Xiao Tian looked at Ning Rongrong with surprise. He hadn't expected her to harbor doubts about Oscar's claimed innate full soul power—could this be a butterfly effect caused by his appearance?
Oscar's smile froze, his anger rising at Ning Rongrong's skepticism. "Ning Rongrong, doubting me is an insult to my character!"
Ning Rongrong shook her head calmly. "Oscar, if questioning you offends your personality, I apologize. But if you truly want to join a major sect, you will likely be asked for proof. Tell me, is there anything wrong with my analysis? I barely cultivated soul power at the sect yet reached level 26. What about you?"
Dai Mubai, sensing the tension, stood and defended Oscar: "Ning Rongrong, you misunderstand Xiao Ao. He's lazy, and the food-type system is tough to cultivate, so he's only level 30 at his age."
Dai Mubai thought that without Dean Flanders' sudden training supervision six months ago, Oscar might still be level 29.
Ning Rongrong ignored Dai Mubai's attempt to excuse Oscar. Her unhappiness stemmed from Oscar's interruption of her invitation to Xiao Tian.
If Oscar's talent was real, it was exciting—but nothing compared to Xiao Tian's overwhelming gift and strength.
No matter how powerful Oscar's food system, it couldn't match the massive boost Ning Rongrong's Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda martial spirit provided.
She still took pride in her own spirit.
"Ning Rongrong, forget joining the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect for now. I don't want to be tied down by a sect," Xiao Tian politely declined.
Though slightly disappointed, Ning Rongrong understood. Joining a sect required sacrifice and investment; that was why sects spent so much time and energy cultivating talents.
She also sensed Xiao Tian's indecision was due to others' authority—final decisions rested with her father and the two grandfathers.
Ning Rongrong rolled her eyes, deciding to write back to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect later. If Grandpa Jian learned of a sword genius in Shrek Academy, he'd be thrilled.
Despite rejection, Ning Rongrong was happy. Sneaking out had led her to discover not one but several talents for her sect: Xiao Tian, and although Xiao Wu and Tang San weren't as outstanding, they too could be valuable.
Oscar, downhearted after failing his self-nomination, looked gloomy.
Dai Mubai comforted him with a pat on the back.
"What are you doing? Let me go! Fatty, I truly can't stand you. Let's end this."
Nearby, a simple-dressed woman pleaded tearfully with a stout man with red hair and a mustache.
"Why? Why break up so suddenly? Is it because I can't satisfy you?" Ma Hongjun gripped her hand firmly, refusing to let go.
Xiao Tian and company arrived just then and heard her sobbing.
"No! You ask too much. I'm just ordinary—I can't compare to you soul masters. Please let me go. I beg."
Ma Hongjun's eyes gleamed wickedly. She was helpless.
His force hurt her, and she reluctantly softened resistance.
"Asshole, bastard, what the hell do you think you're doing!" Xiao Wu was furious and instantly teleported beside Ma Hongjun, kicking him hard. Bang!
Smoke and dust exploded.
Suihua, the woman, didn't expect a sudden savior.
Dai Mubai and Oscar stood stunned.
Ma Hongjun leapt to a rooftop, using his martial spirit.
"Who's there?"
"It's me, your aunt! Who told you to torment a girl? Disgusting!" Xiao Wu stomped her foot and pointed at Ma Hongjun.
Ma Hongjun, drooling at Xiao Wu's beauty, grinned lecherously. "Let her go, but I haven't seen you before. How about you stay the night instead?"
Xiao Tian frowned; Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged displeased glances.
Dai Mubai sighed silently, glancing at Xiao Tian and Tang San. This fat guy was doomed—he'd provoked two powerful people at once. All he could do was wish him luck.
"Haha, try me if you dare!" Ma Hongjun taunted.
Summoning all her strength, Xiao Wu prepared to strike back.
"The first soul skill, Phoenix Fire Wire!"
Ma Hongjun's face turned grim. Could such a skill be so formidable?
Though Xiao Wu had kicked him earlier, he thought he held the advantage from height and distance. Could she really reach him now?
"The second soul skill, Charm!"
Pink allure radiated from Xiao Wu's eyes.
Ma Hongjun was instantly bewitched, causing the Phoenix Fire Wire to miss.
The surrounding thatched roofs caught fire.
"Fifteen!"
Jian Shiwu responded to Xiao Tian's order. Sword energy surged as he controlled power carefully to extinguish the flames.
But Ma Hongjun, still under the charm, failed to notice.
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing's eyes brightened. They hadn't expected Xiao Tian's martial spirit to quell fire.
Dai Mubai was most shocked.
Despite Ma Hongjun's lesser strength, Phoenix Fire was no small matter.
Ning Rongrong's Seven Treasures Glazed Tower glowed again.
"One boosts strength; the other, speed!"
"Hey, wait!"
Dai Mubai tried to stop Ning Rongrong, but was too late.
Xiao Wu smiled slyly at Ning Rongrong.
"Sis Xiaowu will give that fat guy a taste of her skills!"
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