"So never count on others. Only when your own fists are strong do you speak with confidence," Yan Shaozhe said earnestly.
"This world is cruel. It has always been governed by the law of the jungle, survival of the fittest. That is the true nature of this world."
"Previously, our Shrek Academy was able to stay above the fray because we stood at the top of the food chain. No one dared to provoke us, and we could suppress or devour anyone we pleased."
"Teacher, I understand," Ma Xiaotao nodded emphatically.
"But don't feel pressured. Just concentrate on your cultivation. I believe that with your talent, you'll soon reach a height even I must look up to. The revitalization of Shrek Academy all depends on you!"
Yan Shaozhe's words were full of hope for Ma Xiaotao.
"Teacher, I will definitely work hard," Ma Xiaotao reassured with conviction.
Yan Shaozhe stood up and said, "Go on, you don't need to keep me company. Your room is still there. I've had people tend to it often, so it's very tidy. It has been a long time since you've been back; have a good rest. You don't need to have any concerns. This is your home. If anyone wants to harm you, they'll have to step over my body first."
Ma Xiaotao looked deeply at Yan Shaozhe, then nodded slowly, "Alright, teacher, don't overwork yourself. I believe Shrek Academy will get through this difficult time and once again dominate Soul Land with the grandeur of a king."
"Hehe, I'm looking forward to that day as well," he chuckled.
Yan Shaozhe seemed to be amused by Ma Xiaotao's innocence.
...
When Ma Xiaotao returned to her residence, looking around at everything familiar, her gaze was as undisturbed as an ancient well.
She was no longer herself.
The things that once mattered to Ma Xiaotao now held no significance to her.
It was as if there had always been two souls in Ma Xiaotao's body, and now the real Ma Xiaotao was hiding somewhere, with the current Ma Xiaotao unable to resonate with her past memories.
Her former memories felt like someone else's life.
"What should I do? There are many strong individuals at Shrek Academy. If I act rashly, I could very well cause trouble and expose my identity."
"But if I don't send the message back, the Sect Hierarch and my mentor might worry," she pondered while pacing back and forth in her room.
The Sect Hierarch was naturally Zhong Liwu, and her mentor was Feng Ling.
It was quite ironic.
She had lived in Shrek Academy from childhood, but the sense of belonging she felt for the Holy Spirit Cult, where she had only spent a short time, was stronger.
...
"Beibei, you're back?"
"And who is she?"
In the Sea God's Pavilion, as soon as Beibei, accompanied by Tang Ya, entered, they encountered a very pretty young girl.
Tang Ya did not recognize the girl.
But Beibei did.
It was Zhang Lexuan, the genius young girl valued by Mu En.
The reason she was in the Sea God's Pavilion was at the arrangement of the venerable elders.
There was no choice.
With Shrek Academy surrounded by crises, strong individuals were desperately needed, and Zhang Lexuan was one of the top geniuses in Soul Land, a talent worth nurturing to dominate her generation.
Hence, after the Sea God's Pavilion was rebuilt, the elders requested that Zhang Lexuan go nowhere else and to cultivate peacefully within the Pavilion, with all her needs provided for.
If she encountered any difficulties in her training, she was to speak directly to the elders, and she would surely receive guidance.
Zhang Lexuan had no objections to this.
Within the Sea God's Pavilion, the Elder she detested, Xuan Zi, had already died, so it made no difference to her where she was.
Moreover, having a Titled Douluo-level expert available for guidance was a rare opportunity.
Mentioning Zhang Lexuan necessarily brings up Mu En.
One must admit, Mu En went to great lengths for Beibei, seeing his talent, and then morally blackmailing him, causing a girl in the bloom of youth to become a child bride for his successor.
Haha, they say that Mu En's life was free of blemishes, but the deeds he committed weren't necessarily above board.
Although he later claimed it was just a casual remark, who would dare to take his words as a mere joke?
Title Douluo of Level 99, the peak powerhouse of Soul Land—would he joke with you?
What sort of level is that?
Therefore, in Shrek Academy, among the younger generation, all the male students kept their distance when interacting with Zhang Lexuan.
Just to avoid any misunderstandings with Mu En.
But what did Beibei do?
Clearly, there was a girl in Shrek Academy remaining faithfully single for him, yet he was busy flirting with others outside.
"Lexuan sister, this is Tang Ya, remember her? The one I've told you about?"
Beibei said, and right in front of Zhang Lexuan, took Tang Ya's hand.
Zhang Lexuan was instantly taken aback.
Tang Ya's affair was something Beibei had talked to her about, and she had kept it in mind all along.
Not long ago, Tang Ya suddenly disappeared, and during that time, Beibei searched frantically like a madman, but unfortunately found nothing.
After a very long time, Beibei finally snapped out of that frenzied state.
However.
Just when she thought the matter was going to pass, Tang Ya appeared again?
How suspicious!
Don't ask why, just chalk it up to a woman's intuition!
She harbored no romantic feelings for Beibei, always treating him as her younger brother.
But nominally, she was Beibei's fiancée.
No matter what the reason, Zhang Lexuan felt she had the right to look out for Beibei.
Meanwhile, Tang Ya also appeared shocked at the news.
Although she had never met Zhang Lexuan, Beibei had already mentioned her to her, and today she finally met her in person.
But in her heart, it didn't matter.
First of all, she didn't doubt the nature of Beibei's feelings for her.
Second, she no longer felt anything for Beibei, so there was no need to consider whether Beibei would really end up together with her.
Their union, after all, would certainly raise questions in Zhang Lexuan's mind.
"Tang Ya, I'm pleased to meet you. Beibei often spoke of you," said Zhang Lexuan, with a smile on her face.
The corners of Tang Ya's mouth twitched slightly, and a forced smile appeared in her eyes, "Senior sister, Beibei has also mentioned you to me. Even when I was also a member of Shrek Academy, I heard of many of your exploits. I have always admired you deeply in my heart."
"Hehe, little sister, you flatter me too much; after all, we are all one family," Zhang Lexuan said, approaching Tang Ya. "But there's something I'm curious about—where have you been all this time? Beibei practically turned Soul Land upside down but couldn't find you."
Beibei hastily interrupted Zhang Lexuan, "Lexuan sister, I think it's better you don't ask. I already know about these things. I'm going to take Xiao Ya to the resting place first. After I see her settled, I will come back and tell you about her experiences during this period."
He felt that, while Zhang Lexuan seemed close to Tang Ya, there was a sense of judgment in the air.
He was afraid Tang Ya might be displeased.