Douluo Continent: The Eternal Order of the Azure Sky.

Suddenly, as if she had smelled something unusual, she gently sniffed her delicate nose and asked in confusion:

"Tianxu, can you smell something unusual? It's so strong."

"Uh... I was just trying to make a dessert, but it didn't turn out very well, and the taste was a bit strong."

Kong Tianxu broke out in a cold sweat, his eyes flickering uncertainly.

"What kind of snack? Is it good?"

Meng Hongchen was clearly intrigued. This was the first time she had heard anything from Kong Tianxu that had little to do with cultivation, and she immediately became very curious.

She boldly took a step forward, almost pressing herself against Kong Tianxu, sniffing him gently like a small animal. So close, Kong Tianxu could even smell the faint fragrance of her hair.

"I've never heard of this before. The taste is so unique! Can you show me how to make it? I'd love to try it too."

Meng Hongchen looked up, her eyes full of anticipation.

"Hmm... if there's an opportunity, it depends on your willingness."

Seeing that she was increasingly probing downwards, Kong Tianxu quickly moved aside, casually made up an excuse to wrap up the story, and then quickly changed the subject:

"Miss Meng looks so beautiful today, is it a special day?"

She was indeed extremely beautiful today. Her pretty makeup was clearly the result of careful preparation. Her light blue dress fluttered in the wind, making her skin look as white as snow. Her smile was as beautiful as a flower. A crystal earring on one ear sparkled in the sunlight, adding a touch of liveliness.

Like a refreshing dessert after a big meal, it gave Kong Tianxu a completely different feeling from Ma Xiaotao before.

Although Meng Hongchen still had many doubts in her heart, she was immediately delighted to hear Kong Tianxu praise her, and she put the matter to the back of her mind.

"Is that so...? Actually, there's nothing special about it."

She tidied a few strands of wine-red hair behind her ear, then pouted her red lips and said:

"How did your fight with Ma Xiaotao go? Those guys from Shrek Academy said you were definitely hurt by Ma Xiaotao. I've been looking for you everywhere. I knew you'd be alright."

"What do you think?" Kong Tianxu took a step forward. There were too many traces left on this battlefield, so it was not advisable to stay any longer. He had to quickly lead the girl to another place.

"Of course I think you'll win!" Meng Hongchen followed a few steps, her high heels clicking crisply on the ground, conveying a cheerful and uplifting feeling.

She squeezed slightly inward, and Kong Tianxu clearly felt it on his arm, as well as the ticklish touch like a small fish gently nibbling at him.

"The weather is getting colder. Even if your martial soul has the ice attribute, it's best not to do this." Kong Tianxu's heart stirred, and he draped his outer robe over Meng Hongchen's fragrant shoulders.

Meng Hongchen tightened the coat she wore, which still carried Kong Tianxu's warmth and scent, and the faint pink on her face deepened. Although Kong Tianxu's earlier withdrawal of her hand had made her feel somewhat uneasy, this considerate concern undoubtedly gave her immense courage.

"Tianxu".

"Ok?"

Three parts admiration, three parts dependence, three parts naivety, and one part subtle, carefully crafted nonchalance.

Meng Hongchen silently recited the secrets she had heard from the legendary "love master" of the inner academy, Senior Sister Wu Ming, and softly said:

"It's just... it feels like it's been a long time since we had a proper talk. I still don't quite understand the dual control technique of ice and fire elements that you taught me last time. Could you explain it to me again?"

"The key is to maintain a balance. There's no need to deliberately suppress or dominate either side, but rather to guide them into a dynamic and stable pattern. Do you understand?"

Kong Tianxu succinctly pointed out the key point, but found that Meng Hongchen did not respond, so he turned his head to look—

Meng Hongchen tilted her head slightly, her deer-like, watery eyes gently reaching out to him, full of unspoken anticipation.

"Then, if I have any other questions in the future, can I come to you for help?"

Ever since Kong Tianxu's heroic performance in the previous competition left a deep impression on her, a feeling of admiration had quietly grown within her. Coming to Shrek Academy for an exchange program provided more opportunities for interaction, and she had already secretly fallen for him.

However, since this was the first time she had taken such a clear initiative, she was still a little apprehensive.

After all, whether it was Cain and Xu Tianzhen from the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy, or Xue Nu and Zhang Lexuan from Shrek Academy whose relationship with Kong Tianxu was obviously too good to be true and who were even the subject of frequent rumors, they all put her under immense pressure, which is why she made up her mind to charge into battle.

Kong Tianxu chuckled inwardly. He knew, of course, that Meng Hongchen harbored some feelings for him, but he had never brought it up.

However, since the other party has offered themselves up, there's no reason not to accept it.

He smiled knowingly and said, "My time is very precious."

Meng Hongchen immediately raised her head, her long, wine-red hair flowing with a luster like fine grape wine, and her icy blue eyes sparkling.

"I...I will study very hard!"

As she spoke, she seemingly unintentionally touched the back of Kong Tianxu's hand with her fingertips.

Seeing that he did not immediately avoid her, she was secretly pleased and, taking advantage of the situation, secretly hooked her little finger around his index finger.

Success! Meng Hongchen cheered in his heart.

Although the techniques that Senior Wu Ming confidently guaranteed sounded a bit far-fetched, practice proved her to be correct.

To deal with someone like Tianxu who seems aloof, you need to take the initiative, subtly create physical contact, and show a sense of dependence.

Although she had successfully hooked her fingers together, Meng Hongchen still lowered her head shyly. She was ultimately too shy to do anything more; this was already the limit of her mental fortitude, and she didn't dare to take the next step.

The morning dew had not yet dried, and the reflections of the two figures on the stone path appeared near and far. Yet, the touch of their fingertips, connecting them, gradually became clearer in the chilly air.

Then, clasp hands together.

At this moment, Meng Hongchen was filled with sweetness, and a small, smug smile even appeared on her face.

At least, compared to those scheming women from Shrek Academy, he was already far ahead!

Little did she know that her "strategist," Wu Ming, was himself a theorist who only talked the talk but had no real-world experience.

She had no idea that not long ago, Ma Xiaotao had already...

As for Zhang Lexuan, the senior sister whom she regarded as her biggest rival during the exchange and study period, the progress of her exploration with Kong Tianxu was far beyond what she could imagine at this moment.

But...

Having just defeated the ferocious fire monster, savoring this bittersweet post-battle experience seems to have a unique flavor.

As Kong Tianxu felt the soft and elastic sensation on the outside of his arm with each movement, a slightly shy smile appeared on his lips in Meng Hongchen's eyes.

……

In the end, even the bewildered Meng Hongchen couldn't find out the final result of Kong Tianxu and Ma Xiaotao's private sparring match.

No one dared to question the two parties involved.

Over time, this matter became one of the countless unsolved mysteries in the inner courtyard, sparking much speculation.

However, since then, a strange legend has begun to circulate quietly in the inner courtyard and even the outer courtyard:

The fiery madwoman Ma Xiaotao seems to have a close relationship with Kong Tianxu, the exchange student from the Sun and Moon who is hailed as the Supreme Dragon.

Every so often, the two would spar as if by prior arrangement, and the sessions were getting longer and longer, which showed how quickly their skills had improved.

The location was unpredictable; sometimes it was in an empty training classroom, sometimes on the shimmering surface of Poseidon Lake, and sometimes in a secluded attic in Shrek City. Before long, the faint, lingering sounds of dragons roaring and phoenixes singing would echo from that area.

However, what's intriguing is that in public, whether in the classroom or when carrying out dangerous missions together as part of the Shrek Inspection Team, the two always appear cold and distant.

Ma Xiaotao remained as energetic as ever, seemingly ignoring Kong Tianxu, occasionally glancing at him but quickly looking away; Kong Tianxu, on the other hand, remained as calm and indifferent as ever, responding to Ma Xiaotao's occasional fiery temper or provocative words with a concise, almost cold, tone.

This public, clear-cut distinction, in stark contrast to the rumors of their regular private matches, only fuels further speculation, as if some secret is being deliberately concealed...

Of course, Meng Hongchen always scoffed at these rumors.

Believing she had made a breakthrough, perhaps even surpassing Cain and Xu Tianzhen's "progress," Meng Hongchen's offensive became increasingly bold and direct in the days that followed, and she was extremely satisfied with the results.

She believed she knew Kong Tianxu very well.

She completely controlled the rhythm, and even the boy who was a little awkward in some intimate contact was her most important treasure, which she guarded tightly. How could anyone else covet it?

For example, right now—

"Hurry up, Meng Hongchen is almost here. If you don't complete the task within the specified time, you will be punished again."

"Awoo—"

"...So I think that formation's energy circuit can be further optimized."

Shrek City, in a quiet private room of a teahouse. Meng Hongchen sat by the fireplace, chatting amiably. Although she arrived later than Kong Tianxu, she had prepared many interesting topics for this carefully arranged "date".

However, Kong Tianxu seemed somewhat distracted. Although his instructions to her were still concise and precise, his speech was much slower than usual, his expression was slightly stiff, and his posture was rather strange, as if he was exerting force with his whole body.

Oh no! It seems we've talked too much about cultivation; I need to change the subject quickly!

Recalling Wu Ming's earnest teachings, Meng Hongchen immediately changed the subject, softening her voice:

"Tianxu, how's the taste? This teahouse is newly opened, but it's already quite famous in Shrek City for its secret-recipe 'Snow-capped Jade Tea.' I heard the tea leaves are picked from the snow-capped mountains on the edge of the far north and brewed with melted snow in early spring..."

She blinked her beautiful big eyes, leaned forward slightly, almost face to face with Kong Tianxu, and looking down along her swan-like, elegant and slender neck, one could already see the unfathomable depths of her body.

Meng Hongchen carefully followed Wu Ming's "three-step approach": first, create an ambiguous atmosphere, and then it was time to show off her attractiveness.

Watching her awkwardly display her charm, a barely perceptible smile flashed across Kong Tianxu's eyes. Just as he was about to speak, his Adam's apple bobbed, and he forcibly held his breath.

Seeing Kong Tianxu's face gradually turn red and his eyes fixed on her red lips, Meng Hongchen became even more confident.

Thank you, Master Wu Ming!

Seeing that the atmosphere had been just right, her heart raced slightly. Seizing a moment during a break in the conversation, she suddenly leaned forward.

"Tianxu, there's a bit of tea on your lips." She spoke softly, extending her fingers but then turning away to gently cup Kong Tianxu's cheeks.

Kong Tianxu stared at her blankly, as if someone had grabbed his vital parts and he couldn't move, his eyes glazed over.

Then, in the instant he seemed slightly stunned by this abrupt action, Meng Hongchen closed her eyes, mustered all her courage, and quickly planted a light kiss on his lips.

Kong Tianxu was tense all over, his body trembling slightly.

It felt slightly cool to the touch, carrying her unique sweet scent. The contact was brief.

Meng Hongchen blushed and stepped back, her heart pounding like a deer, yet filled with the joy of victory.

She noticed! Just now, Tianxu's body seemed to stiffen slightly, and even... there was a barely perceptible tremor?

Was he nervous? Was he shy? It really was his first kiss!

Meng Hongchen almost jumped for joy. It seemed she had indeed succeeded! Sister Wu Ming's method, though it sounded strange, really worked!

She was so immersed in immense happiness and pride that she completely ignored the subtle movements beneath the heavy brocade tablecloth.

Kong Tianxu's momentary stiffness and trembling may not have originated from her, but rather from some kind of interference caused by her sudden action on the ground...

That slight tremor was less a sign of tension and more a sign of difficult restraint.

As the feeling of happiness gradually subsided and reason returned, a deep sense of shyness took over Meng Hongchen's mind.

She secretly observed Kong Tianxu's reaction out of the corner of her eye. He seemed to pause for a moment, then picked up his teacup and took a sip as a cover, just opening his mouth to say something: