Hearing Lin Xian's words, everyone looked over.
Even Zhao Wuji, who usually kept to himself, couldn't help but glance a few extra times.
For a moment, he even suspected that Lin Xian had somehow gotten help from Teacher Shao Xin.
Shao Xin was a Level 71 Spirit Saint at Shrek Academy, a food-type Spirit Master whose Spirit was Jelly Beans.
But after a closer look, the difference was obvious.
This must be something Lin Xian had created himself.
Zhao Wuji was curious—but didn't pry.
Everyone had their own secrets.
Besides, his main concern right now was still Tang San.
Just based on who his father was, he deserved special attention.
—
Ning Rongrong didn't hesitate.
She snatched the jelly bean from Lin Xian's hand and popped it into her mouth.
A warm current spread through her entire body.
It felt as if every limb and bone was being gently nourished—an indescribable comfort.
Her nearly depleted stamina—
was instantly restored.
The previously exhausted Ning Rongrong immediately perked up, full of energy again.
As expected of something from the system.
The effect was excellent.
—
"This young lady is back in action!"
"I won't take your jelly bean for nothing—I'll buff everyone!"
"Seven Treasures has a name, second: Speed!"
A faint glow spread outward.
With her current two rings, the boost was 20%—but still very noticeable.
As she gained more spirit rings, the increase would grow stronger.
By the time she reached Spirit Saint, it would reach 70%.
That was precisely why the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda had cultivation limits.
Otherwise, a Title Douluo with 100% stat amplification would be terrifying.
Even capped at Level 79, it was still considered the continent's strongest support Spirit.
—
Of course, she only buffed Lin Xian, Zhu Zhuqing, Xiao Wu—and herself.
As for the others?
They had Oscar's sausages.
And besides…
She didn't like them enough to waste her energy.
—
With the speed boost, Lin Xian and the others felt significantly lighter.
Their pace improved instantly.
Oscar, however, felt miserable.
Again—it was Lin Xian ruining things.
And since when had Ning Rongrong become so close to him?
Didn't he already have Zhu Zhuqing?
Why compete with him too?
Watching them laugh together, Oscar felt a surge of jealousy.
He couldn't beat Lin Xian directly…
But what if they joined forces to push him out?
A sly smile crept onto his face.
—
After running a while longer, Xiao Wu's stamina finally gave out.
She stumbled—
and fell forward.
Tang San, who was leading in front, didn't notice immediately.
By the time he reacted, he had already run ahead.
—
"Starry Sky Binding!"
Lin Xian instantly activated his second spirit ability, catching her mid-fall.
"You little rabbit… exhausted, but still trying to push yourself?"
As he released the restraint, Xiao Wu's legs gave way.
She fell straight into his arms.
"Ah—!"
Her mind went blank.
Her face flushed bright red.
For a moment, she couldn't even react.
By the time she regained her senses, she realized—
she didn't even have the strength to move.
—
Lin Xian handed her another jelly bean.
"Eat this. If you're tired later, come to me."
After making sure she recovered, he stepped back and returned to Zhu Zhuqing's side.
—
For some reason…
That scene didn't sit well with Xiao Wu.
Was he… deliberately keeping his distance?
—
Tang San rushed over.
"Xiao Wu! Are you okay? Why weren't you more careful? I told you—if you're tired, just eat Oscar's sausage—what if you got hurt—"
"Okay, I know."
Xiao Wu cut him off with a smile before walking away.
But something felt different.
The smile was familiar—
yet distant.
—
Tang San frowned.
He realized something was wrong.
These past few days…
He hadn't been doing well.
Xiao Wu was already exhausted, yet he had kept dragging her to search for the Dragon Beard Needle.
And just now—
he hadn't protected her in time.
He had intended to use Blue Silver Binding…
But someone was faster.
Again.
—
One step behind.
—
Thinking about Xiao Wu falling into Lin Xian's arms…
Tang San felt a sharp discomfort.
As if something precious had been taken from him.
"Heh… Lin Xian, you'd better behave."
"Otherwise…"
He shot him a cold glance, muttering inwardly.
—
With Oscar's sausages and Lin Xian's jelly beans combined, the group's stamina issue was resolved.
On Lin Xian's side, it was easy.
He had plenty.
But Oscar…
was struggling.
At this point, he was practically being dragged along by Tang San and Dai Mubai just so he could recover his spirit power.
Otherwise, he'd have collapsed halfway.
—
By nightfall, they had already traveled over 400 kilometers.
They were close to the Star Dou Forest.
Since they couldn't reach it in time, Zhao Wuji ordered a stop.
They arrived at a lively small town.
Shops lined both sides of the street, selling weapons, armor, and supplies.
It was clearly a supply hub for those heading into the forest.
—
Zhao Wuji led them to a modest hotel.
"We'll stay here tonight. Rest well—tomorrow morning we head out."
"You pay for your own rooms and meals."
—
It wasn't that he was stingy.
Shrek Academy was simply poor.
Most of his money had already been "borrowed" by Flender…
A painful story in itself.
—
Lin Xian and Zhu Zhuqing took a room together.
Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu shared one.
The remaining four squeezed into a shared room.
Fortunately, the inn wasn't crowded.
—
Downstairs, the four boys gathered at a table.
Dai Mubai stood up boldly.
"Brothers! Tonight, it's on me!"
"Eat whatever you want—I'll cover everything!"
(Author's Note)
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