The intentions behind Chapter 693 are definitely not simple.

The other trainees also lowered their heads, their initial doubts turning into admiration, and their eyes filled with anticipation.

Lu Yu smiled slightly, waved his hand, and said in a gentle but authoritative voice, "No need for formalities."

Since Teacher Zhao has entrusted you to me, you will have to follow my arrangements for the next month.

The Elite Tournament of Advanced Soul Master Academies is no child's play; to win, you have to show your true skills.

He glanced around and, seeing that the students were all nodding obediently, began to assign tasks and instruct them on the use and coordination of their soul skills.

Lu Yu's guidance was meticulous, from the details of soul power circulation to the choice of positioning during battle. Every word he said hit the nail on the head, making the students nod frequently, and their original dissatisfaction had long since vanished.

As night deepened, Lu Yu led his students in training on the field for an entire day, only concluding his instruction when the moon was high in the sky.

He and Ma Hongjun walked out of the inner courtyard side by side, along the stone path outside the academy, and arrived at a familiar restaurant.

The restaurant was brightly lit, with steaming dishes and the aroma of wine filling the air.

The two sat facing each other. Ma Hongjun picked up his wine glass, drank it all in one gulp, and said with a touch of emotion, "Brother Yu, time really flies."

Looking at those little guys, I always think back to our days at Shrek Academy, always bickering and playing around. Unlike now, they're all 'seniors' now.

Upon hearing this, Lu Yu chuckled and raised his glass to clink with his: "Yes, back then you were just a fat guy with a head full of wild thoughts, but now you've quite the bearing."

He paused, then looked at Ma Hongjun with gentle eyes, "I heard you've taken a fancy to a girl? And you're planning to marry her after your cultivation improves a bit more?"

Ma Hongjun blushed, scratched his head, and chuckled, "I can't hide it from you, Brother Yu."

That girl... is quite nice, gentle in nature, and her cultivation is also quite good.

I was thinking that once I broke through another level and was more secure, I would go and propose marriage.

As he said this, his eyes became more serious. "Brother Yu, you have helped me so much over the years. I will never forget it in my life."

Lu Yu waved his hand, indicating that he didn't need to be polite, then took out an exquisite wooden box from his pocket and slowly pushed it in front of Ma Hongjun: "Open it and take a look."

Ma Hongjun was taken aback. He carefully opened the box, and a rich medicinal fragrance immediately wafted out.

Inside the box lay a crimson medicinal herb, shaped like a phoenix spreading its wings, exuding a powerful spiritual aura and faintly emanating flame-like soul energy fluctuations.

Ma Hongjun's eyes widened in surprise as he exclaimed, "This is... a rooster's comb and a phoenix's heart?!"

Lu Yu nodded, his voice calm but with a hint of solemnity: "I found this in the underground palace. I promised to help you find a treasure that can enhance your martial spirit, and now I've finally fulfilled my promise."

This Phoenix Heart can cleanse the impurities from your martial soul, making your phoenix flames purer. In the future, your strength might even surpass mine.

Ma Hongjun stared at the medicinal herb, a hint of moisture flashing in his eyes.

He took a deep breath, patted Lu Yu's shoulder heavily, and said in a slightly choked voice, "Brother Yu, I, Ma Hongjun, can never repay your kindness in my entire life!"

Lu Yu smiled and raised his glass: "Let's not talk about that, let's drink!"

The two exchanged a smile, clinked glasses, and talked about the past and the future until late at night. The lights in the restaurant gradually went out, leaving only their laughter echoing in the night.

After a few rounds of drinks, Lu Yu's steps became somewhat unsteady, his cheeks flushed slightly, but his eyes still held a clear look.

After saying goodbye to Ma Hongjun, he walked alone along the stone path back to the accommodation arranged by the college.

The cool night breeze dispelled some of the effects of the alcohol, and the dim yellow light of the roadside lamps cast a long shadow of him.

Just as he turned a corner, his foot slipped and he accidentally bumped into someone.

The other person gasped softly, seemingly surprised that someone would bump into them, and instinctively used their slender arm to support Lu Yu.

"Senior Lu Yu?"

The woman's voice was clear and crisp, tinged with surprise. By the light, Lu Yu could vaguely make out her appearance—long, jet-black hair cascading over her shoulders, beautiful features, and a hint of shyness on her face.

She was one of the trainees on the daytime training field, named Liu Qing. She had remarkable talent in soul power, but was somewhat shy.

Lu Yu rubbed his temples, trying to steady himself, but due to the effects of the alcohol, he swayed and instinctively grabbed Liu Qing's hand, pulling her into his arms.

Liu Qing's face instantly turned red. She let out a soft cry but did not break free. She just lowered her head and whispered, "Senior, you...you're drunk. Let me help you back."

Lu Yu responded groggily, his mind a complete blank. He only felt a faint fragrance emanating from the person in his arms, which inexplicably brought him peace of mind.

Liu Qing helped him walk back to his residence with difficulty, settled him on the bed, and was about to leave when Lu Yu unconsciously grabbed his wrist and he fell into her arms.

The night was deep, and only a dim light shone in the room, illuminating the two of them.

Liu Qing's heart pounded like a drum. She struggled a few times, but couldn't bear to push him away forcefully. She could only stiffly let Lu Yu hold her, her cheeks burning so hot they almost bled.

Only when Lu Yu's breathing gradually calmed down did she carefully get up, straighten her disheveled clothes, and hurriedly leave.

The next morning, sunlight streamed into the room through the window. Lu Yu slowly opened his eyes, only to feel a splitting headache.

He rubbed his temples, but then he caught a faint, unusual fragrance. Looking down, he noticed that his clothes seemed to be stained with the scent of some flower petals.

He was suddenly stunned as memories flooded back, vaguely recalling the woman he had bumped into last night and the brief moment of intimate contact.

Liu Qing was sitting by the bed, her head almost buried in her chest, her face still flushed.

"Liu Qing?"

Lu Yu's voice was a little hoarse, tinged with embarrassment, "Last night... I drank too much, I'm sorry."

He quickly sat up, trying to explain, but Liu Qing waved his hand and whispered, "It's nothing, senior, you...you didn't do anything."

She paused, then lowered her voice, "It was just... a hug."

After saying that, she seemed to have mustered up her courage, looked up at Lu Yu, then quickly lowered her head, stood up and said, "Senior, it's time to go to training, I'll be going now."

Lu Yu stood there, stunned, watching Liu Qing's retreating figure as she practically fled, and shook his head helplessly.

He got up, walked to the window, opened it, and his gaze fell on the stone-paved road outside.

The morning light shone on the bluestone, and the shouts of the trainees during their training could be heard in the distance. Lu Yu fell into a brief silence, his mind lingering on the aroma of last night's wine and the faint fragrance of flowers.

The night was as dark as ink, and the lights of Shrek Academy swayed slightly in the evening breeze, casting dappled shadows.

Lu Yu sat alone on a stone bench in the courtyard, holding a cup of tea in his hand. The aroma of the tea wafted through the air, carrying a hint of coolness.

He raised his head slightly, his gaze passing through the branches above the courtyard, fixed on the faint starlight in the distant sky.

A night breeze swept by, bringing a touch of coolness. His long robe fluttered in the wind, and his black hair was slightly disheveled, yet it could not conceal the thoughts swirling in his deep eyes.

Shrek Academy was unusually quiet today; most of the students were asleep, with only a few solitary lamps flickering in the distance.

Lu Yu's mind was far from calm. He kept replaying Ma Hongjun's arrival during the day and the conversation about the Martial Soul Empire's plans in his mind.

Ma Hongjun's martial soul evolution was part of his plan, but it also brought new variables.

What unsettled him even more was the news brought by Zhao Wuji—an invitation from Xue Qinghe, the eldest prince of the Heaven Dou Empire.

All of this seemed like an invisible net slowly closing in on him.

"Lu Yu!"

A familiar shout broke the silence of the night.

Lu Yu looked in the direction of the sound and saw Ma Hongjun striding over, his steps hurried, but his face full of undisguised excitement.

His figure appeared exceptionally tall and imposing in the moonlight, his fiery red robes resembling a dancing flame in the night, subtly revealing an aura different from his usual self.

Lu Yu put down his teacup, smiled slightly, and stood up to greet him.

"Judging from your appearance, your martial soul has evolved quite well?"

Ma Hongjun grinned, revealing his white teeth, a hint of smugness flashing in his eyes.

"Not only good! Lu Yu, the 'Cockscomb Phoenix Heart' you gave me is simply a divine object! My Evil Fire Phoenix has completely transformed into a pure Phoenix Martial Soul, and my Soul Power has also broken through to level 79, just one step away from becoming a Soul Douluo!"

He patted his chest, his tone full of confidence, "Now I feel that even taking on He Zhiyun one-on-one would be a piece of cake!"

Upon hearing this, a hint of approval flashed in Lu Yu's eyes, but his tone remained calm.

"Level 79 is indeed remarkable."

Your Phoenix Martial Soul is now considered one of the most powerful and rare Martial Souls in the world, with limitless potential. It might even surpass mine in the future.

He paused, his gaze sharpening slightly, "However, you're still missing a soul bone to reach the Soul Douluo level."

What do you plan to do? Will you use your points to exchange for a suitable soul bone, or will you personally hunt soul beasts?

Ma Hongjun scratched his head, a hint of hesitation flashing across his face.

"To be honest, I haven't decided yet."

Exchanging for soul bones is convenient, but it always feels like something's missing... that feeling of having earned it yourself.

"How about I try my luck in the Star Dou Great Forest? I heard there are a few 100,000-year-old soul beasts there; maybe I can get a good soul bone!"

Lu Yu couldn't help but chuckle as he listened to his bold and unrestrained words.

"A 100,000-year-old soul beast is not so easy to deal with."

While you are quite strong now, don't be too overconfident.

He paused, a deeper meaning appearing in his eyes, "Don't rush the matter of the soul bone; first, stabilize your current realm."

After you break through to the Soul Douluo level, your Phoenix Martial Soul will undergo a second qualitative change. At that time, choosing a suitable Soul Bone will yield even better results.

Ma Hongjun nodded, a hint of gratitude flashing in his eyes.

"You've thought of everything."

"Oh, right, Lu Yu, there's something else I need to tell you."

His expression turned serious, and his tone lowered. "The Martial Soul Empire seems to have noticed our movements recently."

They sent people to investigate secretly. Although they haven't taken any direct action yet, it feels like... someone is deliberately testing us, or even trying to frame us.

I've already asked Hu Liena to handle it, and so far there haven't been any problems, but I still feel uneasy.

Upon hearing this, Lu Yu frowned slightly, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

"The spies of the Spirit Empire are indeed not simple."

He murmured to himself, quickly analyzing the current situation in his mind.

The Martial Soul Empire was a key area in his strategy, and many of his forces were deployed there. If it were exposed, the consequences would be unimaginable.

He pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Keep an eye on this matter. If there's anything unusual about Hu Liena, report back immediately."

As for the Spirit Empire…

He paused, a resolute glint in his eyes, "I'll handle it myself."

Ma Hongjun was taken aback, then nodded, a hint of relief on his face.

"With you here, I have nothing to worry about! I'll go back and cultivate now, and strive to break through to the Soul Douluo level as soon as possible!"

He waved, turned and strode away, his figure gradually blurring in the night.

Lu Yu watched his retreating figure and sighed softly.

Ma Hongjun's growth exceeded his expectations, but the crisis of the Martial Soul Empire was like a sword hanging over his head, forcing him to be more cautious.

He sat down again, picked up his teacup, only to find that the tea had gone cold.

He smiled, put the cup aside, and was already planning his next move.

The next morning, sunlight streamed into the Shrek Academy courtyard, and a faint fragrance of flowers filled the air.

Lu Yu was reading an ancient book in his room when there was a rapid knocking at the door.

He looked up and saw Zhao Wuji push open the door and enter, his face showing a mixture of worry and curiosity.

"Lu Yu, you were drunk again last night. Are you alright?"

As soon as Zhao Wuji entered, he asked bluntly, his tone tinged with reproach, "You brat, you're so young and you don't take care of your health. What if you get drunk one day?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Yu couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"Teacher Zhao, your worries are excessive."

Last night I just had a small get-together with some old friends and drank a little; nothing serious.

He put down the ancient book, stood up to greet Zhao Wuji, and asked with a hint of mockery in his eyes, "You didn't come here just to inquire about my drinking, did you?"

Zhao Wuji glared at him and snorted.

"of course not!"

He paused, his tone becoming serious, "The First Prince of the Heavenly Dou Empire, Xue Qinghe, has sent a letter requesting to see you."

This is no simple matter; I came here specifically to tell you.

Upon hearing this, a strange light flashed in Lu Yu's eyes, but he remained expressionless.

"Xue Qinghe?"

He repeated it softly, the information from the original work quickly flashing through his mind—this so-called "eldest prince".

In reality, it was Qian Renxue, the young master of the Spirit Hall, in disguise.

He had never seen Xue Qinghe or Qian Renxue in the previous Soul Master Elite Tournament, but now they had taken the initiative to invite him at a crucial time in his plans, and their intentions were definitely not simple.

He narrowed his eyes slightly and said in a deep voice, "Teacher Zhao, what did Xue Qinghe say?"

Zhao Wuji shook his head.

"I didn't say much, just that I wanted to meet the genius of Shrek Academy and, incidentally, 'make friends' with you."

but……"

He paused, then lowered his voice, "I have a feeling that something is not right about this."

Xue Qinghe is usually very low-key, why did he suddenly contact you?