A Fallen Noble: Zhu Liulichuan Zhu Qing, and Ma Hongjun's Misfortune

During their break, the three girls among the Shrek Seven Monsters went shopping in Suotuo City.

Zhu Zhuqing even changed into a maid outfit.

Her intentions were obvious.

Ning Rongrong was somewhat amazed by Zhu Zhuqing's resolve.

"Zhu Qing, have you made up your mind? You're going to follow Brother Qian Ni wholeheartedly?

"His martial soul ability lets him lend Soul Power to female Soul Masters. If we can borrow his Soul Power, the two of us can cultivate with a temporary Soul Power Level close to forty.

"That way, we'll progress much faster."

Zhu Zhuqing replied with a frosty expression.

"Thank you for telling me all that. I suggest you change your clothes too. You might get some unexpected results."

She didn't explain much, merely offering a suggestion.

What a joke. Zhu Zhuqing had run away from home to find a way to survive.

Now that Dai Mubai was clearly no longer someone she could rely on,

who else could she count on besides Qian Ni?

He might seem a little unhinged, but he was mysterious and powerful. He could casually produce Ninety-Thousand-Year Whale Rubber, so his background definitely wasn't ordinary either.

Zhu Zhuqing believed that as long as she clung tightly to Qian Ni's thigh, she would definitely survive!

Those who wavered between two sides never ended well!

Loyalty that wasn't absolute was absolute disloyalty!

Don't underestimate her determination!

This was the struggle she had made for the sake of survival!

If one day Qian Ni gained the power to oppose the Zhu Clan and Dai Clan, she, Zhu Zhuqing, would lead the charge. Even if she had to willingly put on a bridle, she would smash the Zhu Clan and Dai Clan to pieces!

Of course, there was another important point.

She was already wearing a maid outfit and putting herself in the position of a servant. That beast Qian Ni wouldn't keep calling her a lackey, would he?

At least maid sounded better than lackey.

The fallen noble, Zhu Liulichuan Zhu Qing, had arrived!

If I call him Master, wouldn't that be too improper...

Zhu Zhuqing fell into a difficult dilemma.

Ning Rongrong also began considering just how far she should go.

How could she preserve the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's dignity while also earning Qian Ni's favor?

Xiao Wu didn't have such concerns. She wasn't on the lackey list yet, so at a time like this, all she needed to do was smile.

Lackeys, maids—what did any of that have to do with her?

She might as well think about what to eat tonight.

Yeah, what should she eat?

Xiao Wu couldn't help but start thinking about it too.

That night, a maid Soul Master with the Hell Spirit Cat martial soul appeared at the Soto Great Spirit Arena.

Zhu Zhuqing wore an icy expression that warned strangers to stay away. On the Soul Fighting Platform, her attacks were vicious—pulling hair, gouging eyes, low kicks. Sometimes, in the middle of a fight, she would even toss handfuls of sand from the apron pocket of her maid outfit.

She and Ning Rongrong formed Qian Ni's two-person lackey squad, one agility-attack and one support. They worked together surprisingly well.

Though it was their first time participating in spirit battles, they beat their opponents until they wailed and cursed.

Fuck, this was the first time he'd seen someone bring sand in from outside the arena for a sneak attack!

She was clearly so pretty, with such a hot body!

How the fuck was she so underhanded? Which bastard had taught her that?

In fact, ever since Dai Mubai had fallen victim to Cursed Speech the previous night, Zhu Zhuqing had come to a realization.

Battles between Soul Masters weren't as lofty and dignified as people imagined.

Surviving and winning were what she needed to prioritize most.

That move sent chills down not only her opponents' spines, but also those of her fellow Shrek Seven Monsters.

It seemed that being a bastard could be contagious!

After several spirit battles, the Seven Monsters had all undergone varying degrees of transformation and gained new insights.

After returning to the academy for a brief rest, they gathered in front of the teaching building to listen to Flender's summary and lecture.

The moonlight was bright that night, casting a silvery glow over the ground.

Flender stood before the building, facing the six children.

Hm? Six?

He raised his brows and asked aloud.

"Where's Xiao Ao? Where did he go?"

Tang San and Ma Hongjun exchanged glances before speaking.

"I saw him resting in the dorm earlier. It looked like he was meditating."

"Meditating?" Flender was still puzzled when he saw a figure running toward them from afar.

"Oscar!" he shouted.

"You're late. After this is over, go run ten laps yourself."

Oscar was panting hard, but he couldn't hide the joy on his face.

"Dean, I... I broke through level thirty!"

After catching his breath, he continued.

"Just now, I took the Whale Glue Pellet Brother Qian Ni gave me yesterday, and I happened to break through level thirty!"

Everyone was immediately shocked.

Whale Glue Pellets had such an effect? Weren't they only supposed to improve physical fitness?

Flender pondered for a moment, then smiled.

"It isn't entirely the Whale Glue Pellet's effect. It contains herbal ingredients that can replenish some Soul Power, though only a limited amount. It's not even as effective as your Big Sausage.

"The reason you broke through level thirty is, first, because your own Soul Power had already reached its limit.

"Second, the arrival of new students, the spirit battles at the Great Soul Arena, and all those new experiences stirred something within you.

"This is the result of your own efforts. Don't sell yourself short."

Only then did Dai Mubai, Tang San, and the others feel that this made sense.

If Whale Glue Pellets could help people break through, they couldn't possibly be so widely available.

Now, they could even be purchased from Spirit Hall with a voucher.

"Very good. I was just about to mention that!"

Flender brought over a box.

"Thanks to young friend Qian Ni's sponsorship, I bought the first batch of Whale Glue Pellets for you from Spirit Hall.

"Mubai, hand them out.

"Three per person. That's a week's supply. Take one every two days to maximize the medicinal effect."

Dai Mubai's face was still somewhat pale. His body stiffened as he took the box and began distributing them.

Flender continued, "Rest well. Take the medicine today. Tomorrow, we'll move out as a group and head to the Star Dou Forest to hunt Oscar's third Soul Ring!

"The effects of Whale Glue Pellets require long-term use. You won't see obvious results until your fourth or fifth Soul Ring. By then, you'll be able to absorb Soul Rings with higher cultivation ages!

"Fatty, don't take your Whale Glue Pellets yet. This medicine has a certain aphrodisiac effect. Since you possess Evil Fire, if the two are triggered together, there won't be anywhere in the wilderness for you to vent it."

Ma Hongjun had been excited, but Flender's words poured a bucket of cold water over him.

"Ah? Dean, why?

"Everyone else gets to take them, and I just have to watch?"

He complained loudly, unease flickering in his eyes.

In truth, he had already eaten the Whale Glue Pellets he had won from Oscar and Dai Mubai the previous night.

He had felt fine all day, but upon hearing Flender mention it now, fear immediately welled up within him.

Flender was helpless too. Ma Hongjun's martial soul had this particular flaw—what could he do about it?

"Just don't take any for now. We'll discuss it after the soul hunt is over and we've returned to the academy."

Flender swept his gaze across the group, his expression turning serious again.

"I know you're all little monsters, with talent far beyond others your age."

At those words, the Seven Monsters remained expressionless. Not a hint of joy or pride appeared on their faces.

After seeing Qian Ni, that cheating dog, the previous night, who still dared call themselves a monster?

But Flender knew nothing about that. The previous night, he and Zhao Wuji had been separately troubled by Tang Hao and Qian Daoliu, leaving him with no time to care about academy matters.

It had only been a little bonfire party. What could possibly have happened?

And the Seven Monsters had tacitly agreed not to tell the teachers.

After all, there had been too many embarrassing incidents. As long as none of them said anything, they could keep it hidden for now.

Flender continued speaking.

"Especially Ning Rongrong—very good! As a support Soul Master, you still persisted through the physical training! That's worthy of praise!

"However, everyone here has talent and a background no worse than yours.

"Fatty, your martial soul has mutated into the Evil Fire Phoenix, giving you the ability to control fire!"

Ma Hongjun showed none of his usual arrogance. He waved his hands repeatedly, leaving Flender greatly shocked.

It was hilarious. Before Qian Ni, what the hell did his little mutation amount to? He didn't even dare offend Qian Ni's lackey, Zhu Zhuqing, and could only hand over his Whale Glue Pellets.

"Oscar, food-type martial soul, Innate Full Soul Power."

Oscar was also extremely humble. Though he never said it aloud, he had always taken pride in his talent.

Like he said, there were several people present with Innate Full Soul Power. It was nothing special.

"Zhu Zhuqing, firm-willed... and unconventional in battle."

After struggling for a long while, that was all Flender could come up with.

When Zhu Zhuqing fought...

Pulling hair, gouging eyes, throwing sand, stomping toes, low kicks...

She had won, but this was far too damaging to a Soul Master's dignity!

Those underhanded little tricks had even startled him. One glance was enough for him to see who had influenced her.

After speaking, Flender even turned his head to look around. Only when he saw that Qian Ni wasn't there did he let out a sigh of relief.

I have a bad feeling this generation of Shrek is doomed...

No way... it must be my imagination!