Chapter 696 Unwilling to Compromise Easily

Xiao You paused for a moment, hesitated, and placed her hand in Lu Yu's palm, whereupon he gently pulled her up.

The two left the office and headed towards the cafeteria.

Along the way, Xiao You kept her head down, her cheeks slightly flushed, but Lu Yu didn't notice, as he was focused on how to take good care of her.

The canteen was bustling with activity, with students gathered in small groups, and the air was filled with the aroma of food.

The arrival of Lu Yu and Xiao You immediately attracted a lot of attention.

The cook, who knew Lu Yu well, saw him from afar and exclaimed in surprise, "Lu Yu? You're back, kid?"

However, most of the students were unfamiliar faces. The cafeteria had expanded due to the addition of students from other branches, and these people were not familiar with Lu Yu.

Lu Yu led Xiao You to an empty seat and ordered some light dishes for her.

However, he soon noticed that there were some strange looks in the eyes of those around him.

Several male students stared at him and Xiao You, their faces somewhat unpleasant. Some even clenched their fists, their eyes filled with ill intent.

Lu Yu raised an eyebrow, vaguely sensing that this meal might not be very peaceful.

Inside Shrek Academy's cafeteria, sunlight streamed through the tall windows onto the long wooden tables, where the food emitted an enticing aroma. Students gathered in small groups, chatting quietly, creating a relaxed and lively atmosphere.

However, this tranquility was soon shattered by a sudden argument.

Lu Yu carried the tray and walked leisurely beside Xiao You. The two chatted and laughed, attracting the attention of many students.

Xiao You is a lively girl with a playful look in her eyes and a bright smile on her face. Occasionally, she turns her head to look at Lu Yu, her eyes full of admiration.

Lu Yu remained as composed as ever. Beneath his long black robe, he stood tall and straight, a gentle yet aloof smile on his face, as if he didn't care about the gazes around him.

"Hey, who are you? I've never seen you before."

A slightly shrill voice suddenly rang out, breaking the relaxed atmosphere between the two.

Lu Yu stopped and looked up, only to see a tall young man blocking his way with an unfriendly look in his eyes.

This young man, named Marco, is a newly enrolled student in the outer academy. His soul power has reached level twenty-seven, and he is quite well-known in the outer academy.

He crossed his arms, a provocative smile playing on his lips, his gaze sweeping back and forth between Lu Yu and Xiao You, tinged with suspicion.

"Xiao You, why are you walking with someone of unknown origin? Don't get fooled without even realizing it!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao You blushed and a hint of anger flashed in her eyes.

She immediately stood in front of Lu Yu, hands on her hips, and retorted, "Marco, what nonsense are you talking about! Senior Lu Yu is a senior in the main college, and he entered the college much earlier than you. It's not your place to question him!"

Her voice was clear and crisp, with a hint of stubbornness that drew curious glances from the surrounding students.

"A senior from the main campus?"

Marco sneered, looking Lu Yu up and down with disdain in his eyes.

"I think he's just a guy who snuck in. What senior from the main academy would be so free to hang around with you like this? Maybe he thinks you're easy to fool and has some bad intentions!"

Marco's words became increasingly offensive, his tone clearly provocative, and the surrounding trainees began to whisper among themselves, gradually creating a tense atmosphere.

Lu Yu stood still, his expression unchanged, but he narrowed his eyes slightly and calmly looked at Marco.

His gaze held no anger, yet it carried an invisible pressure that made Marco's heart skip a beat.

However, Marco quickly came to his senses and realized he had been approached by a "stranger".

Shocked, he lost even more face and raised his voice a few decibels: "What? Are you feeling guilty now that I hit the nail on the head? This is Shrek Academy, not a place just anyone can come to! You'd better tell me the truth, or I won't be so polite!"

Xiao You's face turned red with anger, and she was about to retort when a deep and authoritative voice came from behind the crowd: "Marco, what are you doing?"

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw a burly middle-aged man striding over, his brows exuding an air of authority. It was none other than Li Yusong, the teacher from the main courtyard.

He was dressed in a dark gray robe, his steps were steady, and his gaze swept over Marco like a knife, causing the latter to involuntarily take a step back.

"Teacher Li..."

Marco's voice weakened slightly, but he still pointed at Lu Yu unwillingly and said, "This person's origins are unknown. I suspect he's not a student of the academy, and I'm afraid he might harm Xiao You, so..."

"enough!"

Li Yusong interrupted coldly, staring sternly at Marco.

"This is the main courtyard, not a place for you to run wild in the outer courtyard."

Lu Yu is a senior student in the main college; his status is clear. It's none of your business to tell him what to do!

He paused, his tone growing even colder, "If I see you stirring up trouble again, don't blame me for being impolite!"

Marco's face turned pale and then red. His lips moved, but under Li Yusong's pressure, he dared not say another word and reluctantly retreated to the side with his head down.

Seeing this, the surrounding students whispered among themselves, becoming even more curious about Lu Yu's identity.

Lu Yu simply smiled faintly, nodded slightly to Li Yusong in thanks, and maintained his composed demeanor.

Once Marco had walked away, Li Yusong's expression softened a bit. He turned to Lu Yu and said apologetically, "These outer court students have short tempers, don't take it to heart."

He paused, then explained, "In recent years, in order to expand its strength, the academy has relaxed its enrollment scale. In addition to the most talented disciples, it has also recruited some students who are slightly less talented but have good strength."

Although these people were not as good as the core disciples of the main academy, they made rapid progress under the guidance of teachers such as Zhao Wuji.

For example, that kid Lu Jun, at such a young age, has already reached the level 28 Great Soul Master, and can even fight against a Soul Venerable.

This was all arranged by Dean Flander, so that Shrek wouldn't be at a disadvantage in terms of numbers.

Upon hearing this, Lu Yu nodded slightly, a look of understanding flashing in his eyes.

He was no stranger to the college's operations, but hearing about these changes still felt somewhat novel.

He said softly, "I see. The dean has a long-term vision."

His tone was calm, yet carried a hint of depth, as if he were pondering something.

Li Yusong patted Lu Yu on the shoulder and laughed, "Alright, let's leave it at that."

"You and Xiaoyou go have a meal; don't let these little things spoil your mood."

After saying that, he turned and left, leaving Lu Yu and Xiao You to continue walking towards the dining table.

The commotion in the cafeteria quickly subsided, and the students dispersed. Lu Yu and Xiao You found a corner to sit down.

Xiao You, carrying her tray, muttered with lingering anger, "That Marco is so annoying, senior, just ignore him!"

Lu Yu smiled and waved his hand, saying, "It's alright, it's just a misunderstanding."

His voice was gentle, yet it carried a reassuring power. After hearing it, Xiao You's anger gradually dissipated, and she revealed a sweet smile.

Not long after, Lu Jun and several other cadets also came over carrying their food trays.

Lu Jun was a stocky young man with a simple, honest smile on his face, but his eyes revealed a tenacious spirit.

As soon as he sat down, he asked Xiaoyou with concern, "Xiaoyou, are you alright? I heard you had a conflict with that guy Marco earlier, and I was worried you might have gotten hurt!"

The other trainees echoed this sentiment, their faces filled with worry.

Xiao You waved her hand and said with a smile, "It's alright, it's alright. With Senior Lu Yu here, how could Marco dare to do anything! Besides, I've already taken the pills Teacher Li gave me, and I'm feeling great. I can train normally tomorrow!"

She paused, a hint of excitement flashing in her eyes, "By the way, I don't want to miss out on Senior Lu Yu's guidance! He's so strong, he'll definitely be able to teach us a lot!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Jun and the others' eyes lit up immediately.

Lu Jun scratched his head and chuckled, "Yeah, Senior Lu Yu, the last time I saw you fight, the external force you used was ridiculously strong! If I could learn even a move or two from you, I'd be laughing in my sleep!"

The other trainees nodded in agreement, their eyes filled with anticipation.

They were all top students from the outer academy, and it was already difficult for them to receive guidance from Douluo like Zhao Wuji. Now that they had the opportunity to learn from Lu Yu, a senior student from the main academy, they naturally did not want to miss it.

Lu Yu looked at the eager eyes of the crowd, but his face still held that calm smile.

He slowly put down his chopsticks, his voice calm yet carrying a profound meaning: "I can offer guidance, but how much you learn depends entirely on your own understanding."

His words, though spoken softly, sent a jolt through everyone present, who nodded in agreement, their eyes blazing with even stronger fighting spirit.

Lu Jun patted his chest and assured him, "Don't worry, senior, I will do my best!"

Lu Yu nodded slightly, said no more, and continued eating.

He appeared calm and composed, as if he were already used to the enthusiasm of the crowd.

The surrounding students felt that this senior was unfathomable, and they all secretly resolved to perform well in the upcoming training and strive to gain Lu Yu's approval.

Time passed slowly, the noise in the cafeteria gradually subsided, and the students left one after another to prepare for the next course.

After saying goodbye to Xiao You and the others, Lu Yu walked alone on the tree-lined path of the academy. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on his long robe, outlining a slender figure.

His pace was neither hurried nor slow, but a thoughtful glint flashed in his eyes, as if he were savoring the various encounters of the day.

Meanwhile, at the entrance of Shrek Academy, a golden carriage slowly came to a stop.

The car body is adorned with exquisite patterns that gleam in the sunset, exuding an understated luxury.

The car door clicked open, and a slender woman stepped out.

She wore a light purple dress, the hem of which swayed gently in the breeze, and a silver belt cinched her waist, accentuating her slender figure.

Her face was covered by a light veil, and only a pair of clear eyes could be vaguely seen, which looked at Shrek Academy in front of her with a hint of curiosity and scrutiny.

Mrs. Su, who had been waiting nearby, quickly came forward with a warm smile on her face: "Ranran, you've finally arrived! I've been waiting here for a while. Come on, let's go inside and talk."

As she spoke, she affectionately stepped forward, took the woman's arm, and led her into the academy.

Ranran was slightly taken aback, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes.

She nodded gently and followed beside Madam Su, her steps light yet elegant.

Her gaze wandered among the college buildings, but her heart was filled with ripples of emotion.

Madam Su came from a wealthy family and had a noble status. Ranran had thought that the meeting would take place in a magnificent place, but she did not expect it to be in such an ordinary academy.

What puzzled her even more was why Madam Su had specifically summoned her here, and what her purpose was. This sense of uncertainty lingered in her mind, contrasting sharply with the academy's simple environment, making her even more curious.

Madam Su seemed to notice Ranran's confusion, glanced at her sideways, and said with a smile, "Don't overthink it, you'll understand once you get to the academy."

Her voice was gentle, yet carried an irresistible air of authority.

Ranran nodded gently, but in her heart she felt more and more that Shrek Academy might not be as simple as it seemed on the surface.

Before the morning mist had completely dissipated, Ranran stood on the stone steps of the family's villa, her dress swaying gently in the breeze, her gaze fixed on the figure slowly walking towards her from outside the courtyard.

She was a woman of graceful bearing, her steps unhurried yet carrying an undeniable air of authority; she was none other than Madam Su.

Ranran felt a slight chill in her heart, but a warm smile quickly bloomed on her face. She hurried forward, her voice clear and respectful: "Aunt Su, what brings you here? Is there something important?"

As she spoke, she stepped aside to lead the way, gesturing for the servants to serve tea. Her demeanor was both polite and friendly, as if she were already accustomed to dealing with such distinguished guests.

Madam Su smiled slightly, a meaningful glint in her eyes. She waved her hand to indicate that there was no need for formalities, and her tone was casual yet carried an undeniable composure: "I just came to take a look and discuss some matters."

Her words were light and airy, yet they stirred a ripple in Ranran's heart.

Madam Su is of high status and has a deeply entrenched power base. Although Ranran comes from a prestigious family with considerable resources, she knows she cannot be disrespectful in front of Madam Su.

As she accompanied Madam Su into the main hall, she secretly pondered the other party's intentions.

There have been no major events in the family recently, so Madam Su's trip is probably for another purpose.

Inside the main hall, sunlight streamed through the carved window lattices, making the patterns on the teacups gleam.

Ranran personally poured tea for Madam Su, her movements gentle, with a perfectly timed smile on her face.

Madam Su took the teacup, took a small sip, but her gaze subtly observed Ranran.

Her eyes seemed to see right through people, causing Ranran to unconsciously straighten her back, thinking to herself: Aunt Su's trip must be anything but simple.

Born into a prominent family, she had witnessed power struggles and intrigues since childhood, and knew that people like Madam Su had profound meanings in their words and actions.

Over the years, she has seen many talented Soul Masters, but few have caught her eye, let alone those who are trying to test her under the guise of marriage alliances.

She never felt the need to solidify her position through marriage, but she dared not easily reveal her true feelings to Madam Su.

"Ranran,"

Madam Su put down her teacup, her voice gentle yet tinged with a hint of probing, "You're not young anymore, do you have someone you like?"

These words came abruptly, and Ranran's teacup trembled slightly, a blush involuntarily rising to her cheeks.

She lowered her head to hide it, but her mind was in turmoil.

Why did Madam Su suddenly ask this? The Su family has no children of marriageable age, so the possibility of a marriage alliance is almost zero.

She even had a ridiculous thought: Could it be a childhood betrothal arranged many years ago? But she quickly dismissed the idea; although her family and the Su family were on good terms, there had never been such an agreement.

Moreover, she has always resisted those forced marriages, and even if it's to get closer to the Su family, she is unwilling to compromise easily.

Ranran composed herself, raised her head, and smiled politely: "Aunt Su is joking. Right now, I'm only thinking about cultivation, and I haven't thought about anything else."