Soul Land:The Dragon King's God of Nature

Guanglin Street, the premier street of Shrek City, combines dining, entertainment, and leisure into one diverse and vibrant area. Here, one can experience specialty foods from all over the continent and even overseas, as well as enjoy various innovative, technology-driven attractions that showcase the charm of soul technology.

"Brother Shaoyu, this cotton candy is so delicious," Xu Xiaoyan exclaimed joyfully, holding a large, cloud-like ball of cotton candy. She took a big bite, her face lighting up with satisfaction, and then held it out to Jing Shaoyu's mouth. "You have to try it!"

Jing Shaoyu didn't hesitate and took a bite. The sweet, fluffy flavor melted on his tongue, leaving a delightful taste. His eyes lit up, and he smiled. "It's really good."

"Hehe, right?" Xu Xiaoyan said proudly, casting a playful glance at Gu Yue. "I knew at first glance this cotton candy was special. It's way better than the ones in East Sea City. Gu Yue, do you want to try it? I still have plenty."

Gu Yue's expression remained neutral, but her words carried no small amount of sting. "Thanks, but no. I don't like sweets—they make you gain weight."

Xu Xiaoyan, who had been happily eating, froze mid-bite. She glared at Gu Yue, momentarily unsure whether to keep eating or not.

Jing Shaoyu quickly stepped in to diffuse the tension. "Don't worry! As soul masters, it's nearly impossible for us to gain weight unless there's a special reason. Look at Tang Wulin—he eats so much, but he's still lean."

"Who can compare to him?" At the mention of Tang Wulin, both Xu Xiaoyan and Gu Yue couldn't help but think of his eating habits. Their faces softened with faint smiles, though it was undeniably impolite to laugh at their friend. Tang Wulin's appetite was legendary among Class Zero. During their three years at East Sea Academy, only Jing Shaoyu's exceptional looks rivaled Tang Wulin's fame, but everyone knew about the "Class Zero Food King" title that Tang Wulin had earned.

The lively atmosphere returned to the group. However, Xu Xiaoyan ultimately decided not to finish her cotton candy. Passing by a table, she casually set it down. After all, like any young girl, she cared about her figure.

"Hmm?" A boy and a girl approached the table shortly after, noticing the cotton candy. Xu Lizhi's round face scrunched in confusion as he looked at the unexpected treat among his belongings. "Did I buy cotton candy? Wait… but why is there only one? Weird."

The once small and chubby Xu Lizhi had now grown into a slightly larger and still chubby teenager. His plump cheeks and somewhat silly expression made him look easily tricked, as though a single piece of candy could buy his trust.

"Come back!" Ye Xinglan, who had accompanied him for a casual stroll, grabbed his ear with annoyance. "That cotton candy was left here by those three over there. Go return it!"

"Ow, it hurts, Sister Xinglan! Let go!" Xu Lizhi whined.

"Hmph!" Ye Xinglan released him and scolded, "All you ever think about is eating. You always buy so much food. Aren't you sick of it?"

"Hehe, how could I get sick of it?" Xu Lizhi chuckled sheepishly. "Good food never gets old, Sister Xinglan!"

"Hmph!" Ye Xinglan snorted disdainfully and said, "Let's go. Return it to them. Leaving food behind like that—so rude!"

Xu Lizhi nodded earnestly. "Exactly, especially leaving such delicious cotton candy! What a waste."

The two of them set off in pursuit of Jing Shaoyu's group, who weren't moving very quickly as they explored the surrounding shops. It didn't take long for Ye Xinglan and Xu Lizhi to catch up.

"Hey!" Ye Xinglan called out sharply, her tone slightly impolite. "You three—did you forget something?"

"Hm?" Hearing someone call out to them, Jing Shaoyu and the others stopped in their tracks and turned around.

Both sides froze. Jing Shaoyu immediately recognized Ye Xinglan and Xu Lizhi. Their appearances hadn't changed much in three years—just from age ten to thirteen, not enough for dramatic transformation. A playful smile spread across his face. Well, what a coincidence.

Ye Xinglan also recognized Jing Shaoyu's group. Her initially stern expression softened into one of surprise and astonishment. The events of their East Sea City encounter three years ago were still fresh in her memory, largely due to Tang Wulin's antics. After all, it wasn't every day a Shrek Academy student had to wash dishes to pay off a debt. However, the person who had left the deepest impression on her was Jing Shaoyu.

A peer who, at their age, already possessed three purple soul rings and was a Soul Elder—a genius among geniuses. Not only that, but he also shared martial soul fusion techniques with two girls, an unparalleled feat that had driven her to constantly push herself. She had vowed to surpass him and reclaim her pride as a Shrek Academy student.

Over the past three years, Jing Shaoyu had almost become a mental barrier for her. Whenever she felt weary during training, she would recall the indifferent gaze he had given her during their first meeting. That gaze spurred her on with a mix of humiliation and determination. She had sworn that one day, she would force him to see her in a new light.

"It's you!" Ye Xinglan's voice trembled slightly as her expression grew complicated.

Jing Shaoyu, unaware of the inner monologue unfolding in Ye Xinglan's mind—and likely unconcerned even if he knew—greeted her with a polite smile. "So it's you two. Long time no see."

"Oh, aren't you from East Sea Academy?" Xu Lizhi exclaimed, equally surprised. His first thought was of his like-minded friend. "If you're here, does that mean Tang Wulin is here too?"

At the mention of Tang Wulin, Xu Xiaoyan and Gu Yue's expressions turned slightly odd. They had just been joking about Tang Wulin's appetite, only to now encounter Xu Lizhi, who ate just as much but carried the weight to show for it. The irony was hard to miss.

"Of course," Jing Shaoyu replied with a smile, his gaze sweeping over the pair. Ye Xinglan's expression was conflicted, her eyes shadowed with emotion, while Xu Lizhi's face was simple and full of mirth. Together, they looked like a comedic duo—one serious, the other silly. "Why are you calling us?"

"Oh!" Xu Lizhi quickly said, holding up the cotton candy. "You left your cotton candy on that table."

Jing Shaoyu and Gu Yue both turned to Xu Xiaoyan, who pouted and said, "It wasn't good, so I left it there. Who knew you'd find it?"

"What? Not good?!" Xu Lizhi was visibly upset. "This is the best cotton candy in Shrek City! How could it not be good?"

Food being involved clearly hit a nerve for Xu Lizhi, whose gestures grew increasingly animated as he tried to defend the cotton candy. However, Ye Xinglan cut him off, pressing him back with a stern glare. "Enough, fatty. Stop embarrassing yourself."

Chastised, Xu Lizhi immediately quieted down, though his face wore a pitiful expression.

"You're here for the entrance exams, aren't you? Best of luck," Ye Xinglan said, her eyes locking onto Jing Shaoyu with a determined intensity. "I hope to see you at Shrek Academy. Goodbye."

With that, she turned and walked off, dragging Xu Lizhi along and even tossing the cotton candy into a trash can.

Jing Shaoyu, Xu Xiaoyan, and Gu Yue didn't take the encounter too seriously. They were simply surprised by the coincidence.

"Who would've thought we'd run into familiar faces so soon after arriving in Shrek City," Xu Xiaoyan remarked.

"Exactly. Shrek City seems vast, but it's actually quite small," Jing Shaoyu mused philosophically.

"Maybe if Xiaoyan throws away more cotton candy, we'll meet even more old friends," Gu Yue joked lightly, a rare smile gracing her face.

"There aren't that many familiar faces around!" Xu Xia

oyan protested, her cheeks flushing.

The trio's mood became even more cheerful.