Douluo : Capture the goddess starting from peerless tang sect

"Teacher, why are you here so early? That's rare," the girl said lazily, greeting Xuan Ziwen with a casual wave. When her gaze landed on Qian Ran, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes.

It wasn't every day that Juzi encountered someone as strikingly handsome and charismatic as Qian Ran.

But what truly caught her off guard was the predatory glint in Qian Ran's eyes. It wasn't her imagination—his gaze was intense, filled with unmistakable possessiveness.

"This is Qian Ran, your new junior. Don't underestimate him; his abilities far surpass yours," Xuan Ziwen explained. "Help familiarize him with the lab and answer any questions he has, alright?"

"Welcome, junior," Juzi said with a slight smirk before giving Qian Ran a once-over.

Her tone was dismissive, and she walked away with a huff.

"I'm going out to eat. Wait here, and I'll guide you when I return," she added, clapping her hands lightly as she left.

Juzi's love for food was well-known, and Qian Ran knew it.

In the original story, Juzi's fondness for food was one of the reasons Huo Yuhao had won her over—his barbeque skills were a direct hit to her heart.

"This place has a more relaxed learning atmosphere," Xuan Ziwen remarked, sensing the awkward silence. "Don't mind Juzi. She might seem reserved, but her talent in soul engineering is extraordinary. She's already a Level 5 Soul Engineer—she just lacks the cultivation to match."

Qian Ran merely shrugged.

He was used to being pursued wherever he went. On their walk to the lab, if Xuan Ziwen hadn't been beside him, he was sure many girls would have approached him.

This was no different at Shrek Academy.

However, as Qian Ran's fame grew there, even admirers who were infatuated with him chose to admire from afar, knowing the gap between themselves and him.

Juzi, though, was refreshingly different.

She didn't fawn over him, didn't even give him the time of day. Instead, she treated him like an ordinary person.

Qian Ran loved it.

That's the kind of woman I enjoy breaking down.

After Xuan Ziwen gave him some instructions, he left, confident that Qian Ran wouldn't face any trouble at the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy. If anything, the worry was more about Qian Ran not bullying them.

With his Level 89 physical strength, Qian Ran could overpower 90% of the academy's staff.

When Juzi returned, she wasn't alone.

Three others accompanied her.

The first was a tall, burly youth, standing well over two meters. His dark skin and short brown hair added to his rugged appearance. His taut muscles stretched his uniform tightly, exuding an intimidating presence.

Behind him was a petite girl, her figure delicate but her demeanor fierce. Though only about 1.6 meters tall, her sharp eyes glinted with authority, giving off a tiger-like air.

The third was another male student, lean and handsome, with flowing golden hair that draped over his shoulders. His high nose bridge and deep blue eyes gave him an aristocratic charm.

Qian Ran immediately recognized the petite girl as Koko. Despite her small stature and cute appearance, she had the aura of a fiery little tigress.

"You're from Shrek Academy?"

Koko's eyes narrowed as she marched toward Qian Ran, her hands on her hips.

"Uh… yeah? How did you know?" Qian Ran asked, slightly startled.

"Hmph! The academy plastered recruitment posters for your 'student companions' all over the walls. What do you think?" Koko snapped, glaring at him.

"Student companions?" Qian Ran blinked, utterly confused.

What kind of plot twist is this? This wasn't in the original story.

"The academy announced that Shrek Academy had sent exchange students, and to make you feel at home, they're recruiting companions to 'help' you adjust. Priority was given to pretty girls," Koko said with a scowl.

Her tone dripped with sarcasm, and her indignation was palpable.

While she didn't go into detail, it was clear there was more to the program than met the eye.

The announcement had already caused an uproar among the Sun Moon Academy's male students.

What made Shrek students so special?

Why did they deserve a harem of at least five attractive girls to cater to their every need? Were they meant to wash their clothes and cook their meals?

The posters had enraged every self-respecting male at the Sun Moon Academy.

Lin Jiayi's plan to attract Shrek students had inadvertently sparked widespread resentment, with some students itching for a fight.

"So… this is a thing?" Qian Ran muttered, still trying to process it.

Was this the famed "exchange student treatment"?

Even though he wasn't technically a Sun Moon citizen, his situation was analogous to that of an international student. Still, the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy wasn't known for pampering outsiders, especially ones from Shrek.

Yet here they were, rolling out the red carpet.

Qian Ran didn't particularly care about the academy's motives. If cute girls were being sent his way, he wasn't about to complain.

He didn't know many girls from the Sun Moon Academy besides Juzi and Koko. But if there were other gems among their ranks, he wasn't opposed to getting to know them.

"Why not just refuse to participate?" Qian Ran asked. "Why get so worked up?"

"Refuse? Ha!" Koko scoffed. "Do you have any idea what they're offering? Academic credits, and for top performers, a spot in Mingde Hall!"

Mingde Hall was the Sun Moon Academy's equivalent of Shrek's inner court, though arguably even more prestigious. While Shrek's inner court was limited by the inherent quality of Martial Souls, Mingde Hall rewarded sheer effort and knowledge.

Juzi herself, despite having a rather ordinary Martial Soul, had reached Level 5 in soul engineering through determination and hard work.

For students who had long dreamed of entering Mingde Hall, the chance to earn credits and secure a coveted spot was irresistible.

In contrast, credits at the Sun Moon Academy weren't easily earned, as they played a critical role in determining a student's future class assignments and mentors.

Now, with such an enticing opportunity at hand, students were desperate.

But the requirement to cater to Shrek students? That left a bitter taste in their mouths.

Learning that someone from Shrek had joined their lab, Juzi and her group had come to investigate—and vent their frustration.

(End of Chapter)