Chapter 23 - Grandmaster

Tang San had already seen his end after seeing Lev's attack when suddenly Zhao Wuji managed to block it in time.

Zhao Wuji then looked at Lev, and shouted angrily, "Lev, you bastard!! Are you trying to kill Tang San!?"

Zhao Wuji was already injured while fighting against the Titan Great Ape, however despite that, he was still confident to take on Lev's attack but that was when his eyes almost popped out after blocking it. He frowned as he looked at Lev cautiously while waiting for his reply. He was hiding the fact that his whole body was getting numb after blocking Lev's attack as he was afraid that he would not stop.

"Teacher Zhao, you must not see it only on Tang San's side. Have you ever thought about what would happen to me when I was not strong enough to defend his attacks and hidden weapons? Also, don't think of taking his side just because someone ordered you to protect him. I have eyes and ears, Teacher. I know what happened that night." Lev looked at Zhao Wuji without an ounce of fear. He was ready to fight and even end his life right now if ever he acted against him.

Hearing such an unexpected response, Zhao Wuji felt greatly surprised. He knew very well the meaning behind his words which only made him more cautious as he frowned thinking how he knew such a thing since he didn't recall any presence other than them back then.

Meanwhile, Tang San calmed down a little whereas the others were surprised by their conversation as they didn't know what was happening and what they were talking about. However, one thing that they couldn't forget about was the very fact that Lev used different kinds of Spirit Ability.

Waiting for a while, Lev sighed and then calmed himself down and said, "As much as I wanted to be reasonable here, I don't have the energy and time to linger around this place. Also, educate Tang San well as I don't want to stay in a place with someone who wanted to kill me without any reason to do so."

"Y-You!!" Tang San shouted but due to the countless vines binding him, he could only struggle before gritting his teeth.

Right after that, Lev then said to Zhao Wuji, but this time, it didn't have any hint of respect, "I will head back first. Let's just meet in the academy."

"How about following me back? Moving together with this injured teacher and this hot-blooded and murderous boy would only put you in danger." Lev said as shifted his gaze towards Zhu Zhuqing. Today's event was something completely different from the original and he then thought that there might be unknown danger lurking around and so he wanted to at least bring back Zhu Zhuqing safely.

Zhu Zhuqing heard Lev and all the people around immediately shifted their gazes at her. She felt awkward from the sudden attention, but she still decided to take the safest choice and choose to head back with him since she knew that Lev could protect her more than the people combined in the group. With that, Lev and Zhu Zhuqing then left the place.

Seeing their leaving backs, Zhao Wuji and the others were surprised to see that Zhu Zhuqing had really accepted Lev's invitation. They immediately thought when the two have such kind of relationship most especially Dai Mubai, who could only grit his teeth while looking at their backs fading in his eyes.

Not long after that, Zhao Wuji then decided not to stop Lev and Zhu Zhuqing. He already realized that Lev wasn't as weak as he knew upon recalling the damage he had taken from his attack as even now his arms were still shaking from numbness. He could only sigh and breathe in relief as he looked at Tang San.

"Tang San, tell me one good reason why you suddenly attack Lev?" Zhao Wuji angrily asked while looking at him.

Hearing Zhao Wuji, Tang San could only bow his head and decided not to answer. Though no words were left in his mouth, everyone has guessed the reason for his actions.

"Calm down and rest a bit before we leave this place." Zhao Wuji then could only order after seeing Tang San didn't want to say anything.

With that, the group started settling down as they sat on the ground resting and recuperating while recollecting all that happened however, the peace didn't last long as Ma Hongjun suddenly asked with his still wide eyes, "T-Teacher Zhao. Why do you think Lev could use our spirit abilities."

Ma Hongjun's question piqued the interest of everyone, especially Dai Mubai and Tang San. Zhao Wuji, on the other hand, was also interested in knowing how Lev could use the spirit abilities of other people however, just like everyone he also doesn't have any clue on how he could do such a thing.

"I don't know." Zhao Wuji shook his head. As much as he wanted to know, it was Lev's secret and seeing his abnormal ability only prompted him to become more nervous from thinking that the power behind him must be abnormal too and the thought of offending such power made his body shudder in fear.

Upon hearing Zhao Wuji's answer, Ma Hongjun and the others became dead silent while thinking about Lev.

"W-What if he can also use mine and Oscar's abilities, a-and maybe yours too, teacher Zhao." This time, it was Ning Rongrong's to ask. Though she was a spoiled princess, she was also knowledgeable since she was taught by several capable instructors back in their clan.

Hearing what Ning Rongrong said, everyone stopped what they were doing as a shocked expression could be found on their faces added by a small hint of fear. Zhao Wuji, on the other hand, thought something different, 'What if he could use every spirit ability he could see? T-That would be very terrifying. I need to head back and tell Boss about this. Offending Lev might put us and the whole academy at risk.'

Meanwhile, as everyone was having mixed and complicated emotions, the person on topic, was moving forward in the vast forest together with Zhu Zhuqing. Their travel was very quiet as they had been moving with caution.

Arriving in a place with great ambiance, Lev suddenly stopped as he looked around the area. He thought that it was already too late to travel back to the academy and decided to stay for the night in this forest.

"Zhuqing. We will be camping here tonight however, let us have a small spar first. You might still be shocked by what happened back then so if you have any questions, you should ask them all now." Lev said as he looked at Zhu Zhuqing. He didn't have any ill intention on why he wanted to have a spar, he just wanted to see the progress for which she was adjusting.

"Why? And is it appropriate to create some commotion in this place and time?" Zhu Zhuqing asked instead as she looked at Lev. She was even wondering what kind of thoughts Lev does have right now to think about sparring at this time of the day.

"If you're talking about the spirit beasts around, you don't have to be worried about that as I am confident that I can kill them all. Truth be told, I'm more worried about you. Your performance all this time was very disappointing. As the person who has changed you that way, it's also my responsibility to bring you back in line." Lev replied before he couldn't wait any longer as he strode forward with Infinity in his hands and struck the first move.

Zhu Zhuqing who was caught off guard could not react on time and was hit on her stomach as she flew back a distance before getting back her composure as she looked at Lev seeing that he was really serious about it.

"Well. Don't hold back. I'm not planning on letting you off until I'm satisfied." Lev said as held Infinity in his hand and rushed forward again. The night was still long and so he wanted to make good use of it before resting.

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---Two Hours Later---

After sparring for two hours, Lev and Zhu Zhuqing finally stopped seeing them looking at the fire dancing in front of them while surrounded by spirit beast meat. Despite the danger brought by lighting a fire in the middle of the forest, Lev still has the courage to make some barbecue for their dinner.

"Lev, I seem to notice this weird feeling now. Sometimes I really feel like I'm not talking to a person the same age as me. Just who really are you?" Zhu Zhuqing suddenly said after having a serious talk with him. Though her words were filled with seriousness, the expression on her face said otherwise as her eyes were completely fixated on the meat being cooked.

Lev, on the other hand, was completely caught off guard by Zhu Zhuqing's words. Recalling the years that he spent in this world, his mental age really was already that of an adult. Furthermore, back when he was on Earth, he matured faster than the rest after the death of his adoptive parents.

"If fate allows then I will tell you my story." Lev replied as he looked at the fire in front of his eyes. Thinking about it, he could not help but smile faintly after remembering something.

Meanwhile, Zhu Zhuqing glimpses at Lev after hearing what he said. She looked at him with interest but when she saw his charming smile, she couldn't help but blushed a little before looking down again.

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---Two days later---

Suotuo City,

After two days of running, Lev and Zhu Zhuqing finally arrived at Suotuo City. The first thing they did was to head back to the academy to see the situation but somehow found themselves the first ones to arrive. On the other hand, Flender was surprised to see them as he asked Lev and Zhu Zhuqing a couple of questions before allowing them to leave.

With that, Lev then persuaded and brought Zhu Zhuqing back to the hotel from which he would allow her to have a room for herself as he was planning on training her every now and then since it would be a hassle for her to travel back and forth to the academy.

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---Three days later---

Shrek Academy,

After three days, Lev and Zhu Zhuqing have already built trust with each other. During the days they were together, the two have known each other for them to be called trusted friends or more like master-disciple relationships. On the other hand, Sia and Zhu Zhuqing's relationship was far stronger as they were much closer to each other after the two spent some time together.

This time, however, Lev and Zhu Zhuqing were running as they were heading back to the academy after receiving the news about the other's arrival yesterday. As the two ran without stopping, they arrived shortly at the academy and saw Flender, Zhao Wuji, and an unknown middle-aged man outside the building while Tang San, Dai Mubai, and the others were also there with them.

Seeing the middle-aged man, Lev then suddenly remembered the event when Tang Sang's master would arrive. Though it might be late since a lot of things happened but still, he really was still present. Yes, the middle-aged man in front of them was none other than the person they call Grandmaster namely Yu Xiaogang.

Seeing Lev and Zhu Zhuqing, Flender and the others then looked at them, especially at Lev. Flender was looking intently at Lev as Zhao Wuji explained in detail to him everything that happened in their journey towards Star Dou Forest.

As the two remained silent, Flender could only sigh as he moved closer to Yu Xiaogang and said, "Since everyone was already here, I will introduce this person beside me. He, precisely relying on his research, arrived at the Ten Great Spirit Competences, regarded as the best in spirit theory, the wisest Spirit Master, and at the same time also Tang San's Teacher, Mister Yu Xiaogang. Perhaps you won't understand too clearly by hearing his name, but I think you should all have heard his title. Hereafter, you can call him Grandmaster."

"As almost everyone just returned yesterday, I think everyone is still comparatively tired. I declare that today you will have a one-day vacation. Tomorrow, the class will resume again." Flender said before looking at Yu Xiaogang.

Yu Xiaogang nodded and moved forward. He looked at the now seven Shrek students and said, "Later, I will draw up some focus education methods. Apart from coordination, I do not wish to hear any different voices. Whoever it is, I will treat everyone equally."

Yu Xiaogang then looked at Tang San and then asked, "Tang San, I have been meaning to ask this. Why did I not see Xiao Wu around? Where is she?"

Hearing Yu Xiaogang, Tang San, and the others then paused and remembered what happened in the Star Dou Forest.

Tang San was still reluctant and wanted to go and meet Xiao Wu but Zhao Wuji and Flender did not allow him. He also asked who the person Lev mentioned about someone ordering them to protect him, but they also did not answer. With that, Tang San could only clench his fist while swallowing all the frustrations he had and focus more on the situation at hand.

Yu Xiaogang felt that something was wrong. He then said, "Hmm. Let's talk about it later then."

Yu Xiaogang then looked at Lev and asked, "This student, who might you be?"

"Lev Hendrix. Nice meeting you, Grandmaster." Lev replied.

On the other hand, Dai Mubai and the others were still not in the mood to say something and just continued looking at them.

Yu Xiaogang felt that the mood was clearly wrong and thought something must have happened between them and this boy, Lev. His gaze then swept everyone and said, "Good. You can disband now, gather here early tomorrow. In addition, I do not want to see anyone absent at breakfast. Otherwise, you will receive special drills."

"Tang San, follow me." Yu Xiaogang said before leaving. Tang San looked at Lev for a while before following behind.

Seeing them leaving one by one, Lev then looked at Zhu Zhuqing and asked, "Do you want to head back?"

Zhu Zhuqing was about to reply when suddenly Dai Mubai interrupted.

"Zhuqing, we need to talk." Dai Mubai said while looking at Zhu Zhuqing seriously before shifting his gaze to Lev.

Zhu Zhuqing looked back at Dai Mubai coldly before looking at Lev. She doesn't want to get entangled by this person anymore but since fate is still looking at them, she can only accept it, however, she subconsciously looks at Lev first wanting to see his reaction.

"You can follow me behind. Just take things faster." Lev then said with a smile before leaving. Though they just lived and got closer to each other for merely several days, he was not dense enough not to know that Zhu Zhuqing started having feelings for him.

Ning Rongrong, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun felt that the atmosphere was heavy and awkward which prompted the three to head back to their respective dorms leaving Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing behind.

"Zhuqing, what the fuck is going on between you and Lev?" After seeing everyone leaving, Dai Mubai then angrily asked with his fist clenched wanting to let out the frustration he was feeling after seeing the both of them together.

"Why would you even care?" Zhu Zhuqing coldly said while looking at Dai Mubai as if he was some kind of dirt. Knowing Lev these days, though she admits that he was a pervert, at least he wasn't the same as him and she also has known just how caring Lev was upon seeing and hearing it from Sia unlike him who ran away from his home as if he didn't leave anything or anyone behind.

"Y-You, do remember that you're my fiancee? So, you better restrain your actions." Dai Mubai angrily replied.

"Mubai. I have already decided to follow Lev in this life. So, mind your own business and do not try making trouble for us." Zhu Zhuqing replied fiercely.

"Are you out of your mind? There's no way that our families will cancel our engagement." Dai Mubai was now very angry at the constant cold reply of Zhu Zhuqing.

"Hmmp. I will make it happen." Zhu Zhuqing just snorted and was about to leave when suddenly Dai Mubai held her arm.

"Take your hand off." Zhu Zhuqing looked back and angrily said.

Dai Mubai was surprised to see Zhu Zhuqing become angry for the first time, but he did not take off his hand and continued holding her arm as this was the last string of hope that he was holding on as no matter how he saw it, Zhu Zhuqing has become a completely different person.

Seeing Dai Mubai was out of his mind, Zhu Zhuqing immediately released her spirit which startled the former upon seeing how things escalated and his reaction came too late seeing Zhu Zhuqing kicked him in the stomach at great speed.

Dai Mubai flew and crashed to the ground before he looked at Zhu Zhuqing angrily and said, "Do you really hate me that much?"

"Mubai, don't think that I don't know how many innocent girls you already put to bed. I don't want to marry such a disgusting man." Zhu Zhuqing coldly said before leaving even if my family forced me to.

Hearing this, Dai Mubai's heart broke as he looked at her back while thinking of Lev. As he could no longer do anything, he could only stand up in pain and left angrily deciding to cultivate instead. He thought while clenching his fist, 'It's all his fault.'

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Nearby Forest,

Following which direction Lev had run, Zhu Zhuqing arrived and even without waiting for Lev to say something, she hugged him tightly as her tears started falling down from her eyes. She decided that this would be the last time she would think about Dai Mubai and thought about moving forward for the bigger picture.

"Z-Zhuqing." Lev wasn't that surprised by the sudden attack, but things only became more complicated as an intoxicating smell suddenly entered his nose which made his hands start trembling. He then looked just at Zhu Zhuqing, however as exactly at the same time, the latter was also looking at him.

"Lev, I like you." Zhu Zhuqing confessed before she moved her head closer and kissed Lev's lips. She even didn't care about the effect of having direct contact with him as her emotions completely overtook her mind and body.

Lev looked at Zhu Zhuqing's closed eyes while feeling her arms shaking. He felt how much courage she put on to this one which he felt really touch and so he wrapped his arms around her waist before reciprocating as he himself also started losing and just to be sure, he already resummoned Sia.