A forced melon isn't sweet, but it quenches thirst!

"You lost."

Su Chen sheathed his sword, looking at Xu Sanshi calmly.

The referee finally snapped out of his daze and hurriedly announced in a loud voice, "The match is over! Su Chen wins!"

"Impossible!!"

Xu Sanshi jerked his head up, his eyes bloodshot. He struggled to stand, but the searing pain in his chest forced him back down to his knees.

"You must have cheated! Otherwise, how could you possibly..." He roared, his voice filled with resentment and disbelief.

Su Chen walked over to him, crouched down, and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear:

"Cheating? Do I need to cheat to beat you?"

He patted Xu Sanshi on the shoulder, his tone so sincere it was almost tear-jerking: "Brother, face reality. If you're trash, practice more. If you can't afford to lose, don't play."

Su Chen stood up, faced the spectator stands, and his voice carried clearly across the entire Soul Fighting Zone: "Remember the bet. Stay away from Senior Jiang Nannan from now on."

He paused, as if remembering something, and turned back to add to Xu Sanshi: "Oh, right, there's one thing I have to tell you—a twisted melon is never sweet."

Xu Sanshi glared at him with murderous intent.

Su Chen smiled slightly, revealing two rows of white teeth: "But it quenches thirst, doesn't it?"

Someone in the stands couldn't hold it back and let out a "pfft" of laughter.

Su Chen shook his head and sighed, his expression filled with sympathy: "It's a pity, you don't even have the qualifications to twist it. Because the melon wants to roll into someone else's arms the moment it sees you. Isn't that pathetic?"

"Pfft—hahahaha!"

This time, even Jiang Nannan couldn't hold it in; she quickly turned her back, her shoulders shaking.

Wang Dong was already squatting on the ground, laughing until tears streamed down her face.

Tang Ya slapped her thigh while laughing: "Hahahaha, Su Chen, your tongue is too poisonous! That's a soul-crushing blow!"

The surrounding crowd erupted into laughter. Even the students who had originally supported Xu Sanshi were now holding back their laughter, their faces flushed red.

"Su Chen, you...!"

Xu Sanshi pointed at Su Chen, his finger trembling and his lips quivering. His chest heaved violently, his vision went black, and finally, he couldn't catch his breath—

"Urgh!"

His eyes rolled back, and he fainted on the spot.

That tongue was too toxic!

The physical attack hadn't broken his defense, but the mental attack had dealt ten thousand points of critical damage!

The referee hurriedly stepped forward to check on him, confirming that Xu Sanshi had only fainted from anger and was not in any life-threatening danger, which made him breathe a sigh of relief. He looked at Su Chen with a complex expression, finally waving his hand to signal for the students to come up and carry him away.

Su Chen shrugged and turned to walk off the stage.

Wang Dong, Xiao Xiao, and Tang Ya naturally surrounded him, as if forming a small circle with Su Chen at the core. Jiang Nannan stood a little further away, watching this scene with a faint blush on her face.

She hesitated for a moment before walking over, her voice soft yet clear: "Su Chen, thank you."

Su Chen turned to look at her, his golden eyes appearing exceptionally bright in the night. He smiled slightly, his tone peaceful: "You're welcome."

The simple three words made Jiang Nannan's heart skip a beat for no reason. She lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her skirt, her shy maidenly demeanor a stark contrast to her usual coldness.

Su Chen's gaze swept over the three people surrounding him, finally landing on Tang Ya and Wang Dong: "Let's go, the grilled fish isn't finished yet."

Tang Ya immediately leaned in with a giggle, naturally hooking her arm through Su Chen's: "Right, right, right! Su Chen, you're amazing! Let's go, let's go, I'm treating for grilled fish tonight! Order whatever you want!"

Her movements were intimate and natural, as if she had done it countless times. Wang Dong saw this, and her little mouth pouted involuntarily.

"Hmph, didn't you just say you were treating for grilled fish? Now it's 'order whatever you want'?" Wang Dong muttered, her tone sour, "Senior Tang Ya, your speed at changing your tune is too fast."

Tang Ya blinked, teasing her on purpose: "What's wrong, Junior Wang Dong? How about... you come and hook the other arm?"

"Who, who wants to hook his arm!" Wang Dong blushed and turned her head away, "This young master doesn't care for it!"

Despite saying that, she still stood up and followed the pace of the three.

Jiang Nannan stood stunned, watching the backs of the four as they walked further and further away, a complex feeling welling up in her heart.

Huo Yuhao stood not far away, his gaze following Su Chen, then looking at the unconscious Xu Sanshi being carried off the stage. He remained silent for a long time, so long that even Tang Ya noticed his abnormality.

"Yuhao, what's wrong?" Tang Ya asked with concern.

Huo Yuhao shook his head, his voice very soft: "Nothing. Just thinking... Big Brother Su Chen is truly strong."

So strong that he didn't even have the courage to chase after him.

He had witnessed with his own eyes how Su Chen had defeated Xu Sanshi—the sixth-year senior who had seemed like an insurmountable mountain in his eyes—so effortlessly. And Su Chen hadn't even used his martial soul or soul skills.

That gap was no longer something that could be bridged by hard work alone.

"One day..." Huo Yuhao whispered to himself, "I will also become strong, strong enough to protect the people I want to protect."

In front of the grilled fish stall, the atmosphere was lively.

Tang Ya kept her promise, not only treating them to grilled fish but also ordering quite a few other snacks. The five of them sat around a simple table, the glow of the charcoal fire reflecting on everyone's faces.

Su Chen did not eat much, but he sampled a little of everything. His table manners were elegant, and every gesture exuded an innate air of nobility that left Xiao Xiao staring blankly.

"Su Chen, the way you eat is so good-looking..." Xiao Xiao rested her chin in her hands, unable to help but sigh.

Wang Dong immediately glared at her: "Hey, just eat your food, what are you looking at!"

"I, I was just saying..." Xiao Xiao stuck out her tongue, but still snuck a few glances at Su Chen.

Tang Ya watched this scene with a smile, then suddenly spoke up: "Su Chen, what are your plans for the future? With your strength, wouldn't it be too boring to stay in the freshman class?"

Su Chen set down his bamboo skewer and wiped his mouth: "Not at all. Shrek Academy is full of hidden talents; I still have much to learn."

The words were humble, but everyone knew that given the strength Su Chen had displayed today, many teachers were likely not his match.

Jiang Nannan spoke up softly: "Junior Su Chen is right. There is much to learn in the academy, especially in the Inner Court... that is where the true geniuses gather."

"The Inner Court..." A look of longing flashed in Tang Ya's eyes. "I heard the requirements to enter the Inner Court are extremely harsh. Not only must one have exceptional strength, but one must also pass the assessment of the Sea God Pavilion."

The Sea God Pavilion, the highest governing body of Shrek Academy, was also a sacred place in the hearts of countless students.

Su Chen did not respond, merely picking up his cup to take a sip of water. He was naturally interested in the beauties of the Inner Court, but not right now. The top priority was to improve his strength as quickly as possible and obtain his second martial soul.

After the meal, the group dispersed.

Tang Ya had wanted to stay a while longer, but looking at Su Chen's handsome face, she feared she might do something impulsive if she stayed—like dragging Su Chen off to spend the night somewhere else.

Although she did have such thoughts, there were too many people around, and after all, Su Chen was only twelve...

"Um... Nannan, I have a secret to tell you!" Tang Ya suddenly grabbed Jiang Nannan's hand, her expression serious.

Jiang Nannan: "???"

"Come on, let's go over there and talk!" Tang Ya pulled Jiang Nannan toward the academy without waiting for an answer, her retreating figure looking somewhat like she was fleeing in a panic.

Jiang Nannan was dragged along, looking back at Su Chen once, her face flushing red again. The figures of the two beauties soon vanished into the night.

Huo Yuhao also stood up: "Brother Su Chen, Wang Dong, Xiao Xiao, I shall take my leave first. I still need to prepare ingredients for the grilled fish tomorrow."

"Mm, see you tomorrow." Su Chen nodded.

Xiao Xiao looked at Su Chen, then at Wang Dong, suddenly feeling a bit like a third wheel. She scratched her head: "Then, I'll head back to the dormitory too! Su Chen, Wang Dong, see you in class tomorrow!"

"Right."

In the blink of an eye, only Su Chen and Wang Dong remained in front of the grilled fish stall.

"Let's go." Su Chen said.

"Mm." Wang Dong replied.

The two walked side by side on the path back to the dormitory, neither speaking. Wang Dong kept her hands in her school uniform pockets, head bowed, lost in thought.

Su Chen remained calm.

The journey passed in silence.

Back at Dormitory 108, Su Chen washed up briefly, changed into his pajamas, and was just about to turn off the light to sleep—

"Su Chen, are you asleep?"

Wang Dong's hushed voice came from the opposite bed.

Su Chen paused: "Not yet. What is it?"

The other side was silent for a few seconds, then Wang Dong's somewhat awkward voice sounded: "Can I... sleep with you tonight?"

Su Chen: "?"

"I forgot to hang my bedding out to dry, it's a bit damp." Wang Dong added, her voice growing quieter. "Don't worry, I won't take advantage of you..."

Though puzzled, Su Chen didn't overthink it. He shifted to the side to make room, patted the empty space beside him, and said softly: "Come over."

Wang Dong immediately scrambled over with her pillow, moving so quickly it was as if she feared Su Chen might change his mind. She dove under the covers, keeping a distance from Su Chen, her eyes darting around while the tips of her ears turned a quiet shade of red.

Watching her, Su Chen suddenly found it amusing. He said deliberately: "Don't worry, I'm not interested in men."

Wang Dong: "...Hmph!"

She turned over, back to Su Chen, and stopped speaking.

The room fell into silence, save for the sound of their steady breathing. Before long, Su Chen fell asleep—he was truly exhausted. Despite the lack of effort required in today's two consecutive battles, they had still taken a toll on his spirit.

His breathing was even and long, his long golden hair spread across the soft pillow. His sleeping face was quiet and beautiful, shedding his usual sharp edge for a touch of youthful softness.

Wang Dong, however, tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

The warm, faint scent of his breath lingered near her nose, and the clean, refreshing fragrance unique to Su Chen made her heart race inexplicably.

She turned around quietly, gazing at Su Chen's sleeping face in the dim night.

Moonlight spilled in through the window, casting a silver rim along his profile. His long eyelashes cast faint shadows on his eyelids, his nose was high and straight, and his lips...

Wang Dong's face turned even redder.

She reached out a small hand and, as if possessed, poked Su Chen's cheek. The touch was warm and resilient, causing her to retract her hand as if electrocuted.

"Idiot..." Wang Dong whispered, unsure if she was scolding Su Chen or herself.

She watched him like this for a long time, until drowsiness finally took hold and she drifted off into a hazy sleep.

The next morning, Su Chen woke up right on time.

He opened his eyes to find something extra in his arms—Wang Dong had rolled over at some point and was curled up against him, her powder-blue hair scattered across the pillow as she slept soundly.

Su Chen: "..."

He gently moved Wang Dong aside and got up to wash. By the time he came out of the bathroom, Wang Dong had also woken up and was sitting on the bed in a daze, her face blank.

"If you're awake, go wash up," Su Chen said.

Wang Dong let out an "oh" and stumbled out of bed. When she reached the bathroom door, she suddenly realized—wait, did I sleep with Su Chen last night?!

Her face turned red again.

Once they were both ready, they ran into Xiao Xiao as they stepped out. The young girl had styled her light green hair into twin tails today, which looked particularly striking in the morning light.

"Su Chen! Wang Dong!" Xiao Xiao waved happily. "Good morning!"

"Morning," Su Chen nodded.

Wang Dong yawned. "Morning..."

The three of them walked toward the teaching building side by side. They encountered many students along the way, and almost everyone's gaze lingered on Su Chen for a moment—after yesterday's two battles, Su Chen had already become a prominent figure in the Outer Courtyard.

"Look, that's Su Chen!"

"Wow, he's even more handsome in person than the rumors say!"

"I heard he defeated Senior Xu Sanshi in one move yesterday..."

"That's not all, he even injured Teacher Zhou Yi yesterday morning!"

The whispers rose and fell. Listening to them, Wang Dong felt inexplicably annoyed—the way these people looked at Su Chen was like they were staring at some rare animal.

"Hmph, a bunch of shallow people," she muttered under her breath.

Xiao Xiao heard her and covered her mouth to giggle. "Wang Dong, you aren't jealous, are you?"

"Who's jealous!" Wang Dong immediately retorted. "This Great One just thinks they're too noisy!"

Su Chen ignored their bickering, his gaze already fixed ahead—they had arrived at the Freshman Class Nine classroom.

Yesterday, Director Du Weilun had personally found him to inform him of the class reassignment: because Zhou Yi had been suspended for a week, all the students from the original Freshman Class One were being dispersed to other classes. Su Chen, Wang Dong, and Xiao Xiao had been assigned to Class Nine.

The homeroom teacher was Mu Jin.

Su Chen was quite satisfied with this outcome. Although Mu Jin's strength was not on par with Zhou Yi's, her teaching philosophy was far more normal and she wouldn't threaten to expel students at the drop of a hat.

The three of them walked into the classroom and found that many people were already seated. Seeing Su Chen enter, the previously noisy classroom instantly fell silent, and everyone's eyes focused on him in unison.

Surprise, curiosity, admiration, jealousy... various emotions intertwined in the air.

Su Chen remained expressionless and walked straight to the back row—his habitual spot. Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao naturally followed, sitting on his left and right sides.

Just as they sat down, the class bell rang.

A figure stepped onto the podium.

It was a woman who looked to be about thirty years old, wearing a light purple teacher's robe with her long hair tied into an elegant bun at the back of her head. Her appearance was gentle and beautiful, her features delicate, her skin fair, and her lips naturally curved into a mild smile.

Compared to that old witch Zhou Yi, this teacher was infinitely more pleasant to look at.