Douluo Dalu 2: The True God King-Chapter 256: [DD2]:

Su Yu took a sip of tea, his mind filled with countless thoughts.

With this simplified version of the Heaven-Swallowing Devil Art in hand, it was undeniably a powerful weapon.

Shrek Academy's current prosperity was inseparable from its unique brainwashing mechanism.

Just the phrase "The Glory of Shrek Academy" was enough to make countless students willingly dedicate themselves.

Even Jiang Nannan back then had been affected.

If he hadn't pulled her out in time, she might have become just another person swept up in that so-called glory.

Now, with the Heaven-Swallowing Devil Art, Su Yu could undoubtedly achieve the same effect.

Or perhaps, he could do it even more thoroughly.

The only thing holding him back—was his conscience.

This technique was too sinister, far from the righteous path.

At this moment, Su Yu truly couldn't make up his mind.

"How ridiculous, I still have a conscience."

Su Yu let out a self-mocking chuckle and drained his tea in one gulp.

Not far away, Wang Dong'er was staring at him in a daze, her large, powder-blue eyes sparkling.

Meng Hongchen was busy clearing the dishes, and with nothing to do, Wang Dong'er suddenly felt a little lost.

Sensing the heated gaze on him, Su Yu turned his head.

Wang Dong'er, dressed in a flowing gown, looked stunningly elegant.

Su Yu's heart stirred, and to her surprise, he stood up and began walking toward her.

As he approached, Wang Dong'er's breathing quickened.

"W-What are you doing?"

She asked softly.

Su Yu smiled slightly, stopping right in front of her and looking at her up close.

Wang Dong'er had an outstanding figure, standing at nearly 1.75 meters tall.

Yet, Su Yu still towered over her by half a head.

The strong masculine aura surrounding him made Wang Dong'er's heart pound.

"Y-You shouldn't... You already have a girlfriend. If Meng Hongchen sees this, it won't be good."

Her delicate face turned red, and she spoke words of rejection.

Yet, her glistening eyes told a completely different story—like they were beckoning him to sin.

Su Yu chuckled, teasing: "So... if she doesn't see, then it's okay?"

Wang Dong'er's face turned even redder, her eyes flickering as she stammered: "I-I never said that!"

Amused, Su Yu gently lifted his hand and caressed her cheek.

Wang Dong'er froze, her big eyes staring blankly at him.

"Miss Dong'er, may I... hug you?"

She trembled, wondering if she had misheard.

Before she could respond, she felt a strong pair of arms pull her in.

In an instant, she was wrapped in a warm and secure embrace.

Su Yu's arms—she loved them.

But maintaining her persona, Wang Dong'er pretended to struggle a little, her soft voice complaining:

"Y-You're being inappropriate again..."

"Do you like me?"

Su Yu whispered in her ear.

"If you do, shouldn't you let me pursue you properly?"

"Always acting like a rogue... I-I'm still a proper, innocent girl!"

Su Yu exhaled softly, his warm breath brushing against her ear:

"But I don't like being a pursuer. I just like being a rogue."

"And... don't you like it too?"

"W-Who likes it?! Don't slander me, you scoundrel!"

Wang Dong'er huffed, pouting.

Hearing that, Su Yu laughed heartily, pulling her even closer.

At that moment, Meng Hongchen stepped out, just in time to witness the scene.

Arms crossed, she watched with great interest, occasionally offering commentary.

Su Yu remained unbothered, but Wang Dong'er, feeling guilty, blushed furiously.

...

Nightfall.

The bright moon hung high, stars twinkling across the sky.

Inside the suite, the lights shone brightly, making it seem like daytime.

Su Yu sat on the sofa, flipping through a book.

On the other end of the sofa, Wang Dong'er lay lazily, her powder-blue hair spilling over her shoulders.

Her delicate feet playfully swayed back and forth.

Just then, Meng Hongchen walked over with a fruit platter, filled with freshly sliced fruits.

"Yu, have some fruit."

Her gentle voice rang out.

Su Yu casually picked up a grape and popped it into his mouth.

As he chewed, the sweet juice burst forth.

Just as he was about to speak, a soft noise came from the balcony.

A figure appeared.

Su Yu's eyes narrowed, immediately closed his book.

"Meng, take Miss Dong'er to the room. I have something to handle."

Without questioning him, Meng Hongchen grabbed Wang Dong'er's hand.

Wang Dong'er curiously glanced toward the balcony, but with the doors in the way, she could only make out a vague female silhouette.

And from what she could see, the woman had an excellent figure.

Before she could get a better look, Meng Hongchen dragged her inside.

She even shut the door behind them.

Wang Dong'er sat dazed on the bed, staring at Meng Hongchen in disbelief.

"Wait—Meng Hongchen, why are you so obedient?!"

"Aren't you curious?"

"If I'm not mistaken, that's a woman. And she's young too."

Meng Hongchen sat on a chair, completely relaxed.

"So what?"

She raised an eyebrow.

"So you're not worried she's just another of his flings?"

Wang Dong'er asked.

Meng Hongchen folded her arms, looking amused:

"And if she is?"

"You think you can control him?"

"You think you can stop him?"

Wang Dong'er huffed. "I don't know, but we shouldn't just let him do whatever he wants! You spoil him too much!"

Meng Hongchen smirked.

"You don't spoil him, yet he still takes advantage of you all the same."

Then, mimicking Su Yu's voice, she teased:

"Miss Dong'er, let me hug you~"

Wang Dong'er's face instantly flushed bright red.

Both embarrassed and furious, she snapped:

"Meng Hongchen! Just how long were you eavesdropping?!"

Meng Hongchen playfully swayed her head.

"Hmm? Guess~"

Wang Dong'er narrowed her eyes dangerously, leaning forward.

Meng Hongchen sat up straight, suddenly exuding the authority of the main wife.

"Wang Dong'er, are you trying to rebel?"

"Hah! Who are you trying to intimidate? I've had enough of you acting high and mighty!"

Wang Dong'er pouted.

Wang Dong'er still hadn't settled accounts with Meng Hongchen for tainting Su Yu. Now was a perfect opportunity to clear everything up.

"So, what do you want to do?" Meng Hongchen asked indifferently.

"I want to..."

Wang Dong'er took two steps forward and suddenly lunged at Meng Hongchen. Naturally, Meng Hongchen wouldn't just take it lying down—she fought back fiercely.

The two girls wrestled into a tangled mess on the bed, making quite a bit of noise.

Out in the living room, the corner of Su Yu's mouth twitched as he showed a helpless expression.

"What's wrong?"

A gentle and elegant voice rang in his ear. Zhang Lexuan stood before him, her long, jet-black hair cascading like a waterfall, her presence pure and ethereal.

"It's nothing."

Su Yu raised his hand, inviting Zhang Lexuan to sit down while pouring her a cup of tea.

Zhang Lexuan gently cradled the teacup, her autumn-water-like eyes gazing at Su Yu.

"Xiao Yu, I came to see you tonight because of what happened during the day."

During the day, if Zhang Lexuan hadn't secretly kicked Su Yu under the table, he would have outright rejected Yan Shaozhe.

Su Yu was a little puzzled by her actions. Given her personality, she wouldn't normally interfere in his decisions—unless she had her considerations.

"I've been waiting for you, Sister Xuan. I know you wouldn't do something meaningless."

Su Yu casually crossed his legs and spoke.

Hearing this, Zhang Lexuan smiled warmly.

She stood up and deliberately sat beside Su Yu, gently leaning her head on his shoulder.

"Xiao Yu, as long as you don't blame me for making decisions on my own."

Su Yu held her hand and spoke softly, "Sister Xuan, of course, I won't blame you."

"I trust that you must have your reasons."

Zhang Lexuan felt warmth in her heart and said gently, "The truth is, I did have my reasons for what I did."

"First, I couldn't bear to watch Xiaotao die. She may have a bad temper, but she has been my companion for many years."

"To be honest, I just couldn't sit by and do nothing while she perished."

"Xiao Yu, can you tell me if you have even the slightest fondness for Xiaotao?"

Su Yu played with Zhang Lexuan's long hair, raising an eyebrow. "Do you want to know?"

Zhang Lexuan nodded.

Su Yu's gaze turned sharp as he said flatly, "I wouldn't tell anyone else, but since it's you, Sister Xuan, I won't hide it."

"To be honest, I have no feelings for Ma Xiaotao whatsoever. Aside from her decent figure, she's utterly useless to me."

"But having a good figure at most makes her a plaything. As for emotions—sorry, I can't feel anything for her."

Zhang Lexuan was stunned, staring at Su Yu in shock.

She had thought that Su Yu might not like Ma Xiaotao, but she hadn't expected his feelings to be this extreme.

A plaything?

That wasn't a good term at all.

Feeling a bit uneasy, Zhang Lexuan warned, "Xiao Yu, you mustn't turn into those degenerate nobles who indulge in things that break the rules of morality."

"If you dislike Xiaotao, then we can just let her be. But you mustn't defile yourself."

In that instant, Zhang Lexuan's lingering sympathy for Ma Xiaotao completely vanished.

She had compassion and valued old friendships, but when it came to Su Yu, her priorities shifted immediately.

Her biggest wish was for Su Yu to be well—everything else came second.

Seeing Zhang Lexuan's anxious face, Su Yu couldn't help but laugh. "Sister Xuan, I was just making an analogy. I wouldn't do something like that."

"I'm not exactly a good person, but I'm still normal."

"Really?" Zhang Lexuan looked at him expectantly.

"Of course."

Su Yu grinned.

Zhang Lexuan let out a sigh of relief and lightly punched his shoulder. "You scared me with your words, you know?"

Su Yu chuckled and gently ran his fingers through her silky hair.

After calming down, Zhang Lexuan continued, "Actually, I had another thought—I believe Xiaotao could be a valuable asset."

"She has great potential. If we could bring her under our control, it would be highly beneficial to us."

"So that's your second reason for stopping me?" Su Yu asked.

Zhang Lexuan nodded.

Su Yu shook his head. "Sister, you're too naive. Ma Xiaotao may respect you, and you certainly have a strong reputation..."

"But do you think you could ever surpass Yan Shaozhe's influence in her heart?"

"Do you believe your authority could outweigh the so-called Shrek Honor?"

"You know how deeply brainwashed Ma Xiaotao is—I don't need to spell it out. I don't believe you can convince her to betray Shrek Academy and follow only you."

"But what if I gain the highest authority in Shrek Academy?" Zhang Lexuan countered.

Su Yu froze.

Zhang Lexuan continued, "If I become the Sea God Pavilion Master, then Shrek Academy will be mine to command."

"With that title and my influence, I believe Xiaotao would follow me."

"But that's nearly impossible unless Mu En and Yan Shaozhe both die." Su Yu pointed out.

"Where there's a will, there's a way. Those were your words, weren't they? Elder Mu's health is failing—he won't last another two years. And as for Dean Yan, well... who can predict fate?" Zhang Lexuan said calmly.

Su Yu's heart trembled, and he looked at her in astonishment.

Was this something Zhang Lexuan would say?

"Sister Xuan, since when did you become so ruthless?"

Zhang Lexuan sighed softly. "If I don't harden my heart, I'll never be able to help you."

"My entire life exists only for you, Xiao Yu. As long as you're safe, I don't care if my hands are covered in blood."

Su Yu was stunned, feeling an inexplicable warmth surge through his heart.

Zhang Lexuan had always been a kind person but for his sake...

Tightly gripping Zhang Lexuan's hand, Su Yu's gaze sharpened.

He had hesitated about using the Heaven-Swallowing Devil Art, but now, that hesitation was completely erased.

If Zhang Lexuan could harden her heart for his sake, why couldn't he?

Dong'er was innocent and sweet, Meng Hongchen was simple and straightforward, Di Mingli was naive to the world, Nana was badly injured and hopelessly in love, and Snow Empress was still too young to fight back.

If he wasn't ruthless, how could he protect them?

In that moment, Su Yu's mindset underwent another transformation.

He was never meant to be a good person—why pretend to be one?

As long as he didn't cross the line of slaughtering the innocent, anything was fair game.

Was he afraid of dirtying his hands? Were they even clean to begin with?

Enlightenment flashed in Su Yu's eyes as he pulled Zhang Lexuan into his embrace, whispering each word with conviction:

"Sister Xuan, leave Ma Xiaotao to me."

Zhang Lexuan looked at him in surprise. "Are you willing to save Xiaotao now?"

"Or have you come to agree with my perspective?"

Su Yu chuckled. "Sister Xuan, I'll make sure she becomes a sharp blade in your hands."

Zhang Lexuan gazed at Su Yu suspiciously, feeling as if he was hiding something terrifying.

"What exactly are you planning?"

Su Yu raised a finger and gently pressed it against Zhang Lexuan's soft lips.

"Don't ask."

"This is a man's secret."

A black line appeared on Zhang Lexuan's forehead as she brushed his hand away.

"Acting all mysterious—are you keeping secrets from me now?"

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"Even I can't know?"

"Heh, gotta maintain a little sense of mystery. By the way, you smell amazing."

Su Yu chuckled, swiftly changing the subject and steering the conversation in a completely different direction.