Changes

In truth, from a personal perspective, Ning Huan had never felt a shred of annoyance toward Zhang Lexuan from start to finish.

Broadly speaking, she was one of the most steadfast allies to both himself and the Nine Treasures Glazed Academy.

She played a vital role in maneuvering around Shrek, relaying intelligence, and securing future combat strength.

In terms of importance alone, she was barely inferior to the likes of Ning Hao and the others.

In any case, she was a character who could not be easily abandoned.

On a smaller scale, his feelings stemmed from his own inner sentiments.

Of course, this emotion did not arise from an appreciation of her strength, nor was it due to romantic attraction or affection between the opposite sexes.

The reason, ultimately, was merely pity for her ill-fated life.

Witnessing the destruction of her family at a young age, she was forced by hatred to take on a lifelong vow.

Then, driven by gratitude and duty, she buried herself in cultivation, never daring to pause for a single moment.

It was only after becoming the youngest Soul Douluo in Shrek that she finally stopped to catch her breath.

How much she had sacrificed and given up during that time, she herself probably couldn't even calculate.

It was precisely because of this that Ning Huan was so tolerant of the many trivial matters related to her.

Otherwise, he would have to be bored out of his mind to allow Zhang Lexuan to appear by his side in the form of a Spirit Body for such long periods.

Wasting soul power, wasting time, and even wasting his snacks...

Sigh, such is fate.

Emerging from his memories, Ning Huan couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

He reached out toward the table, only to suddenly remember it was already empty, which left him feeling even more helpless.

This sister has really dumped all the girlish temperament she suppressed for over a decade onto me!

She's even harder to deal with than Tian'er!

"Forget it, I'll just treat it as raising a daughter early to gain experience."

Just as he had finished comforting himself, Ning Huan happened to see Zhang Lexuan drop the last piece of osmanthus cake onto the bed.

The veins on his forehead throbbed wildly, and the bit of tenderness in his heart vanished in an instant.

That was a brand-new bedsheet he had changed just this morning!

"Zhang Lexuan, it's about time you left."

"Ah, you're chasing me away again!"

A reluctant cry of surprise rang out as Zhang Lexuan immediately performed a kip-up, sitting upright and facing Ning Huan.

Her waist was slender enough to be encircled by a hand, her figure was enchanting and graceful, and her eyes were filled with autumn water.

The two ripe fruits on her chest swayed to and fro, forcing him to quickly avert his gaze and click his tongue in secret.

This figure... hmm... food-grade!

Sigh, I'm still a minor; this is too torturous!

"Xiao Huan~ Mmhmm~"

"Cough, sorry, my mind wandered."

Under the girl's teasing gaze, Ning Huan, whose thoughts had just begun to drift, quickly regained his composure and said in a deep voice:

"Although we have confirmed that you will be in a special deep cultivation mode during the summoning, with no abnormalities, Shrek is ultimately not like other factions."

"Possessing the favor of gods, they are far too special."

"Without knowing their trump cards, I can hardly guarantee that no accidents will occur."

"If you are exposed, then you, I, and the Nine Treasures Glazed Academy will all face a grim outcome."

Having said this, he suddenly became very solemn, as if the previous awkwardness and guilt had never existed.

Seeing this, Zhang Lexuan, who understood the gravity of the situation, stopped messing around and nodded her head gently.

"Mm, I will be careful."

Immediately after, as if remembering something, her mood suddenly sank.

She sat on the edge of the bed like a helpless girl, biting her lips, her words filled with inexplicable confusion.

"Xiao Huan... do you think I can hold on until the day the truth is revealed?"

"...You certainly can, but you have to explain to me first what you're being so emo about?"

"Hmph! Isn't it all your fault!"

"???"

Upon hearing this, Ning Huan was inevitably filled with question marks.

He hadn't been stirring up trouble on the continent lately, so how could she blame him?

Is she being unreasonable?

Fine!

But there has to be a limit!

"You had better give me a reasonable explanation!"

Seeing the young man's expression grow increasingly gloomy, Zhang Lexuan no longer hesitated and laid out the grievances in her heart.

"Ever since I learned the secret of my martial soul, I have always felt out of place staying at Shrek."

"I cannot forget the grace of over a decade of upbringing, but the mystery of my birth makes it impossible for me to fully trust those Elder."

"Morality and reason are at war with each other, and since you are living in seclusion and won't come to help, I am having a very hard time!"

Hearing this, Ning Huan slapped his forehead hard.

Only at this moment did he realize why Zhang Lexuan would run to him whenever she had free time.

Coming to eat, coming to cultivate, coming to read, sleeping...

Oh, she didn't come to sleep!

So it turns out the pressure was too great, and she was worried about someone discovering her abnormalities!

The question then becomes, how to solve this?

There is only one answer!

It cannot be solved!

Not everyone has a background as complicated as Zhang Lexuan's.

Students who can enter the Shrek inner court have all gone through layers of political vetting!

Do you really think you can get in just by having talent!

Of course, it's not that there is no way.

He could just go himself!

As long as he displayed his true current strength, Shrek would likely beat drums and gongs to welcome him.

But it is easy to get in and hard to get out.

Who knows if those old things would play dirty and pull some disgusting tricks.

However, just at this moment, Ning Huan seemed to have suddenly thought of something, and his brows furrowed slightly.

If I treat Tang San as an imaginary enemy and Huo Yuhao as a chess piece...

Whether it is for controlling the situation or observing from close range, there are reasons why I must go to Shrek.

The only key point is that I cannot stay there for a long time; it would be best to return as soon as the Freshman Assessment ends.

It is just that the degree of involvement needs to be controlled well...

Before long, after weighing the pros and cons, Ning Huan finally made up his mind.

Go!

Must go!

I will take Ning Tian with me when the time comes; with this protective talisman, I won't have to worry about them having ulterior motives.

Anyway, this girl has been curious about Shrek for a long time.

Going for a stroll to satisfy her fantasies is better than her pestering me with endless questions.

Thinking of this, Ning Huan nodded imperceptibly, then looked at Zhang Lexuan and said softly:

"Hmm, you go back first. Remember not to request a summoning during this period."

"When Shrek starts, I will take Tian'er there as an exchange student for three months to relieve your pressure."

"Good... what?!"

Before the response had even finished, the startled Zhang Lexuan couldn't help but cry out in surprise.

"No, absolutely not!"

"How is this any different from walking right into a trap!"

"I finally managed to shift the Elder's attention from you to Dai Huabin!"

Actually, when she heard the first half, she was still a bit disappointed.

Who would have thought that in the second half, the words about voluntarily heading to Shrek would appear.

This could hardly be categorized as a pleasant surprise.

"Rest assured, I have it under control."

"When have you ever seen me do anything impulsive?"

Looking at her panicked appearance, the corners of Ning Huan's mouth rose even higher, and he smiled very brightly.

"Besides, don't we still have a willing target there to attract the firepower~"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Lexuan understood instantly, and then gave him a resentful roll of her eyes.

"I should have realized it sooner; how could a White Tiger Martial Soul possibly possess such an abnormal talent?"

"Fine, I'm heading back now. Remember to come early."

"Alright."

As the words fell, her Spirit Body vanished in an instant, as if fleeing.

Left alone, Ning Huan sat by the window, veins throbbing in his temples as he gritted his teeth.

"Zhang Lexuan!! You didn't clean up after eating again!"