To achieve the desired tender texture, the thousand-year-old spirit crocodile meat was minced into tiny granules, coated with a special syrup, and mixed with a few pre-prepared seasonings. It was then simmered over low heat in boiling water for half an hour before being taken out and topped with another layer of sauce that had been prepared in advance...
And just like that, a classic dish—crocodile head—was successfully plated.
This was the final step in the cooking process, leaving Wang Qiu'er utterly stunned.
Looking at the table, where each piece of food was meticulously arranged with near-mechanical precision, the differences between them no more than a fraction of a millimeter, shimmering like exquisite works of art, she was left in awe.
Before coming here, she had imagined that the human world would be different from the world of soul beasts. But seeing the "hardcore dishes" laid out in front of her, she realized just how much she had underestimated it.
Xu Cheng wiped his hands with a towel, casually slinging it over his shoulder. He didn't have the slightest air of a noble prince; instead, he looked just like a chef who had just finished cooking, casually sitting next to Wang Qiu'er.
"Here, try it. We're all friends, so consider this my welcome gift to you."
"Wuuu…" Wang Qiu'er swallowed her saliva and grinned. "Alright, alright! If you ever need anything, just come find me. I look forward to our cooperation!"
Then, without hesitation, she dug in.
The moment she bit into the sweet-and-sour lion bone, her beautiful light-blue eyes widened into an "O" shape, round as full moons.
She was stunned for several seconds.
Then, she started devouring the food like a storm.
Xu Cheng simply sat back, smiling as he watched.
When friends come, they are served fine wine.
True sincerity is met with true sincerity.
That was the principle he lived by. Of course, this only applied to people he knew well—characters from the original story, people whose nature and background he was already familiar with. For them, he rarely played tricks and was always sincere.
As for the Auspicious Beast… it seemed the original story never fully explored her potential as a glutton.
Maybe in the later stages, Huo Yuhao would only be roasting fish for her...
After wolfing down her food, Wang Qiu'er couldn't help but lick her plate. Only then did she pat her now slightly rounded belly and lean back in her chair, looking utterly content.
All her life, in the eyes of outsiders, she had been a cold and aloof beauty. As a soul beast entering the human world for the first time, even though she joked about being like a long-haired princess escaping from a witch's castle, deep down, she was highly vigilant. Years of subtle influence had ingrained a deep wariness toward humans, which was why she always wore a veil and kept her distance.
But with Xu Cheng, she had unknowingly let down all her defenses.
Greedy, curious, like a little cat, she observed this human city with fresh eyes.
"Mm?" Wang Qiu'er suddenly realized something. Xu Cheng… hadn't taken a single bite?
Her rosy lips parted slightly, her delicate face showing a hint of embarrassment.
"You haven't eaten?"
"I'm not hungry. Besides, this meal was prepared to welcome you. It's also a way for me to show off my cooking skills to a new friend." Xu Cheng chuckled. "All my friends have tried my cooking. Since you're new here, it's only right that I give you a proper welcome."
"Friend…" Wang Qiu'er's eyes flickered with emotion.
This was the second time Xu Cheng had emphasized that word.
"Yes, friends," Xu Cheng said with a bright smile.
Seeing that she had fallen into silence, he smoothly changed the topic. "Since you're here, how about I show you around?"
Arranging Wang Qiu'er's accommodation was a bit tricky.
However, Mingde Hall had two divisions: the Combat Soul Tool Department and the Manufacturing Department. With Wang Qiu'er's strength as a rank 61 Soul Emperor, the instructors and even Elder Jing would definitely be thrilled. After all, such a top-tier talent… even Shrek Academy would treat her as a treasure.
Of course, that was only if she was willing to join.
A few minutes later—
Lin Jiayi grinned, "Ahem, Miss Qiu'er, our Combat Soul Tool Department has stunning scenery, friendly classmates, and an incredibly strong faculty. We have three rank-eight soul engineers leading the department. If you choose Mingde Hall, it will definitely be far superior to the so-called Inner Court of Shrek Academy! Choose us, and—"
"Is he here?" Wang Qiu'er cut him off, staring at him with calm eyes.
"Uh… Yes, of course! His Highness Xu Cheng originally studied in the Sun Moon Empire, and now he's advancing his studies in Mingde Hall. Though he belongs to the Manufacturing Department—" Lin Jiayi's face lit up with an understanding smile.
"Is there a difference?" Wang Qiu'er frowned slightly.
"There's a little difference, but both departments are in the same building, so the distance isn't far." Lin Jiayi hurriedly explained.
"Then, I'll join," Wang Qiu'er nodded.
"Great, great! I'll process your enrollment immediately!" Lin Jiayi dashed off like the wind.
"Friends should stick together, don't you think?" Wang Qiu'er glanced at Xu Cheng, a mischievous glint in her ocean-blue eyes.
Sunset Forest
Somewhere in mid-air.
Xuanzi carried Tang San on his back, muttering to himself.
"You really should head back to Shrek Academy as soon as possible. I'll find a healing-type soul master for you. Don't leave behind any hidden injuries. As for revenge… you can take care of that later."
"But…" Tang San bit his lip, his eyes bloodshot.
Why did things turn out this way?
Shouldn't he, the mighty Tang God-King, have taken his revenge, eradicated his inner demons, and paved the way for his bright future?
Why didn't Elder Xuan appear from the beginning? Why did he have to become the fool in all of this? Every time he recalled what happened, he wanted to curl his toes in embarrassment. It was humiliating!
He, Tang San, had never made such a fool of himself before!
Thankfully, no one knew Elder Xuan's real condition. Otherwise…
"Elder Xuan, why didn't you wake up?" Tang San couldn't understand.
Xuanzi's face darkened. "Mind your own business, kid!"
If he could be woken up so easily, then ten years ago, those Inner Court students wouldn't have died at the hands of a hundred-thousand-year soul beast.
Tang San was silent.
He had thought Elder Xuan, as Shrek's strongest, would be like a hidden master.
Who would have thought… he was this unreliable?
But now, he had suffered a major loss, and there was a high chance he would run into those two women again in the future. Just the thought of it made him feel suffocated. If they met four years later at the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament, his identity would surely be exposed, and he would be mocked in front of everyone.
If that happened, how would he maintain his dignity? How could he lead the three nations of the original continent and Shrek Academy to glory once more?
If people looked back in the future, his past wouldn't be a tale of triumph. It would be a history of utter humiliation!
"Sigh, look down there."
Elder Xuan suddenly stopped mid-air, hovering as he gazed downward. "Take a good look—are those the ones who did this to you?"
"...It really is them!" Tang San's face lit up with joy before quickly turning ice-cold.
His Purple Demon Eyes acted like a telescope, allowing him to see clearly—the two girls were sitting by a fire, looking completely at ease.
His heart surged with hatred.
You two…
While I was nearly freezing to death in that cave, you were out here enjoying yourselves like you were on vacation?
Why?!
But soon, a rush of vengeance swept through him, making him shudder with excitement.
"Elder Xuan, it's them! They were the ones who stormed into the cave, froze me, mocked me, and then left without a care! You must avenge me!"
The last time, Elder Xuan had been in deep sleep and hadn't woken up.
But now?
A level 98 Titled Douluo in his prime couldn't possibly fail to handle these weaklings, right?
Kill them all!
Tang San's eyes gleamed with the intoxicating pleasure of revenge. He wanted those two to suffer endlessly!
"Good! Today, they'll see what it means when Shrek Academy protects its own!" Elder Xuan's voice was icy cold.
Tang San was his direct disciple. Seeing his disciple injured like this, how could he not retaliate? As an elder and a guardian, he needed to teach these people a harsh lesson!
But just as Elder Xuan's overwhelming soul power surged through the area, shocking everyone below and making them look up in alarm—
He suddenly noticed someone familiar nearby.
For a brief moment, he hesitated.
And then—
Boom!
An even stronger presence exploded in response.
A dark green wave of soul power completely countered his earth-yellow energy, forming a protective barrier around Mu Xue, Vina, and the others.
Elder Xuan's arrogant expression froze.
This old guy?!
In terms of strength… he really wasn't a match for him.
And on top of that, the other man wasn't alone—he had brought a group of powerful Body Sect members!
"Heh, Elder Xuan, long time no see," the man chuckled. "I see you've resorted to bullying juniors now? Typical of Shrek Academy's shameless nature."
The speaker was none other than Du Busi, the legendary Poison Immortal of the Body Sect!
Elder Xuan's expression darkened. "Tch, and since when do you have such a kind heart?"
"Well, these two girls happen to be my sect's Saintesses. I can't let you do as you please. If it were anyone else, I wouldn't have cared," Du Bushi sneered.
"Saintesses?" Elder Xuan's expression twitched.
The Body Sect's Saintesses… That was troublesome.
And with this old poison bastard here personally, there was no chance to strike.
"Hmph! Your so-called Saintesses ambushed my disciple while I was resting! They nearly killed him! Shouldn't I settle this score?" Elder Xuan's eyes narrowed dangerously.
"Oh? That happened?" Du Busi suddenly looked delighted.
Tang San: ???
"My Saintesses are princesses," Du Bushi said with a grin. "They believe in etiquette, morals, and all that nonsense, which completely contradicts the Body Sect's free-spirited philosophy. I've spent years trying to teach them to be ruthless—if they like something, take it; if they dislike someone, beat them up. But they always refuse…"
"And yet, today…"
Elder Xuan: …
"Damn, you really are something else, old poison bastard."
"Enough," Du Busi waved lazily. "Have the two of them come up and thank your disciple properly. Though honestly, if they actually went out of their way to attack him… Elder Xuan, you sure know how to pick your students."
His gaze shifted to Tang San, scrutinizing him.
"My disciple is the most respectful and loyal! Don't even try to sow discord!" Elder Xuan said proudly.
Du Bushi burst into laughter. "Respectful and loyal? Hah! Elder Xuan, I have a good eye for people… And your disciple? Tsk, tsk, tsk…"
Tang San's face remained calm, but his fingers dug into his palms, drawing blood.
He wanted nothing more than to kill this old bastard on the spot.
But he wasn't strong enough.
And even Elder Xuan had lost the will to fight.
They could only endure.
Mu Xue and Weina activated their flying soul tools and ascended into the air, respectfully bowing to Du Busi.
"Master."
"I heard you two stormed into a cave and beat someone up for no reason. Is that true?" Du Bushi asked with a teasing smile.
"Master, we encountered a twenty-thousand-year Netherblood Cat…"
Weina immediately explained everything in great detail, sparing nothing.
"That's not true! You're lying!" Tang San's expression turned pitiful, looking utterly betrayed. "I took you in out of kindness, and you—"
Weina's face flushed red in anger, and the two immediately launched into a heated argument.
But Tang San was still Tang San.
Even when at a disadvantage, he remained as calm as an old dog, his acting skills flawless.
"That's enough, Weina. Come back," Du Bushi said lazily.
Weina clenched her fists, but Mu Xue gave her a look, and she reluctantly backed down.
"Let's leave it at that. There's no point in arguing about what happened. You and your disciple should return to heal before you get yourselves killed out here," Du Busi smirked.
"Hmph! Just you wait!" Elder Xuan spat before turning to leave with Tang San.
But at that moment—
A golden light engulfed the entire area.
A voice, calm and indifferent, echoed through the air:
"The Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well trial is now open. Eligible young talents may enter. Mu Xue, Weina, do you wish to participate?"
"Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well?!"
Elder Xuan immediately went on high alert.
Meanwhile, Tang San's eyes widened in pure excitement.
That voice—it's Jiao Jiao!
What luck! I've been searching for this place, and now it just appears in front of me?
"I'm in! I want to participate!" Tang San shouted, shooting a look at Elder Xuan.
This was the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well!
Even if it didn't match his memories, as long as it still contained the Ten-Thousand-Year Immortal Herbs, he could rise again!
"I'm in!"
"I'll participate as well!"
Mu Xue and Vina answered without hesitation.
The Body Sect members remained calm, as if they had expected this.
But then—
Another voice spoke up.
And when Tang San turned to see who it was, his breath caught in his throat.
A thirteen-year-old boy stood there.
His bright, intelligent eyes, his handsome face, his extraordinary presence…
Even among geniuses, he stood out.
"Luck…" Tang San swallowed hard.
He didn't even need to hear the name.
It was him.
One of his most important chess pieces.
His future son-in-law.
Huo Yuhao.
Why… Why is he here?!
"Good. Three eligible candidates detected. Prepare for the trial."
The golden light flashed—and Mu Xue, Weina, and Huo Yuhao vanished.
Tang San shut his eyes.
When he reopened them—
The world remained unchanged.
He had been left out.
"Wait… WHAT ABOUT ME?!" Tang San roared in fury.
Du Busi grinned. "Guess you just didn't qualify."
"Not qualified? How is that possible?! If even I don't qualify, then who in this world does?!" Tang San was on the verge of collapse.
How dare they!This spirit-gathering formation was personally designed by me! The fact that these creatures could grow into hundred-thousand-year soul beasts was all because of my handiwork! And now they dare to shut me out?!What he didn't know was…
Though his talent and strength might have been sufficient, Electrolux, upon creating the secret realm, had already excluded Tang San from the selection list at Xu Cheng's request—even if he was just a lingering soul.
"Arrogance in youth is fine, but only if you have the strength to back it up. Even my disciple, Long Aotian, wouldn't dare say such words. In my eyes, only one person in the past five hundred years truly had both the power and qualifications. Compared to him… you're ten thousand miles away." Poison Immortal sneered disdainfully.
He admired geniuses, but Tang San clearly wasn't one of them.
"Why… why is this happening?!" Tang San clutched his head in despair. The hope that had just filled his heart was instantly shattered—this blow was simply too devastating.
"Old Poison, what exactly was that just now?" Xuanzi had no time to comfort Tang San. Instead, he turned to Poison Immortal, who was still grinning, and asked solemnly.
"Heh, no comment." Poison Immortal chuckled. "You'd better hurry up and take your disciple back to the academy to heal. If he dies out here, don't even think about pinning it on our Body Sect."
"Hmph! I'll remember this!" Xuanzi, furious, grabbed Tang San and left.
(End of this chapter)