Night time.
Zeng Yi was lying on the roof of a wooden cabin, gazing up at the bright moon in the sky. Xiao Ju was curled up next to Zeng Yi, resembling a fuzzy ball of fur, peacefully resting.
This wooden cabin was Zeng Yi's dormitory at Shrek Academy.
Originally, Flender wanted Zeng Yi to share a dormitory with Dai Mubai, which would allow Zeng Yi to develop a closer relationship with the students. However, Zeng Yi declined and chose to live alone. Moreover, he chose a house on the outskirts of the academy for his dormitory.
In any case, Zeng Yi didn't particularly enjoy being part of a group. Being alone made him feel more at ease.
Perhaps it was due to his years of wandering, he had grown accustomed to this atmosphere.
Another reason was Zeng Yi's [Ronin] passive ability, which not only enhanced his strength in solo battles but also accelerated the cultivation of his soul power.
The moonlight shone on his face, and his eyes gazed at the sky, lost in thought. The surrounding space was quiet, and the cool night breeze gently brushed against his body as his green robe and long black hair swayed softly.
Occasionally, the clear chirping of insects and the croaking of frogs could be heard, creating a serene atmosphere that Zeng Yi thoroughly enjoyed.
Suddenly, something seemed to resonate within Zeng Yi. He felt something in the palm of his hand, and a bamboo flute appeared.
Looking at this bamboo flute, Zeng Yi's eyes revealed a nostalgic expression.
This bamboo flute was obtained from the dean of Shrek Academy, Flender.
Zeng Yi had thought that their encounter at that time was just a fleeting memory, like passing by a stranger. But who would have expected that he would become a student of the academy now?
Well, let's just go with the flow. After all, he was just a wandering soul with no clear direction. It would be enjoyable to stay here for a while and witness the growth of these main characters. It could be considered a great pleasure.
With this in mind, Zeng Yi couldn't help but smile.
Anyway, he wouldn't stay for too long.
"Enjoy this peaceful life for now. There might not be another chance in the future."
Zeng Yi whispered softly, picking up the bamboo flute and playing it. The sound of the flute resonated from the instrument, slightly melancholic at times, and gentle at others. It echoed through the quiet night sky, creating a lingering, ethereal melody.
Under the moonlight, a graceful figure was approaching from a distance. Suddenly, the distant sound of a flute reached her ears, causing her steps to falter and stop.
"Is that the sound of a flute? From that direction... Could it be Zeng Yi playing a tune in his dormitory?"
Listening carefully to the ethereal sound of the flute, Zhu Zhuqing determined its origin. It was coming from Zeng Yi's residence.
He can play the flute?
Zhu Zhuqing couldn't help but feel puzzled. Although she hadn't spent much time with Zeng Yi, he had left a deep impression on her. With his usual carefree and playful demeanor, it was hard to imagine him as someone who could play such elegant music.
This thought flashed through her mind, and Zhu Zhuqing shook her head, finding her own idea ridiculous.
Lightly tapping the ground with her foot, she rapidly approached Zeng Yi's dormitory, her steps silent as a ghost.
The sound of the flute became increasingly clear. After about ten meters, Zhu Zhuqing appeared in front of Zeng Yi's dormitory.
Looking towards him, she saw Zeng Yi sitting on the roof, gently playing the flute with both hands.
Under the bright moonlight, Zhu Zhuqing could clearly see Zeng Yi's figure. At this moment, he had closed his eyes and was fully focused on playing the flute. In the moonlight, his handsome face appeared dedicated yet somewhat desolate and sorrowful.
His long hair and green robe swayed gently in the cool night breeze, exuding an air of tranquility and etherealness.
The melodic sound of the flute carried a touch of melancholy and loneliness, evoking a sense of sadness in anyone who heard it.
As Zhu Zhuqing looked at Zeng Yi's figure, she felt a sense of loneliness, sorrow, and sadness emanating from him.
This flute melody, filled with a sense of sorrow and loneliness, echoed in the night, casting a heavy and oppressive atmosphere that invoked feelings of solitude and melancholy.
Zeng Yi seemed oblivious to Zhu Zhuqing's presence, continuing to immerse himself in playing the flute. And Zhu Zhuqing remained silent, quietly standing by, gazing at Zeng Yi's figure, and attentively listening to his music.
After a few minutes, the flute ceased, and Zeng Yi put away the bamboo flute. His indifferent gaze turned towards Zhu Zhuqing.
Zeng Yi had already noticed Zhu Zhuqing's arrival, but he was somewhat surprised. Why would Zhu Zhuqing come to find him late at night?
However, Zeng Yi was currently engrossed in his flute playing and didn't immediately attend to her.
Since she's here, she might as well enjoy my performance.
Seeing that Zhu Zhuqing was still lost in the ambiance of his flute playing, Zeng Yi nodded in satisfaction.
"Xiao Zhu, why aren't you resting at night? What brings you to my place?" Zeng Yi asked casually.
"Hmm?"
Zhu Zhuqing was momentarily stunned but quickly regained her composure. She looked up to see Zeng Yi standing on the roof, looking down on her with a faint smile on his face.
She didn't like being looked down upon in such a manner, so she lightly tapped the ground and leaped onto the roof, standing firmly opposite Zeng Yi.
"~Meow~"
A cute meow sound was heard, and a silver furry ball swiftly leaped toward Zhu Zhuqing.
Recognizing the figure, Zhu Zhuqing's chilly expression softened as she extended her slender jade hands to catch Xiao Ju, holding it close to her face.
Xiao Ju extended its pink, soft tongue and licked Zhu Zhuqing's delicate and fair cheek. The ticklish sensation made her involuntarily let out a soft laugh.
Xiao Ju truly adored Xiao Zhu! Perhaps it was because Xiao Zhu also possessed a cat spirit, making Xiao Ju think of her as a fellow feline and thus having a great affinity towards her.
Watching Xiao Ju being cradled in Zhu Zhuqing's arms, Zeng Yi couldn't help but have a few thoughts.
But why did she come here?
Zeng Yi was puzzled. It was late at night, the darkness was deep, and being alone with a woman could easily lead to malicious rumors.
You're causing trouble for me, Miss Zhu Zhuqing.
Zeng Yi shook his head inwardly.
Carefully observing Zhu Zhuqing, Zeng Yi noticed that she was dressed in a black martial outfit, accentuating her hot figure that didn't match her age. Her waist-long black hair was tied into a ponytail, adding a touch of female heroism to her appearance.
Zeng Yi also noticed that Zhu Zhuqing wore a silver bracelet on both her wrists and ankles.
Is this for weight training?
"So, you're training at night too?" Zeng Yi couldn't help but ask.
"Yes, when I suddenly heard the sound of a flute, I couldn't help but come and have a look. I didn't expect it to be you playing," Zhu Zhuqing nodded and replied.
Hearing Zhu Zhuqing's confirmation, Zeng Yi was slightly surprised.
"With such heavy training during the day and secret weight training at night, Xiao Zhu, your diligence is truly praiseworthy," Zeng Yi couldn't help but sigh.
Indeed, based on the performance of Shrek's Seven Devils, apart from Tang San, Zhu Zhuqing was the most hardworking. While the others complained about the intense training, she was the only one who never showed any emotions and quietly completed the tasks assigned by the masters.
Zeng Yi remembered that Zhu Zhuqing's soul power was currently at level 29, on the verge of breaking through to the Spirit Elder realm.
However, according to Zeng Yi's memory, at this point in the original story, Zhu Zhuqing shouldn't have been this powerful. She was slightly weaker in terms of soul power compared to fatty Ma Hongjun.
But now, Zhu Zhuqing's soul power was at level 29, while Ma Hongjun's was at level 28.
Could simply imparting some cultivation methods have such a significant impact?
Could I really be talented at teaching?
Zeng Yi couldn't help but contemplate.
"But I still have to remind you, Xiao Zhu, excessive training may have the opposite effect. Take some time to relax, calm your nerves, and carefully enjoy and experience life. It will be more helpful for your cultivation," Zeng Yi advised Zhu Zhuqing.
Hearing these words, Zhu Zhuqing fell into deep thought.
Zeng Yi's guidance had greatly improved her strength.
Therefore, Zhu Zhuqing had great trust in Zeng Yi's advice. She believed that if Zeng Yi said such things, there must be reasons behind it.
Perhaps she should listen to his advice, calm her heart, and open herself up to experiencing more.