A Chance Encounter at the Market

"Headmaster, what is it this time? We're already exhausted from running. All we want now is to rest!"

After Flender gathered everyone, Ma Hongjun was the first to droop his face. His physique and long-term indulgence had already left him with poor athletic ability, so why was there something else to discuss now?

Of the seven before him, only Xiao Wu still looked somewhat energetic. Even Zhu Zhuqing, who usually trained the hardest, had a trace of fatigue on her pretty face.

"Ahem. Just one thing. Once I'm done, you can go rest."

Flender cleared his throat, then took a few steps back and gave the spot to Yu Xiaogang.

Walking forward slowly, Yu Xiaogang first straightened his slightly wrinkled black scholar's robe. Then, with his hands behind his back, he spoke calmly and confidently.

"Tonight, you will face the most difficult battle since entering the Soul Arena!"

"Your opponents are the Imperial Battle Team from Heaven Dou Royal Academy, and their average strength is at the Soul Elder level!"

"What?! Headmaster, what were you thinking? We're fighting Soul Elders?"

Dai Mubai was the first to look at Flender in confusion. Having been through it himself, he knew how difficult it was to challenge opponents above one's level in a team battle.

Flender gave an awkward smile. He couldn't exactly say that Supervisor Ao had offered too much, and he hadn't been able to resist, could he?

"Enough, don't blame Flender. Just be mentally prepared. Next, I'll devise a strategy for you, and we'll make the appropriate adjustments when you enter the Soul Arena tonight."

Yu Xiaogang did not rush to explain it now. After all, even he had not figured out how they were supposed to fight. This was simply too difficult.

"In short, I hope you can fight more... like a team this time, rather than each fighting on your own. Group combat places extremely strict demands on teamwork. If you remain as disorganized as before, then you will have absolutely no chance of winning."

"The Master is right. Although they are somewhat higher in level than you, they are also six or seven years older. In terms of talent, I'm sure you're still superior. Rest well, little monsters. Tonight will depend on you!"

No one knew whether the others had taken the Master's words to heart. Only Tang San maintained a serious expression.

After Flender and Yu Xiaogang left, only the seven students remained.

"Xiao Wu, Zhuqing, let's go take a walk. We've been carrying rocks and running these past few days according to that fake Master's demands. I'm exhausted."

"Ning Rongrong, I will not allow you to speak of my teacher like that!"

Ning Rongrong had not lowered her voice, so all the boys nearby could hear her. Tang San immediately became displeased and snapped back without a second thought.

As for Dai Mubai, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun, they all wore expressions that said, "None of my business." They were also very unhappy with Yu Xiaogang. He always acted so high and mighty, and since coming to Shrek Academy, he had hardly let them have a peaceful day.

"So what if I say it? If you don't like it, deal with it!"

"You!"

Tang San raised a hand and pointed at Ning Rongrong, but no matter what, the words would not come out.

Hold it in!

His teacher had said that she was the princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. He could not provoke her casually.

"Hmph! Xiao Wu, Zhuqing, let's go."

Seeing Tang San back down, Ning Rongrong said nothing more and pulled the other two girls away. A level twenty-six good-for-nothing was not even as strong as her, a support-type soul master. At least she was level twenty-seven.

"Damn it, why didn't you guys say anything to help me?"

Watching them leave so smugly, Tang San turned and vented his resentment on Dai Mubai and the others.

"Us? Tang San, you're acting like a savage throwing a tantrum. You've gone mad!"

"Boss Dai is absolutely right. Tang San, you don't treat us like brothers at all. You even went to a high-end pleasure house without telling us!"

Tang San's single remark instantly set Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun off, and the conflict erupted at once.

"When did I ever go to that kind of place? I, Tang San, am pure and spotless! Even if I died, died out in the streets, I would never go to a place like that!"

Tang San's face reddened completely, and he felt utterly awful. When had this rumor started? He had never gone there at all!

"I can't be bothered arguing with you. You don't deserve an explanation. Fatty, Little Ao, let's go. Forget resting. Today, I'll take you out to broaden your horizons again!"

"Boss Dai, mighty!"

"Is that really okay? Forget it. Rongrong doesn't like me anyway. I'll go one last time!"

Seeing Tang San still deny it, Dai Mubai could not be bothered to ask further. He called Ma Hongjun and Oscar over, preparing to head out and have some fun.

After everyone left, Tang San stood there alone in a daze. He felt as if the entire world had abandoned him. Ever since his martial soul awakened, nothing had gone smoothly for him. Why was that?

Soto City Market.

There was still some time before the Soul Arena match, and the market was at its liveliest right now.

"Xiao Wu, look! This mask is so pretty!"

"Zhuqing, pick one too. My treat."

Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, and Xiao Wu had already come to the market to browse around. After training for so long, a shopping trip truly gave them a small sense of relaxation.

Xiao Wu had finally regained some of her liveliness, while even the corners of Zhu Zhuqing's lips curved upward slightly.

"That's more like it. Xiao Wu, isn't this your original personality? Why do you barely talk at the academy?"

"And Zhuqing, your relationship with that lecherous tiger isn't ordinary, is it? He seems to care about you a lot."

The girls chattered away, completely unaware that three more figures had approached from behind.

Yun Tian had also been dragged out shopping by Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling. He had originally planned to train a little longer. After all, he was already past level forty, and he was quite looking forward to the level-fifty trait.

"Little brother Yun Tian, it's rare for us to come out and have a stroll. Smile for your big sister, will you~?"

Dugu Yan quickly walked ahead, then turned around to face Yun Tian.

Ye Lingling, beside him, also showed a look of anticipation. She had not seen Yun Tian smile in a long time. Every day, he was either practicing with his spear or cultivating. He was simply a cultivation fanatic.

"Watch out!"

At that moment, Yun Tian noticed that Dugu Yan was about to bump into someone behind her. He hurriedly warned her, but it was already too late.

"Ah!"

Dugu Yan collided directly with Ning Rongrong, who had her back to her. Both girls fell toward the ground at the same time.

Soul power surged beneath his feet, and Yun Tian appeared between them the next instant. He grabbed one with each hand and pulled them both back up.

"Be more careful, Yan."

Yun Tian sighed helplessly. If he had not noticed in time, they would have fallen badly.

Then, he looked at the owner of his other hand and asked, "Miss, are you all right?"