Zhang Lexuan was momentarily startled upon hearing this but then gently wrapped her arms around Su Yu's waist, nestling herself into his embrace.
"I'm already close to reaching the highest level of Shrek Academy. How could I give up halfway at this point?"
"When I become the Pavilion Master of the Sea God Pavilion, I'll be able to help you more, won't I?"
Su Yu buried his head in Zhang Lexuan's soft hair and said casually, "Honestly, the strength of Shrek Academy has never been something I've taken seriously."
"Sister Xuan, stay by my side, okay?"
The undercover mission at Shrek Academy that Zhang Lexuan was carrying out was never Su Yu's plan.
He wouldn't bother concocting such a scheme for something so meaningless.
It was simply because Zhang Lexuan wanted to do it, so Su Yu chose to let her go along with it.
But as things stood, Shrek Academy was nothing more than a shadow of its former self, with only a handful of capable individuals remaining. Even if Su Yu truly needed assistance, it wouldn't be of much help.
In Su Yu's opinion, instead of wasting her time there, Zhang Lexuan would grow faster if she stayed by his side.
Zhang Lexuan lifted her head, gazing into Su Yu's eyes. The usually sharp and icy blue of his gaze was now softened with tenderness.
Her heart fluttered slightly as she raised a hand to gently caress Su Yu's face. Her lips parted softly, her tone gentle.
"Xiao Yu, you're talking nonsense again."
"If I were to retreat now, wouldn't all my previous efforts be wasted?"
"Besides, even though Shrek Academy has suffered heavy losses, there's one undeniable fact."
"The network of connections it has is indeed incredibly extensive. Graduates of Shrek Academy have infiltrated all aspects of the three major empires."
"Though they may not seem significant in ordinary times, at critical moments, they can play a considerable role."
"The influence of Shrek Academy is still not something to be underestimated."
"And..."
Zhang Lexuan paused. Her jade-like finger lightly poked Su Yu's chest.
"Xiao Yu, do you truly have no ambition to rule the world?"
"You're spouting nonsense, Sister Xuan. The more you speak, the more outrageous you sound."
Su Yu denied it outright.
"Don't even try."
Zhang Lexuan rolled her eyes and said, "Do you think you can hide your thoughts from me?"
"I don't know what your ultimate goal is, but I know your ambitions are anything but small."
"Ruling the world may not be your goal, but it's a stepping stone toward it."
"Xiao Yu, are you still hiding things from me, even now? That hurts me, you know."
Zhang Lexuan's eyes turned red as if she were about to cry, her expression pitiful and heart-wrenching.
Su Yu's mouth twitched. "Sister Xuan, your acting is getting more and more exaggerated."
Zhang Lexuan remained unmoved, and tears seemed ready to fall at any moment.
Su Yu sighed helplessly, "Alright, Sister Xuan, I won't push you anymore. As long as you're happy."
In an instant, Zhang Lexuan's tears turned into a bright smile. Her crescent-shaped eyes seemed to glow with joy.
She gently stroked Su Yu's cheek and whispered, "Xiao Yu, no matter what you plan to do, I want to help share your burdens."
"I don't want to be just a pretty vase by your side. I want to be someone who can support you when you need it."
"Trust me, Xiao Yu. One day, I will completely take control of Shrek Academy."
"Completely taking control of Shrek Academy won't be easy. Many stubborn old factions won't submit so easily," Su Yu said.
Zhang Lexuan's smile remained, but a hint of sharpness flashed in her eyes. "Don't worry, Xiao Yu. I've got it under control."
Su Yu sighed softly, looking at Zhang Lexuan in front of him with a somewhat complicated expression.
She was inherently a kind-hearted girl, but she had been dragged into political struggles because of him.
He knew very well that Zhang Lexuan, by nature, disliked such things.
All she wanted was to help him.
To be honest, Su Yu didn't care much for the resources Shrek Academy could offer. But Zhang Lexuan's persistence was something he couldn't refuse.
In some ways, Zhang Lexuan was a stubborn and headstrong person.
Once she set her sights on him, she chose him unwaveringly and would never falter.
She wanted to share his burdens, refused to be a mere decoration, and was even willing to go undercover at Shrek Academy, striving to climb to the top.
She was truly a wonderful girl, but this stubbornness sometimes left Su Yu feeling helpless.
"Sister Xuan, you're perfect in every way, except you never listen to me."
Su Yu grabbed Zhang Lexuan's hand and sighed softly.
Zhang Lexuan's beautiful eyes sparkled with laughter, filled with tenderness. She teased, "Is my little Xiao Yu complaining about his big Sister now?"
"Fine, when Xiao Yu grows up, I will listen to everything you say."
"And when exactly is 'grown up'? I think I'm mature enough already."
Su Yu pulled her closer by her waist, their bodies pressing against each other. A playful smile danced on his lips as his gaze turned mischievous.
A faint blush spread across Zhang Lexuan's face. Her expression was tinged with shyness and panic.
"Xiao Yu, you're being naughty again. You're still so young and already acting like a rogue."
"This counts as being a rogue?" Su Yu's eyes glimmered with amusement.
"Sister, it seems you still lack experience. Let me give you a proper lesson."
"Ah—!"
Before she could react, Zhang Lexuan felt herself lifted off the ground, a startled cry escaping her lips.
Her arms instinctively wrapped around Su Yu's neck, her cheeks flushed as she stammered, "Xiao Yu, you're still young. You can't do bad things!"
Su Yu said nothing, merely tightening his hold on her and heading toward the sleeping chambers.
...
Su Yu carried Zhang Lexuan into the dimly lit chamber, her heart pounding against his chest. As he laid her on the silk sheets, she trembled with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. Her untouched body quivered beneath his hungry gaze.
"Xiao Yu..." she whispered, blushing deeply as his fingers traced the curves of her face.
"Shhh," he soothed, slowly undoing her robes. "I'll be gentle. Let me worship every inch of you."
Her breath hitched as the silk fell away, exposing her virgin flesh to his heated stare. Her pink nipples pebbled in the cool air, begging for attention. Su Yu lowered his head, drawing one sensitive peak into his mouth. His tongue swirled and flicked, making her arch up with a desperate cry.
"Ahhhnn! It feels... strange..." she moaned, overwhelmed by the new sensations. His hand slid down her flat stomach, teasing between her trembling thighs. She was already dripping wet, her untouched flower weeping with need.
"So responsive," he growled against her breast, fingers circling her swollen pearl. "Your body was made for pleasure." He slipped one finger inside her tight entrance, making her gasp at the foreign intrusion.
"Xiao Yu! It's... ahhh!" Her virgin walls clenched around his digit as he slowly worked her open. A second finger joined the first, stretching her carefully.
His robes fell away, revealing his impressive manhood. Zhang Lexuan's eyes widened at the sight. "Will it... will it fit?" she asked nervously.
"We'll go slow," he promised, positioning himself at her entrance. The thick head pressed against her, making her whimper. "Relax for me, sister..."
She cried out as he pushed forward, her virgin barrier giving way. Tears leaked from her eyes at the sharp pain. Su Yu stilled, letting her adjust to his size.
"The pain will pass," he murmured, kissing away her tears. True to his word, the discomfort gradually faded into pleasure as he began to move. Each thrust sent sparks of ecstasy through her body.
"Ahh! Ahh! More!" she begged shamelessly, wrapping her legs around him. Her inner walls fluttered and squeezed his length, drawing him deeper.
Su Yu groaned at her tight heat. "So perfect... so pure... mine..." He increased his pace, hitting spots inside her that made her see stars.
"Something's happening!" she cried as pressure built low in her belly. "Xiao Yu!"
"Let go," he commanded. "Come for me..."
Her virgin body convulsed in its first orgasm, inner muscles clamping down on him like a vice. The sight of her coming undone triggered his release, filling her with his hot seed.
They lay tangled together, both breathing heavily. Zhang Lexuan felt different - changed, claimed, complete. Su Yu kissed her tenderly.
"Now you're truly mine," he whispered possessively. "And I'll spend every night teaching you new pleasures..."
She blushed deeply but smiled, knowing this was just the beginning of their passion.
"Turn over for me," Su Yu commanded huskily, his hands gripping Zhang Lexuan's hips. She complied shyly, getting on her hands and knees, her long black hair cascading down her back.
"Like this?" she asked breathlessly. His approving growl made her shiver as he ran his hands over the smooth curves of her ass.
"Perfect," he purred, positioning himself behind her. "I'm going to take you like this now..." He thrust forward, making her cry out as he filled her from a new angle.
"Ahhh! So deep!" she moaned, gripping the sheets. Each powerful stroke hit spots that made her see stars. "Xiao Yu! It's too much!"
"You can take it," he growled, increasing his pace. His hands kneaded her breasts as he pounded into her. "Your body was made for this..."
After bringing her to another screaming climax, he flipped her onto her back again. "I want to see your face while I claim you," he said, hooking her legs over his shoulders.
"Ohhh!" The new position let him drive even deeper. Zhang Lexuan's eyes rolled back in pleasure as he mercilessly struck her sweet spot.
"Look at me," he demanded. "Watch as I make you mine over and over..."
Her walls clenched around him as another orgasm approached. "Please! I can't... ahhhnn!"
"You can and you will," he growled, pounding his hips faster. "Come for me again, sister..."
She shattered with a wail, her body convulsing. Su Yu followed soon after, spilling deep inside her once more.
But he wasn't done yet. Rolling onto his back, he pulled her on top of him. "Now ride me," he commanded. "Show me how much you want this..."
Zhang Lexuan blushed but slowly began to move, gasping at the new sensations. Su Yu's hands guided her hips, teaching her the rhythm he wanted.
"That's it," he praised as she found her pace. "Take your pleasure from me..."
They continued exploring each other's bodies throughout the night, trying different positions as Su Yu thoroughly claimed every inch of her. By dawn, Zhang Lexuan was thoroughly debauched, marked as his in every way possible.
"Now you know exactly how grown up I am," Su Yu smirked, pulling her against his chest. She could only nod weakly, too exhausted to speak.
"Rest now," he murmured, kissing her forehead. "I plan to teach you even more..."
Zhang Lexuan shivered in anticipation.
...
Not far from Zhang Lexuan's quarters was the temporary residence of Yan Shaozhe and Ling Luochen.
Shui Lingguang had arranged for them to stay in the same area, given their shared background.
At this moment, in another part of the palace, Yan Shaozhe stood with his hands behind his back, quietly observing the icy-blue waters outside.
"The water is so cold, but the elemental energy here is incredibly dense. If one can endure the cold, training here would be highly beneficial," Yan Shaozhe murmured to himself.
"This Ice God Palace truly is a cultivation paradise. For ice-attribute soul masters, this must be heaven."
"It's no wonder they've accumulated such a profound foundation over countless years."
As he marveled, Yan Shaozhe's expression turned grim.
"The Holy Spirit Cult with two Ultimate Douluos and no fewer than ten Super Douluos."
"With such terrifying strength, if the Ice God Palace doesn't intervene, who could stop them?"
"My Shrek Academy, tasked with monitoring the continent, already has deep grievances with the Holy Spirit Cult."
"If the Holy Spirit Cult attacks one day, it will surely be catastrophic."
"And Su Yu refuses to ally with any faction. What a headache."
Yan Shaozhe sighed deeply, feeling utterly helpless.
They simply couldn't match the Holy Spirit Cult's might.
As much as he wanted to rely on a powerful ally, the Ice God Palace refused to extend a helping hand. What else could he do?
"In the end, everything still depends on Lexuan. The Shrek Academy under my leadership weighs far less in Su Yu's eyes than the one under Lexuan's leadership."
"Su Yu might ignore my pleas for help, but he would never stand by and watch Lexuan suffer."
"Lexuan, I'm sorry to put you through this, but you must work hard. I truly can't handle this position as Pavilion Master anymore."
Yan Shaozhe sighed endlessly. He truly regretted becoming the Pavilion Master of the Sea God Pavilion.
Ever since he took the position, not a single day had been smooth sailing.
Every day brought bad news, and over time, he felt completely overwhelmed.
He wanted to pass the title on.
He couldn't handle it, so he'd rather let someone else take over.
Unfortunately, it would have to fall on Lexuan.
After all, she was still young—she could handle a bit of hardship.
"Then again, Lexuan is only an eighty-eighth-level Soul Douluo. Reaching the level of a Super Douluo won't happen overnight."
"Ultimately, it's the rest of the academy's people who are to blame for being so incompetent."
"Han Ruoruo, Wu Ming, Hua Yao, Xiaotao—none of you have accomplished anything."
"You all look decent enough. Why can't any of you win Su Yu over?"
"If one of you can't do it, can't you work together? Do I have to teach you this?"
"Sigh, such a disappointment."
Yan Shaozhe muttered to himself, but then suddenly thought of something. "Oh, right, there's Xiaotao. I've been here for so long, but I haven't seen her yet. I wonder how she's doing."
"Hmm, I should find time to see her. That girl is so impulsive—if she offends Su Yu, it won't end well."
"And then there's Lexuan. I should also give her some instructions."
Without delay, Yan Shaozhe decided to look for Zhang Le Xuan. However, just as he approached the main hall, he was stopped by Shui Lingguang.
"Master Yan, the young master and Miss Le Xuan still have some matters to attend to. Please don't disturb them."
Yan Shaozhe paused, confused. What kind of matters could be so important that he couldn't interrupt?
Suddenly, a light bulb went off in his head. Looking at Shui Lingguang's expression, Yan Shaozhe instantly understood. A knowing smile spread across his face.
"I see, I see. I won't disturb them, of course. Hahaha."
Yan Shaozhe laughed heartily and turned to leave, all his previous worries vanishing into thin air.
"Lexuan is truly remarkable!" he thought.
Finally, his heart felt at ease.
Watching Yan Shaozhe laughing as he left, Shui Lingguang sighed softly, her gaze drifting toward the main hall. A faint trace of sadness flickered in her beautiful eyes.
"Young Master..."
A barely audible sigh echoed in the air. Shui Lingguang's figure flashed and disappeared without a trace.
...
Elsewhere, in a secluded side hall, Xu Jiujiu furrowed her delicate brows, a hint of confusion flashing in her eyes.
"Grandma, it seems like someone is laughing?"
The Ice God Palace was serene, and the area where they lived was particularly quiet.
How could someone be laughing so loudly here, in such an inappropriate manner?
"Please wait, Your Highness. I will go and see what is happening."
With that, Manyi disappeared in an instant.
About half a minute later, she reappeared in the side hall.
"Your Highness, it is Yan Shaozhe, the dean of Shrek Academy, laughing on the other side. I'm not sure what he found so amusing."
Unlike Yan Shaozhe and Zhang Le Xuan's hall, which was just next door, Xu Jiujiu's residence was on the opposite side—separated by hundreds of meters.
And yet, Yan Shaozhe's laughter could still reach them?
Did he eat something ridiculous?
What could make him this happy?
Xu Jiujiu frowned, inexplicably annoyed.
"What could have made Dean Yan so ecstatic? What has happened?"
Her brows furrowed as she speculated. Could it be that Yan Shaozhe had gained some secret benefit?
Or perhaps Su Yu had met him privately and struck some kind of deal with him?
The more she thought about it, the heavier her expression became.
"Your Highness, there's no need to overthink this. We only need to focus on our tasks," Manyi advised gently.
Xu Jiujiu shook her head and said, "Grandma, you don't understand."
"Su Yu is too important, and the Ice God Palace's influence is far too great."
"There are some things we cannot afford to overlook."
Manyi hesitated before asking, "Then, Your Highness, what do you propose we do?"
Xu Jiujiu moved gracefully toward the window, gazing at the scenery outside. She murmured, "There's no other option. This princess will take the initiative."
"I must have this man, even if it means lowering myself to flatter and cater to him."
Hearing this, Manyi's heart ached as she looked at Xu Jiujiu. "Your Highness, is this truly necessary?"
"You are a princess—a noble member of the royal family!"
Xu Jiujiu shook her head and said, "Grandma, this is a world where the strong are revered. Strength determines nobility. As for royalty..."
Her expression darkened slightly. "Only powerful royalty is noble. Weak royalty is just playthings in the eyes of the strong."
She paused, a hint of bitterness in her voice. "I didn't understand this before. But ever since the Clear Sky Sect stormed the royal palace, I've come to realize it."
"The so-called status of royalty means nothing to true powerhouses."
"Even if you are the ruler of a nation, in front of an Ultimate Douluo, you still have to bow your head and act humbly."
"Let alone the Ice God Palace, which defeated two Ultimate Douluos simultaneously."
"Su Yu is the young master of the Ice God Palace. He has the authority to command Ultimate Douluos."
"In a sense, he represents true nobility—far more noble than my status as a princess."
Seeing Manyi remain silent, Xu Jiujing continued, "Shrek Academy has already taken the lead."
"That Zhang Lexuan is outstanding—not only is she extraordinarily talented, but her beauty is flawless. Most importantly, Su Yu cares about her."
"Can you imagine the significance of Su Yu sending the Ice Emperor to protect her?"
"That's the Ice Emperor Haibodong, who defeated two Ultimate Douluos!"
"As much as I hate to admit it, I know Su Yu likes her."
"And it's not just her. The Illustrious Virtue Hall's Meng Hongchen is also one of Su Yu's lovers."
"Although Su Yu seems to dislike the Sun-Moon Empire, it's clear that in his eyes, the Illustrious Virtue Hall, the Empire, and Meng Hongchen are separate entities."
"Even if we consider the worst-case scenario, the Jing Hongchen family has already boarded the Ice God Palace's ship. We're the only ones who haven't."
"Grandma, do you understand what that means?"
"It means that if something goes wrong, we'll be the first ones to suffer."
"Even if I have to lower myself, this princess must stay by Su Yu's side to serve him—to secure a future for the Star Luo royal family."
Manyi was stunned.
She hadn't expected Xu Jiujiu to harbor such thoughts.
It was too bold.
And it required too great a sacrifice.
Xu Jiujiu was a princess of the Star Luo Empire. How could a princess lower herself to such an extent?