Gu You smiled—not out of amusement, but because the headcount was just right. Seven people total. No need to rope in anyone unnecessary.
As for Ye Xinglan, his first impression of her had been quite poor. But after that apology back then, her proud young miss attitude had mellowed. After all, anyone who experiences a few trials in life would eventually shed their arrogance and become more composed.
"Everyone quiet down," Shen Yi said.
The classroom immediately fell silent. All eyes turned to Shen Yi.
"We have two new transfer students joining our class. Let me introduce them. This is Ye Xinglan, an assault-type Battle Soul Master. The other is Xu Lizhi, a food-type Tool Soul Master. Everyone, please welcome them."
Scattered applause rang out, though Gu You clearly heard someone behind him mutter under their breath, dissatisfied. "Since when did Shrek Academy become so lenient? Letting transfer students in? What a joke."
Xu Lizhi's large frame stood out the most at first glance, but Ye Xinglan had changed drastically over the past few years.
When they first met, they had only been around ten years old. Now, Ye Xinglan was thirteen. Girls matured early—she had already grown past 1.6 meters, with a tall and slender figure. Her long legs were particularly eye-catching. More importantly, her beauty was now second only to Xu Xiaoyan in the first-year class, drawing the attention of many boys.
However, her face still bore the same icy expression as before—cold and unapproachable.
Her eyes no longer carried that earlier arrogance, only a pure and frosty clarity.
"There are empty seats in the back. Since you're transfer students, go sit there for now. We're about to have a team competition with the sixth-years. You're welcome to form or join a team. I hope you both integrate well with the class."
When Ye Xinglan saw Gu You sitting near the front, her expression shifted slightly. She couldn't help but feel awkward. After all, that boy was the one who had defeated her—shattered her dream of being invincible.
She'd heard Xu Lizhi mention the possibility of Gu You being in the outer court, but she hadn't believed it. How could an inner court student be here?
Shen Yi had once mentioned that Gu You was technically an inner court disciple since his teacher was from there.
But to think someone more terrifying than a mere genius would actually choose to study in the outer court…
Shen Yi left the classroom, but the students' attention remained locked on Ye Xinglan and Xu Lizhi. Not that many people paid Xu Lizhi any mind—the focus was all on Ye Xinglan.
Luo Guixing was the first to approach. He walked up to Ye Xinglan with a smile. "Hello, I'm Luo Guixing. May I ask what your soul power rank is?"
Ye Xinglan spared him only a glance, then walked straight past him to the back of the classroom, completely ignoring him.
Luo Guixing was stunned. He considered himself good-looking and well-mannered, and he was also listed on the Young Genius Ranking. Normally, he received plenty of attention. But this new girl hadn't given him the slightest bit of face. Her attitude was downright cold.
Most of the first-year students' gazes followed Ye Xinglan as she walked to the back. Only Xu Lizhi approached Gu You, his face glowing with excitement.
"We're classmates now!" he said.
Gu You gave him a faint smile and patted the little chub on the shoulder. "We're short a few people in our team. Want to join?"
"Of course! If you're in, I'm in," Xu Lizhi replied immediately. Who wouldn't want free credits?
But then he lowered his voice and added, "Brother Gu, can we have Sister Xinglan join the team too? Otherwise she'll be all alone. With her personality, she won't go asking to join someone else's team. I just can't bear to see her left out."
Gu You nodded. "One more or one less won't matter. Seven's the limit anyway."
"Awesome, thanks!" Xu Lizhi puffed as he trotted over to the back to deliver the good news.
Ye Xinglan had already turned down Luo Guixing's attempt to be friendly, and most others didn't dare approach her after that.
Xu Lizhi ran over and said something to her. Her expression changed subtly. At first, she didn't want to agree, but after Xu Lizhi asked her a certain question, her mind shifted.
"Sister Xinglan, why do you train?" he asked.
"To become stronger," Ye Xinglan replied without hesitation.
Xu Lizhi's voice lowered into something firmer. "Our opponents this time are sixth-year students. They're all powerful. Don't you want to face them?"
"Strong?" Ye Xinglan raised a brow. She found that the chubby boy in front of her had changed a lot.
Xu Lizhi gave a calm smile. "It's a great opportunity to grow stronger. Better to stick with those you know. Join their team. With him around, you don't need to worry about winning or losing. Just show what you've got and see how much you've grown these past years."
Ye Xinglan made up her mind. She walked toward Gu You's seat.
Many students had wanted to team up with Gu You, but were rejected one after another. The reason was simple—his team was full.
"You look pretty confident," said a strange voice beside him.
Gu You turned his head and saw someone he had never interacted with—Zheng Yiran, the Green Serpent soul master, and the lowest-ranked member of the Young Genius Ranking.
"Confidence is a must for a Soul Master," Gu You replied with a smile.
Zheng Yiran scoffed. "Then I'd love to see how you plan to defeat everyone without ever having made the genius list."
Gu You frowned slightly at the clear tone of mockery but didn't respond.
'Just another clown…'
But Ye Xinglan, who had just walked over, couldn't tolerate it.
"Young Genius Ranking? What's that?" she asked, her voice cold, trying hard to restrain her irritation.
Zheng Yiran was briefly stunned. "You don't even know the Young Genius Ranking? It's a sub-list of the Continental Power Rankings. It's dedicated to young talents. Only thirty spots. I'm on that list," she said proudly.
To be fair, she did have reason to be proud—anyone who could make that list was no ordinary talent.
Ye Xinglan, however, continued to smirk and shook her head. "Never heard of it. I only recognize the Continental Power Rankings. If any of you were on that list, then maybe you'd be worth something."
To her, Gu You would one day be on that ranking, without question.
Gu You suddenly found himself enjoying this. This usually cold and distant Ye Xinglan had an unexpectedly cute side.
Having someone stand up for him—it felt pretty good.
Zheng Yiran sneered. "Oh yeah? Never heard of it? Fine then—how about we settle it in the arena. I'll show you exactly what that list means."
Ye Xinglan didn't reply. She just stared at her coldly.
After what happened last time…
(End of Chapter)
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