Inside a laboratory at the Sun Moon Empire Royal Academy.
Under Lin Jiayi's guidance, everyone was learning the basics of soul tools.
Unlike in the original work, where each student was assigned a mentor for individual instruction, this time, many Martial Soul Department students were included. Many of them didn't even know how to activate a soul tool, let alone understand its workings—this showed how much Yan Shaozhe despised the Soul Tool Department.
Jing Hongchen had invested heavily in this exchange, so he didn't mind taking the time to teach the Shrek Academy students.
The Soul Tool Department students from Shrek Academy, led by He Caitou, entered the mentors' laboratories just as in the original story.
As for the Martial Soul Department students, they had to start from scratch. Their foundation was simply too weak, and they lacked even the most basic knowledge of soul tools.
Among them, Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao were the most attentive listeners. The others, like Bei Bei and Xu Sanshi, were somewhat distracted. They had come to the Sun Moon Empire hoping to see the goddesses they longed for, only to find that both of them had joined the Mingde Hall—a place they were not qualified to enter.
"Senior Xu Cheng!"
Wang Dong sat up straight and was the first to notice the newcomer at the door, greeting him with delight.
Back in the Star Dou Forest, Xu Cheng had helped her resolve a hidden danger and even promised to lift the "seal" on her soul tool. Because of this, she naturally felt the closest to him among everyone present.
In the crowd, Zhang Lexuan also looked up upon hearing the voice. Seeing that familiar face, she bit her lip lightly, her mood inexplicably brightening...
"Hehe, Teacher Lin, how are they progressing?" Xu Cheng walked to the side with Lin Jiayi and asked with a smile.
"For those pursuing soul tool operation, it's simple. After all, they're the elite of Shrek Academy. But as for soul tool manufacturing... it's nearly impossible for them. Many of them aren't even interested and have an inherent disdain for soul tools. Except for Wang Dong, Xiao Xiao, and Ning Tian, the rest don't care about my lectures and seem to be just passing the time," Lin Jiayi said with a wry smile.
As a teacher, he was doing his best, following Jing Hongchen's instructions.
But after a whole month, except for the three he mentioned, none of the others had even reached the level of a Rank 1 Soul Engineer.
"Then let them switch to the practical control branch. We don't mind them learning. Aside from high-level secrets, our academy is open to them," Xu Cheng said with confidence.
"Understood." Lin Jiayi also smiled.
After speaking, Xu Cheng walked into the classroom.
He glanced around without lingering on Zhang Lexuan.
Then, he said calmly, "Are you all looking down on soul tools?"
Zhang Lexuan frowned slightly. He didn't even spare her a second glance.
Thinking about it, she smirked. It must be a young man's pride, just pretending to be indifferent…
She exhaled softly and became even more intrigued by him.
"Soul tools are nothing but crooked ways," Chu Qingtian said carelessly, crossing his legs.
As a senior student from the Inner Court, he was a staunch supporter of the Martial Soul Department and firmly opposed soul tools.
"Soul Emperor?" Xu Cheng smiled and scrutinized Chu Qingtian.
Xu Cheng's gaze wasn't sharp or condescending—just calm. But under his stare, Chu Qingtian still felt uneasy and shrugged. "Yeah."
"Too weak." Xu Cheng's tone was as calm as if he were stating a fact.
"My speed—" Chu Qingtian started.
"I said, too weak."
As Chu Qingtian's expression changed in shock and his soul power surged, Xu Cheng had already appeared beside him.
A hand lightly rested on his shoulder. His face remained indifferent.
"..."
Chu Qingtian slowly turned his head, his throat moving.
He hadn't even seen Xu Cheng's move.
"As a Soul Emperor, you should know… if I had wanted to, you'd already be dead." Xu Cheng shook his head.
Chu Qingtian looked shaken.
"An illusion?!"
He turned to see Zhang Lexuan slightly shaking her head before she spoke lightly, "When it comes to speed, he completely crushes you. Even if you use soul power and martial soul, the result is the same…"
"If I only use my martial soul, I have a hundred ways to crush you easily," Xu Cheng said with a smile, looking at the now-doubtful Chu Qingtian.
"You—" The latter was unwilling to accept it, but recalling Xu Cheng's performance in the All-Continent Soul Master Tournament, he swallowed his words, looking frustrated.
Even though he was an outstanding senior from the Inner Court and a Shrek student, in front of this monster who had effortlessly crushed Ma Xiaotao in her full state, he was simply not on the same level.
Bei Bei and the others remained silent.
They had witnessed it firsthand.
On Shrek's journey forward, Xu Cheng stood before them like an insurmountable mountain, suppressing them effortlessly with only his martial soul…
"My goal has never been just to fight across levels, but to transcend them," Xu Cheng said with a smile.
"For example, using soul tools, I can make a Soul King fight on par with a Title Douluo. I can stand here, press a button, and receive Shrek's surrender letter…
"A bloodless conquest of the continent, without harming a single civilian."
"What do you think?" Xu Cheng glanced at the embarrassed Chu Qingtian and shook his head. "If you have the strength, that's pride. But if you don't… you're just a frog in a well."
"I…" Chu Qingtian's face turned red.
"You're right. So, why don't you be our instructor?" Zhang Lexuan crossed her arms and stared at Xu Cheng.
She looked calm, but inside, she was nervous.
"..." Xu Cheng glanced at Zhang Lexuan, hesitated for a moment, and then nodded slightly.
That was his purpose for coming here.
To turn them. Completely turn them against their side.
Whether it was Wang Dong, Ning Tian, or his ultimate goal—Zhang Lexuan—he needed an excuse to get closer to them. And being a teacher was the perfect opportunity.
"Fine, I just happen to be free lately…" Xu Cheng reluctantly agreed.
Sitting in the back, Zhang Lexuan curled her lips into a faint smile.
Sure enough…
Her heart felt lighter, as if she had seen through all of Xu Cheng's pretense.
Why today, of all days?
Something had just happened last night.
Clearly, he was trying to get close to her.
Hmph.
A childish little boy.
But… being my teacher?
In her mind, the image of the young man sleeping in her arms last night surfaced.
A strange feeling welled up.
"My first lesson is over," Xu Cheng said, scanning the room.
"When learning something, always discard your arrogance and adopt the mindset of an apprentice."
"Of course, everyone has their own strengths. The Sun Moon Empire believes in teaching according to talent. So, if you're not interested in soul tool research, you can switch to the practical control branch. That way, you'll only need to learn how to operate soul tools. Since you're exchange students, our academy won't hold back."
"Clap, clap, clap!" Wang Dong enthusiastically applauded.
"Oh, right."
As he reached the door, Xu Cheng paused and glanced at Zhang Leyan.
"You, come with me."
Zhang Lexuan trembled slightly, a hint of blush appearing on her face.
Teacher. Student. Office.
When she was younger, she had read certain books and even imagined certain scenarios.
But as she matured, becoming the revered senior sister admired by thousands, she buried those thoughts deep inside.
Until this moment.
Especially considering her complicated relationship with Xu Cheng.
"Ahem. Qingtian, discuss whether you want to join the practical control branch. I'll go talk to him." Zhang Lexuan said seriously.
"Yes!" Chu Qingtian quickly responded.
No one noticed her unusual reaction.
As for Xu Cheng calling Zhang Lexuan to his office?
Well, she was the only one qualified to discuss matters with the prince.
What else could it be about?
…