all" type. His reputation might not be spotless, but at least he was honest.
For the sake of his future happiness, he vowed to find ways to ease tensions among these girls—after all, they were his most vital wings.
Why was he stuck in this bloody triad now?
Originally, he had planned a simple date with Wang Dong'er at the Shrek Food Street.
But after finishing his Soul Tool classes, Xu Yanxue asked if he had time to go shopping with her. Since he already had plans, he planned to decline.
At that moment, Wang Dong'er's Soul Tool communicator rang. She asked if Xu Xingyu had finished class, gave precise instructions on where to meet at the food street, and promised she wouldn't appear in male disguise this time.
While Wang Dong'er was giving her instructions, Xu Yanxue listened quietly, smiling.
The moment Wang Dong'er finished, Xu Yanxue sweetly said, "Alright, Dong'er, Brother Xingyu and I will meet you at Shrek Food Street, XXX Lane."
Before Wang Dong'er could react, Xu Yanxue forcibly ended the call, her voice dripping honeyed sweetness:
"Brother Xingyu, let's go! Don't keep Dong'er waiting too long."
Xu Xingyu saw the smile on Xu Yanxue's face—smiling but cold as deep winter—and knew he had no right to refuse. So, reluctantly, he allowed her to follow.
Meanwhile, when Wang Dong'er heard Xu Yanxue's voice on the line, she realized her private food street date was ruined.
If Xu Yanxue insists on barging in, then I'll just call for reinforcements!
Soon, Wang Dong'er dialed Jiang Nannan's communicator and briefed her on the situation.
Hearing she was going to hang out with Xu Xingyu, Jiang Nannan forgot about makeup and headed straight to Wang Dong'er's location, waiting for Xu Xingyu.
Thus, Xu Xingyu found himself caught in this three-front ambush—though onlookers envied his position, seeing it as bliss he didn't appreciate.
Realizing this stalemate wouldn't resolve itself, Xu Xingyu cleared his throat awkwardly:
"Uh, ladies, we've been standing here a while. How about we find a place to sit?"
"Good idea, Brother Xingyu!" Wang Dong'er said, grabbing one of his arms. "I did some research beforehand. There's a nice tea house nearby where we can rest."
Before Xu Xingyu could react, another small hand grasped his other free arm.
It was Xu Yanxue.
"Dong'er, I think in this scorching weather, tea is too heavy. Let's go to a nearby iced drinks shop instead—it'll be refreshing. I'll take Brother Xingyu there."
"No no, iced drinks are unhealthy. Tea is better," Wang Dong'er retorted.
"Iced drinks!"
"Tea!"
Wang Dong'er and Xu Yanxue were like two ferocious beasts, locked in a fierce battle over tea versus iced drinks.
Anyone familiar with them would know this wasn't really about the drinks—it was about who Xu Xingyu should follow.
Just as Xu Xingyu felt he might be torn in two, Jiang Nannan suddenly spoke:
"You're all first-timers to Shrek Food Street, right? Let me introduce the place to you. How about that?"
Hearing her, Wang Dong'er and Xu Yanxue noticed the growing crowd and, reluctantly, gave up their argument to listen to Jiang Nannan.
They still didn't let go of Xu Xingyu's arms but each took one, walking alongside him.
Xu Xingyu could only give Jiang Nannan a thankful yet apologetic look. He was grateful for her rescuing him from the skirmish but couldn't properly thank her now.
He resolved to contact her after the outing and find a way to repay the favor.
Just then, Jiang Nannan's voice rang again:
"If you really want to repay me, how about going on a date with me after the freshman assessment? You're always with Xu Yanxue and Wang Dong'er—I'd like some time with you too."
Xu Xingyu smiled and replied, "Sure, we'll meet after the assessment."
But as soon as he spoke, he sensed something odd.
Jiang Nannan had never actually spoken aloud—how did she communicate that?
Noticing Xu Xingyu's doubt, Jiang Nannan only smiled gently and said nothing more.
Xu Xingyu began to ponder how Jiang Nannan had done that.
Could it be mental telepathy? But that required extraordinary spiritual power, which Jiang Nannan clearly didn't have.
Last time Xu Xingyu tested her spirit power, she was barely at the Linghai Realm.
For mental telepathy to work silently and imperceptibly at that level was nearly impossible.
What kind of fate or opportunity had boosted Jiang Nannan's spiritual power these years?
Feeling carefully with his soul sense, Xu Xingyu realized Jiang Nannan's soul power had also risen—now at level 45.
If she trained steadily, she could approach Soul King level by the end of the year, even if not fully reaching it.
Xu Xingyu found this impressive yet reasonable—since Jiang Nannan's Taiyin Jade Body constitution had not been destroyed by the Xuanming Sect's ritual, and after fusing a Fairy Moon Rabbit soul beast, her constitution was fully awakened.
Hence, her soul power cultivated several times faster than the original story.
But the real mystery was her spirit power's remarkable growth.
The Taiyin Jade Body enhanced soul power cultivation but not spirit power.
Just as Xu Xingyu was about to ask Jiang Nannan to confirm his suspicions, a sharp, angry voice rang out:
"Tang Ya, you've gone too far!"