Hearing Dai Mubai's voice, everyone turned to look.
Ma Hongjun was the most excited—free food and drinks were rare, so he had to seize the chance.
Oscar was also delighted. After eating bland food at the academy for so long, this was finally a chance to indulge.
Tang San, however, looked toward Xiao Wu.
He wanted to invite her over, but since Dai Mubai was treating, he hesitated.
Dai Mubai noticed immediately.
"Xiao Wu, come eat with us too! Consider it a welcome feast!"
Tang San shot him a grateful look. This brother really understood him.
—
But before Xiao Wu could respond, Ning Rongrong stepped forward.
She had long been fed up with Dai Mubai.
"Xiao Wu, let's go somewhere else. It's just money—our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School never lacks that!"
That was absolutely true.
Among everyone present, Ning Rongrong was undoubtedly the richest.
"Waiter, a top private room. And bring one of every signature dish. Eating in the lobby doesn't suit me."
The waiter's smile instantly widened.
"Of course! Please follow me!"
Ning Rongrong turned back.
"What are you waiting for? Let's go feast!"
She pulled Xiao Wu along and headed upstairs.
Lin Xian smiled faintly and followed with Zhu Zhuqing.
—
Watching this, Zhao Wuji—who was upstairs—said nothing.
To him, a lack of cohesion among them was normal.
—
Downstairs, Dai Mubai's face darkened.
Ning Rongrong was constantly going against him.
If not for her background, he would have already taught her a lesson.
When had he ever suffered like this from a woman?
…Well, Zhu Zhuqing was an exception.
—
Seeing the awkward atmosphere, Ma Hongjun quickly started ordering food and cracking jokes.
Some crude humor later, the mood improved slightly.
—
Just then, a group walked in.
Leading them was a middle-aged man in his forties, with a composed and refined appearance.
Behind him were seven young Spirit Masters—six male, one female—around twenty years old, all wearing identical moon-white robes.
On their shoulders was a circular emblem reading:
Canghui Academy.
—
The conversation at the table quickly shifted.
Ma Hongjun nudged Dai Mubai.
"Boss Dai, that girl looks pretty good. She's got some charm."
Dai Mubai glanced over casually.
"Better than your usual type, but still average."
"Of course, Boss Dai always has the best taste. When are you arranging another outing?"
Dai Mubai smirked.
"Next time we're in Soto City. Tang San, you joining?"
Tang San was caught off guard.
"I… I think I'll pass."
The others stared at him.
"Wait—you're still that innocent?"
"No way, someone this pure actually exists?"
"I thought you and Xiao Wu were already a thing…"
Tang San hurriedly explained.
"She's my sister!"
"Yeah, yeah—a 'sweetheart' sister. We get it."
Dai Mubai chuckled.
"But you should watch out for Lin Xian. That guy's strange—girls just flock to him."
Tang San nodded seriously.
He had already noticed.
—
"Don't worry," Dai Mubai continued, "after we help Oscar get his spirit ring, we'll arrange a proper coming-of-age experience for you."
"No refusing. Otherwise, you're not treating us as brothers."
Oscar and Ma Hongjun nodded in agreement.
Tang San hesitated… then reluctantly agreed.
After all, across two lifetimes, he had never experienced such things.
Maybe… it wasn't a bad idea.
But his gaze unconsciously drifted toward where Xiao Wu had gone.
—
"Boss Dai, the food's taking too long. Want to have some fun?"
Dai Mubai's eyes shifted toward the group from Canghui Academy.
"A small academy like that, acting so arrogant…"
—
The Canghui students heard him clearly.
Their expressions darkened instantly.
Tang San looked confused, so Oscar leaned over.
"The dean says—those who don't dare to cause trouble are mediocre."
Tang San chuckled.
"We should compile that into a book—'Monster Quotations.'"
—
Soon enough, words escalated into conflict.
Both sides moved outside into an open space.
Dai Mubai sneered.
"Canghui Academy? That's it? Brothers—release your spirit rings!"
—
Though outnumbered four to seven, they relied on their superior strength.
At first, they held the upper hand.
Ma Hongjun even looked ready to get handsy with the female student.
Tang San and the others didn't stop him.
—
"I am Ye Zhiqiu, Director of External Affairs for Canghui Academy. Don't go too far!"
"Hah! Shrek Academy isn't afraid of you!"
—
Ye Zhiqiu's face hardened.
"Black Tortoise—possess!"
One white, two yellow, two purple.
A Spirit King.
—
Upstairs, Zhao Wuji was about to step in—
But Lin Xian stopped him.
"Teacher Zhao, let us handle this."
Zhao Wuji hesitated.
—
Moments later—
Reality hit hard.
Dai Mubai and the others were completely suppressed.
The gap was too large.
Even Tang San's hidden weapons were useless against the Black Tortoise's defense.
Within a few exchanges, all four were knocked to the ground.
—
Ye Zhiqiu laughed.
"That's it? Shrek Academy isn't that impressive after all!"
The four lay on the ground, gritting their teeth in anger—but powerless.
—
At that moment—
A voice rang out.
"Who's barking like a dog here? You're disturbing my meal."
Lin Xian walked out—
With Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, and Xiao Wu behind him.
—
The moment they appeared, all eyes turned.
Whether they could fight or not—
didn't matter yet.
Just their presence alone—
completely dominated the scene.
(Author's Note)
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