Showing Off and Calling for Backup

Two days later, the teachers and students of Shrek Academy set out in grand procession for the Star Dou Great Forest.

"Little Ao, don't be sad. Isn't it just Ning Rongrong? Isn't she just sweet and cute? Isn't she just from a wealthy family? Isn't she just already someone's wife?"

Several carriages raced along a mountain path. Tang San, Oscar, Ma Hongjun, and Dai Mubai sat in one of them.

Unlike in the original story, Shrek Academy's teachers and students were traveling by carriage to the town outside the forest this time, and Ning Rongrong was paying for it.

Zhao Wuji had initially objected, but under Mu Zhe's friendly gaze, the words he had been about to force out—imitating Flender's usual rhetoric—got stuck in his throat.

At that moment, Ma Hongjun looked at Oscar with a lewd, slightly mocking smile on his face.

They had noticed it during the morning assembly.

Ning Rongrong seemed different from usual. Her originally sweet and adorable face carried a faint flush, and her whole person even seemed to possess a touch of mature charm.

What did that mean?

It meant that sunlight hadn't been the only thing shining on Ning Rongrong's face that morning!

"Fuck off. Is that how you comfort someone?"

Oscar cursed angrily, then slumped down again. His eyes were lifeless as he sank into despair, just as Dai Mubai had a few days ago.

Although he was no longer a virgin, he truly liked Ning Rongrong!

But the moment he heard the words "someone's wife," his heart ached terribly.

He had finally fallen for someone, yet Mu Zhe had made him lose so completely!

Fuck!

A trace of gloom flashed through Oscar's eyes. How wonderful would it be if Mu Zhe died in the Star Dou Great Forest during this trip?

"Ah..."

Ma Hongjun sighed softly, embarrassment flashing across his face. He had only wanted to tease Oscar a little and cheer him up.

Yet he hadn't expected Ning Rongrong to have never given Oscar a kind look, while Oscar had become so deeply invested!

It really was true: a simp ended up with nothing!

Good thing Fatty had always kept his relationships casual.

Oh, Cuihua from the neighboring village had already broken up with him.

"Little Ao, pull yourself together. The facts are right in front of you. You have no choice but to accept them. Instead of wasting your thoughts on this, why not start a new relationship sooner? How about I take you tonight..."

Before long, Ma Hongjun wore that lewd smile again. Oscar merely shot him a cold glance before lowering his head and sinking back into depression.

"Little Ao~"

"Don't call me that. I'm much older than you!"

Oscar's face darkened as he coldly snapped back, but Ma Hongjun was not annoyed. Instead, he revealed a sinister smile.

He lowered his head and leaned close to Oscar's ear, speaking in a low voice. "Actually, you don't need to be so sad."

"Hehe, you should know that Mu Zhe's real age isn't young. Even if you just outlast him, you'll outlive him."

"Feeling better now? Tonight, I'll take you out to have some fun. It'll help you live longer."

A lascivious grin appeared on Ma Hongjun's face. Oscar's pupils widened as he stared at him in disbelief.

Hiss!

Come to think of it, this really was a good idea!

As long as he waited for Mu Zhe to die, wouldn't Ning Rongrong be free again?

Then...

After imagining only a little of what might come next, Oscar could not help swallowing. It seemed he still had a chance.

Who said support-system Soul Masters couldn't defeat battle Soul Masters? Step forward and wait a hundred years for me. I'll definitely slap you across the face!

Look at the people in Shrek Academy—every one of them was talented, knowledgeable, and good at talking.

Beside them, Dai Mubai had long since regained his confidence. Hearing Ma Hongjun's words, he nodded in deep agreement. This was exactly the line Ma Hongjun had used to comfort him over the past two days.

They might not be able to defeat Mu Zhe, but they could still send Mu Zhe off.

Only Tang San stared at them in astonishment. These idiots actually had such novel ways of thinking!

But hatred soon flashed through his eyes.

Only he knew that outlasting Mu Zhe was most likely impossible. After all, as his destined rival, Mu Zhe would surely be like him and one day stand at the pinnacle of heaven and earth.

Only by cultivating diligently could he deal Mu Zhe a fatal blow.

At that moment, Tang San's hatred for Mu Zhe intensified further.

His cold gaze drifted toward the carriage beside them, fixed firmly on its curtains. The purple in his pupils seemed ready to spill out.

Suddenly, his heart ached.

Vaguely, he seemed to see Mu Zhe holding Xiao Wu in his arms.

Damn it! Damn it all!

After Ning Rongrong rented the carriages that morning, Mu Zhe had ignored his attempts to stop him and forcibly dragged Xiao Wu into his carriage.

What infuriated Tang San the most was that Zhao Wuji, that old bastard, not only refused to help him but had even taken Mu Zhe's side!

Fortunately, Xiao Wu had resisted. That proved she still had him in her heart.

Besides, in a carriage, no matter how shameless Mu Zhe was, he could not do anything too excessive. At most, he would hug and touch her. He would not lose Xiao Wu a piece of flesh.

Ahem, he could barely accept that.

What puzzled Tang San, however, was why Xiao Wu had crouched down—and why Ning Rongrong had done the same.

Hm?

One dragon, two phoenixes?

Fuck me!

The image in his mind grew clearer and clearer!

All of a sudden, unease rose in Tang San's heart. Bloodshot veins appeared in his eyes as he pushed his Purple Demon Eyes to the limit, determined to see what was happening in the neighboring carriage.

Yet suddenly, Mu Zhe's carriage sank into darkness. Even though Tang San's Purple Demon Eyes had already reached the second realm, he could not see through it in the slightest.

"Is this really okay?"

Inside Mu Zhe's carriage, Xiao Wu looked terrified, though her face still bore a faint blush.

This devil really knew how to torment people!

He actually made her do this in the carriage...

Although she had experience already, wasn't Tang Hao watching this place?

Fear, shyness, and countless other emotions mixed together. For a moment, Xiao Wu felt as though she was about to be played to ruin.

"What could possibly be wrong? If you can't do it, switch with me."

Ning Rongrong pouted and snorted coldly from the side.

This Xiao Wu really did not know what was good for her. If she did not want to eat, then let me do it. I did not even have breakfast this morning.

"Don't worry. Just keep going."

Mu Zhe smiled and shook his head. He raised a hand to gently soothe Xiao Wu's head, then casually waved it. A black shadow descended like a curtain, enveloping the carriage.

Naturally, he had noticed Tang San's little move. But with this shadow in place, even a Titled Douluo would struggle to see through it. No matter how wide Tang San opened his eyes, it would all be futile.

As for what Xiao Wu was worried about, it was nothing more than Tang Hao.

Tang Hao was still lingering in a tavern in Suotuo City, so naturally he could not spy on what was happening inside the carriage.

A profound look flashed through Mu Zhe's eyes. He did not dare kill Tang San so easily yet, but Tang Hao? The moment an opportunity arose, he definitely would not let him go.

Although he was unafraid even against a Titled Douluo, killing one was still little more than a fool's dream.

If he made a move against Tang Hao and failed to kill him in one strike, it would surely alert him. In the worst-case scenario, Tang Hao might even take Tang San away, removing him from Mu Zhe's sight.

And if Tang San left his sight, who knew what trouble he might stir up again? Perhaps he would soar once more by accident.

Originally, after his strength had risen, Mu Zhe no longer regarded Tang San as a threat. Yet vaguely, he still felt uneasy.

Later, after thinking conservatively, he felt that Tang San might not only have the Asura God backing him but might also possess absurdly heaven-defying luck himself.

Yes, Douluo did have something like luck.

Damn!

He seemed to have gone a little off-topic.

In any case, whether Tang Hao came to the Star Dou Great Forest this time or not, Mu Zhe intended to use the Titan Giant Ape to deal with him.

Hehe, if you don't come, I'll lure you here.

Tang Hao, you still haven't avenged what happened four years ago. Now that shadow has appeared again—can you endure it?

Can you?

Then what if Tang San is in danger?

Can you still sit still?

"Mm..."

Xiao Wu pursed her lips and rolled her eyes at that bastard Mu Zhe, but her mind soon became muddled. Her pretty face grew increasingly flushed as she obediently lowered her head.

Still, she did not forget to comfort herself inwardly: she was being forced into all of this.

Time slowly passed, and before long, the carriages arrived in a small town.

"Wow, it's so lively here!"

Ning Rongrong pulled Xiao Wu along. After getting out of the carriage, they saw bustling streets filled with carriages and crowds. The vendors' stalls displayed many things she had never seen before.

Tang San and the others got out as well.

But before he could take in the surroundings, Tang San's gaze landed on Xiao Wu.

"Xiao Wu, what's wrong with you?"

Tang San's face was filled with shock as he hurried over and asked in a trembling voice.

At that moment, he saw that Xiao Wu's face still carried a faint blush.

Could it be that Mu Zhe, that old thief, had really done something to Xiao Wu in the carriage...

Pah, what blush? This was clearly her face turning red from anger at that old thief Mu Zhe.

Xiao Wu was so pure and noble, willing to sacrifice so much for him. How could he suspect her of cheating on him?

The moment the bad thought surfaced, Tang San hurriedly shook his head. In any case, he would never easily doubt Xiao Wu again.

If Xiao Wu had wronged herself by staying in Mu Zhe's arms solely to protect him, yet he still suspected her, wouldn't that make him a beast?

"I'm fine, Little San."

Xiao Wu's eyes trembled slightly as she gently shook her head. A faint trace of bitterness inadvertently appeared on her pretty face.

Over the past few days, she had figured out some of Tang San's thought process. As long as she acted as though she had been wronged, Tang San would not ask too many questions.

Although she did not know what Tang San had imagined, his way of thinking was quite bizarre. He was clearly angry and furious, yet he did not dare do anything to her or Mu Zhe.

Seeing the bitterness on Xiao Wu's face, Tang San's heart ached even more.

He immediately glared furiously at Mu Zhe, but... said nothing.

"What are you looking at me for? Got a problem? Go on, use your hidden weapons to hit me again."

The corner of Mu Zhe's mouth curled into a teasing smile as he pulled Xiao Wu into his embrace once more.

"You... you go too far! Is it fun, tormenting Xiao Wu and me like this all the time?"

Tang San's eyes were filled with hatred, and his heart was utterly stifled.

He looked toward Dai Mubai and the others, but they all turned their gazes away, wearing expressions as though it had nothing to do with them.

Xiao Wu was not their little sister, so naturally they would not feel heartbroken.

Tang San then turned his gaze toward Zhao Wuji. The hatred in his eyes made the latter's heart skip a beat in fright.

"What are you all standing around here for? Go do whatever you need to do. We'll rest in town tonight, then enter the forest tomorrow morning to hunt Soul Beasts."

A sense of foreboding suddenly rose in Zhao Wuji's heart. He quickly stepped forward and directed everyone to disperse.

Damn!

Wasn't this exactly what had happened before Flender disappeared?

If Tang San, this bastard, had not forced Flender to stand up for him, Flender would not have vanished.

Zhao Wuji's heart was full of bitterness.

It had been two days, and Flender still had not returned.

By then, Zhao Wuji had long lost his former confidence, as well as his previous faith in Tang Hao.

Damn!

Mu Zhe actually dared do things that harmed the academy right under Clear Sky Douluo's nose.

He wondered whether Clear Sky Douluo even knew that Flender had been abducted.

Zhao Wuji secretly glanced at Mu Zhe, his eyes filled with apprehension.

If he did not stand up for Tang San, perhaps Clear Sky Douluo would not trouble him. But if he dared act for Tang San, Mu Zhe would truly make a move against him!

In the end, Zhao Wuji looked at Tang San, a trace of apology in his eyes.

Tang San snorted coldly, shot Zhao Wuji a fierce glare, and turned away in anger.

Dai Mubai and the others hurried after him, anxiously saying, "Tang San, we can't fight Mu Zhe for now, but we'll definitely find a way in the future."

No matter what, Tang San was his sworn brother and an important aid in his bid for the throne. How could he truly ignore Tang San?

Tang San's eyes were red, but he did not say a word.

Dai Mubai might be somewhat disloyal, but the Star Luo Imperial Family stood behind him. Tang San could still forgive him.

"Honored guests, what would you like?"

Inside a two-story inn, the waiter's heart skipped a beat when he saw Dai Mubai, Tang San, and the others approaching.

Their faces were gloomy and indignant, as though... they were all wearing green hats.

Then, when the waiter saw the people behind Tang San more clearly, his eyes trembled.

Fuck...

Had his thought actually come true?

Mu Zhe walked slowly into the inn, his right arm around Xiao Wu and his left arm... entwined by Ning Rongrong.

The waiter instantly understood. Clearly, they were all traveling together, but that young man had won over both stunning beauties in the group by himself.

"Hiss!!"

At once, the diners throughout the inn collectively sucked in sharp breaths.

"Which family's young master is this? Forget having a woman on each arm—even their beauty is so... devastatingly gorgeous."

One of them widened his eyes and stared at Mu Zhe in disbelief... At the sight of Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong beside him, he could not help swallowing with a gulp.

The girl on the right had lively, mischievous eyes brimming with vitality. Her long scorpion-tail braid and slender legs were enough to set anyone's heart racing.

Though the girl on the left was somewhat less well-endowed than the former, her fair skin and sweet, adorable face made her equally devastatingly beautiful.

Even after living most of their lives and seeing countless people of all kinds, they had never encountered such beauty.

"Heh, they're just rich people," someone said sourly.

"Rich people? On the Douluo Continent, money alone means nothing. Judging by their bearing, they're clearly soul masters. Especially that little white... ahem, that young master. He doesn't look weak at all."

"Hey, look closely. There are seven or eight people in their group, yet two girls are lying in that young master's arms. No wonder the other men look so gloomy."

"Hahaha, now that you mention it, it really does seem that way..."

For a moment, all the diners' gazes fell upon Mu Zhe, while Tang San and the others were completely ignored.

Tang San, Dai Mubai, and the other two were furious.

"These fools truly can't recognize greatness!"

Dai Mubai snorted coldly and shot Mu Zhe a resentful glance. He had originally been the leader among Shrek Academy's students, but ever since Mu Zhe arrived, everything had changed.

Even now, ordinary people who were not even soul masters dared to mock him.

"There's no need to dwell on it. No matter where you go, there will always be people who look down on others."

Tang San spoke coldly, but the fury in his eyes betrayed him. At that moment, his heart was already aching with grief.

Those damned diners were talking about his sister!

Yet his beloved sister was being held in another man's arms.

Ma Hongjun and Oscar were no better off. They were practically grinding their back teeth to dust.

Shrek Academy had finally gotten three beauties, yet in just a few days, Mu Zhe had swept two of them off their feet.

Damn it!

Suddenly, Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun's eyes lit up as they both looked toward the hotel entrance.

Eight people entered through the doors: seven young people, six men and one woman, as well as a middle-aged man. They all wore matching uniforms emblazoned with the words "Blue Sunshine."

The moment Ma Hongjun spotted the girl in the group, his tiny eyes lit up, and a surge of Evil Fire shot up from his lower abdomen.

He had not relieved himself for days, and a few dirty thoughts immediately arose in his mind.

Though this girl was nowhere near as pretty as Xiao Wu and the others, it was all the same with the lights off. Besides, she was still far better than many women in the brothels.

"Boss Dai, that chick's not bad. These guys should be from Blue Sunshine Academy, right? We're in for a treat tonight."

Ma Hongjun gave Dai Mubai a meaningful look, a lecherous grin spreading across his fat face. Dai Mubai nodded, and the same lustful gleam appeared in his eyes.

Like Ma Hongjun, he had been holding in a fire these past few days, especially after suffering that round of mockery just now.

Tonight, he wanted to find out through actual combat whether his little brother could still stand up.

"Boring."

Seeing this, Mu Zhe shook his head indifferently, a trace of disdain flashing through his eyes.

He naturally recognized them as the teachers and students of Blue Sunshine Academy. The leading teacher was called Ye Zhi Qiu, a Soul King.

But without Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong this time, the Shrek boys would only be walking into certain defeat.

Of course, Tang San might suddenly have a burst of power at the critical moment. But with him here, Tang San would only burst, not have a burst of power.

"What is that dead fatso doing? Why is he provoking Blue Sunshine Academy for no reason?"

Ning Rongrong nestled against Mu Zhe's chest, her delicate brows knitting slightly in confusion.

While Mu Zhe was recalling the original story, Ma Hongjun and Dai Mubai had already begun inexplicably mocking Blue Sunshine Academy, shouting things like, "Those who dare not cause trouble are mediocre."

By now, the two sides had already come into conflict.

Upon hearing those words, Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu both showed interested expressions.

Thump! Thump!

Seeing the two girls' interested looks, Mu Zhe narrowed his eyes slightly and gave each of them a sharp knock on the head.

"That's Shrek Academy's specialty, but don't you go learning it. Just watch obediently."

"Ugh..."

Ning Rongrong covered her forehead, her pretty face full of grievance, but she still nodded.

Then Mu Zhe turned to Xiao Wu. "And you too. It's good not to fear trouble, but don't go looking for it."

"Pah, I'm very well-behaved."

Xiao Wu snorted coldly. After giving Tang San and the others an indifferent glance, she turned her gaze to Mu Zhe's profile, her expression complicated.

For some inexplicable reason, she did not know when it had begun, but her heart had become a complete mess.

And as they drew closer and closer to the Star Dou Great Forest, her heart grew even more unsettled.

She feared being unable to escape the cage woven by Mu Zhe and Tang Hao, yet whenever she thought of leaving Mu Zhe, an inexplicable sense of loss filled her heart.

For a moment, she felt as though Mu Zhe had completely ruined her.

After giving the two girls a reminder, Mu Zhe extended his senses and instantly locked onto Zhao Wuji's location.

In just a moment, Zhao Wuji had found a room on the second floor. To Mu Zhe's surprise, that guy had even ordered special services!

"If you love showing off so much, then don't call for help."

Mu Zhe sneered. Countless shadows stretched out in the darkness and instantly shrouded Zhao Wuji's room.

Now, even if Tang San and the others fought Ye Zhi Qiu to the heavens, Zhao Wuji would not sense a thing.

Ma Hongjun and the others dared to act so arrogantly because Zhao Wuji had their backs, didn't they?

But little fatty, if you call for help while showing off, wouldn't that make it seem far too deliberate?