Under the moon's shadow, the rebel leader is entangled; Zhu Qing, proud and aloof, confesses her feelings.

The night at Shrek Academy was quiet, with only the moonlight outlining two figures snuggling on the training grounds. Zhu Zhuqing held Su Chen's wrist, her Shadow Soul Power flowing through her fingertips, but it always dissipated just as it was about to take shape, the flush on her ears becoming more apparent under the moonlight.

"It's still not working..." She bit her lip in frustration, her shoulders tightening slightly under her black tight-fitting suit. "The Shadow Soul Power is always out of control; I can't achieve that 'Symbiosis with Darkness' you mentioned at all."

Su Chen gently wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, his God-Defying Power spreading slowly through her meridians like a warm stream, intertwining with her Shadow Soul Power. Their bodies were pressed close together; his chin rested on the top of her head, and his breath brushed past her ear with a hint of lazy teasing. "What's the rush? My Shadow Knight, don't you even have this much patience?"

"I'm not in a rush!" Zhu Zhuqing's voice trembled slightly, but her body relaxed involuntarily, leaning against his chest. "I just don't want to keep holding you back. I want to become strong enough as soon as possible so I can truly protect you."

"Silly girl." Su Chen chuckled, his fingertips gently rubbing her wrist as he guided the Shadow Soul Power to condense into a slender black shadow. "The true essence of shadow is concealment and obedience, not confrontation. Try to think of it as your shadow, not a weapon."

His palm covered the back of her hand as they controlled that wisp of black shadow together. Like a living thing, the shadow darted through the moonlight, sometimes hiding in the shadows on the ground and sometimes turning into a sharp blade cutting through the air, its movements smooth and precise.

"I... I felt it!" A flash of surprise appeared in Zhu Zhuqing's eyes. When she turned her head, her nose accidentally brushed against Su Chen's cheek. The warm touch made her freeze instantly, her cheeks turning so red they looked like they could drip blood.

Su Chen took the opportunity to lower his head, his lips only a few centimeters from hers, his breath hot. "Focus, or I'll have to punish you."

"Punish... punish me how?" Zhu Zhuqing's heart beat so fast it felt like it would jump out of her chest. Her eyes darted around in panic, yet she couldn't stop herself from wanting to get closer.

"Punish you by..." Su Chen's fingertip lightly brushed the corner of her lips, "...staying here with me tonight until you can control your Shadow Soul Power with ease."

Zhu Zhuqing bit her lip and didn't argue, simply nodding obediently. Under Su Chen's guidance, her Shadow Soul Power became increasingly proficient, even managing to silently wrap around Su Chen's arm like a lover's caress.

On the training grounds, the other Heroines watched the scene from afar. Karin pouted and whispered to Xiao Wu, "Sister Zhuqing is being way too clingy with Lord Su Chen. She was so cold before!"

Xiao Wu crossed her arms, her rabbit ears twitching slightly as she smiled and said, "Sister Zhuqing really likes Brother Su Chen. Look at how red her face is; it's exactly the same as when you were healing Brother Su Chen last time!"

Karin's cheeks instantly turned bright red as she chided, "I did not! I would never be like her!"

Kushina leaned against a tree trunk, her long red hair shimmering under the moonlight, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "This girl is tough-talking, but her heart surrendered long ago."

Hinata and Qing Lin also nodded, their eyes filled with blessings.

After an unknown amount of time, Zhu Zhuqing was finally able to skillfully control her Shadow Soul Power. She let go of Su Chen's hand, and as she turned, her Shadow Soul Power transformed into a black shadow that wrapped around Su Chen's waist, Binding him tightly.

"Now, you can't escape." She looked up at Su Chen, her eyes carrying a hint of tsundere defiance, though the tips of her ears remained red.

Su Chen arched an eyebrow. His God-Defying Power surged slightly, but he didn't break free. Instead, he reached back and pulled her closer by the waist. "Escape? I never planned on escaping."

He lowered his head, his warm breath brushing over her lips. "On the contrary, I want to keep you trapped for a lifetime, making you my Shadow Knight forever, never leaving my side."

Zhu Zhuqing's body stiffened instantly, her eyes filled with shock and shyness, before she nodded vigorously as if letting down all her guards. She stood on her tiptoes and took the initiative to kiss Su Chen. Her Shadow Soul Power gently enveloped them both, forming an invisible barrier under the moonlight.

The kiss was green and passionate, carrying Zhu Zhuqing's unique stubbornness and deep affection. Su Chen responded to her, tightening his arms and pulling her closer, as if wanting to merge her into his very being.

After a long time, their lips parted, both breathing heavily. Zhu Zhuqing leaned into Su Chen's embrace, her cheeks flushed deep red, her voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz. "Su Chen, I... I like you."

"I know." Su Chen lowered his head and pressed a kiss to her forehead, his tone gentle and firm. "Me too."

Just then, a faint sound of footsteps came from the distance, and Xiao Ling's figure appeared at the entrance of the training grounds. Seeing the two of them embracing, a flash of gloom and resentment crossed his eyes. His fists clenched tightly, but he didn't dare step forward, only able to turn and leave quietly.

Su Chen sensed his presence, and his black-gold eyes turned a bit colder, but he didn't give chase. Holding Zhu Zhuqing, he looked up at the bright moon in the sky. "No matter who it is, no one can stop us."

Zhu Zhuqing nodded vigorously and buried her face in his chest. Her Shadow Soul Power flowed around them, as gentle as a pool of spring water.

Under the moonlight, the two figures embraced tightly, their bond growing deeper and more enduring in the gentle night. Meanwhile, the jealousy and resentment in Xiao Ling's heart quietly grew in the darkness, and a greater conflict was about to unfold at Shrek Academy.