"Senior Xu is really so gentle, I'm crying to death."
"Indeed, no one deserves the title of Shrek's Most Affectionate more than Senior Xu."
"If you ask me, Senior Xu's cultivation talent and looks are second to none in the entire outer court—only Senior Bei could compare. I really don't know why Senior Sister Jiang dislikes him so much."
"I think Senior Xu is really a bit too humble. There are plenty of outstanding female students in the academy, so why insist on Senior Sister Jiang?"
"You don't get it. This is called devotion! He's not like you animals with your dirty thoughts. Disgusting."
The students all discussed animatedly. As a popular figure of the outer court, Xu Sanshi was always the focus of gossip.
"What's wrong with that guy Xu Sanshi today? What's gotten into him?" Tang Ya, who had come to Shrek Square with Beibei, asked with wide phoenix eyes full of confusion.
"Doing this, isn't he making things even more hopeless with Jiang Nannan?"
"Who knows?" Beibei shrugged. His gentle and scholarly demeanor made him far more likable than Xu Sanshi.
But Tang Ya, who knew Beibei extremely well, sharply caught the trace of amusement in his eyes.
"Beibei, what bad idea are you scheming this time?"
Beibei only smiled without answering.
Tang Ya rolled her eyes playfully and didn't press further.
"I'll go find little Yuhao first. I promised him at noon we'd go outside the academy to roast fish. Come find me at the east gate later."
The commotion in Shrek Square quickly died down once Xu Sanshi and Jiang Nannan left.
But the matter was still the talk of the entire academy.
Meanwhile, as Xu Zihuang and Tuoba Yu were heading to the cafeteria for dinner, they encountered a familiar face at the entrance.
It was a middle-aged teacher with an ordinary appearance—none other than Wang Yan, the teacher who had observed their Class Nine combat assessment that day.
Spotting Xu Zihuang, Wang Yan eagerly strode forward.
"Teacher Wang, were you waiting for us?" Xu Zihuang asked curiously, seeing him block their way.
Wang Yan's reaction was far more intense than he expected. Staring at Xu Zihuang excitedly, he said,
"No, I came specifically to find you."
Originally, Wang Yan had planned to apply at the Academic Affairs Office to teach a theoretical class on martial soul classifications to Class Nine, to get closer to Xu Zihuang and observe his martial soul.
But after class ended today, Mu Jin had personally brought up Xu Zihuang's martial soul.
Since Wang Yan's obsession with body martial souls was well known throughout Shrek Academy, Mu Jin was glad to give him this favor.
At the same time, she wanted to use Wang Yan to learn more about Xu Zihuang's martial soul.
Competing secretly with Class One's homeroom teacher Zhou Yi, she was determined to win the freshman assessment. She had to ensure she formed a strong seed team to take first place.
Tuoba Yu knowingly bowed to Wang Yan.
"Teacher Wang, you two talk. I'll take my leave."
In high spirits, Wang Yan nodded with a smile, then warmly placed his hand on Xu Zihuang's shoulder.
"Student Yu, could I borrow some of your time? I'd like to talk with you."
"Teacher Wang, you're too polite. I don't have anything planned anyway." Xu Zihuang smiled. He knew Wang Yan had probably learned something about his martial soul. There was no need to hide it.
Through Wang Yan, he could subtly showcase his talent and draw the academy's attention sooner.
Suppressing his excitement, Wang Yan said softly, "Come to my office."
Wang Yan's office was located in the faculty building behind the purple and black teaching blocks.
His position in the outer court was high, granting him a spacious private office. Yet its decor was simple, without extravagant furnishings.
Aside from a polished golden nanmu desk and chair, and a soft sofa for guests, the rest of the space was filled with bookshelves, packed with thick books and scrolls showing signs of frequent use.
After locking the door, Wang Yan personally poured Xu Zihuang a steaming cup of tea.
"Sit, make yourself comfortable."
Of course Xu Zihuang wasn't restrained. He held the cup with both hands, sat on the sofa, and smiled at Wang Yan.
"Teacher Wang, I suppose you want to ask about my martial soul?"
"Is your martial soul your eyes?!" Since Xu Zihuang had said it so directly, Wang Yan didn't hide his intent.
When Xu Zihuang nodded, Wang Yan instantly jumped up in excitement.
"So it really is a body martial soul!"
Taking a deep breath, he asked nervously, "Then are you from the Body Sect?"
Xu Zihuang fell silent at that. His reaction made Wang Yan's heart tighten.
If Yu Tianhuang was from the Body Sect, then all his efforts would be meaningless.
People from the Body Sect would never share their secrets about cultivating body martial souls.
Under Wang Yan's anxious gaze, Xu Zihuang shook his head helplessly.
"Teacher Wang, I'm not from the Body Sect. Actually, I came to Shrek Academy hoping to use the academy's connections to reach them. I've heard the Body Sect has secret methods for cultivating body martial souls. I should be able to benefit from them. Does the academy have any way of contacting the Body Sect?"
His sincere words convinced Wang Yan for the most part.
A flash of ecstasy shone in his eyes as he sat back down. But Yu Tianhuang's openness about contacting the Body Sect also worried him deeply.
Such a genius must not be handed over to the Body Sect!
At eleven years old, already at Spirit Elder level—it was very likely he had undergone a second awakening of his body martial soul. And not just any awakening, but an innate second awakening!
But such sensitive questions he dared not ask directly.
Taking a deep breath to calm his shock and joy, Wang Yan said,
"Student Yu, Shrek Academy's relationship with the Body Sect has never been good. I'm not sure if there's a way to contact them. But what I can guarantee is that here in the academy, you will receive the best treatment. In martial soul research, even the Body Sect cannot compare to us."
Of course, he also had his own motives.
Though Shrek Academy's research into martial souls was deep, they had no experience teaching body martial souls.
Checking the time, Wang Yan continued, "I'll have someone bring some food over. We can eat while we talk. Perhaps I can give you some direction and advice for your future cultivation."
"Then I'll trouble you, Teacher Wang." Xu Zihuang accepted his goodwill.
This Teacher Wang indeed had genuine knowledge.