Wang Dong's Girlish Thoughts

Meanwhile, inside a secret chamber on Heart Island in Sea God Lake at Shrek Academy.

Yan Shaozhe sat beside a table, his fingertips lightly tapping the surface as his gaze rested on the red-clad girl standing before him. His expression carried a hint of solemnity, along with a faint expectation that was hard to detect.

Ma Xiaotao stood opposite Yan Shaozhe, her fiery red outfit making her snow-white skin stand out even more.

Yet the face that was usually so flamboyant and radiant now held a trace of confusion and helplessness.

Just moments ago, her teacher—Yan Shaozhe—had thrown two pieces of good news and one piece of bad news at her in rapid succession, leaving her thoughts in turmoil even now.

The first piece of news was that her teacher had finally found someone with an Ultimate Ice Martial Soul, and that person was from Shrek Academy.

The moment Ma Xiaotao heard the words "Ultimate Ice," her heart skipped a beat.

She possessed the Evil Fire Phoenix Martial Soul and had suffered the backlash of the Evil Fire within her body for years. The slightest carelessness could cause her to lose control and go berserk.

Ultimate Ice was the natural nemesis of her Martial Soul, as well as the only thing capable of suppressing her Evil Fire at its root.

Her teacher had told her that if she could unite with that person, not only could her Evil Fire be firmly suppressed, but her Martial Soul might even evolve again, raising her strength to another level.

Before she could digest that news, the second piece of news came crashing down.

According to her teacher, the new student with Ultimate Ice was named Lu Chen and had an extremely close relationship with Qian Renxue, who had been exceptionally admitted into the Inner Court a month ago.

Today at the Spirit Duel Zone, Qian Renxue had openly challenged Zhou Yi for Lu Chen's sake. She had not hesitated to use four rings against six, making her protectiveness obvious to all.

Rumors around the academy claimed that the two were childhood sweethearts and might even have a marriage engagement.

Ma Xiaotao had seen Qian Renxue several times in the Inner Court. With her golden hair, white robes, and cold, noble temperament, whether in looks, bearing, or talent, she firmly surpassed both Ma Xiaotao and Ling Luochen.

Ma Xiaotao only had the advantage in figure.

As for the final piece of news, it was only good news in her teacher's eyes.

Because of what happened today, Qian Renxue had been confined by Xian Liner and could not leave the Inner Court for the time being. This was the perfect opportunity for Ma Xiaotao to approach Lu Chen and cultivate their relationship.

"No, no!"

Ma Xiaotao abruptly raised her head. Her cheeks flushed scarlet, and she shook her head like a rattle. "Teacher, I can't do what you're suggesting! They already have a perfectly good relationship. What would I be if I inserted myself into it? Stealing someone else's boyfriend? Besides, he... he's still so young, just a first-year kid. How could I do something like that?"

Even the tips of Ma Xiaotao's ears had turned red, and her eyes were full of resistance.

No matter how proud and unruly Ma Xiaotao was, she still had her own principles. She could not bring herself to take advantage of someone's absence and steal another person's boyfriend. Just thinking about it made her feel ashamed.

"What's impossible about it?" Yan Shaozhe frowned, his tone becoming heavier. "So what if they have an engagement? It means nothing unless they're married. Matters of the heart were never set in stone."

"Look at Zhang Lexuan and Beibei. Elder Mu personally arranged their match, yet isn't Beibei still spending every day with that little girl from the Tang Sect?"

After saying that, Yan Shaozhe softened his tone, speaking with patient persuasion. "Xiaotao, whether it's his looks or talent, Lu Chen is an excellent match for you. Be more proactive. At his age, full of youthful vigor, there's no way he could refuse you."

"This isn't stealing. It's fair competition."

"I won't." Ma Xiaotao bit her lip and shook her head firmly again. "I can't do something like that. Besides, I don't want to get married."

"At worst, I'll find another way to suppress the Evil Fire. I can't do something so dishonorable."

Yan Shaozhe looked at her stubborn expression and sighed helplessly.

He knew this was asking too much of her, but it concerned Ma Xiaotao's future, and he had no choice but to persuade her.

"Fine. I won't force you." Yan Shaozhe stood up and patted Ma Xiaotao's shoulder. "Think it over carefully. The opportunity is right in front of you. If you miss it, there may never be another Ultimate Ice in your lifetime."

With that, Yan Shaozhe turned and left the secret chamber. The heavy stone door slowly closed, leaving Ma Xiaotao alone.

Warm reddish light fell over Ma Xiaotao's crimson skirt, illuminating the conflicted profile of the young girl.

Ma Xiaotao slowly crouched down, hugged her knees, and rested her chin on them. It felt as if two forces were pulling her back and forth inside.

On one side stood the pride and principles carved into her bones. She could not bring herself to intrude upon someone else's relationship or take advantage of a vulnerable moment.

But on the other side was the Evil Fire that had plagued her for years, tormenting her day and night.

Whenever it flared up, she became like a wild beast and lost all reason.

And Ultimate Ice was the only thing that could suppress her Evil Fire.

Three days later, Lu Chen tore away the bandages wrapped around his body, revealing dense scars as he moved his stiff shoulders.

Seeing this, Xiao Xiao lowered her head, her face flushing as concern showed in her eyes. "Class Monitor, you should rest a little longer."

Lu Chen glanced back at Xiao Xiao without much embarrassment. After removing the bandages, he picked up his academy uniform from the side, put it on, fastened the collar, and waved a hand. "No. I've mostly recovered. If I keep lying around, my body will rust."

His physique was naturally strong, and his recovery ability was impressive. Coupled with treatment from a Healing System Spirit Master, three days had been enough for his injuries to basically heal completely.

Moreover, after taking the Soul Ascension Pill, his Soul Power had risen to level 34.

Recovering from level 31 to level 34 in just over a month was already a very satisfying pace for Lu Chen.

Given another chance, Lu Chen believed that this time, he would not need to wait until sixteen to recover his Spirit Emperor cultivation.

During those three days, Lu Chen had not simply done nothing.

He had also studied the Xuanxiu Pill Qian Renxue had given him.

This medicinal pill had effects that overlapped somewhat with his Qinglan Cleansing Marrow Pill.

Taking both pills at the same time would not cause any adverse reactions, but their effects would not stack either.

However, the Xuanxiu Pill was less effective than the Qinglan Cleansing Marrow Pill. Thus, if both were consumed together, the Qinglan Cleansing Marrow Pill's effects would ultimately override those of the Xuanxiu Pill.

Furthermore, through reverse deduction, Lu Chen had more or less grasped the ingredients needed to refine the Xuanxiu Pill.

He only needed to study the proportions and order of the ingredients to recreate it.

As he spoke, Lu Chen picked up the cup on the table and took a sip of water. Then he changed the subject and asked about more important matters. "By the way, how has the class been while I was resting these past few days? Has the academy decided on a new homeroom teacher?"

At the mention of this matter, Xiao Xiao also put away some of her shyness and raised her head to answer seriously.

In truth, she did not even need to say it. Over the past three days, the entire Shrek Academy had been buzzing with the news.

Their former homeroom teacher, Zhou Yi, had gone through deliberation at a Sea God Pavilion meeting. In the end, due to publicly taking a student onto the Spirit Duel Platform, abusing high-level Soul Skills during the battle and nearly causing student casualties, as well as her previous violations such as repeatedly expelling students and using overly extreme teaching methods, she had officially been removed from her position as the homeroom teacher of Class 1 of First-Years and transferred out of the teaching staff.

"It was just confirmed yesterday." Xiao Xiao nodded. "The new homeroom teacher is called Wang Yan. He's a Spirit King in his fifties, and his Martial Soul is the Coiling Dragon Staff. He has a pretty good reputation in the academy."

Compared to Zhou Yi's extreme style of casually eliminating and expelling students, this teacher named Wang Yan was clearly steadier and more mild-tempered.

Lu Chen nodded slightly and did not say much.

Zhou Yi's dismissal had been expected. With things having blown up to that extent, Sea God Pavilion could not possibly ignore it.

As for who the new homeroom teacher was, he did not care much.

Given his current influence in the class, he was probably more influential than the teacher.

"That's good."

As he spoke, Lu Chen took a sheet of paper from the bedside cabinet, wrote down an address, and handed it over. "You've all worked hard these past few days. This is the house I rented in the city. Come over tonight with Sun Lu. I'll cook myself as thanks for everyone's care during this time."

During his hospital stay, Xiao Xiao, Sun Lu, and Huo Yuhao had taken turns bringing him meals.

"Really?"

"Then we'll definitely be there tonight!"

Xiao Xiao took the note, looking delighted.

After Xiao Xiao left, Lu Chen finished packing his things, completed the discharge procedures, and then leisurely headed toward the first-year dormitories.

Along the way, he encountered quite a few people who recognized him. Some even greeted him, and Lu Chen responded to each of them.

When he returned to the dormitory, Lu Chen was slightly stunned. The room was empty, everything had been neatly arranged, and the plants on the windowsill had just been watered.

But Wang Dong was nowhere to be seen.

"Where has that guy Wang Dong been these past few days?"

Seeing that Wang Dong was not in the dormitory, Lu Chen asked in puzzlement.

Their new homeroom teacher had only just been confirmed, so their class had not had lessons these past few days.

From what he knew of Wang Dong, as long as there were no classes, she would basically be resting.

Just as Lu Chen was wondering, the dormitory door opened with a click.

Wang Dong walked in. The stray hair over her forehead was damp with sweat and stuck to her skin, making it clear that she had just returned from training.

When Wang Dong saw Lu Chen standing in the room, her eyes suddenly lit up. Her steps halted, and delight nearly spilled from her gaze.

"Lu Chen!"

Right after calling Lu Chen's name, Wang Dong seemed to remember something and instinctively moved back a little, putting some distance between them.

Seeing Wang Dong return, Lu Chen leaned against the table with his arms folded and teased her. "I was wondering about that. Xiao Xiao and Sun Lu have been running to the infirmary every day, but we live in the same dormitory, and a certain roommate never even showed her face. So you've started working hard and making progress."

Wang Dong's cheeks grew slightly warm. Her gaze wandered everywhere except Lu Chen's face as she stammered an explanation. "I... I happened to gain some insight into my cultivation these past two days, so... I didn't get around to it."

That was only half true.

She had indeed spent three days at the training grounds, but not because she had gained any insight into cultivation.

Rather, Qian Renxue had been too dazzling on the Spirit Duel Platform two days ago. Wang Dong did not want to be left too far behind by her, which was why she had trained desperately to increase her strength.

What made her even more flustered was that she had realized she harbored a special feeling toward Lu Chen.

She had not even figured out how to handle those feelings herself, so she had kept avoiding him and had not gone to visit him.

Lu Chen swept his eyes over Wang Dong's sweat-soaked body but did not think much of it. He waved a hand. "Fine. Knowing how to cultivate is a good thing. Go take a bath and change clothes. Then come into the city with me later."

"What are we going into the city for?" Wang Dong froze for a moment and looked up.

"To thank everyone for taking care of me these past few days. I'll cook tonight and treat you all to something good," Lu Chen said casually.

The moment he finished speaking, Wang Dong's eyes lit up like they held two tiny stars.

Ever since she had eaten Lu Chen's cooking last time, she had not been able to forget it.

She had begged Lu Chen for ages, but he had never agreed.

After a whole month, Lu Chen was finally going to cook again.

"Really?!"

As she spoke, Wang Dong pushed Lu Chen toward the door. "Go wait outside first. I'm taking a bath!"

"Hey, Wang Dong, we're both men. Why are you chasing me out just because you're taking a bath?"

Pushed outside, Lu Chen called helplessly through the door.

Wang Dong's angry and flustered voice came from inside. "None of your business! Just wait!"

After chasing Lu Chen out, Wang Dong leaned her back against the door and could not help letting out a breath of relief.

Fortunately, Lu Chen had not seen through her lie.

But when she thought about being able to eat Lu Chen's cooking today, Wang Dong's mood brightened again.

Lu Chen did not linger either. He turned and went to invite Huo Yuhao, Beibei, and Tang Ya.

Unexpectedly, Tang Ya was actually roommates with Jiang Nannan, the girl previously praised as the number one beauty of the Outer Court.

When Lu Chen went to invite Tang Ya, Tang Ya happened to be with Jiang Nannan, so he simply invited them both.

The more people there were, the livelier the meal would be.