Tang San: Xiao Wu, why have you changed?

Chu Qing spoke neither humbly nor arrogantly: "Dean, am I qualified to participate in this mission?" As he spoke, his peripheral vision swept across the group.

Tang San's face betrayed his unwillingness, but he quickly reined in his expression, returning to a state of calm. He simply continued to watch Chu Qing intently.

Flender gave an awkward laugh and said, "Little Qing, since you've already reached level 30, then come along with us. Put away your martial soul; classmates should help one another. Teacher Zhao, give a set of mission supplies to Little Qing as well."

Zhao Wuji nodded in agreement. He held no dissatisfaction toward Chu Qing; in fact, he quite admired him. This decisive personality reminded him of himself when he was young.

Ma Hongjun watched Chu Qing nervously, beads of sweat the size of beans rolling down his chubby frame. He was terrified that if Chu Qing were even slightly careless, that terrifying flame would engulf him. He hadn't expected that Chu Qing would dare to act even in front of Dean Flender!

Only then did Chu Qing satisfy himself by retracting the flames, nodding, and walking to the side.

Xiao Wu also spoke up prettily: "Dean, I've reached level 30 too. I want to sign up for this as well."

Tang San glanced at Xiao Wu in surprise, wondering why her leveling speed was so rapid, given that she had only just been level 29 when they arrived at the academy.

Flender said with pleasant surprise, "It seems the quality of this year's freshmen is very high! Good! Very good! Shrek Academy is exactly what we need—monsters! We only recruit monsters! Then, in three days, we shall go together to hunt for your third spirit rings!"

Flender was a man who worshipped strength. In his eyes, only power mattered; he even uttered the heaven-defying words that "not causing trouble is for the mediocre." Therefore, he had held no fondness for Chu Qing, whose strength had been slow to progress, as it failed to satisfy his desire to cultivate geniuses. Naturally, having so many students reach level 30 today made him very happy.

Rongrong excitedly sidled up to Chu Qing, her soft, flowing hair brushing against him. She said happily, "Brother, you're amazing! I knew you could do it! You said you could break through to level 30, and you really did! That's so cool."

Feeling the gentleness of the young girl beside him, Chu Qing smiled and rubbed Rongrong's cute little cheek, saying confidently, "When have I ever lied to you?"

Oscar watched this scene from the side, feeling extremely indignant. He couldn't understand why, despite his own dashing looks, Rongrong didn't like him, but only favored that Chu Qing.

Flender cleared his throat and said, "Since the personnel are decided, everyone go pack up. We depart in three days! I will lead the team! To hunt for your third spirit rings!"

Chu Qing was the first to stand up, taking Rongrong with him as they walked outside.

Following them, Oscar, Dai Mubai, and Ma Hongjun left one after another, leaving only Xiao Wu and Tang San, who had arrived shortly before, behind.

Xiao Wu stared blankly at the backs of Chu Qing and Rongrong as they left together, lost in thought. For some reason, she felt an uncomfortable sensation in her heart.

No, I cannot betray Brother San! The one I love is Brother San! Xiao Wu tried to drive those thoughts from her mind, whispering to herself.

Just then, a pair of large hands rested on Xiao Wu's head. She jumped away reflexively. Looking up, she saw it was Tang San.

Tang San asked with concern, "Xiao Wu, what's wrong? I called you for a long time just now and you didn't respond. I went to your dorm to find you this morning, but your roommate said you went out at the crack of dawn. What happened? Did something occur?"

Xiao Wu looked at the Tang San before her, her emotions complex. "Brother San, don't worry, I'm fine. I just went out to clear my head."

Tang San was even more puzzled: "Clear your head? Why would you need to clear your head for no reason?"

Xiao Wu suddenly felt quite impatient and snapped, "Can you stop focusing on me all the time! I have my own life too!"

Tang San was stunned, looking at Xiao Wu in disbelief. He couldn't understand what had happened to cause such a drastic change in her. He knew that Xiao Wu had always been completely obedient to him; he even felt that if one day he needed her to sacrifice her life for him, she would be willing. But today's Xiao Wu made him feel like a stranger.

After she spoke, Xiao Wu immediately regretted it and stopped herself. She didn't understand why she had become like this. The Brother San before her was clearly the person she loved most. She slowly spoke again: "Brother, I'm sorry. I haven't been in a good mood lately."

Tang San asked with concern, "What's wrong, Xiao Wu? Did something happen?"

Xiao Wu paused, gathered her courage, and said, "Brother San, can you stop looking for trouble with Chu Qing in the future? Wouldn't it be better if you just stayed out of each other's way? He isn't some wicked person, and the conflict between you two wasn't started by him in the first place. You shouldn't..."

"Shut your mouth!" A sharp shout interrupted Xiao Wu. Tang San looked at her with disappointment, his voice filled with violence: "Do you know how he insulted me! He insulted my master first, then me. I, Tang San, swear to kill him in this lifetime! It's one thing if you don't support me, but you're actually making excuses for him! What, do you like him! Huh?"

He grabbed Xiao Wu's shoulders with both hands, shaking her violently, repeating, "Why are you making excuses for him? Why? Why!!"

Xiao Wu stared blankly at the Tang San before her, who was filled with malice and acting like a mad dog. She struggled to break free from his grip, two lines of clear tears sliding from her eyes. Her heart was filled with grievances, but she couldn't find the words to speak, so she took a deep breath and swallowed the bitterness.

She hadn't expected that after making such a great sacrifice for Tang San, she would be met with his lack of understanding and respect.

She never expected that the gentle Brother San she once knew would turn into such a sinister person! Had he changed, or was this his true face? Or perhaps, he had always been this kind of person, only pretending in front of her! And now, he had simply taken off his mask!

A thousand thoughts swirled in Xiao Wu's mind. She couldn't bear it any longer, turned around, and ran out.

Tang San watched Xiao Wu's retreating figure, filled with deep regret. He wanted to chase after her to apologize, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. He could only grab his hair in agony, unable to understand why Xiao Wu had become like this.

Suddenly, he recalled a few details: Xiao Wu and Chu Qing had arrived together, and although they reached the spot one after the other, the timing was nearly identical.

Furthermore, Xiao Wu's usually neat scorpion braid was loose, and stray strands of hair were stuck to her forehead, looking very much like the traces of sweat.

This couldn't help but arouse his suspicion. All of Xiao Wu's abnormal behavior indicated that something must have happened to her.

"No! I must investigate this clearly!" Tang San secretly made up his mind.

He refused to believe that Xiao Wu, who had always been so obedient to him, could change so much in such a short time! Impossible! There must be something fishy going on!