As for whether Xuan Zi, after learning Liu Yuan's name, truly possessed the ability to recruit him into Shrek Academy…
Ling Luochen had no answer.
But one thing she was absolutely certain of—
Right now, she was extremely… extremely unhappy.
The anger buried deep within her heart, mixed with the lingering pain from her injuries and the worldview that had been completely overturned by Liu Yuan's words, churned violently within her chest.
For the so-called "glory of Shrek," she had ventured alone into danger, risking her life against multiple powerful Evil Soul Masters…
And in the end, she had barely survived, returning to the academy battered and wounded.
Yet what greeted her?
Not concern.
Not comfort.
Not even a simple "Are you alright?"
Instead—
Interrogation.
Reprimand.
Blame for failing to "bring back a genius."
At that moment, Xuan Zi's self-important expression, paired with the greasy roasted chicken in his hand, created an absurd and jarring contrast.
A student who had risked her life for the academy…
Was worth less, in his eyes, than a stranger he had never met.
Or even the food in his hand.
Liu Yuan's words echoed in her mind like a heavy bell:
> "Your relationship with Shrek is nothing more than a transaction of equal value."
"Don't let yourself be bound by meaningless illusions."
Bound…
Yes.
Bound.
The light in Ling Luochen's eyes dimmed, replaced by a cold, unwavering determination.
The identity she once took pride in—
"Member of the Shrek Supervisory Group"
Now felt like nothing more than a ridiculous shackle.
---
"Tell me his name. Now!"
Xuan Zi's impatient voice rang out again, filled with authority and command.
"I must bring that genius into Shrek!"
Ling Luochen slowly lifted her gaze.
Her eyes, already cold due to her ice attribute, now felt even more frigid—like eternal frost.
She met his stare calmly.
Then shook her head.
"I'm sorry, Elder Xuan."
"We met only briefly under urgent circumstances. After he dealt with the Evil Soul Masters, he left immediately with his companions."
"I… didn't have the chance to ask his name."
It was a lie.
But a flawless one.
"What?!"
Xuan Zi's eyes widened in fury. The chicken leg in his hand creaked under his grip as grease dripped between his fingers.
For a moment, he almost exploded.
But he forced himself to stop.
He knew anger wouldn't solve anything.
With Shrek's intelligence network spread across the continent, finding that boy was only a matter of time.
There was no need to waste effort here.
"Enough."
He waved his hand dismissively.
"You're injured. Go rest."
It sounded like concern.
But in truth, it was nothing more than a cold dismissal.
He simply wanted her gone.
Out of sight.
Out of mind.
---
Yet—
Ling Luochen didn't move.
Xuan Zi frowned, irritation rising again.
"What? Is there something else?"
She nodded.
Her pale lips parted slightly, her voice calm—yet firm.
"Yes. There is one more matter."
She took a deep breath.
As if gathering the strength to break free from invisible chains that had bound her for years.
Then, word by word, she spoke:
"I, Ling Luochen… request to withdraw from the Shrek Supervisory Group."
---
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Even the air seemed to freeze.
Xuan Zi froze in place, suspecting he had misheard.
Slowly, he set down his wine pot.
His voice rose sharply, filled with fury:
"What did you say?! Say that again!"
A terrifying aura erupted from his body.
As a Level 98 Super Douluo, his pressure crashed down like a tidal wave.
If it were before, Ling Luochen would have collapsed instantly.
But now—
She only swayed slightly.
Her face turned paler.
But her gaze remained steady.
Her spine straightened.
Unafraid.
Unyielding.
"I said," she repeated clearly,
"I am withdrawing from the Shrek Supervisory Group."
---
"Insolence!"
Xuan Zi slammed his hand onto the desk.
Cracks spread across the ancient wood instantly.
"Ling Luochen! What do you think this is?! A place you can come and go as you please?!"
"Do you think this is a game?!"
His eyes locked onto hers, searching for hesitation.
Regret.
Fear.
But there was none.
Only determination.
Unfamiliar… and unsettling.
---
He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.
Then switched tactics.
"Do you even understand what you're doing?"
His tone turned heavy, authoritative.
"Joining the Supervisory Group is the highest honor countless inner court disciples dream of!"
"To fight for Shrek's glory and protect peace—you should feel privileged!"
"And yet now, you want to give it up?"
"Have you forgotten everything the academy has done for you?!"
---
If this were yesterday—
Her blood would have burned with shame.
But now?
She only felt… irony.
Where was that "glory" when she was on the brink of death?
Where was that "privilege" when she returned injured and received only indifference?
Was this truly cultivation—
Or just exploitation disguised as honor?
---
She shook her head softly.
"I've thought it through."
"I cannot bear this 'honor.'"
---
Xuan Zi's expression darkened completely.
His eyes narrowed.
If persuasion failed—
Then only coercion remained.
"Hmph… very well."
He sneered coldly.
"But don't forget."
"When you joined, you signed an agreement."
"It clearly states: unless you complete thirty missions, you are not allowed to withdraw."
"You haven't completed thirty yet… have you?"
"If you insist on quitting now, you are violating academy law."
He paused.
Then delivered the final blow:
"And for that…"
"There is only one punishment."
"Expulsion from Shrek Academy!"
---
Silence.
Ling Luochen's face turned pale.
Even her lips lost all color.
Xuan Zi smiled coldly.
This was the ultimate threat.
No Shrek student could accept expulsion.
She would back down.
Apologize.
Beg.
Submit.
Just like all the others.
---
But—
What he saw next…
Froze him completely.
---
Ling Luochen slowly raised her head.
That pale face—
Now carried a resolute expression.
The same kind of determination…
As Liu Yuan when he rejected Shrek.
Her voice was steady.
Without hesitation.
Without fear.
---
"Since that's the case…"
"I choose—"
---
"Withdrawal."