Ye Guyi had seen Xu Zihuang's memories, so naturally, she knew about Inner Court's eldest senior sister Zhang Lexuan.
A person like the eldest senior sister Zhang Lexuan possessed tremendous personal charm, easily making others genuinely acknowledge and respect her from the bottom of their hearts.
During the years Xu Zihuang spent at Shrek Academy, Zhang Lexuan had taken especially good care of him.
Ye Guyi had seen all of this with her own eyes. As the saying goes, love the house and its crow, because of this connection with Xu Zihuang, she also felt quite close and affectionate toward Zhang Lexuan.
However, there was another reason: there had never been any ambiguity between Xu Zihuang and Zhang Lexuan. The two of them had always maintained a purely senior sister–junior brother relationship.
Ye Guyi walked behind, holding Xu Zihuang's arm, while Zhang Lexuan led the way in front, personally escorting Ye Guyi to be settled on Sea God Island.
Zhang Lexuan had started taking on some teaching duties at the academy very early on. She mainly worked together with Cai Meier to handle the assessment of newly admitted Inner Court disciples. Cai Meier served as the chief examiner, while she was the deputy examiner, along with several senior teachers from the Inner Court, forming the examination panel together.
Elder Xuan had specifically called Zhang Lexuan over because she was very familiar with these matters. However, because of the astonishing talent Ye Guyi had displayed, the most crucial part of the assessment was directly skipped.
Shrek Academy was located in the mid-southern part of the continent, with a pleasant climate and spring-like weather all year round. Even in winter, the breeze blowing against one's face carried only a slight chill.
Today, Zhang Lexuan wore a long blue dress that further accentuated her slender figure, fully displaying a gentle and serene temperament.
In terms of height, Ye Guyi was taller and more statuesque, but her noble and aloof aura could not overshadow Zhang Lexuan's radiance. Coupled with Xu Zihuang, who also exuded an otherworldly temperament, the three of them walking together along the mountain path instantly formed a striking and beautiful sight.
Along the way, Zhang Lexuan patiently explained things about Shrek Academy to Ye Guyi.
When they reached the mid-mountain area, taking advantage of a moment of free time, Ye Guyi sincerely thanked Zhang Lexuan.
"Senior sister, I heard Tianhuang mention you very early on. Thank you for taking care of him all these years."
Zhang Lexuan stopped walking, turned around with a gentle smile, and looked at Ye Guyi and Xu Zihuang.
"Guyi, actually, I didn't do anything particularly special for Tianhuang. The achievements Tianhuang has today are entirely due to his own talent and hard work. In terms of innate talent, I feel inferior to him. In the history of the academy, even in the entire history of the soul master world, Tianhuang's talent is truly one of a kind."
Xu Zihuang simply smiled and said nothing.
There was no need to hypocritically deny it. These were facts laid plainly before everyone's eyes. How could the brilliance of heaven's chosen son be easily concealed?
Zhang Lexuan's gaze lingered on Xu Zihuang for a moment before she continued speaking to Ye Guyi:
"And it's not just Tianhuang, Guyi, your talent is also better than mine. I'm afraid even Xiao Tao cannot compare to you."
"Xiao Tao?" Ye Guyi slightly furrowed her beautiful brows.
Zhang Lexuan thought Ye Guyi was curious about who "Xiao Tao" was, so she gently explained:
"Xiao Tao is also one of our Inner Court students, but she's currently not at the academy. However, she should be back before tomorrow evening. Tomorrow night is our academy's annual Sea God Fate event. Almost all Inner Court disciples will participate. When the time comes, I'll introduce her to you, and also introduce you to the other female Inner Court disciples. After all, everyone will be spending a long time together from now on."
Ye Guyi first glanced at Xu Zihuang, then asked Zhang Lexuan with great interest:
"Senior sister, what exactly is this Sea God Fate event?"
Xu Zihuang had never participated in this so-called Sea God Fate event, and nothing about it appeared in the memories she obtained from him.
Zhang Lexuan gave a slight smile.
"This is a traditional event of our academy…"
She then roughly explained the rules of the Sea God Fate event to Ye Guyi.
"I will be one of the hosts for tomorrow night's Sea God Fate event. So, Guyi, are you interested in participating?"
Ye Guyi pondered for a moment, then a charming smile bloomed once again on her beautiful face.
"In that case, eldest senior sister, count me in."
As she spoke, Ye Guyi turned her head to look at Xu Zihuang, the smile on her lovely face becoming meaningful.
"Tianhuang, you participate too."
Xu Zihuang's expression froze slightly, but Ye Guyi paid him no further attention. She stepped forward to stand in front of Zhang Lexuan.
"Senior sister, I would like to ask you for a favor."
"Guyi, just say it."
"Could you please temporarily not announce the relationship between Tianhuang and me?"
Zhang Lexuan looked at Ye Guyi. Although she didn't know exactly what Ye Guyi planned to do, she still nodded with a smile.
Xu Zihuang's expression became somewhat subtle; he vaguely guessed what Ye Guyi was thinking.
Sure enough, he then heard Ye Guyi's urging:
"Alright, Tianhuang, you don't need to accompany me anymore. Otherwise, others might see us and realize our relationship. From here on, senior sister can take me the rest of the way."
Xu Zihuang helplessly shook his head and could only bid farewell to Zhang Lexuan.
"Senior sister, then I'll go first."
"Tianhuang, go ahead." Zhang Lexuan nodded slightly.
"Beibei and the others are currently at the Tang Sect residence in Shrek City. The Tang Sect mansion is not far from our academy; you should be able to see it at a glance once you get there."
After saying that, Zhang Lexuan was pulled away by Ye Guyi.
From Xu Zihuang's angle, he happened to catch the subtle curve that lifted at the corner of Ye Guyi's mouth.
If he participated in the Sea God Fate event, Ning Tian definitely would not be absent.
And now with Ye Guyi added to the mix. He didn't even need to think to know that the Sea God Fate event tomorrow night would surely be exceptionally exciting.
Watching the graceful departing figures of Ye Guyi and Zhang Lexuan disappear, Xu Zihuang let out a soft sigh. Suddenly, as if sensing something, he raised his head and looked toward the Sea God Lake south of Sea God Island. Golden light flashed in his eyes. A figure rapidly came into focus in his vision. Behind that figure were two dazzling wings of deep blue light.
It was Ning Tian, hurrying over from Shrek City using her flying-type soul guidance device.
Xu Zihuang's eyes returned to their deep purple color. His spiritual power instantly extended outward with his body as the center, reaching toward Ning Tian's direction.
Hearing Xu Zihuang's voice in her ear, Ning Tian joyfully controlled her flying soul guidance device and came to a stop.
At the same time, Xu Zihuang tapped the tip of his foot and flew through the air without using a flying soul guidance device or his second soul skill, Mirror of Annihilation.
Generally speaking, only soul masters who had reached the Soul Saint rank or above could achieve unaided flight. This was because only Soul Saints and higher could precisely control the vast soul power within their bodies to release uplifting or propelling air currents.
Xu Zihuang fully met these conditions. Ever since he condensed a spiritual-attribute soul core and his soul power broke through to rank 69, the total amount of his soul power had already genuinely reached the Soul Douluo level. His soul power recovery speed was comparable to that of a Titled Douluo.
With his spiritual power having reached the tangible and substantial stage, he flew even more calmly and effortlessly than an ordinary Soul Douluo.
It was just that this kind of flight consumed a considerable amount of soul power and was far less efficient than using a flying soul guidance device, which was why he rarely did it.
In the blink of an eye, Xu Zihuang arrived above Sea God Lake. Passing through the hazy mist of water vapor, he appeared in front of Ning Tian.
Ning Tian's slightly curly platinum-blonde hair cascaded over her fragrant shoulders. The white pleated dress embroidered with blue iris flower patterns fluttered in the wind. Looking at the youth she had longed for day and night, soft light shimmered in her water-blue eyes.
Xu Zihuang smiled gently and opened his arms, tenderly drawing Ning Tian into his embrace.
The sweetness in her heart almost overflowed. Ning Tian tightly wrapped her arms around Xu Zihuang's waist and back in return.
Xu Zihuang freed his right hand to touch Ning Tian's fair and flawless cheek. The warm, delicate sensation lingered on his fingertips. Then, under Ning Tian's gaze that carried a hint of shyness along with anticipation and affection, he slowly leaned down, their breaths mingling.
A moment later, Xu Zihuang carried Ning Tian as they floated gently toward the lakeside path. His right forearm supported her hips, while his other hand rested on her soft, boneless waist.
"Why did you come over now? I was just about to go find you."
"You've been gone for almost half a year. Can't I be worried about you?" Ning Tian wrinkled her delicate nose and smiled as she looked straight into Xu Zihuang's eyes.
"Besides, I miss you too."
The Ning Tian right now was the most genuine version of herself. She no longer had to overanalyze every word and action when she was with Yu Tianhuang; she simply expressed her true feelings.
"I could feel that."
Xu Zihuang gave a light chuckle, causing Ning Tian's cheeks to flush slightly. The longing that had built up over such a long time indeed made her body's instinctive reaction especially intense just now.
Xu Zihuang gently used his spiritual power to press down the hem of Ning Tian's skirt.
"In the future, don't wear skirts like this when using a flying soul guidance device."
"Mm." Ning Tian obediently agreed, a radiant smile blooming on her lovely face.
"I usually wouldn't do this. Today was a special situation."
Only then did Ning Tian notice that Yu Tianhuang was actually flying purely through soul power. She couldn't help but part her red lips in surprise.
"Tianhuang, have you broken through to Soul Saint?!"
"Not yet. You know my situation is a bit special, so I was able to grasp this ability ahead of time."
Although Yu Tianhuang said this, Ning Tian had a strong intuition that after this training journey, Yu Tianhuang's strength seemed to have improved significantly once again.
Of course, she would only sincerely feel happy for Yu Tianhuang about this.
While talking, Xu Zihuang had already carried Ning Tian down to the lakeside path. The two of them held hands and walked toward the east city gate.
Ning Tian leaned affectionately against Xu Zihuang and softly said:
"Tianhuang, are we going to see senior sister Tang Ya and senior brother Beibei now?"
"Later. We'll see them sooner or later anyway. Today I just want to be with you." Xu Zihuang tightened his grip on Ning Tian's soft, delicate hand.
Ning Tian raised her head to look at Xu Zihuang. The sweetness and tenderness in her eyes grew even deeper.
The golden-red trees planted along the lakeside path reflected the entire lake surface in a golden-red hue. Leaves fell one after another with the wind, drifting beside the two of them and landing on the clear surface of Sea God Lake, creating faint ripples.
This scene evoked memories between Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian. Their earliest intimate moments had all taken place right here on this lakeside path. It had also been early winter like this.
Xu Zihuang casually brushed away a golden-red leaf that had fallen into Ning Tian's hair.
Ning Tian, who had been lost in memories, came back to herself. She lightly pursed her red lips, stood on tiptoe, and actively wrapped her arms around Xu Zihuang's neck, reenacting the scene from that night.
The difference was that, on that night, fine rain had been falling, and Huo Yuhao had dashed through the drizzle, breaking the ambiguous atmosphere between them.
And by a remarkable coincidence, Huo Yuhao appeared once again right now.
Bang, bang, bang, low, urgent footsteps sounded. A disheveled Huo Yuhao came running frantically from the direction of Shrek Academy's Outer Court soul guidance department.
He was the same age as Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian, yet his height barely reached 1.7 meters, even a little shorter than Ning Tian. His black hair covered his forehead, faintly revealing bloodshot eyes beneath.
At this moment, Huo Yuhao was covered in bloodstains, his face deathly pale, his steps unsteady and staggering.
"Why?! Why?!"
Huo Yuhao wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes, roaring furiously in his heart.
"I clearly worked harder than all of you, so why am I the only one who didn't pass the graduation assessment?! Why, after I trained with everything I had, is this the result I get?! Why?!"
After studying in the soul guidance department for so many years, he had clearly shown good talent in manufacturing soul guidance devices. Yet every time he was filled with hope, cruel reality would shatter it once again.
Unlike the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy, the soul guidance department of Shrek Academy's Outer Court did not have such strict divisions. And according to the long-standing philosophy of Shrek Academy, the graduation assessment for the Outer Court soul guidance department still focused on actual combat ability.
The requirement to graduate from Shrek Academy's Outer Court soul guidance department was soul power above rank 30, and using a self-made soul guidance device to defeat a thousand-year soul beast, without being allowed to use installed soul guidance devices during the fight.
Combined with his several spiritual-attribute soul skills, Huo Yuhao's combat ability was quite good among the three-ring Soul Elders.
But that was only among three-ring Soul Elders. Usually, a thousand-year soul beast was stronger than a three-ring Soul Elder.
In the end, he suffered because his soul power rank was too low. Among Soul Elders of the same level, the higher the soul power rank, the greater the power one could draw from a soul guidance device. Especially among low-tier soul masters, soul power rank was directly tied to combat strength. This was also why many soul masters in the Sun Moon Empire gave themselves soul power amplification soul skills.
With soul power barely reaching rank 32, Huo Yuhao was at a severe disadvantage. Worse still, he had unluckily drawn a thousand-year soul beast specialized in defense. He couldn't break through its defenses and was toyed with from start to finish.
Looking back on his six years at Shrek Academy, Huo Yuhao felt it had all been a farce.
The painful experiences made him realize that coming to Shrek Academy might have been a mistake from the very beginning.
Repeated blows had plunged him into intense self-doubt. The despair in his heart, along with his hatred for his mother's sake, completely drowned him.
At that moment, from the corner of his eye, Huo Yuhao caught sight of Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian beside him.
Ning Tian had her eyes closed in deep emotion, her long lashes trembling slightly, carrying a faint mist of water; every action came purely from instinct. Xu Zihuang sensed Huo Yuhao's presence and gave him an indifferent glance.
He hadn't expected to run into Huo Yuhao here either. It was as if some kind of fate had guided this meeting.
Xu Zihuang didn't deliberately do anything, but ever since he successfully condensed a spiritual-attribute soul core, weaker soul masters who met his gaze would feel their minds shaken.
Already in poor condition, Huo Yuhao lost his balance and pitched forward, about to crash into the ground. But just as he was about to make contact with the earth, an invisible force gently supported him and steadied his body.
A low, muffled groan startled Ning Tian. But when she opened her eyes, all she saw was a thin, staggering figure running away.
Xu Zihuang's state of mind remained completely undisturbed by Huo Yuhao's appearance. Whether Huo Yuhao resented him or not made no difference to him, because he simply didn't care what Huo Yuhao thought or did. Helping Huo Yuhao steady himself wasn't done to gain anything from him; it was merely because the situation had arisen because of his own presence.
He took Ning Tian's hand again, a gentle smile appearing on his face as he started walking once more.
"Let's go."
"Mm." Ning Tian also paid it little mind, withdrew her gaze, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth as she softly replied.
What Xu Zihuang didn't know was that this act of his had pierced Huo Yuhao's heart even more deeply.
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