Seeing that his students were no match for Dai Mubai, the teacher from Canghui Academy finally couldn't sit still anymore. He stepped forward and shielded his students behind him.
He shouted at Dai Mubai, "Stop! I'm Ye Zhiqiu, the Director of External Affairs from Canghui Academy. Which sect are you from?"
This teacher wasn't as impulsive as his students. He noticed Dai Mubai was still young yet already a Soul Elder, with a perfect spirit ring configuration. That alone told him this youth wasn't ordinary, and he was already considering backing down to avoid trouble.
Before Dai Mubai could respond, the sleazy fat man not far away, Ma Hongjun, had already grinned proudly and said, "We're from Shrek Academy."
As he spoke, his eyes leered openly at the opposing academy's female student. His blatant lasciviousness made the girl take several steps back, hiding behind her teammates.
Ye Zhiqiu was stunned, a thoughtful look flashing through his eyes. "Shrek Academy? I don't think I've ever heard of that academy."
Dai Mubai snorted coldly. "That's because you're ignorant."
Though Ye Zhiqiu was shocked by the strength of these Shrek kids, learning they weren't from some great sect or famous academy allowed him to breathe a bit easier.
But if even these kids without any powerful background dared act so arrogantly, and he, Ye Zhiqiu, backed down in front of so many guests, Canghui Academy would lose all face.
His thoughts churned, but he still chose restraint and said to Dai Mubai, "Children shouldn't speak carelessly. Go and call your academy's teacher out."
Seeing this guy still unwilling to retaliate, Ma Hongjun shouted again with arrogance, laughing loudly, "You old bastard still want to see our teacher? Just us few are more than enough to deal with you!"
Ye Zhiqiu's martial spirit was the Black Tortoise, and in his life, he despised being called a turtle more than anything.
He had originally only wanted to intimidate the kids a bit. He didn't want to be accused of bullying the young. Moreover, he still wasn't sure what kind of backing these kids had.
But the fat one had crossed the line. Rage boiled in Ye Zhiqiu's heart, yet he smiled instead. "Fine. I'll teach you on behalf of your teacher."
With that thought, Ye Zhiqiu no longer hesitated. His eyes flashed, releasing his spirit.
"Black Tortoise, Possess me!"
His limbs shrank by a third, and his back arched, transforming into a humanoid tortoise.
Though Ye Zhiqiu's spirit ring configuration wasn't particularly strong for his level, his over-fifty rank spirit power instantly suppressed Shrek's side.
Exclamations of surprise rippled through the restaurant. After all, a Spirit King was a formidable figure, rare across the continent. In some kingdoms, such a rank could already earn a noble title like viscount or even count.
Dai Mubai's face shifted slightly. His gaze turned to Tang San beside him. Tang San met his eyes and gave a small nod, raising his hands slowly to touch his Twenty-Four Moonlit Bridges.
Ye Zhiqiu wasn't Zhao Wuji. He might not show mercy. Against a Soul King with much higher power, Tang San was already prepared to go all out with his hidden weapons.
"Soul masters, please… I beg you, don't fight in my humble establishment. Just a small business… just a small business…" The shop owner couldn't stay silent any longer. If this continued, his entire restaurant would be reduced to rubble.
Hearing the shopkeeper's plea, Ye Zhiqiu said, "We'll fight outside," then turned and walked out. The Canghui students followed him.
Dai Mubai then whispered to Tang San, "This old guy's over level 50, and his Black Tortoise spirit is a pretty solid beast-type spirit. I'll hold him off in the front. You need to strike quickly with your hidden weapons, or I might not last long."
Tang San replied calmly, "We might not lose. His spirit power may be stronger, but the Black Tortoise spirit has its flaws."
The others gathered close, hearing Tang San's words.
"The Black Tortoise is water-based, which clashes perfectly with Fatty's Phoenix flames. Water can counter fire, but fire can also restrain water. Fatty's flames are special. His attacks should deal solid damage.
As long as Boss Dai, Zhu Zhuqing, and I hold off Ye Zhiqiu, and Xiao Wu rotates in to relieve us, we can keep receiving supplies from Oscar. With Oscar's sausages supporting us, we have a shot at wearing him down."
The group admired Tang San's analysis and nodded in agreement.
But Ning Rongrong, standing off to the side, frowned and glared at Tang San. "Tang San, what about me? What am I supposed to do?"
Tang San was briefly stunned. He hadn't included her because he knew the little witch's temper and didn't dare give her orders.
Seeing her volunteer, he thought for a moment and replied, "Your spirit is special. Stay flexible and be ready to support us as needed."
Feeling the strange looks from the others, Ning Rongrong bit her lip, anger flaring in her heart. She realized she was being excluded.
Perhaps due to the blow from Yu Tianming, Ning Rongrong's little witch demeanor had toned down a lot. Though upset, she still nodded obediently.
The Shrek group finished their strategy and headed out together. The frustrated Ning Rongrong naturally trailed at the back.
As her thoughts swirled, a low voice spoke beside her. "If you want them to acknowledge you, then prove through action that you belong with Shrek."
Ning Rongrong looked up to see a familiar face beneath a freshly grown beard—Oscar. He smiled kindly at her. Startled by the sudden warmth, Ning Rongrong nodded again.
Not long after, Ye Zhiqiu and the Shrek group arrived at an open area outside town.
Many curious onlookers followed behind them. Soul master duels were popular in this world, and who would miss the chance to see a Soul King battle for free?
Among the crowd, a black-robed Yu Tianming stood in the front row, not far from Ning Rongrong and Oscar, watching with interest.
It had to be said, one's martial spirit heavily influenced their personality. The Black Tortoise-spirit Ye Zhiqiu had calmed down during the walk outside.
Seeing the seven youths in front of him, he barked with false bravado, "I'll give you one more chance. Admit your fault, and it's not too late."
Dai Mubai grinned wickedly. "Fault? What's right and what's wrong? Whoever has the bigger fists decides. If you want us to admit fault, then beat us first."
At this point, Ye Zhiqiu couldn't hold back anymore. He snorted, "Come at me together, then. Today, I'll teach you how to behave on behalf of your academy."
Before he finished speaking, Dai Mubai had already launched into action. His second spirit ring shone brightly as a blinding white light condensed into a sphere and blasted from his mouth—the Evil Eye White Tiger's second spirit ability, White Tiger Light Wave.
At the same time, Zhu Zhuqing dashed diagonally, circling around to Ye Zhiqiu's side with explosive speed.
Tang San also moved, summoning Blue Silver Grass and charging from the opposite side.
While the three launched their attack from different angles, in the distance, Fatty's Mohawk shook violently as his first spirit ring flared. A streak of violet-red Phoenix Flame surged forth.
The four attacked almost simultaneously, completely unfazed by the fact that their opponent was a Soul King—they had Zhao Wuji backing them.
As the others moved, Ning Rongrong also summoned her Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, preparing to buff her teammates when the time came.
But at that moment, Yu Tianming appeared behind her, grabbing her hand—the one holding the pagoda. She turned to him in confusion as he slowly removed his hood.
"Your teammates are so arrogant at such a young age. Better not get involved. If they lose, maybe it'll be a good lesson for them."
Ning Rongrong didn't seem to hear his words. Her eyes filled with tears as she stared at the familiar face in disbelief.
But in Oscar's eyes, it looked like a tall, burly stranger was manhandling Ning Rongrong, who appeared terrified.
Remembering what Dean Flender had told him, Oscar realized this was his chance.
Even though Yu Tianming looked tall, strong, and clearly wasn't weak, Oscar still stepped forward with concern for Ning Rongrong, scolding Yu Tianming, "Our teacher is nearby. If you don't want to die, let go of her now."
Despite Oscar's harsh tone, Yu Tianming and Ning Rongrong ignored him completely. In fact, Ning Rongrong no longer froze—she burst into tears and threw herself into Yu Tianming's arms.
"Where have you been these three years? I looked everywhere for you. Everyone said you were dead!"
Yu Tianming was stunned. Including today, they'd only met four times. Why was she reacting just like Dugu Yan?
He remembered that during the Soul Master Tournament three years ago, Ning Rongrong had boldly kissed him. 'Could it be… this little witch from the Seven Treasures Clan actually likes me that much?'
While Ning Rongrong was emotional and Yu Tianming confused, Oscar's face turned ashen. Even he wasn't so clueless as to miss what was happening—this was clearly a long-lost lover.
Already lacking confidence in pursuing Ning Rongrong, Oscar looked at Yu Tianming—handsome, rugged, tall, clearly a strong Battle Soul Master. He felt completely inferior.
As the pair ignored him, Oscar quietly stepped back, thinking to himself, 'Dean… I might've already lost before even confessing.'
Meanwhile, Dai Mubai and the others were locked in a fierce battle with Ye Zhiqiu. After enduring an initial wave of speed-based attacks from Shrek, Ye Zhiqiu realized their strength.
Not wanting to embarrass himself further, he no longer held back. His fifth, purple spirit ring flared.
"Fifth Spirit Skill—Frost Impact!"
The black turtle shell on his back turned white, and a chilling blast surged outward from him in all directions.
Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing, who were closest, were struck first. Frost spread across their bodies, freezing them in place. While not life-threatening, they couldn't move.
Ma Hongjun, though farther away, suffered even more. Fire and water were opposites, so both sides took extra damage. Clutching his belly in pain, he dropped to his knees and coughed up a mouthful of black-red blood.
Only Tang San had noticed something was off and distanced himself in time, taking only the aftershock. He even had enough strength left to quietly pull Xiao Wu out of the crowd.
Seeing two of the kids retreat, Ye Zhiqiu didn't care. As long as he taught a lesson to the arrogant Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun, his point would be made. As for Zhu Zhuqing, he wouldn't strike a female soul master in public, especially one who hadn't provoked him.
With his spirit possessed, Ye Zhiqiu looked nothing like the refined man from earlier. His squat body and massive turtle shell made him look comical.
But when he stepped up to Dai Mubai, his Soul King pressure made the young prince of the Star Luo Empire tremble.
"Let me teach you a proper lesson on behalf of your teacher."
He grabbed Dai Mubai's frost-covered hair and slapped him twice.
Though the Black Tortoise wasn't known for strength, as a beast-spirit Soul King, his power was not to be taken lightly. After two smacks, Dai Mubai's face swelled up like a pig's head.
That finally woke him up. He was royalty, the prince of Star Luo Empire. Even if overshadowed by his brother, how could this mere academy teacher dare slap him? Zhu Zhuqing's gaze from not far away made him even more furious.
He tried to speak through his swollen face. "A lowly Canghui teacher dares lay hands on me, Dai Mubai? You'll pay for this!"
Ye Zhiqiu didn't hear the muffled words, but reading his expression, he guessed it was a threat. Seeing the rich clothes on him, Ye Zhiqiu chose to ignore it and turned to Ma Hongjun.
(End of Chapter)
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