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Perhaps, there might be some flaws in this reasoning.

For example, why can't Su Yu, who is childhood friends with Jiang Nan'nan, also be the Ice God Palace's young master?

Just because the Ice God Palace is secluded, does it mean their young master can't come from the outside world?

But once greed takes hold, people tend to subconsciously overlook many things. Yan Shaozhe already hoped deep down that Su Yu wasn't the young master of the Ice God Palace. Su Yu's relationship with Jiang Nan'nan simply provided a convenient excuse for him.

As for the actual reason? It didn't matter—it was just something Yan Shaozhe needed.

This wasn't a matter of intelligence on Yan Shaozhe's part; it was purely human nature.

Most people only believe what they want to see. Yan Shaozhe was no exception.

Having concluded that Su Yu was not the young master of the Ice God Palace, Yan Shaozhe naturally decided to bring Su Yu over to their side.

The first person he directed his intentions toward was Wang Yan. This explains why Wang Yan, in front of everyone, openly suggested recruiting Su Yu. Without Yan Shaozhe's backing, someone as cautious as Wang Yan would never risk offending Xu Sanshi and Dai Huabin directly.

Wang Yan's actions were always incredibly measured, after all.

When Yan Shaozhe finished speaking, Wang Yan, who shared an implicit understanding with him, immediately said,

"The dean is right. As members of Shrek Academy, we must embody broad-mindedness."

"Why is the entire continent so respectful of Shrek Academy?

It's because we dare to lead, judge evil, and protect the weak."

"Now, a misguided child stands before us. How can we turn a blind eye?

I fully support the dean's decision."

Zhang Lexuan, who had been silent on the side, found the situation amusing.

Interesting. Earlier, they accused him of aiding the wicked and lacking principles.

Now that Su Yu's ultimate ice abilities are revealed, suddenly he's a misguided child in need of saving?

Save him? Does he even need your help?

Her deslike for Shrek Academy's ways grew stronger, but Zhang Lexuan kept her thoughts to herself.

She increasingly questioned her earlier self—was she out of her mind to be deceived by Shrek's so-called glory?

Fortunately, Su Yu had reminded her since childhood to see the world with her own heart. Without his guidance, she might have been thoroughly brainwashed.

In retrospect, only Su Yu had ever genuinely cared for her. Thinking of the Ice God Palace insignia and the two ninth-tier fixed soul cannon shells hidden in her ring, Zhang Lexuan felt a tinge of delight.

These gifts symbolized Su Yu's trust in her. After all, such items held enormous significance.

If not for her desire to do something meaningful for Su Yu, she might have already fallen into his arms. Su Yu even said he wanted to marry her—she wondered if he was serious.

Lost in thought, Zhang Lexuan's mind began to drift.

Meanwhile, Yan Shaozhe and Wang Yan worked in tandem, practically setting the tone for recruiting Su Yu.

Neither Ma Xiaotao nor Ling Luochen opposed their plan. Ma Xiaotao needed Su Yu's ultimate ice abilities to suppress her evil fire, and she understood Yan Shaozhe's intentions. Ling Luochen was simply curious about the true potential of ultimate ice.

Even Bei Bei, after careful consideration, agreed, despite Xu Sanshi's incredulous reaction. Bei Bei had a unique status and had to prioritize the academy's interests, even knowing Su Yu and Xu Sanshi had personal grudges. The benefits of recruiting Su Yu outweighed everything else.

As for Chu He and his group, they remained silent. They knew they held no real decision-making power.

At this stage, opposing Yan Shaozhe would only invite trouble.

"Lexuan, what do you think?" Yan Shaozhe asked, looking at Zhang Lexuan with satisfaction, seeing little opposition.

Although most opinions were unimportant, he genuinely cared about Zhang Lexuan's thoughts. She was about to join Sea God's Pavilion, becoming part of the academy's leadership, and her input mattered in such significant decisions.

"Huh? What?"

Snapped out of her reverie, Zhang Lexuan seemed momentarily confused but quickly composed herself.

"I think it's a great idea. I support it."

"You believe it's feasible?" Yan Shaozhe's eyes lit up.

"Recruiting Su Yu would greatly benefit the academy. Not only would it solve Xiaotao's issue, but it would also bring in a student with immense potential. In my opinion, Su Yu has the potential of an Ultimate Douluo. His talent is unmatched and well worth the effort."

Zhang Lexuan spoke earnestly. She meant every word when praising Su Yu.

"You think so too? Haha! Lexuan, you truly have foresight.

Giving such a rare talent to the Sun and Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy would be a complete waste. This child has lost his way and needs our guidance. What do they know about ultimate martial souls anyway?"

Yan Shaozhe laughed heartily, confident now that Zhang Lexuan had agreed. With her support, the decision was practically finalized. He believed Sea God's Pavilion wouldn't object either—Shrek Academy wouldn't let go of a prodigy like Su Yu.

Seeing Zhang Lexuan's agreement, Dai Huabin and Xu Sanshi looked even more sullen. But they knew their objections were futile—Shrek's affairs were not for them to dictate.

Xu Sanshi kept his displeasure hidden, but Dai Huabin's anger was evident. He scoffed,

"Dean, Senior Sister, your ideas sound great, but what if Su Yu doesn't play along? That arrogant, petty, and ignorant guy might not even respect the academy."

"Arrogant, petty, and ignorant? I think those words describe you better," Jiang Nan'nan retorted coldly.

She had tolerated his earlier remarks, but this was too much. Compared to Su Yu, who did Dai Huabin think he was?

"Jiang Nan'nan, what did you say? How dare you insult me?"

Dai Huabin, his eyes red with fury, looked like he wanted to tear Jiang Nan'nan apart.

But Jiang Nan'nan remained fearless. Though gentle and unassuming on the surface, she was stubborn and resolute at heart.

She glared back at Dai Huabin and said coldly, "So what if I'm criticizing you? Am I not speaking the truth?"

"All this time, weren't you the one behaving like a mad dog, baring your fangs and chasing after Xiao Yu to pick a fight?"

"I've asked around, and it was you who caused trouble for Xiao Yu in the first place. In the end, you got dealt with, and now you're holding a grudge?"

"Who's the one being narrow-minded here?"

"If you hadn't messed with Xiao Yu, would he have retaliated against you?"

"Everything you've suffered is your own doing!"

Every word from Jiang Nan'nan was sharp and unyielding, leaving Dai Huabin unable to retort because her words were the undeniable truth.

Anger surged through Dai Huabin as he roared, "Jiang Nan'nan, you lowly commoner! How dare you criticize me?"

As he moved to strike, Zhang Lexuan slapped him across the face, leaving him dumbfounded on the spot.

"Lexuan, what are you doing?" Yan Shaozhe was stunned. He never imagined that the usually calm and serene Zhang Lexuan would resort to violence.

"I'm helping him wake up. Acting out of selfishness, jeopardizing the academy's interests, and even turning the tables to blame others—then daring to raise his hand against a senior sister? Is this the type of son the Duke of White Tiger has raised?"

Zhang Lexuan calmly withdrew her hand, but her words landed like a heavy blow. Internally, she scoffed—dare insult Xiao Yu? You must have a death wish.

Hearing this, Yan Shaozhe's brows furrowed slightly. While insults in the past could be overlooked, they were now attempting to recruit Su Yu. Insults at this critical juncture equated to undermining their efforts, something Yan Shaozhe could not tolerate.

Sensing the shift in the atmosphere, Dai Yueheng quickly pulled Dai Huabin aside and reprimanded him harshly. After all, if Dai Huabin's actions ruined the academy's plans, the repercussions for their family would be severe.

Dai Huabin bowed his head, his eyes bloodshot, fists clenched tightly, his nails digging into his palms, drawing blood. His heart seethed with resentment toward Zhang Lexuan, Jiang Nan'nan, and even Dai Yueheng, who dared scold him.

You'll all pay for this, he swore to himself. Especially Jiang Nan'nan—how dare a lowly commoner insult him? He vowed to make her regret it.

Seeing Dai Yueheng's efforts to discipline Dai Huabin, Yan Shaozhe's displeasure gradually faded. Turning toward Jiang Nan'nan, his expression softened into a smile.

"Nan'nan, I hear you and Xiao Yu grew up together?"

"You've known each other since childhood?"

Jiang Nan'nan nodded—this was common knowledge, and she saw no reason to deny it.

Yan Shaozhe's smile deepened. "Nan'nan, since you're so close to Su Yu, surely you don't want to see him continue down the wrong path, do you?"

Jiang Nan'nan's willingness to confront Dai Huabin on Su Yu's behalf indicated a strong bond between them. This was precisely what Yan Shaozhe needed.

Jiang Nan'nan asked hesitantly, "Dean, what do you mean?"

"I'd like you to reach out to Su Yu," Yan Shaozhe said warmly. "Help us arrange a meeting. After all, you know him best. We want to guide him back from the brink."

Jiang Nan'nan hesitated. Was he seriously asking her to convince Su Yu? She'd already been convinced by him to leave Shrek Academy herself! How could she possibly bring him over?

Still, she reasoned that meeting with Su Yu to inform him of everything wouldn't hurt. Su Yu was far smarter than she was and could decide for himself.

Reluctantly, she agreed, and Yan Shaozhe, mistaking her agreement for success, smiled with satisfaction.

"Xiaotao, accompany me to meet him when the time comes," Yan Shaozhe said, addressing Ma Xiaotao.

Ma Xiaotao paused but nodded. She understood his intentions and didn't mind assisting the academy. Besides, Su Yu, with his Ultimate Ice abilities, was intriguing.

Satisfied with her consent, Yan Shaozhe's smile grew even brighter.

...

Meanwhile, in his room, Su Yu was teasing Snow Empress. The little snow spirit looked at him with a mix of annoyance and helplessness, her tiny limbs flailing as she tried to claw at his face.

Knock! Knock!

A knock interrupted their moment. Su Yu chuckled, gently placing Snow Empress into his magical pouch, then went to open the door.

Standing outside was a striking figure with flowing golden curls, a tall and graceful build, and a complexion as delicate as jade. She was undeniably beautiful.

Su Yu blinked in surprise. "Sister Nan'nan? What brings you here?"

In broad daylight, she was here to see him? Shouldn't such visits happen under the cover of night?

Nan'nan gave a sweet smile. "I have something to discuss with you. Aren't you going to invite me in?"