As Long as Shrek Remains First, Who Dares Act Recklessly?

Bei Shou'en frowned upon hearing Long Yeyue's words, then immediately spoke to stop her rather insane plan.

"This must not be done."

"Shrek Academy already has enough enemies. If we forcibly recruit talented disciples from other factions without restraint, we will likely face condemnation from the entire continent."

Long Yeyue turned her eyes toward him and spoke with obvious disdain.

"So what if the other factions condemn us?"

"As long as Shrek Academy remains the continent's number one, who would dare act recklessly?"

Her words were exceedingly arrogant, and quite a few elders in the Sea God Pavilion's council chamber secretly nodded, clearly approving of Long Yeyue's proposal.

After all, the abilities Lin Fan had displayed through his Time Martial Soul were simply too tempting. If they could thoroughly study them, it would undoubtedly be a qualitative leap for Shrek Academy.

Yet Bei Shou'en remained unmoved. He slowly shook his head and spoke seriously.

"Do not mention this matter again."

"If Soul Masters of the Time and Spatial Martial Soul types willingly join Shrek Academy, we may conduct some research. But we must not take an excessively forceful approach."

He paused, lowering his voice further.

"Especially since Shrek Academy is not currently the strongest power in the world."

"The Sun Moon Federation possesses a Level Twelve Soul Tool."

Long Yeyue snorted coldly at his words, her tone filled with contempt.

"Could it be that the Sun Moon Federation would dare defy the world and fire that God-Slaying Soul Cannon at Shrek Academy?"

Seeing that she still refused to yield, Bei Shou'en said no more and merely spoke in a deep voice.

"My decision has been made. Yeyue, do not bring this up again!"

Long Yeyue stared straight at Bei Shou'en for a long while before speaking coldly.

"Bei Shou'en, you will regret this."

Bei Shou'en sat there, his expression as calm as ever, and merely replied faintly.

"I am the Sea God Pavilion Master."

After their exchange, the entire Shrek Sea God Pavilion fell silent. No one spoke again.

Inside the Light Screen, night had fallen.

Leng Yaozhu returned to her room and closed the door. Her room was directly opposite Lin Fan's.

She took some time to bathe and change, slipping into a red nightgown. The soft, form-fitting fabric made her fair skin stand out even more.

Standing before the mirror in her room, she looked at her face, still carrying a faint trace of moisture, and felt rather nervous.

She had never imagined that she would enter the home of a man around her own age.

Although she knew Lin Fan's character and understood that they had always maintained proper boundaries between them, the feeling of living under the same roof still left her somewhat at a loss.

"If Father found out, he'd probably explode with anger."

Leng Yaozhu muttered softly, then could not help but laugh herself.

However, she quickly shook her head and told herself inwardly.

What am I thinking?

Are you, Leng Yaozhu, actually planning to get used to staying here?

You only came to help research Soul Spirits.

Once the Soul Spirit research reaches a certain stage, you'll naturally move out.

She took a deep breath and firmly patted her cheeks, trying to drive those chaotic thoughts from her mind.

However, just then, someone suddenly knocked twice on her door from outside.

"Knock, knock."

Leng Yaozhu froze, then hurriedly turned and opened the door, only to find Lin Fan standing outside her room.

"Just finished bathing?"

At his question, Leng Yaozhu's face, already carrying a faint blush, instantly grew even hotter. She then nodded.

"Mm."

Leng Yaozhu quickly took the initiative to start a conversation.

"Are we starting the Soul Spirit research now?"

Lin Fan nodded.

"Mm, let's begin."

He turned sideways, signaling for Leng Yaozhu to follow him into the courtyard.

Leng Yaozhu hurried after him. The two sat down beside the stone table in the courtyard, where moonlight spilled across the tabletop, making it fairly bright.

Lin Fan soon continued speaking to Leng Yaozhu.

"During the research process, I'd also like to hear your understanding of Soul Spirits."

He naturally knew that the Soul Spirit Art was ultimately something created by Electrolux. However, Electrolux was currently asleep, and even if he were awake, matters concerning Soul Spirits could not be completely understood in an instant.

Then again, if Electrolux researched it personally, his progress might be much faster than Lin Fan's. After all, Electrolux wielded soul power and possessed a natural advantage in this field.

But Electrolux could not be relied upon at the moment. Lin Fan could only depend on himself.

Hearing Lin Fan's words, Leng Yaozhu quickly nodded. She extended one hand, and with a flash of light in her palm, the tiny crimson bird appeared lightly and landed on her fingertip.

She carefully held the little bird out before Lin Fan.

Lin Fan extended his hand and held his palm over the Soul Spirit, feeling the energy fluctuations contained within it.

Seeing that he had begun his research, Leng Yaozhu softly began explaining.

"Soul Spirits are related to a Soul Master's spiritual power and physical condition. The stronger those two aspects are, the higher the age limit of the Soul Rings they can absorb. The same applies to Soul Spirits."

"As for the structure and principles behind Soul Spirits themselves, they lean more toward research into the soul. The technical staff at the Spirit Pagoda handle the specifics. As a user, I don't actually know much."

As she said this, she could not help sighing softly, a trace of frustration in her voice.

"If I had traveled through time a little later, perhaps I could have helped you more."

After all, ten thousand years later, the Spirit Pagoda's research into Soul Spirits had already become exceptionally mature. Its various theories and technical records were thoroughly preserved. If Leng Yaozhu had traveled through time later, she might have brought back more valuable information.

Yet Lin Fan merely shook his head upon hearing her words.

"It's enough."

Seeing that he had completely immersed himself in the task, Leng Yaozhu stopped disturbing him and simply sat quietly beside him.

The Soul Spirit circled above Lin Fan's palm, while she, as its Soul Master, seemed to have nothing to do other than maintain its summoned state.

That suddenly left her feeling a little bored.

Her gaze had initially rested casually on the tabletop, but without her noticing, it gradually shifted elsewhere.

Lin Fan sat opposite her, his head slightly lowered, his eyes focused on the Soul Spirit. Moonlight fell from behind and to one side of him, outlining the sharp contours of his profile.

That face was indeed remarkably handsome.

His nose bridge was high, his jawline smooth, and especially those focused eyes—they were exceptionally captivating.

Leng Yaozhu's heartbeat suddenly skipped.

She hurriedly looked away, but before long, her gaze drifted back of its own accord.

Leng Yaozhu silently lamented to herself. She had clearly wanted to look away, so why had her eyes fallen back on him again?

Like a thief, she quietly withdrew her gaze, only to sneak another glance. She kept encouraging herself inwardly.

Calm down, calm down. You have to stay calm.

You, Leng Yaozhu, are still the eldest daughter of the Leng Family. What haven't you seen? How could you lose your composure over a face?

If Ling Luochen saw this, I really wouldn't be able to explain myself.

She kept repeating inwardly, Don't do anything foolish, don't do anything foolish, don't do anything foolish...