Chapter 17: The Overbearing Wang Dong

"Mm, from what I can sense, this old fellow is indeed a Titled Douluo," Yao Lao's voice sounded in Xiao Yan's mind, laced with interest. "And not just any Titled Douluo, but one of the highest level. However, it seems he's suffered a serious injury; his body isn't in the best condition."

"A Titled Douluo?" Xiao Yan's heart skipped a beat. "Shrek Academy truly hides dragons and crouching tigers. Even a dorm caretaker is a Titled Douluo."

"Heh, I think he's likely one of Shrek Academy's grand elders, pretending to be an unassuming janitor," Yao Lao remarked casually.

With his unusual appearance, Xiao Yan stood out—his massive black ruler on his back left clouds of dust on the ground with each step. The elderly caretaker furrowed his brows slightly at the sight of the bizarre item, which looked neither like a weapon nor a soul tool.

As Xiao Yan was about to enter the dormitory, the old man extended his trembling hand, his voice raspy as he called out, "You, in black, show me your enrollment badge and dorm key."

Slightly taken aback, Xiao Yan reached into his pocket, producing his badge and dorm key, then handed them to the elder.

After glancing at them, the elder nodded and handed them back. "Go ahead. Room 108, third door on the left on the first floor. From the fourth floor up is the girls' dormitory. You're not allowed up there."

"If you're caught, you'll be expelled," he added.

"Understood." Xiao Yan nodded respectfully, bowed slightly, and then headed toward Room 108. On his way, he asked Yao Lao, "Teacher, could he sense your presence?"

"Relax," Yao Lao chuckled. "With his current strength, he's just shy of the Douzong level back on Dou Qi Continent. He won't notice me."

Following the old man's instructions, Xiao Yan quickly located his dorm room. Shrek Academy's dormitories were simple, with narrow hallways lined with doors, each marked with a number. The entire building appeared worn and aged.

Xiao Yan pulled out his key and unlocked the door, but as he opened it, a wave of stale, musty air rushed out, forcing him to step back. After a few moments, he re-entered, finding a room thick with dust and looking as though it hadn't been occupied for some time. Inside, there were two beds, a desk, and a lamp.

"Two beds? So, I have a roommate?" Xiao Yan muttered to himself, noticing the setup.

At that moment, Yao Lao's voice sounded in his mind. "Xiao Yan, if you plan to continue learning alchemy with me, it's best not to stay here. Why? I need to teach you personally, and my presence must remain hidden. Plus, with that old man nearby, my long-term exposure will eventually draw his attention."

Xiao Yan sighed, slightly exasperated. Why did the dorm require roommates? After a moment, he asked, "Teacher, then what should I do?"

After a brief silence, Yao Lao suggested, "You previously met two people from this academy in the Star Dou Forest, right? Try asking for their help. If money's an issue, we can remedy that easily—I'll refine some pills you can sell at the auction."

"And while you're there, find out if the auction house has any rare herbs or treasures that can restore soul power. Though I'm awake, I'm still far too weak."

"Got it, Teacher." Xiao Yan nodded. After tidying up briefly, he headed for the door.

However, as Xiao Yan reached the doorway, a young man walked in. The newcomer had a refined appearance, fair skin, and striking, pale blue eyes. His short hair was also blue, matching his elegant appearance, which even outshone Bei Bei's.

"And you are?" Xiao Yan asked, while Yao Lao muttered, "Strange… I sense an incomplete soul from this one. What could that mean?"

The youth gave Xiao Yan an arrogant glare and ordered, "Move."

"Oh?" Xiao Yan's expression darkened as he blocked the doorway, a hint of disdain in his eyes. "What if I don't?"

Xiao Yan valued loyalty and had always believed in repaying kindness with kindness, but he also held a principle of standing up against disrespect. He wasn't about to back down from a fight.

The young man scoffed, his tone sharp. "If you don't, I'll knock you down and step over you to get in. Believe me?"

"Just you?" Xiao Yan smirked, his face illuminated by the setting sun, his demeanor defiant.

The young man's eyes grew cold as he glared at Xiao Yan. Without another word, he extended his hands, a faint ripple of blue soul power gathering in his palms, though he refrained from attacking directly. "What's your name?"

"Xiao Yan," he replied, crossing his arms.

The young man's expression shifted to one of indifference. "I'm Wang Dong, your roommate. Since this is our first meeting, I won't hit you. However, you'll be cleaning this dorm. Also, remember a few rules. First, no bringing strangers back here. Second, don't wander around half-naked. Third, no snoring at night. And fourth—"

Before Wang Dong could finish his list of demands, Xiao Yan simply walked past him without a backward glance, leaving Wang Dong momentarily dumbfounded.

"You… you dare ignore me?" Wang Dong's face flushed with anger as he lunged forward, a blue streak of light trailing behind him as he shot toward Xiao Yan.

Hearing the sound of rushing wind, Xiao Yan smirked and turned, his hand rising in an unhurried arc. He called out, "Blazing Fire Palm!"

Blazing Fire Palm: A low-level Xuan skill capable of producing a strong, forceful impact.

This skill was the second Xuan-level technique Yao Lao had taught Xiao Yan during their journey to Shrek Academy.

With a sudden surge of energy, Wang Dong's face contorted as if struck by an invisible hammer. He staggered back over ten steps before managing to regain his balance, looking quite disheveled.

"Quite the attitude you have," Xiao Yan remarked with a sneer. "Maybe others are intimidated by you, but today you encountered me… Xiao Yan!"

"I've already decided not to stay here. You can handle the cleaning yourself. And don't provoke me again, or next time, my fists won't hold back."

With a contemptuous smile, Xiao Yan turned and waved his fist at Wang Dong in warning before walking away.

"You… What was that technique?" Wang Dong demanded, his voice laced with a mixture of anger and surprise as he rubbed his chest.

Xiao Yan glanced at him indifferently before examining his own hand. Despite the unimpressive name, Blazing Fire Palm had a powerful, forceful impact that left Xiao Yan quite satisfied.

Now, if only he had a technique that could create a powerful pulling force as well…

Seeing Xiao Yan's disregard, Wang Dong's face twitched with rage. "No one has

ever treated me like this before. If I don't defeat you today, I'm not Wang Dong!"