Transfer Student, Xu Xiaoyan

After Brother Cen left.

Wang Jinxi asked, "Do you come here often?"

Although it was a street-food stall, the table was quite large. But there were too many people, so they had added a few more stools.

Cheng Duoyi sat with Gu Yue on his left and Tang Wuling on his right. Xie Xie and Yun Xiao sat to Tang Wuling's right, while Leng Xue'er and Wu Changkong sat to Gu Yue's left. Directly opposite Cheng Duoyi sat Wang Jinxi, Zhang Yangzi, and Wei Xiaofeng.

For a moment, it looked a little crowded.

Cheng Duoyi turned to Wang Jinxi and said, "Sometimes I bring Ling'er and Sister Yue'er here for a late-night snack. The barbecue and grilled fish here taste great. You can try them in a bit."

Wang Jinxi nodded.

This was his first time at a place like this, and he found it quite novel.

Zhang Yangzi and Wei Xiaofeng felt the same.

Wei Xiaofeng couldn't help asking, "Brother Cheng, twenty portions of every signature dish—will we be able to finish all that?"

Cheng Duoyi glanced at Wei Xiaofeng in surprise, then smiled. "You don't need to worry about that. You should be worried about whether you'll manage to grab any."

Xie Xie and Yun Xiao were also a little surprised that Wei Xiaofeng had called Cheng Duoyi "Brother Cheng." But after hearing him say it, they looked at him differently, no longer like a stranger, but with some warmth.

Just then, Zhang Yangzi couldn't help muttering under his breath, "Seriously?"

The three of them had heard that Tang Wuling could eat a lot, but they'd never seen it with their own eyes. Now, though, they were witnessing it for themselves.

When it came to food, Tang Wuling was like a hungry wolf, eating at a breakneck pace without stopping for even a moment.

Holding the skewer he'd just finished, Zhang Yangzi felt his worldview being reshaped. "Is she... really human?"

"I don't know if she's human, but I know why she's stronger than me now. Eating like that, there's no way she wouldn't be strong!" Wang Jinxi was equally impressed.

Wei Xiaofeng's relationship with Wang Jinxi and Zhang Yangzi was only so-so. He sighed to himself, "That's normal. I can eat too!"

Everyone immediately started scrambling for the food. They were fighting over a single skewer, and for no other reason than that someone else was fighting for it too.

Wu Changkong couldn't stand the atmosphere. He got up and left, heading to the nearby seaside. He looked out at the ocean, lost in thought.

Before long, Leng Xue'er appeared at Wu Changkong's right.

Wu Changkong asked in confusion, "Why did you come out too?"

Leng Xue'er replied calmly, "They're all still children. They might not feel free to let loose with us around. Let Yi'er handle things. I imagine the three new children will fit into the group before long."

Wu Changkong thought she had a point and nodded. "Mm."

For a while, neither of them said anything as the sea breeze washed over them.

They were both aloof people and not the sort to strike up a conversation. Besides, there wasn't much for them to talk about aside from Cheng Duoyi...

When Wang Jinxi, Zhang Yangzi, and Wei Xiaofeng saw Wu Changkong and Leng Xue'er leave, Wei Xiaofeng went over to Yun Xiao and asked, "Can you tell me about Brother Cheng?"

Yun Xiao glanced at Cheng Duoyi, who was peeling shrimp for Tang Wuling. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Just remember this: Brother Cheng is the leader of our team. We do what he says, and nothing will go wrong."

Wei Xiaofeng grumbled to himself, You might as well not have said anything.

Still, Wei Xiaofeng had learned one thing: Cheng Duoyi had strong leadership skills and was well suited to being a team captain.

Could it be that everyone listens to Cheng Duoyi because he's such a natural leader? Wait... Cheng Duoyi calls Teacher Leng Xue'er 'Sister Xue'er.' Could Teacher Leng Xue'er be his older sister?

Wei Xiaofeng was quick-witted too. He was similar to Yun Xiao in some ways, but different in others. He could be utterly unscrupulous when he wanted something. But if you could get him to acknowledge you as his big brother, he wouldn't hesitate for a second.

As things stand, Cheng Duoyi still hasn't given me enough reason to follow him. He might be able to awaken the Dragon Clan bloodline in me, but who knows how long that'll take? Still... should I take a gamble?

In the end, Wei Xiaofeng settled on a goal.

"Damn it, Wei Xiaofeng! You ambushed me! That's not playing fair!" Xie Xie cried.

Wei Xiaofeng grinned. "That's called all's fair in war. You were so busy watching Wang Jinxi and Zhang Yangzi that you forgot about me!"

Xie Xie really had forgotten about Wei Xiaofeng. He'd been focused on defending against Wang Jinxi and Zhang Yangzi, trying to make sure the two of them ate less.

And the result... he'd been robbed blind.

Yun Xiao said little and ate little.

His eyes swept across everyone before finally settling on Wei Xiaofeng. This guy... he's a little like me...

This simple get-together brought the eight members of Class Zero much closer. Wang Jinxi, Zhang Yangzi, and Wei Xiaofeng had also taken their first steps toward joining the little team.

Early the next morning.

The members of Class Zero left their respective dormitories and headed to the classroom.

Their dormitories and classroom had been upgraded.

The dormitories were especially luxurious. They had private bathrooms and restrooms, as well as sofas, living rooms, Soul Guidance Televisions, and everything else one could need.

When Tang Wuling saw the dormitory the previous night, she could barely believe her eyes. She'd thought she was dreaming. It was her first time staying in such a luxurious dormitory, and she'd been overjoyed.

"This dormitory is wonderful. I love it."

Even Xie Xie, Yun Xiao, Wang Jinxi, Zhang Yangzi, and Wei Xiaofeng, all of whom came from well-off backgrounds, could feel the academy's support in the resources it provided. This was real support!

Only Cheng Duoyi and Gu Yue weren't particularly concerned.

The classroom was just as well equipped, with top-of-the-line gear.

Unfortunately, there were only eight students in the entire classroom. With Wu Changkong teaching and Leng Xue'er sitting by the window, that made ten people altogether, leaving the room rather empty.

The seating arrangement was also rather interesting.

Cheng Duoyi sat in the middle.

Gu Yue sat to his left, and Tang Wuling to his right.

Xie Xie sat in front of him, and Yun Xiao behind him.

Wang Jinxi sat diagonally in front of him on the left, and Zhang Yangzi diagonally in front on the right.

Wei Xiaofeng sat diagonally behind him on the left.

It looked a little like a nine-square grid.

Just as Wu Changkong was about to begin the lesson—

"Knock, knock, knock."

Someone knocked on the classroom door, and Wu Changkong frowned slightly.

He hated being interrupted while teaching.

But considering it was the first day he was teaching Class Zero, the person knocking was most likely Long Hengxu, so he didn't get angry.

Wu Changkong opened the door.

As expected, Long Hengxu stood outside.

There was also a young girl beside him.

She had long pinkish-blue hair and blue eyes, and looked rather cute.

"Director Long, I hope you have a good reason for knocking right now," Wu Changkong said coldly.

The girl was frightened and felt nervous.

...Did I come at the wrong time today? she wondered.

Long Hengxu, however, didn't seem frightened at all. Instead, he laughed heartily. "Teacher Wu, this is Xu Xiaoyan, a new student. Quality matters more than quantity in Class Zero, but eight students are still too few. Yesterday, the academy's board discussed the students who wanted to transfer into Class Zero. Out of more than a hundred applicants, only Xu Xiaoyan passed."

"So, Teacher Wu, I'm entrusting Xu Xiaoyan to you."

Wu Changkong was about to refuse, but the words died on his lips. He turned to look at Cheng Duoyi. In this class, he wasn't the leader. Cheng Duoyi was.

What if he refused now, only for Cheng Duoyi to agree later?

Should he stick to his refusal or agree then?

Would he have any dignity left?

"Ahem." Wu Changkong's expression shifted. "We need to ask the other students in the class. If they agree, I have no objections."

Long Hengxu turned awkwardly toward Cheng Duoyi, his tone tinged with a hint of knowing familiarity. "Student Yi, this new transfer student is quite good. I think you could try taking her under your wing."

"Is this really the Director Long we know?" Wang Jinxi and Zhang Yangzi were both stunned.

Wei Xiaofeng's eyes gleamed with insight. "As expected, Cheng Duoyi has a powerful background and strong leadership skills. That's the real reason he's the team captain."

Even Xu Xiaoyan was at a loss.

Something about this scene felt off...

Shouldn't it be the teacher who decided whether to accept her?

Xu Xiaoyan couldn't help wondering who Cheng Duoyi really was.

Cheng Duoyi looked at Xu Xiaoyan, and their eyes met.

Then Cheng Duoyi looked over at Gu Yue, Tang Wuling, and the others.

"What do you think?"

Tang Wuling said cheerfully, "Having another classmate would make things livelier, right? Why not let her join?"

Gu Yue replied indifferently, "I'll go along with whatever you decide."

Xie Xie and Yun Xiao agreed. "So will we."

Finally, Cheng Duoyi turned to Wang Jinxi, Zhang Yangzi, and Wei Xiaofeng.

Quick-witted Wei Xiaofeng hurriedly nodded. "Brother Cheng, whatever you say goes. We'll all listen to you."

Everyone looked at him.

"Why are you all looking at me?"

Everyone thought, Why are we looking at you? Don't you know? You're such a suck-up.

Zhang Yangzi was even more alarmed. What exactly is Cheng Duoyi's charm? Every single person who spends time with him ends up won over. Is he some kind of succubus? Everyone who sees him becomes completely captivated!

There was basically no Dragon Clan bloodline in Zhang Yangzi's body; if there was any, it was hidden. His Martial Soul was the Dark Phantom Eagle, which was why he couldn't understand it.

Wang Jinxi had the Bone Dragon King bloodline in his body. It was only now that Wei Xiaofeng had learned that he, too, had a Dragon Clan bloodline hidden within him. If he wanted to awaken it, he would definitely need to ask Cheng Duoyi for help!

Cheng Duoyi looked at Long Hengxu. "My friends all agree. If Teacher Wu agrees, then I think she can join Class Zero."

Long Hengxu smiled and turned to Wu Changkong. "Teacher Wu, your students have no objections to the new addition. What do you think...?"

What else could Wu Changkong say? He could only nod. "Fine, but there won't be a next time."

Long Hengxu quickly replied, "No problem. There absolutely won't be a next time."

"Student Xu Xiaoyan, you can take a seat now. From now on, you're a member of Class Zero. You'll need to work hard," Long Hengxu said to Xu Xiaoyan.

Xu Xiaoyan hurriedly nodded. "I will!"

"Sit down," Wu Changkong said coldly.

Xu Xiaoyan took the seat diagonally behind Cheng Duoyi on the right. It really did make the arrangement a nine-square grid.

Wu Changkong looked at everyone.

"Today is the first official day of Class Zero."

"Some of you know me, and some of you don't."

"That doesn't matter. I'll personally teach you for the next six years. You'll have plenty of time to get to know me."

"If any of you can't stick it out, you can apply to transfer to another class. But as long as you remain in this class, you must strictly follow my every instruction."

Wu Changkong's words made everyone tense up.

Yun Xiao especially. He knew how he had gotten into Class Zero. If he hadn't been on good terms with Cheng Duoyi, there was no way he would have been admitted.

He felt guilty and inferior, wondering how he could help Cheng Duoyi in the future and repay this debt of kindness.

Xu Xiaoyan was nervous too. She didn't know Wu Changkong's personality, but he didn't look easy to get along with.

"Do you understand?" Wu Changkong asked coldly.

"We understand," everyone replied.

Wu Changkong nodded. "Good. Now, starting with Cheng Duoyi, introduce yourselves so you can get to know one another."

As Xu Xiaoyan watched in astonishment, Cheng Duoyi stood up from the seat in the middle.

"My name is Cheng Duoyi. My Martial Soul is the Heart Body Martial Soul, and my current rank is level eighteen. I hope to work hard and become a capable leader." Cheng Duoyi kept it brief, then sat back down.

Xu Xiaoyan wondered, Who exactly is this person? Why aren't they starting with the first row? And Director Long treats him differently too. His rank is only level eighteen, so is it because he has a Body Martial Soul? And... can a heart really be a Martial Soul? He said he wanted to be a leader, yet no one else objected. Judging by that, the students in Class Zero probably aren't very high-ranked. I'm level sixteen, so I probably won't be at the bottom, right?

Xu Xiaoyan was even more curious about Cheng Duoyi, but at the same time, she felt relieved.

After Cheng Duoyi sat down, Gu Yue stood up naturally.

What she said made everyone excited.

"Gu Yue. My Martial Soul is the Elemental Master. My rank is level twenty-one. My future goal is to follow Yi and get into Shrek Academy."

Next, after Gu Yue sat down, Tang Wuling stood up.

"Tang Wuling. My Martial Soul is Blue Silver Grass. My rank is level twenty-two. My future goal is to get into Shrek Academy with Brother Yi'er too."

Xu Xiaoyan stared at Gu Yue and Tang Wuling in shock.

"Are they really only nine years old? They're both Two-Ring Soul Grandmasters."

"And... someone with the Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul can cultivate that quickly?"

"Getting into Shrek Academy is their future goal? Is that really possible?"

Xu Xiaoyan now understood why Wu Changkong had been so impatient at first. Her rank was probably just too low—she didn't measure up to the others here!

Then Xie Xie introduced himself.

"My name is Xie Xie. I have Twin Martial Souls: the Light Dragon Dagger and the Shadow Dragon Dagger. My rank is level twenty-one. As for my goal, of course it's to follow Brother Cheng into Shrek Academy."

He said it as if getting into Shrek Academy were a piece of cake.

Yun Xiao stood up. "My name is Yun Xiao. My Martial Soul is the Star Disk. My rank is... level fourteen. My future goal is... to keep up with Brother Cheng."

Xu Xiaoyan, who'd been feeling nervous, relaxed. Thank goodness, there's someone with a lower rank than me. I'm not at the bottom.

At the same time, she looked at Yun Xiao on her left. Could his Martial Soul be the same as mine? Does it have something special about it?

After Yun Xiao finished, Wang Jinxi, seated on the left, looked at Zhang Yangzi on his right. But...