Chapter 28: Jiang Siming's Dilemma
After obtaining their Soul Rings, everyone headed straight back to the academy.
Inside Flender's office.
"Old Zhao, you're hurt." Flender noticed the injuries on Zhao Wuji and asked him about them.
"You wouldn't believe it, but I really learned a lot this time. I actually fought the Titan Giant Ape. You should've seen me—I battled it for 200 rounds," Zhao Wuji said proudly.
Ning Rongrong and the others covered their faces, trying not to laugh. Seeing their reaction, Flender's eyes filled with amusement.
Zhao Wuji grew anxious. "What are you laughing at? Was anything I said wrong? Come on, I'll give you all extra training." He cracked his knuckles and glared at them.
Ma Hongjun struggled to hold back a laugh. "Teacher Zhao, I'll never forget how impressive you looked back then."
Zhao Wuji saw this and started toward Ma Hongjun, ready to beat him up.
"Enough, enough. With your skills? And you fought a Titan Giant Ape?" Flender said before turning to the rest of Shrek's students.
"Today, I've invited a special teacher for you. He's also Tang San and Jiang Siming's teacher. You can call him Grandmaster." As Flender finished speaking, Grandmaster entered from outside.
"Teacher," Tang San and Jiang Siming said in unison.
Grandmaster nodded.
Flender gestured for him to take over.
"I'll be your special training instructor from now on. You can call me Grandmaster. I hope you'll stick with the training that lies ahead." Grandmaster spoke in a stern voice, then turned and walked out.
"Little San, Grandmaster seems a bit odd," Dai Mubai said to Tang San, unable to hold back.
"That's just how he is, but he's a good person. Still, Teacher never jokes around. The training ahead may be very strict." Tang San shrugged helplessly.
"What are you all standing around gossiping for? Get out of here. Your training starts now. Hurry to the training ground." Flender drove them out of the office.
As they walked, the group couldn't help discussing what was coming.
"Boss Dai, why do I feel kind of scared?" Ma Hongjun shivered.
"Come on, Fatty. You're just out of shape, aren't you? Shrek Academy only takes monsters, not dead weight," Dai Mubai teased.
"I'd get ready if I were you. Don't back out when the time comes!" Jiang Siming knew what was about to happen, but he was curious to see what kind of training plan would be set for him.
"Siming, don't scare us," Oscar said sheepishly.
"You'll find out soon enough." Jiang Siming smiled knowingly and lit himself a cigarette.
"Siming, what's that thing you've got hanging from your mouth all day? Why do you always seem so much more likable whenever you smoke?" Dai Mubai couldn't help asking.
The others had the same question, and they all turned to look at Jiang Siming.
Jiang Siming said nothing. He handed Dai Mubai a cigarette and lit it for him. Copying Jiang Siming, Dai Mubai began puffing away.
"Whoa, Boss Dai, why do you suddenly look so much cooler?" Ma Hongjun exclaimed.
"Siming, this stuff's a bit harsh. But do I really look cooler?" Dai Mubai asked, puzzled. Then he struck a handsome pose.
"Brother Siming, I want one too." Oscar said cheekily, draping himself over Jiang Siming in an exaggeratedly girlish manner.
"Get off me. Keep your distance. I've got a girlfriend now." Jiang Siming glanced at Zhu Zhuqing and spoke proudly. In his previous life, he'd been a proud, single dog; now he was taken.
"I don't have many of these, either. I only smoke now and then." Jiang Siming handed a few to the other boys who were eyeing them. The girls weren't very interested in cigarettes, though they found them fascinating. The last time Poison Douluo left, he'd begged Jiang Siming for three packs. And Jiang Siming had a habit of showing off, so he was running low now.
At last, they arrived at the training ground.
"Silence." Grandmaster's stern voice rang out.
"Remember, you're a team. No matter the circumstances, you must never abandon your teammates. I'll assign your numbers according to your age. When I call your name, state your Soul Power."
"Number one, Dai Mubai."
"Level 41 Battle Soul Master. Martial Soul: White Tiger."
"Number two, Oscar."
"Level 31 support-type Soul Master. Martial Soul: Sausage."
"Number three, Tang San. You don't need to report."
"Number four, Ma Hongjun."
"Level 29 Battle Soul Master. Martial Soul: Evil Fire Phoenix."
"Number five, Xiao Wu."
"Level 31 Battle Soul Master. Martial Soul: Soft Bone Rabbit."
"Number six, Ning Rongrong."
"Level 28 support-type Soul Master."
"Number seven, Zhu Zhuqing."
"Level 31 Battle Soul Master. Martial Soul: Hell Spirit Cat."
"Jiang Siming, you don't have a number."
"Level 33 Battle Soul Master. Martial Soul: Zhuxian Sword."