Delicious Barbecue, Shuraba?

Xuan Zi led Cao Longyan and the other eight to a deserted forest outside Shrek Academy.

There was a wide, open meadow here, clearly a spot Xuan Zi had selected long ago.

The moment they landed, Xuan Zi couldn't wait to pull a mountain of pre-prepared ingredients, seasonings, and a brand-new grill from his soul tool.

Judging by this setup, it was plain to see this had been premeditated for quite some time.

Cao Longyan looked at the ingredients before him and shook his head helplessly.

He knew it—this old codger was up to no good...

With everything prepared so thoroughly, it looked like he'd been craving this for ages...

Yet, resigning himself to his fate, he walked over to the grill. After all, Xuan Zi had treated him very well back when his martial soul was crippled. He skillfully started the fire, set the grate, brushed on the oil, and laid out the skewers.

Huo Yuhao and the other seven, however, were stunned.

He was this proficient?

Bei Bei stood to the side, introducing Xuan Zi's identity to Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong, Xiao Xiao, Jiang Nannan, Xu Sanshi, Hu Meier, and Tang Ya, as well as Cao Longyan's legendary grilling skills.

"Elder Xuan is a veteran of the Sea God Pavilion. His strength is unfathomable; he is one of the pillars of the academy."

"As for Little Brother Yan's barbecue, it's a delicacy that even the veterans of the Sea God Pavilion crave. It was once all the rage across the entire Sea God Island."

Before Bei Bei could even finish his sentence, the air was already thick with the rich aroma of roasting meat.

The scent was mellow and alluring, as if possessed by magic, instantly hooking everyone's taste buds.

Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong, Xiao Xiao, and the others had their eyes light up instantly. They stared fixedly at the skewers on the grill, saliva secreting wildly in their mouths, nearly spilling over their lips.

Just then, several immensely powerful auras streaked across the sky with a whoosh and descended beside Xuan Zi.

The auras were terrifyingly intense, far surpassing a Titled Douluo—they were Super Douluos!

"Longyan, we've been craving your barbecue for over half a year! Finally, we get to eat it today!"

"Elder Xuan, this isn't right of you! You found Longyan to cook a private meal for yourself without calling us!"

"Exactly, exactly! That's just not fair!"

Several figures appeared on the clearing in an instant.

They were none other than the other veterans of the Sea God Pavilion, including Yan Shaozhe, whom the seven youths were familiar with.

Usually, these individuals were majestic, high-and-mighty figures, but at this moment, they were like greedy children, crowding around the grill and bickering, completely disregarding their own images.

Bei Bei was already used to it, but the other seven were left completely frozen at this bizarre sight.

They never would have imagined that Cao Longyan was so popular that even the Sea God Pavilion veterans would cast aside their dignity just to chase after his food.

He was truly a hot commodity wherever he went!

Cao Longyan's first batch of skewers was ready in no time.

He didn't play favorites, handing out an identical skewer to everyone present.

"Mmm! Delicious! So delicious!"

"Longyan's barbecue is the only thing that hits the spot. I feel miserable if I don't have it for a long time!"

The veterans couldn't stop praising the food as they ate.

Tang Ya, Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong, and the others also took bites of their skewers.

"So good! It's even better than Yuhao's grilled fish!"

"Incredible! Longyan, you're too amazing!"

For a time, the only sounds in the clearing were the satisfied sighs of the crowd and the sizzling of the meat.

One batch of skewers was finished, and the next followed immediately after.

Everyone was having a grand time eating.

However, among the crowd, two girls seemed a bit different.

Jiang Nannan and Xiao Xiao.

They held their skewers in their hands but hesitated to take a bite.

It wasn't until their skewers had nearly gone cold and the next batch was ready that they finally finished the ones they were holding.

Their gazes remained fixed on the busy, blue-haired youth.

He had been working for so long and hadn't even taken a single bite himself.

All of this was being saved specifically for him...

They didn't know when he would be finished grilling...

Tang Ya, Bei Bei, Wang Dong, Huo Yuhao, Xu Sanshi, and Hu Meier naturally noticed this scene.

They exchanged knowing smiles, keeping their thoughts to themselves as they continued eating, though their eyes drifted back and forth between Cao Longyan, Jiang Nannan, and Xiao Xiao from time to time.

The final batch of skewers was finally grilled.

Everyone ate until they were fully satisfied, letting out contented burps.

Xuan Zi and several Sea God Pavilion elders waved at Cao Longyan to bid him farewell.

"Longyan, we're heading off. We'll find you for another barbecue next time!"

"Here is a small gift for you; don't think it's too little!"

With that, they stuffed various items into Cao Longyan's storage soul tool, then flickered and vanished from the spot.

Cao Longyan could finally rest.

Just as he was about to sit down, two figures with vastly different styles appeared on his left and right.

Jiang Nannan and Xiao Xiao reached out simultaneously, offering him skewers that were still warm.

"Brother Longyan, you eat. I noticed you haven't had any."

Jiang Nannan said softly.

"Longyan, hurry and eat. I saved these especially for you; they'll get cold if you don't eat them now."

Xiao Xiao's voice carried a hint of shyness.

Tang Ya, Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, Hu Meier, Huo Yuhao, and Wang Dong immediately stopped what they were doing, watching the three of them with keen interest while munching on their own skewers.

They couldn't even hide their knowing, auntie-like smiles.

Cao Longyan didn't overthink it; he leaned forward and took a bite from each skewer.

The aroma of the meat bloomed in his mouth, and warmth flowed through his heart.

He looked up and smiled at them.

"Thank you, Xiao Xiao, thank you, Sister Nannan. I'm good. I'll reheat the rest for you so you can eat more."

Just then, a gentle female voice drifted down from the air.

"Brother Longyan."

Everyone looked up.

"Sister Lexuan."

A stunningly beautiful figure descended slowly from the sky to stand before Cao Longyan.

It was none other than Zhang Lexuan.

She had returned early from her mission, and the moment she approached Shrek Academy, she caught the familiar scent of barbecue.

Her heart was filled with joy at finally being able to see Brother Longyan again.

However, when she saw the scene before her, the smile on her face froze instantly.

On both sides of her Brother Longyan stood a beautiful girl whose appearance was in no way inferior to her own.

An indescribable wave of jealousy surged in her heart, but she masked it well, and her smile returned instantly, still radiating gentleness.

Jiang Nannan looked at Zhang Lexuan, a flash of surprise in her eyes.

She recognized the woman.

Since Cao Longyan called her Sister Lexuan, she immediately stepped forward and said excitedly.

"Sister Lexuan, is it really you? It's me, Jiang Nannan! It's been so long!"

Zhang Lexuan was also surprised; she hadn't expected to reunite with Jiang Nannan under these circumstances.

The two immediately began chatting, recounting their experiences over the years.

Meanwhile, Bei Bei stood to the side, explaining Zhang Lexuan's identity and her relationship with Cao Longyan to the bewildered Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong, Xiao Xiao, Xu Sanshi, and Hu Meier.

By now, only Xiao Xiao remained by Cao Longyan's side.

He looked at Xiao Xiao, whose mouth was covered in grease, and couldn't help but chuckle.

He pulled a tissue from his storage soul tool and gently wiped the corner of her mouth.

Xiao Xiao's cheeks turned bright red, like a ripe apple.

She lowered her head and whispered.

"Th-thank you, Longyan."

This scene was caught perfectly by Zhang Lexuan not far away.

Her heart stirred slightly.

Could it be that Brother Longyan prefers this type of petite, cute girl?

She asked Jiang Nannan beside her, keeping her expression neutral.

"Nannan, what is the relationship between Brother Longyan and that green-haired girl?"

Jiang Nannan answered truthfully.

"They are classmates. Brother Longyan says they are just ordinary classmates."

Zhang Lexuan nodded, choosing to believe Jiang Nannan after seeing the absolute sincerity in her eyes.

However, she did not think so in her heart.

Would an ordinary classmate really go out of their way to save skewers or help someone wipe their mouth?

They might just be classmates now, but in the future... that was hard to say.

Before leaving, Zhang Lexuan looked at Jiang Nannan and said earnestly.

"Nannan, I'm happy that you and your mother are doing well... Could I ask a favor of you, Sister Lexuan?"

"Sister Lexuan, just tell me. I will do my absolute best."

"It's just... could you please keep an eye on little brother Long Yan and not let him go around flirting with everyone?"

Jiang Nannan nodded without the slightest hesitation.

"Sister Lexuan, don't you worry, I will definitely keep a close watch on little brother Long Yan!"

However, Jiang Nannan did not notice the hidden jealousy deep within Zhang Lexuan's eyes.