Chapter 52: Senior Sister Zhang Lexuan Arrives

Seeing Xiao Xiao leave, Qian Ran breathed a sigh of relief.

He didn't want her to worry about him.

If Xiao Xiao knew how many people he had offended, she would undoubtedly be concerned, especially given the powerful backgrounds of Bei Bei and Xu Sanshi.

But it didn't bother him much; unless a Titled Douluo came after him, he had nothing to fear.

And even if a Titled Douluo did show up, he had ways to protect himself.

First, he could have Qian Renxue step in. Her strength had recently surged, bringing her back to the level of a Titled Douluo. Plus, she was training in the God Control Art, so unless she faced a Super Douluo, she could handle it.

Second, he could retreat into the inner space of the Angelic Holy Sword. Sometimes, he trained there — it was quiet, allowing him to focus on cultivating and discussing the God Control Art with Qian Renxue.

So, Qian Ran's boldness in dealing with Bei Bei and Xu Sanshi, despite their backgrounds, wasn't without reason.

Xu Sanshi might have powerful connections, but so did he.

Did Xu Sanshi's clan, the Mystic Nether Sect, even have a Titled Douluo? Who knew? It could just be a no-name sect.

In his past life on Blue Star, he had been cautious and restrained. But here, with a system backing him, he wasn't going to live meekly anymore.

"You knew I was here?"

Ahead, Zhang Lexuan stepped out from behind a large tree.

She wore a long, pale yellow dress, her porcelain face radiating grace and charm. Her figure was well-proportioned, with curves in all the right places, and her elegance shone through despite the loose dress.

Her serene beauty always carried a gentle smile, giving off an aura of spring warmth.

Even though she had come to confront him, Qian Ran couldn't sense any hostility from Zhang Lexuan.

In the inner courtyard, Zhang Lexuan's influence was unmatched. Her strength was formidable, and she was known for her kind nature, always willing to help fellow students. She was gentle, virtuous — a goddess to many in the inner court.

The moment he saw her, Qian Ran knew she was the caring, supportive type.

Most men loved women like her. However, for someone like Bei Bei, Zhang Lexuan's gentle nature probably seemed boring.

That explained why Bei Bei never felt anything for her.

To Bei Bei, Zhang Lexuan was more like a big sister, a confidant. She was much older than him, not quite a generational gap but still a difference, mainly in personality.

The better Zhang Lexuan's nature, the more dull she seemed to Bei Bei.

People often overlook those who are best to them. Yet, a small gesture from someone else could leave a lasting impression.

Many in the inner courtyard harbored feelings for Zhang Lexuan, but she was resolute in her promise to Elder Mu, refusing to entertain romantic notions.

Some things are only appreciated once they're gone.

Bei Bei's lack of appreciation for such a good woman was hard to understand.

This world was different from his previous one, where getting too close to someone could lead to dangerous entanglements. Here, there weren't as many hidden traps, and the idea of having more than one partner wasn't frowned upon.

With no legal or moral backlash, why not embrace it?

Bei Bei's indifference had left an opportunity for Qian Ran to pursue Zhang Lexuan, an innocent, virtuous woman.

"Aren't you afraid of me?" Zhang Lexuan looked at him with surprise.

In her mind, Qian Ran should have been intimidated by her presence. She had planned only to scare him a bit, with no intention of actually harming him.

But seeing him completely unafraid was unexpected.

Zhang Lexuan started to understand why this freshman had the guts to deal with Bei Bei and Xu Sanshi so ruthlessly.

This guy was truly bold. Setting off fireworks in Shrek City just for a date showed he wasn't easily daunted.

"Why should I be afraid of you, Senior Sister Zhang Lexuan?"

"I've heard that Senior Sister has a very kind nature. I doubt you'd actually do anything to me," Qian Ran said with a smile. Zhang Lexuan's kind reputation had earned her respect in the inner court, so he doubted she'd use her authority against him for personal reasons, especially since he hadn't killed Bei Bei.

"You! You're not even in the inner court yet, so you can't call me Senior Sister. And I'm not as nice as the rumors suggest," Zhang Lexuan replied with a half-smile.

"The inner court… I'll get in sooner or later. Might as well start calling you that now."

Zhang Lexuan sighed.

With Qian Ran's talent, he could enter the inner court with ease, especially since he was now a disciple of the esteemed Xian Lin'er. That relationship alone could give him unhindered access to the inner court.

Even without using Xian Lin'er's connections, Zhang Lexuan believed he'd earn his place on his own merits, likely even sooner than Bei Bei.

"You know why I'm here, don't you?"

"I do. It's because I've taught Bei Bei a lesson twice. The first time, he came looking for trouble, and I sent him packing. A senior picking on a junior and then losing — how is that my fault?"

"As for the recent incident, Bei Bei and Xu Sanshi attacked Ya Ya and injured her. I had every reason to act against Bei Bei. If this wasn't Shrek Academy, I might have killed them both on the spot. To be honest, I don't have the best temper either." Qian Ran's gaze grew cold, his smile fading.

This was a world where killing was a matter of course. He had to get used to using lethal force to resolve conflicts.

Sometimes, when someone dies, the problem dies with them.

"You!"

The fierce killing intent emanating from Qian Ran stunned Zhang Lexuan.

How could a freshman have such an intense bloodlust?

But his words left her speechless. Indeed, both incidents were Bei Bei's fault, not Qian Ran's.

It was because Qian Ran wasn't wrong that she hadn't attacked him immediately.

"Do you know Bei Bei's background? You still dare to speak like that?" Although Bei Bei was at fault, Zhang Lexuan had promised to protect him, and Qian Ran's attitude toward Bei Bei worried her.

If Bei Bei pushed Qian Ran too far and Qian Ran killed him, it would be a disaster.

Zhang Lexuan needed to make Qian Ran understand that Bei Bei wasn't just any student. He had one of the most powerful backgrounds at Shrek Academy.

"Background? Are you saying that as long as someone's background is strong enough, they can do whatever they want at the academy without consequences?" Qian Ran challenged.

Every place had its hidden rules, but making them explicit made them lose their charm.

As the senior sister of the inner court, Zhang Lexuan couldn't deny the truth in Qian Ran's words. Absolute fairness was impossible. Inner court students often received better support for acquiring soul rings, with some getting assistance from powerful escorts, while others had to settle for ordinary rings.

Even Shrek Academy could only offer relative fairness, providing a path for exceptionally talented commoners.

In reality, students from prominent families, even with average talent, often surpassed gifted commoners in the long run.

(End of Chapter)