Listening to Ma Hongjun's account, Oscar finally understood the full story. What surprised him most was that the one who had beaten Ma Hongjun was none other than Bu Le the same character from the original work who had also assaulted him.
However, Bu Le wasn't a Soul Elder yet. He was currently just a Soul Grandmaster, although Ma Hongjun didn't know his exact soul power level.
Moreover, Bu Le had only taken Ma Hongjun's money, not his soul tool. It was likely because he saw the hundred year soul ring on Ma Hongjun and was wary of the power behind him.
Bu Le might be a bully, but he wasn't stupid. He only picked on the weak and never provoked real threats.
The reason he beat Ma Hongjun and took his money was due to a dispute over a purchase. Both had their eyes on the same item, but Ma Hongjun had more money. Under the shop owner's flattery, Ma Hongjun bought the item at a high price.
Bu Le, unable to bear the humiliation, followed him to a quiet place and beat him up, then stole the money.
Before leaving, Bu Le told Ma Hongjun that if he wanted revenge, he could come to the slums in the west of the city.
Although it was called a "slum," the west district was really just home to regular people mostly migrant workers and laborers. This made it a complex and chaotic area. Once someone hid there, finding them again was almost impossible unless they came out on their own.
After hearing the whole story, Oscar weighed the pros and cons.
Based on Ma Hongjun's description, Bu Le had one white and two yellow rings. That made him a Soul Grandmaster, which meant he wasn't to be taken lightly.
Oscar also knew Bu Le wasn't working alone he had two companions, and those two were said to be even more talented than Bu Le himself.
If Bu Le was already a Soul Grandmaster (level 30 ), then his partners might have reached Soul Elder (Level 40) level by now.
Oscar was confident he could handle Soul Masters below Level 30 with his 22nd level soul power, but against Soul Grandmaster opponents (Level 30+), he had no certainty.
Even though his physique had greatly improved after absorbing his second soul ring reaching a level comparable to a Soul Grandmaster his overall soul power was still only at Level 22. His external soul bone, while potent, was only on par with that of a high tier Soul Master.
If he were to face a Soul Grandmaster head on now, even one without the best soul ring configuration, Oscar might not win.
Unless he could raise his power close to Soul Grandmaster level, Bu Le was not someone he could currently take down.
This was something Oscar had learned firsthand since coming to this world: crossing power tiers in battle was something only geniuses could achieve.
And even then, skipping a tier or two was already considered extraordinary. The difference between him and Bu Le wasn't just a couple of levels it was an entire soul ring.
After some careful thought, Oscar decided to let it go for now. He could stand up for Ma Hongjun, but he wasn't foolish enough to serve himself up on a platter.
After all, while Bu Le might be cautious enough not to kill him, he wouldn't hesitate to steal from him just like he did to Ma Hongjun.
And Oscar had just acquired a valuable piece of whale glue. If that were stolen, he'd have nowhere to cry.
He comforted Ma Hongjun for a bit. After eating Oscar's Super Recovery Sausage, the bruises on Ma Hongjun's face disappeared. The two of them mounted their horses and returned to Shrek Academy.
Back at the academy, Oscar immediately went to find Zhao Wuji. There was no way he'd let this go without action.
After Oscar recounted everything, Zhao Wuji became furious. After all, who in Shrek Academy didn't know he was the most protective and hot tempered teacher?
He immediately wanted to drag Ma Hongjun back to settle the score. A Soul Grandmaster beating up a mere Level 14 Soul Master? What a disgrace!
And that Soul Master was one of their own?
But it was already dark, and Bu Le wasn't foolish enough to stay in the same place waiting for revenge. Oscar stopped him.
"Teacher Zhao, let's hold off for now. I told you this not because I expect you to take revenge on Hongjun's behalf but because I don't plan to let Bu Le off so easily."
Oscar
Zhao Wuji looked confused:
"Oscar, what do you mean? You're my students. If someone bullies you, of course I should get justice for you!"
Oscar nodded.
"You're right, Teacher Zhao. But wouldn't it be more satisfying if we beat him ourselves?"
Zhao Wuji was stunned.
"Oscar, I know you've gotten stronger since acquiring your external soul bone but the gap between a Soul Grandmaster and a Soul Master can't be bridged with just that, even if his soul rings aren't optimal."
Oscar grinned.
"Come on, Teacher Zhao. Don't you know me by now? I'm not reckless."
"I went to the big auction house today. Guess what I got?"
Zhao Wuji raised an eyebrow at the sudden topic shift.
"No idea."
"I acquired whale glue700+ years old. If I absorb it, my strength will increase substantially. With me and Hongjun teaming up, taking down Bu Le shouldn't be a problem."
Zhao Wuji was surprised Oscar got the rare whale glue, but he wasn't focused on that. He tried reasoning again.
"Oscar, a Soul Master and a low level Soul Master versus a Soul Grandmaster? Still too risky. Let me handle this."
But Oscar interrupted:
"Teacher Zhao! Don't forget what our title is! We're monsters Shrek's monsters! You can't judge us by normal standards!"
Zhao Wuji was startled. Looking into Oscar's serious eyes and hearing his words, he calmed down.
Yes. That's the spirit of Shrek. Real soul masters don't cry to their teachers when bullied they get stronger and fight back themselves.
Oscar continued:
"Even if we can't beat him, you'll be with us. You can hold the line. But no matter what that Bu Le needs to be beaten."
Zhao Wuji thought for a moment then nodded.
It made sense. He'd go along, observe from the sidelines, and only intervene if things got out of hand. It would be great practical experience for both boys.
After all, Bu Le was just a petty thug. As a Soul Saint, Zhao Wuji had no fear.
"Alright then," Zhao Wuji agreed.
"Let me know when you're heading back to Soto City I'll be there to back you up."
Oscar smiled faintly, feeling a sense of warmth deep inside.
This was the benefit of having a reliable backer. Even if they couldn't win, with Zhao Wujia Soul Saint on their side, Bu Le couldn't make any waves.
In Soto City, a Soul Saint was already peak combat power.
Even the city lord didn't dare provoke Flender because Shrek had two Soul Saints and three Soul Emperors.
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