Soul Land:The Dragon King's God of Nature

"Wei, Jing, I'm starving. Let's go get lunch!" Wei Dayong rubbed his belly with a sheepish grin.

"Sure," Jing Shaoyu nodded, then asked curiously, "Big Guy, why are you calling me 'Jing'?"

"Huh?" Wei Dayong looked surprised and immediately sold out his friend, saying, "It was Xiaopeng who told me to call you that."

"Big Guy, you!" Duan Xiaopeng gave Wei Dayong an exasperated look.

"Haha, just call me Shaoyu," Jing Shaoyu said with a smile.

The East Sea Academy cafeteria had three levels, the first floor catering to first and second-year students.

There were three meal options at the cafeteria, categorized as Type A, B, and C. Type C was free and unlimited, although it only provided regular food without any special benefits beyond filling the stomach.

Type B and Type A meals required payment, with Type A being the most expensive at a staggering 1,000 federal coins per meal. Of course, you get what you pay for; the Type A meals used high-quality ingredients known for their nourishing effects.

Wei Dayong and Duan Xiaopeng each ordered a Type B meal for 100 coins, while Jing Shaoyu opted for a Type A meal.

"Shaoyu, you sure you're not some rich kid? That's a Type A meal!" Duan Xiaopeng exclaimed when he saw Jing Shaoyu's choice.

"I'm really just from an ordinary family," Jing Shaoyu explained with a shrug. "I just happen to have a bit of pocket money."

"A 'bit' of pocket money? Sure," Duan Xiaopeng scoffed, sharing a knowing smile with Wei Dayong. It was clear they didn't quite believe him.

Jing Shaoyu didn't bother to explain further. He did have a decent amount of spending money, but it was all his own earnings—not from his mother, Jing Ziyuan. Since he was six, he had been receiving a federal subsidy for Spirit Masters, earning 2,500 coins per month as a one-ring Spirit Master, which increased to 4,000 once he reached two rings. In three years, it had accumulated to a respectable sum.

"Wow, that guy's appetite is unreal!"

As Jing Shaoyu and his friends were leaving, they noticed a crowd gathered around a table, murmuring in surprise.

"What's going on?" Curious as ever, Wei Dayong pushed his way over, followed closely by Duan Xiaopeng. Jing Shaoyu, with a knowing smile, took his time walking over—he had a hunch about what it might be.

Sure enough, it was Tang Wulin's astonishing appetite that had drawn a crowd. Many students had probably never seen anyone eat so much, especially a kid around their own age.

"That guy looks so weak, yet he can eat so much?" Wei Dayong still couldn't believe it on the way back to the dorms.

"I wouldn't know. Maybe he has a dragon living in his stomach or something," Duan Xiaopeng rolled his eyes, exasperated.

"Maybe he really does!" Jing Shaoyu's unusual smile caught his friends' attention, and he added, "That guy isn't as weak as he looks. Remember the group that was fighting before lunch on the second floor? He was the one who won."

"Really?" Wei Dayong and Duan Xiaopeng were taken aback. They'd only noticed the kid embedded in the wall and hadn't seen who did it. Now hearing it was Tang Wulin, they were even more shocked.

"Haha, you'll understand soon enough," Jing Shaoyu said with a chuckle.

Not long after returning to the dormitory, Jing Shaoyu received a call from Xu Xiaoyan and left the room again to meet her at the academy entrance.

After turning down two upperclassmen trying to chat him up, he saw Xu Xiaoyan finally arrive.

"Brother Shaoyu, you're quite popular!" She greeted him with a hug, her smile full of playful delight as if claiming her territory.

"Haha, not really." He laughed, unfazed by the hint of jealousy in her voice. "So, what's up? Why'd you ask me to meet you?"

"Can't I see you just because I want to?" she pouted, shaking her little braids in protest.

"If you don't tell me, I might head back to train," he teased, pretending to be annoyed.

"No!" Xu Xiaoyan immediately panicked, admitting, "Fine, fine, I'll tell you. Brother Shaoyu, you're so clueless!"

"Alright, so what's up?" he said, barely able to hold back his laughter.

"I want you to go shopping with me!" She clung to his arm, playfully begging.

"That's it?" Jing Shaoyu replied, speechless.

"Pretty please?" Xu Xiaoyan tugged at his arm, her sweet voice laced with charm.

"Alright." Not agreeing would truly be heartless. Jing Shaoyu nodded, giving in.

"Yay!" she cheered, clinging to him with a big smile, then asked shyly, "Um, can we ride your bike there?"

"This was your real plan all along, huh?" He realized immediately, glancing at her expectant face. He didn't answer right away.

"If it's too much trouble, we can walk instead," she said, her big eyes momentarily downcast, pretending not to care.

"It's no trouble at all," Jing Shaoyu said, noticing her disappointment and feeling a pang of sympathy.

Moments later, they left the academy on his bike. Sitting behind him, Xu Xiaoyan wore a look of contentment and excitement, hugging his waist with her eyes curved like crescent moons and a smile that was practically glowing.

She would never forget this moment—her first time on the back of Jing Shaoyu's bike. When Na'er was still around, that seat was her exclusive spot. Now, it finally belonged to her.

Hugging his waist a little tighter, she couldn't help but feel elated.

The two of them arrived at the East Sea City pedestrian street, a lively area filled with food, shops, and entertainment—perfect for a day out. Jing Shaoyu had been here many times, sometimes with Na'er, sometimes with Xu Xiaoyan, so he knew the area well.

As they played around, time flew, and before they knew it, it was evening. They reluctantly made their way back to East Sea Academy. The academy had rules against staying out overnight, and Jing Shaoyu didn't want to start the term with a mark against his record.

"See you, Brother Shaoyu!" Xu Xiaoyan said as he walked her to the girls' dormitory. Though she was visibly tired, her face glowed with happiness. She waved goodbye, then, gathering her courage, stood on her toes and planted a kiss on his cheek before running into the dorm, her face bright red.

Jing Shaoyu felt a soft smile spread across his face as he savored the feeling of her warm, soft lips.

But as he turned to leave, he caught sight of Xu Xiaoyan's older brother, Xu Xiaoyu, glaring at him, and Ouyang Zixin standing beside him, trying not to laugh. Jing Shaoyu immediately wanted to disappear.

This was beyond awkward—getting caught by her brother right after being kissed by his little sister was an experience he hadn't planned on.

"Hey, Xu Xiaoyu! Zixin! Fancy seeing you here on a date, huh? Alright, I'll be going now. See you!" Jing Shaoyu said, forcing a grin before bolting to his bike and pedaling away.

Watching him go, Xu Xiaoyu felt a surge of frustration but ultimately shook his head in resignation. His little sister was way too naive. How could she let this guy get so close already? She was only nine! What if she ended up having his kid in a few years? No way! He'd definitely have to give her a serious talk—no more recklessness!

Determined, Xu Xiaoyu turned to leave.

"Huh? Where are you going, Xu Xiaoyu?" Ouyang Zixin asked, puzzled.

"Going home. You go on to dinner without me!" he shouted back without looking.

"Seriously! Overprotective big brother!" she muttered, stomping her foot in frustration. Deflated, she ran into the dorm, no longer in the mood for dinner.

If Jing Shaoyu knew what Xu Xiaoyu was thin

king, he'd probably laugh and tell him he was overthinking things. After all, they were still just kids.