At Spirit Pagoda Headquarters, after showing the Phoenix Necklace, Xiling made his way unimpeded to Leng Yaozhu's office.
He raised his hand and lightly knocked on the door.
"Come in."
A gentle, graceful female voice came from inside. There was no need to guess—it was Leng Yaozhu.
Xiling pushed the door open and entered.
The spacious, elegant office was clean and understated. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows lay the prosperous panorama of all Shrek City.
Leng Yaozhu stood by the window. Hearing the sound, she turned around, and the instant she saw who had come, a flicker of astonishment crossed her face.
"Xiao Ling?"
Seeing her surprised expression, Xiling smiled faintly. "What, Teacher? You don't recognize me anymore?"
Only after hearing that familiar voice did Leng Yaozhu confirm his identity.
She slowly walked over, her gaze carefully tracing his brows, eyes, hair, and pupils. Her eyes were filled with amazement.
"No wonder you said I might not recognize you."
Then concern welled up within her. After all, no one could change so drastically for no reason. "Xiao Ling, are you all right? What happened to you?"
Seeing the genuine concern in his teacher's eyes, Xiling felt a warmth in his heart. He gently shook his head. "Teacher, I'm fine. I merely released the power contained within my martial soul, which is why I became like this."
"A second awakening of your martial soul?" Upon hearing Xiling's explanation, Leng Yaozhu immediately thought of that possibility. After all, some people's second martial soul awakenings could alter their appearance to a certain extent.
Just then, a voice came from the doorway. "Teacher, the physical assessment data you asked me to test has come out."
The newcomer stepped into the office and froze upon seeing Xiling. "Eh, Xiling? Why are you here?"
Xiling turned his