Members of the Inner Court's Main Team

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Chapter 38: Members of the Inner Court's Main Team

Perhaps because his eldest senior sister had stirred something in him earlier, Ye Xixuan was especially sensitive that night. The experience subtly changed the way he saw Tang Ya, making him truly regard her as a member of the opposite sex.

So much so that he felt a little guilty when he returned to Zhang Lexuan's home.

After telling Tang Ya about his upcoming mission, Ye Xixuan spent the next two days cultivating at his eldest senior sister's place.

Early on the third morning, he ended his cultivation ahead of time. Today was the day they had agreed to set out for the Ming Dou Mountains to wipe out the Death Hand Bandit Group.

The deep sky beyond the window was still dim; dawn remained some way off. Thick mist rose from Sea God Lake and drifted through the window, carrying a faint chill.

After washing up, Ye Xixuan followed the wooden stairs down to the first-floor living room, where he found Zhang Lexuan already waiting for him. Exquisite dishes freshly brought back from the Inner Court dining hall sat on the table, their rising steam clearly visible beneath the soft light of the Soul Guidance Lamp.

Zhang Lexuan rose from her wooden chair and gave Ye Xixuan a gentle smile.

"Xixuan, Xiaotao and the others will be gathering at the academy gates in a little while. Have something to eat before you go."

"Sister Lexuan." Ye Xixuan hugged Zhang Lexuan from behind again. Ever since that night with Tang Ya at Sea God Lake, he had gradually begun to sort out his feelings.

"All right, Xixuan. Eat first."

Ye Xixuan obediently let go, but he still asked the question that concerned him most.

"Sister Lexuan, do you dislike it when I do that?"

"You're growing up, Xixuan. It's perfectly normal to feel attracted to the opposite sex. I'll guide you through it slowly." Smiling, Zhang Lexuan gently shook her head.

"But you're still young, after all. You mustn't let it interfere with your cultivation. There's something else you need to remember: you can't treat other girls the way you treat me in private."

"What if a girl treats me that way?" Ye Xixuan's heart skipped a beat, and he couldn't help remembering Tang Ya the night before.

Zhang Lexuan gave Ye Xixuan a lingering look, then answered with the same gentle patience, "Then it depends on whether you feel any resistance to it."

So if I don't resist, I can accept it? Ye Xixuan muttered inwardly. For some reason, he didn't dare say it aloud to Zhang Lexuan.

They then ate breakfast together at the table, with Ye Xixuan remaining rather quiet throughout. Once it was fully light outside, he recalled what Sister Lexuan had just said and decided to express his most genuine desire directly.

"Sister Lexuan, before I meet up with Sister Xiaotao and the others, I want to hug you again."

"Mm." Zhang Lexuan smiled and softly assented. Since she had said she would guide Ye Xixuan slowly, she would naturally prove it through her actions.

Ye Xixuan hugged Zhang Lexuan from the front, and she willingly placed her arms around his waist and back. The next instant, however, she suddenly stiffened. She finally understood why Ye Xixuan always liked hugging her from behind.

Early morning, at Shrek Academy's main gates, veiled in a layer of mist.

When Ye Xixuan arrived, seven figures had already gathered there. The only one he knew was Ma Xiaotao.

Ma Xiaotao was dressed in red again that day, her long, fiery-red hair neatly gathered into a ponytail, giving her a clean, brisk look.

At the sight of Ye Xixuan running out of Shrek Academy, a teasing smile crept onto her lips.

"You little brat, arriving this late. Couldn't bear to leave your eldest senior sister?"

"Sister Xiaotao." Ye Xixuan didn't answer her teasing, merely greeting her with an awkward laugh. After all, Ma Xiaotao had hit the nail right on the head.

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Of course, Ma Xiaotao's teasing stemmed from the unusually close bond between Ye Xixuan and Zhang Lexuan.

"All right, since everyone's here now, give them a brief introduction. You won't be part of our main fighting force on this mission, but if anything unexpected happens, we'll still need to know one another's abilities." As she spoke, Ma Xiaotao pointed to the other six Inner Court Disciples beside her.

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The six consisted of four men and two women, each quite distinctive in build and appearance. Their eyes all settled on Ye Xixuan, filled with scrutiny.

Strength had always been the only thing that counted in the Inner Court. Seeing someone Ye Xixuan's age assigned to this mission, they inevitably had their own reservations.

Ye Xixuan understood at once. He knew these people cared only about talent and strength.

His gaze sharpened, and a hint of deathly coldness entered his deep black eyes. Aside from that, his body underwent no changes; only Soul Rings emerged one after another from beneath his feet.

Purple! Purple! Purple!

Three magnificent purple Soul Rings slowly pulsed around Ye Xixuan's body, and shock appeared in the eyes of all six Inner Court Disciples. Even within Shrek Academy's Inner Court, few possessed such an extraordinary Soul Ring configuration. His very first Soul Ring was already at the thousand-year level.

Ye Xixuan introduced himself in a steady voice. "Ye Xixuan, rank thirty-three Power Attack System Battle Soul Elder."

"Xixuan only just turned ten this year. He was nine and a half when he reached Soul Elder, breaking not only Mu En's record, but the records of every predecessor throughout Shrek Academy's ten-thousand-year history," Ma Xiaotao added at just the right moment, her tone calm.

"I think you all understand what that means."

At this, the way the six Inner Court Disciples looked at Ye Xixuan changed again.

One tall, blond young man stood out in particular. His bearing was composed, his gaze sharp as a blade. Most unusual of all were his eyes: they were naturally different, lending him an eerie air.

He patted Ye Xixuan's shoulder warmly, then took the initiative to extend his right hand.

"My name is Dai Yueheng, a rank fifty-nine Power Attack System Battle Soul King. Xixuan, on everyone's behalf, welcome to the mission."

"Hello, Senior Dai." Ye Xixuan politely extended his right hand as well and shook Dai Yueheng's hand, wondering whether these seven were the members of Shrek Academy's main team from his past-life memories. His suspicions were confirmed one after another by what followed.

Another male student, tall and slender, introduced himself with a warm smile. "Inner Court, Chen Zifeng. Rank fifty-two Power Attack System Tool Soul King."

"Inner Court, Yao Haoxuan. Rank forty-nine control-and-support-type Battle Soul Ancestor." A slight young man with bright, keen eyes followed immediately.

Next came a female student with short black hair whose looks were not particularly striking.

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"Inner Court, Xixi. Rank fifty-one agility attack-type Battle Soul King."

"Inner Court, Ling Luochеn. Rank forty-nine control-type Battle Soul Ancestor." The female student after Xixi was far more stunning. Unlike Ma Xiaotao's fiery allure, hers was a cool, aloof beauty. Her skin was white as snow, and she walked as though she weighed nothing at all. Her chilly demeanor easily left a deep impression.

What no one noticed was that after Ye Xixuan released his Martial Soul, an unusual gleam appeared in Ling Luochеn's eyes, though she normally seemed uninterested in everything.

The last to introduce himself was a handsome young man with a face as fine as jade. In looks alone, he could rival Ling Luochеn, and his soft-spoken manner held a delicate charm that stirred the urge to protect him.

"Hello, junior. My name is Gongyang Mo. Rank fifty-four support-type Battle Soul King."

"I suggest you keep any unnatural ideas about Xixuan out of your head. Our eldest senior sister has always valued him highly. Don't say I didn't warn you." Unable to help herself, Ma Xiaotao stepped between Ye Xixuan and Gongyang Mo and spoke irritably.

Gongyang Mo wasn't annoyed in the least. He smiled faintly. "How could I, Xiaotao? I'm simply looking out for our junior.

"You'd better really just be looking out for him." Ma Xiaotao snorted coldly.

"Introductions are over. Let's set off!"

Everyone, send a few monthly tickets and recommendation votes my way!

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(End of chapter)