After a long pause, Flender finally calmed down. Just the thought that Oscar was now a student at his academy filled him with delight.
After all, the best way to make a name for an academy was to cultivate a true genius.
At that moment, Oscar said,
"Dean, how about this just telling you might not convey the true strength of my External Soul Bone. Let me bring Hongjun over and spar with him a bit."
Hearing this, Flender nodded in agreement right away. He was genuinely curious about the power of Oscar's External Soul Bone.
Seeing Flender agree, Oscar left to find Ma Hongjun.
As for revealing the existence of the External Soul Bone, Oscar wasn't concerned. At Shrek Academy, the teachers might lack other things, but their unity and loyalty were strong. If they knew about his External Soul Bone, they wouldn't harbor ill intentions. Rather, they'd feel the same sense of gratification as Flender.
So, as soon as Oscar left, Flender turned to Zhao Wuji and said,
"Old Zhao, go gather Shao Xin and the others. Let them witness the talent of this generation of Shrek students."
Flender couldn't help but laugh excitedly, already dreaming of the future:
"A support-type soul master with the combat power of an assault-type soul master! Heh heh! Our Shrek Academy will definitely become famous across the continent!"
Zhao Wuji rolled his eyes and thought, I just got back and you're already giving me errands? You really know how to boss people around!
But he didn't argue and nodded before leaving.
After all, Flender was the dean, and he was just the vice dean.
Oscar exited Flender's office and headed straight for the dormitory. When he returned earlier with Zhao Wuji, they had passed by the classroom and didn't see Ma Hongjun.
Knowing that kid's personality, he's probably napping in his room.
Since Ma Hongjun had no habit of locking his door, Oscar simply pushed it openand saw him scribbling furiously at his desk.
Hearing the noise, Ma Hongjun turned and saw Oscar entering. His face lit up with joy.
"Oscar-Bro! You're finally back! I missed you so much this past month!"
Oscar smiled, walked over, and glanced at what Ma Hongjun was writing various theoretical notes about soul beasts. He couldn't help but feel pleased.
After training this kid for so long, he'd finally developed good habits. Of course, Oscar was happy to see it.
"You rascal, looks like you didn't slack off while I was gone. Not bad!" Oscar praised.
Hearing that, Ma Hongjun beamed. Being praised by Oscar made him even happier than being praised by Flender.
"Heh heh, you have no idea, Oscar-Bro. I've been working hard this month. Just broke through to level 14 yesterday!"
"Oh? Perfect timing. I just acquired my second soul ring. Want to come train with me?" Oscar suggested casually.
Ma Hongjun hesitated. The memories of being tormented during past training sessions flashed through his mind, but he quickly nodded resolutely.
"Sure! I've been getting extra meals and training this whole month. I'm not the same person I was before. I'll definitely surprise you today!"
Oscar didn't doubt him. But even if Ma Hongjun had improved, so what?
Oscar was no longer the same either. With the Sky Azure Spirit Jade Sword, he could already clash head-on with other assault-type soul masters of his level.
In fact, his physical strength exceeded that of most combat specialists at the same level. As a level 22 soul master, facing level 14 Ma Hongjun would be a breeze.
Still, Oscar wanted to assess Hongjun's progress. That was the main reason he proposed the sparring match to Flender in the first place.
So he simply smiled and said,
"Alright, let me see how much you've improved."
Oscar and Ma Hongjun arrived at the academy's training groundsthough it was more accurate to call it a plaza now. Since the academy was no longer short on funds, the area had been significantly improved.
At the center of the plaza stood a 50-meter diameter Soul Battle Arena, a structure not found in the original novel.
Thanks to Oscar, Flender had this arena built a year ago. It was highly functional and very well made.
Flender, Zhao Wuji, Lu Qibin, Li Yusong, and Shao Xin were already seated in a pavilion near the arena.
When Oscar and Ma Hongjun arrived, Flender looked at Ma Hongjun and asked,
"Hongjun, Little Ao is now a Grandmaster-ranked soul master. Do you have confidence?"
He didn't tell Ma Hongjun about Oscar's new combat capabilities. This was a lesson all Shrek students needed to learn: even if you don't know your opponent's full strength, you must still give it your all.
Ma Hongjun grinned,
"Don't worry, Teacher. I may only be level 14, but I'm an assault-type soul master. I can finally test out the move you taught me this month!"
Flender nodded with satisfaction. Regardless of the outcome, this kind of mindset was exactly what he wanted to see.
At that moment, Zhao Wuji stepped out and ascended the high platform by the side of the Soul Battle Arena. The arena itself was three meters tall its thickness necessary to endure battles between even him and Flender.
Yes, they used it too for occasional sparring sessions.
The arena was constructed from marble and granite50 meters in diameter and 3 meters high. It was a costly build, but now that the academy wasn't strapped for cash, it was no big deal.
"You two, get on the stage," Zhao Wuji called down from the platform.
Oscar and Ma Hongjun stepped onto the stage and stood 10 meters apart, facing each other.
Zhao Wuji, now the referee, spoke again:
"Soul masters, release your martial souls."
This was standard protocol for formal matches not only to give the contestants time to prepare, but also for the audience to clearly see their martial spirits. After all, these weren't death matches but performances meant to be seen.
As Zhao Wuji finished speaking, Oscar's silver eyes gleamed. Two yellow soul rings rose beneath his feet, and an orange sausage appeared in his hand.
"Oscar. Martial Soul: Supreme Sausage. Level 22, Support-type Tool Soul Master."
Hearing his level, Ma Hongjun was internally shocked. He already knew Oscar had leveled up quickly after obtaining his first ring, but now again?
"Is this what a true innate full soul power genius is like?" he wondered.
However, once on the stage, Ma Hongjun's entire aura shifted. Though shocked inside, his face showed nothing.
He stared at Oscar with great seriousness. Now slimmed down, Ma Hongjun no longer looked perverted. His serious expression gave him a surprisingly refined presence.
"Ma Hongjun. Martial Soul: Evil Fire Phoenix. Level 14, Assault-type Battle Soul Master."
As he spoke, flames erupted from his body. His red mohawk now resembled a phoenix crown.
Though the Evil Fire restricted him from flying, the flames on his body gave the illusion of fiery wings.
A single yellow soul ring floated beneath his feet. Despite being only level 14, the majesty of the Phoenix the King of Birds was already evident.
Oscar looked at the awe-inspiring Ma Hongjun and felt genuinely pleased.
At this rate, the lecherous chubby kid from the original story would be no more.
What would remain was the Evil Fire Phoenix Ma Hongjun!
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