Tang San had already accepted his fate.
With his body completely immobilized, he could only watch as Lev's attacks rapidly approached him.
But at the last possible moment—
BOOM!
A massive figure suddenly appeared between them.
Zhao Wuji had managed to block the attacks in time.
The resulting impact sent powerful shockwaves through the surrounding forest.
"Lev, you bastard!"
Zhao Wuji glared at him furiously.
"Are you trying to kill Tang San?!"
Zhao Wuji was already injured from his earlier battle against the Titan Giant Ape. Nevertheless, he had been confident that he could withstand Lev's attacks.
That confidence disappeared the moment he actually blocked them.
His expression changed.
His arms trembled slightly.
A strange numbness had already begun spreading throughout his entire body.
'What kind of power was that?'
Zhao Wuji frowned as he cautiously stared at Lev.
He deliberately concealed his current condition.
He didn't want Lev to realize just how much damage those attacks had caused him.
If Lev knew that he was already struggling after blocking them, there was no guarantee that he would stop.
"Teacher Zhao, you shouldn't only look at this from Tang San's perspective."
Lev stared at Zhao Wuji without the slightest trace of fear.
"Have you ever considered what would have happened to me if I hadn't been strong enough to defend myself against his attacks and hidden weapons?"
His voice remained calm.
"And don't think you can simply take his side because someone ordered you to protect him."
Lev's eyes narrowed.
"I have eyes and ears, Teacher Zhao. I know what happened that night."
Zhao Wuji's expression changed.
The meaning behind Lev's words was unmistakable.
He knew.
But how?
Zhao Wuji became even more cautious.
He couldn't remember sensing anyone else around them that night. As far as he knew, only the people involved had been present.
'How did he find out?'
Meanwhile, Tang San had calmed down slightly.
The others, however, were completely confused by the conversation.
They had no idea what Lev and Zhao Wuji were talking about.
Yet there was one thing they couldn't ignore.
Lev had just used multiple different Spirit Abilities.
And some of them were abilities they had seen before.
How was that possible?
After remaining silent for a while, Lev finally sighed.
He gradually calmed himself down.
"As much as I want to be reasonable about this, I don't have the energy or time to linger around here."
His gaze shifted toward Tang San.
"Educate Tang San properly. I don't want to remain in a group with someone who tried to kill me without any valid reason."
"You—!"
Tang San angrily shouted.
However, the countless vines binding his body prevented him from doing anything more than struggle helplessly against them.
Lev then turned his attention back toward Zhao Wuji.
This time, there wasn't even a hint of respect in his voice.
"I'll head back first. We'll meet again at the academy."
He turned around.
Then he suddenly paused.
"How about coming with me?"
His gaze shifted toward Zhu Zhuqing.
"Traveling together with an injured teacher and this hot-blooded, murderous boy will only put you in unnecessary danger."
Zhu Zhuqing was momentarily stunned.
She hadn't expected Lev to specifically ask her to accompany him.
Everyone's attention immediately shifted toward her.
She felt somewhat awkward under their sudden gazes.
However, after thinking about it carefully, Zhu Zhuqing decided to make the safest choice.
She knew Lev's strength.
After everything she had witnessed, she was confident that he could protect her far better than the others could in their current condition.
"Alright."
She nodded.
Without saying anything more, Lev and Zhu Zhuqing turned around and began walking away.
The two figures gradually disappeared into the depths of the forest, leaving Zhao Wuji, Tang San, and the others behind.
For the first time since entering the Star Dou Great Forest, the group was completely divided.
And none of them knew what consequences Lev's decision would bring.
Seeing their departing figures, Zhao Wuji and the others were surprised that Zhu Zhuqing had actually accepted Lev's invitation.
They couldn't help but wonder when the two had developed such a relationship.
Dai Mubai, in particular, could only grit his teeth as he watched their backs gradually disappear from his sight.
Not long after, Zhao Wuji decided not to stop them.
After recalling the power behind Lev's earlier attacks, he had already realized that Lev was far stronger than he had initially assumed. Even now, his arms were still trembling from the lingering numbness caused by blocking those attacks.
'That boy…'
Zhao Wuji could only sigh inwardly before breathing a little easier.
At least Lev had chosen to leave rather than continue fighting.
His gaze then shifted toward Tang San.
"Tang San, give me one good reason why you suddenly attacked Lev."
Zhao Wuji's voice was stern as he stared at him.
Hearing the question, Tang San could only lower his head.
He remained silent.
Although he didn't say a single word, everyone had already guessed the reason behind his actions.
Xiao Wu.
Zhao Wuji saw that Tang San had no intention of answering and could only sigh.
"Calm down and rest for a while. We'll leave this place once everyone has recovered."
With that, the group settled down.
They sat on the ground and began resting and recuperating while silently processing everything that had happened.
However, their brief moment of peace didn't last long.
Ma Hongjun suddenly broke the silence.
"Teacher Zhao…"
His eyes were still wide with disbelief.
"Why do you think Lev can use our Spirit Abilities?"
His question immediately caught everyone's attention.
Dai Mubai and Tang San both looked toward Zhao Wuji.
Even Zhao Wuji was interested in the answer.
He had been wondering about the same thing ever since witnessing Lev use abilities that belonged to other Spirit Masters.
Unfortunately, he had absolutely no idea how Lev had accomplished it.
"I don't know."
Zhao Wuji shook his head.
As much as he wanted to understand Lev's strange ability, he knew that it was most likely a secret Lev had no intention of revealing.
Moreover, the more Zhao Wuji thought about Lev's abnormal abilities, the more uneasy he became.
If Lev possessed such terrifying power at such a young age, then the force standing behind him might be even more extraordinary.
The mere thought of offending such an existence caused a chill to run through Zhao Wuji.
'We absolutely cannot afford to offend him.'
After hearing Zhao Wuji's answer, Ma Hongjun and the others fell silent.
They exchanged glances as they began thinking about Lev.
Then Ning Rongrong suddenly spoke.
"What if… he can also use mine and Oscar's abilities?"
She hesitated for a moment before continuing.
"A-And maybe even yours, Teacher Zhao."
Ning Rongrong might have been a spoiled young lady, but she was far from ignorant.
As a member of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, she had received instruction from numerous capable teachers since childhood. Her knowledge of Spirit Masters and their abilities was far greater than most people her age.
Her words caused everyone to stop what they were doing.
A shocked expression appeared on their faces.
A faint trace of fear followed.
Zhao Wuji, however, thought of something even more terrifying.
'What if he can use every Spirit Ability he sees?'
His pupils contracted.
'That would be… terrifying.'
If Lev could truly replicate any Spirit Ability simply by witnessing it, then his potential would be almost impossible to estimate.
And if that were the case, allowing a conflict between Lev and Shrek Academy to escalate would be incredibly dangerous.
'I need to return and tell Boss about this.'
Zhao Wuji's expression became solemn.
'We absolutely cannot afford to offend Lev.'
His gaze darkened.
'If we anger him, it might not only put us in danger. The entire Shrek Academy could be dragged into it.'
******
Meanwhile, while everyone else was still dealing with their complicated emotions, the person at the center of their discussion was already moving through the vast forest alongside Zhu Zhuqing.
Their journey was quiet, with both of them remaining cautious as they traveled through the dense forest.
After some time, they arrived at an area with a relatively peaceful and pleasant atmosphere.
Lev suddenly stopped and looked around.
The sky was already dark, and judging from the time, returning to the academy tonight would be difficult.
'There's no point rushing back now.'
He decided that they would spend the night in the forest.
"Zhuqing."
Lev turned toward her.
"We'll set up camp here tonight. But before that, let's have a small spar."
Zhu Zhuqing looked at him in surprise.
"You might still be shaken by what happened earlier. If you have any questions, ask them now."
There was no ulterior motive behind Lev's suggestion.
He simply wanted to see how well Zhu Zhuqing had adapted to her newly acquired abilities.
"Why?"
Zhu Zhuqing frowned.
"And is it really appropriate to make this much commotion at a time and place like this?"
She couldn't help but wonder what was going through Lev's mind.
They were deep inside the Star Dou Great Forest, and it was already nighttime.
Yet he wanted to spar?
"If you're worried about the Spirit Beasts around us, you don't need to be."
Lev calmly replied.
"I have confidence that I can deal with them if any of them comes."
His expression then became slightly more serious.
"Truthfully, I'm more concerned about you."
Zhu Zhuqing's eyebrows twitched.
"Your performance throughout our journey has been disappointing."
Lev continued without holding back.
"As the person responsible for changing you into what you are now, it's also my responsibility to make sure you properly adapt to your newfound strength."
Before Zhu Zhuqing could respond, Lev's figure suddenly moved.
Infinity appeared in his hands.
He strode forward and struck first.
"Wait—!"
Zhu Zhuqing was caught completely off guard.
Bang!
Infinity struck her directly in the stomach.
She was sent flying backward several meters before managing to regain her balance and land on her feet.
Zhu Zhuqing immediately looked toward Lev.
His expression was completely serious.
There was no hesitation in his eyes.
He truly intended to fight her.
Lev tightened his grip around Infinity.
"Well?"
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Don't hold back."
He lowered his stance.
"I'm not planning to let you off until I'm satisfied."
With that, Lev rushed forward once again.
The night was still long.
And he intended to make full use of it before they finally rested.
**********
—Two hours later—
After two hours of sparring, Lev and Zhu Zhuqing finally stopped.
They now sat beside a crackling campfire, watching the flames dance in front of them as the scent of roasting Spirit Beast meat filled the air.
Despite the dangers of lighting a fire in the middle of the Star Dou Great Forest, Lev had no hesitation about preparing a barbecue for their dinner.
After everything they had experienced that day, a peaceful meal was more than welcome.
"Lev…"
Zhu Zhuqing suddenly spoke after they had spent some time talking.
"I've noticed something strange about you."
Lev glanced at her.
"Sometimes, I really feel like I'm not talking to someone my age."
Her voice carried genuine seriousness.
"Just who are you, really?"
Although her words were serious, her expression betrayed her somewhat.
Her eyes remained completely fixed on the meat roasting over the fire.
Lev was caught off guard by the question.
He stared at the flames for a moment.
'She's perceptive.'
After spending so many years in this world, his mental age was indeed far beyond what someone his physical age should possess.
Even back on Earth, he had matured much faster than others after losing his adoptive parents.
Perhaps that was why he often found it difficult to behave like someone his age.
Lev remained silent for a moment before answering.
"If fate allows it…"
He looked at the dancing flames before him.
"I'll tell you my story someday."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
For a brief moment, memories from the past surfaced in his mind.
Memories he rarely allowed himself to revisit.
Zhu Zhuqing glanced at him after hearing his answer.
She could tell there was more behind those words.
Her curiosity only grew.
But when she saw the faint, charming smile on Lev's face, she couldn't help but blush slightly.
She quickly lowered her gaze toward the fire, pretending to be more interested in the roasting meat than in him.
**********
—Two days later—
Suotuo City,
After two days of traveling, Lev and Zhu Zhuqing finally arrived in Suotuo City.
The first thing they did was return to Shrek Academy to check on the others and see what had happened in their absence.
To their surprise, they were the first ones to arrive.
Flender was equally surprised to see them.
He immediately questioned Lev and Zhu Zhuqing about what had happened, asking why they had returned ahead of the others and what had occurred after they separated from Zhao Wuji's group.
After answering his questions, Flender finally allowed them to leave.
With that settled, Lev persuaded Zhu Zhuqing to return with him to the hotel.
He arranged for her to have a room of her own.
His intention was simple.
Since he planned to train her from time to time and help her become more familiar with her newly acquired abilities, having her stay nearby would save them both the trouble of constantly traveling back and forth between the hotel and the academy.
For Zhu Zhuqing, it also meant that she could receive Lev's guidance without having to waste valuable time on the road.
**********
—Three days later—
Shrek Academy,
Three days had passed.
During that time, Lev and Zhu Zhuqing had gradually developed a strong sense of trust toward each other.
After spending so much time together, they had learned more about one another, and their relationship had grown beyond that of ordinary classmates.
They could now be considered trusted friends—or, more accurately, something closer to a master-and-disciple relationship.
Zhu Zhuqing had also gradually become acquainted with Tsunade.
After meeting several times during those days, the awkwardness between them had mostly disappeared, and they were now comfortable enough around each other to interact normally.
This time, however, Lev and Zhu Zhuqing were running toward the academy.
They had received word the previous day that the others had finally returned, so they immediately made their way back.
After traveling without stopping for long, the two finally arrived at Shrek Academy.
The moment they reached the academy grounds, they noticed several familiar figures standing outside the main building.
Flender.
Zhao Wuji.
And an unfamiliar middle-aged man.
Tang San, Dai Mubai, and the other students were also there.
The moment Lev saw the middle-aged man, his eyes narrowed slightly.
He immediately remembered this event.
'So he finally arrived.'
Even though the events in the Star Dou Great Forest had caused several things to deviate from the original course of events, this person had still appeared.
There was no mistaking him.
The middle-aged man standing before them was none other than the person known as the Grandmaster—
Yu Xiaogang.
Seeing Lev and Zhu Zhuqing arrive, Flender and the others immediately turned their attention toward them.
Flender, in particular, stared intently at Lev.
Zhao Wuji had already explained everything that had happened during their journey to the Star Dou Great Forest, including the incident involving Tang San and Lev.
Lev remained silent.
Zhu Zhuqing also said nothing.
Flender could only sigh before walking toward Yu Xiaogang.
"Since everyone is here, allow me to introduce the person beside me."
Flender gestured toward Yu Xiaogang.
"He is the man who, through years of research, established what are known as the Ten Great Spirit Competences. He is regarded as one of the most knowledgeable and accomplished figures in Spirit theory, and he is also Tang San's teacher."
Flender paused before continuing.
"His name is Yu Xiaogang."
"Perhaps his name alone doesn't mean much to you, but I'm sure most of you have heard his title."
He looked at the students.
"From now on, you may call him Grandmaster."
Yu Xiaogang remained silent as Flender continued.
"Since almost everyone only returned yesterday, I imagine you're all still relatively exhausted."
Flender looked at the students.
"So, today will be a day off. You may rest and recover. Tomorrow, classes will resume as usual."
After saying this, Flender looked toward Yu Xiaogang.
Yu Xiaogang nodded before stepping forward.
His gaze swept across the seven Shrek students.
"Later, I will formulate specialized training methods for all of you."
His expression was serious.
"Apart from coordination and cooperation, I do not wish to hear any objections or dissent."
His eyes became slightly sharper.
"Regardless of who you are, I will treat everyone equally."
After making his intentions clear, Yu Xiaogang's gaze suddenly landed on Tang San.
"Speaking of which, Tang San…"
He paused.
"I've been meaning to ask you something."
His expression became slightly puzzled.
"Why haven't I seen Xiao Wu? Where is she?"
The moment those words were spoken, the atmosphere immediately became heavy.
Tang San and the others fell silent.
The memories of what had happened inside the Star Dou Great Forest resurfaced in their minds.
Tang San's fists slowly clenched.
He was still unwilling to accept what had happened.
He wanted to go after Xiao Wu.
He wanted to find her.
But Zhao Wuji and Flender had refused to allow him to leave.
There was also another matter that continued to bother him.
Lev's words.
'Someone ordered you to protect him.'
Tang San had asked Zhao Wuji and Flender who Lev had been referring to.
Neither of them had given him an answer.
The frustration continued to build inside him.
Tang San lowered his head and clenched his fists even tighter, swallowing down all the questions and anger he wanted to release.
For now, however, he could only suppress his emotions and focus on the situation before him.
Yu Xiaogang immediately sensed that something was wrong.
He glanced at Tang San and the others before deciding not to press the matter.
"Hmm. Let's talk about it later, then."
His gaze soon shifted toward Lev.
"And you? Who might you be?"
"Lev Hendrix. It's nice to meet you, Grandmaster."
Lev answered with a faint smile.
Dai Mubai and the others, however, remained silent. None of them seemed to be in the mood for conversation, their expressions still carrying the weight of everything that had happened in the Star Dou Great Forest.
Yu Xiaogang noticed the strange atmosphere.
'Something must have happened between them… and this Lev.'
His gaze swept across the students before he finally spoke.
"Very well. You may all disperse for now. Gather here early tomorrow morning."
He paused before adding sternly,
"And I don't want to see anyone absent from breakfast. Otherwise, you'll receive special training."
"Tang San, follow me."
With that, Yu Xiaogang turned around and left.
Tang San glanced at Lev for a moment before following his teacher.
One by one, the others also began leaving.
Seeing this, Lev turned toward Zhu Zhuqing.
"Do you want to head back?"
Zhu Zhuqing was about to answer when another voice suddenly interrupted them.
"Zhuqing, we need to talk."
Dai Mubai stood nearby, his expression serious as he looked at Zhu Zhuqing before briefly shifting his gaze toward Lev.
Zhu Zhuqing's expression immediately turned cold.
She looked at Dai Mubai for a moment before glancing toward Lev.
She had no desire to become entangled with Dai Mubai again.
But fate seemed determined to keep dragging them back into the same conflict.
Before responding, she subconsciously looked at Lev, as though wanting to know what he thought about the situation.
Lev noticed her gaze and smiled.
"You can follow me afterward. Just don't take too long."
He then turned around and left.
Although they had only spent a few days together, Lev wasn't dense enough to miss the subtle changes in Zhu Zhuqing's behavior.
He could already tell that she was beginning to develop feelings for him.
Ning Rongrong, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun could clearly sense the heavy and awkward atmosphere.
None of them wanted to get involved.
The three exchanged glances before quietly returning to their respective dormitories, leaving Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing behind.
Once everyone else had left, Dai Mubai finally exploded.
"Zhuqing, what the fuck is going on between you and Lev?"
His fists were clenched tightly.
He had been holding back his frustration ever since seeing the two of them together, and now he finally had the opportunity to confront her.
"Why would you even care?"
Zhu Zhuqing's voice was cold.
She looked at Dai Mubai as though he were nothing more than an annoyance.
After spending the past few days with Lev, she had come to understand him better.
Yes, she still considered him a pervert.
But compared to Dai Mubai, Lev was at least someone she could rely on.
She had also heard about how caring he could be from Tsunade and had witnessed it herself.
He was nothing like Dai Mubai, who had abandoned everything and fled from his family as though he had left nothing and no one behind.
"You—you do remember that you're my fiancée, right?"
Dai Mubai's anger intensified.
"So you better restrain yourself."
"Mubai."
Zhu Zhuqing's expression remained cold.
"I've already decided."
She looked directly into his eyes.
"In this life, I will follow Lev."
Her voice was firm.
"So mind your own business and stop trying to cause trouble between us."
"Are you out of your mind?!"
Dai Mubai could no longer contain his anger.
"There is no way our families will simply cancel our engagement!"
"Hmph."
Zhu Zhuqing snorted.
"I'll make it happen."
She turned around and prepared to leave.
But suddenly, Dai Mubai reached out and grabbed her arm.
"Wait—"
"Take your hand off me."
Zhu Zhuqing looked back.
For the first time, there was genuine anger in her eyes.
Dai Mubai was momentarily stunned.
He had rarely, if ever, seen Zhu Zhuqing display such obvious anger toward him.
Yet despite that, he didn't release her.
This was the last thread he was desperately holding onto.
No matter how he looked at it, Zhu Zhuqing had changed.
She was no longer the same girl he had known.
Seeing that Dai Mubai had no intention of letting go, Zhu Zhuqing immediately released her spirit.
A powerful aura surged around her.
Dai Mubai's expression changed.
But his reaction came too late.
Bang!
Zhu Zhuqing moved at incredible speed and kicked him directly in the stomach.
Dai Mubai's body was sent flying backward before crashing heavily onto the ground.
He struggled to sit up, anger and disbelief written across his face.
"Do you really hate me that much?"
"Mubai…"
Zhu Zhuqing looked at him coldly.
"Don't think I don't know how many innocent girls you've already taken to bed."
Her expression was filled with disgust.
"I don't want to marry a man like you."
She paused briefly.
"Even if my family forces me to."
With that, Zhu Zhuqing turned around and left without looking back.
Dai Mubai remained on the ground, staring at her departing figure.
His heart felt as though it had been torn apart.
His eyes slowly narrowed.
'Lev…'
The image of Lev and Zhu Zhuqing together immediately surfaced in his mind.
He clenched his fists.
There was nothing he could do.
He could only force himself to stand despite the pain before angrily walking away.
He needed to cultivate.
He needed to become stronger.
And as he disappeared into the darkness, one thought continued repeating inside his mind.
'It's all his fault.'
*****
Nearby forest,
Following the direction Lev had taken, Zhu Zhuqing quickly caught up with him.
The moment she found him, she didn't wait for him to say anything.
She immediately rushed forward and tightly embraced him.
Tears began falling from her eyes.
For the first time, Zhu Zhuqing felt as though she had finally made her decision.
She would no longer allow Dai Mubai to dictate her future.
Whatever happened from this point onward, she would move forward and focus on the life she wanted for herself.
"Z-Zhuqing…"
Lev wasn't particularly surprised by her sudden embrace.
However, things quickly became complicated.
An intoxicating scent suddenly entered his nose.
His body stiffened, and his hands began trembling slightly.
The Ancient Incubus bloodline within him reacted almost immediately.
Lev lowered his gaze toward Zhu Zhuqing.
At almost the exact same moment, Zhu Zhuqing also looked up at him.
Their eyes met.
For a brief moment, neither of them said anything.
Then Zhu Zhuqing finally gathered her courage.
"Lev…"
Her voice was soft and trembling.
"I think… I like you."
The moment she finished speaking, Zhu Zhuqing moved closer.
She closed her eyes and pressed her lips against his.
She knew exactly what direct contact with Lev could do to her.
But at this moment, she didn't care.
Her emotions had completely overwhelmed her reason.
Her arms trembled slightly as she held onto him, revealing just how much courage it had taken for her to make this decision.
Lev stared at her for a moment.
Seeing her closed eyes and trembling body, he could feel the sincerity behind her actions.
His heart was touched.
He slowly wrapped his arms around her waist and returned the kiss.
At the same time, he could feel his own restraint beginning to weaken.
'This is going to get complicated…'
Fortunately, Lev had already anticipated that something like this might happen.
Before meeting Zhu Zhuqing, he had already summoned Tsunade.
He wasn't going to let his instincts completely take control of the situation.
For now, however, he simply held Zhu Zhuqing in his arms as the two remained together beneath the quiet night sky.