MTLNOVEL Chapter 28: Conflict
The first lesson Flender had prepared for his students was indeed combat training at the Great Spirit Arena. He and the other teachers didn't even enter the arena themselves. Instead, they sat at a roadside tea stall, sipping the cheapest tea available.
Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing, led by Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun, entered the Great Spirit Arena. After learning the basic rules, they each participated in their first match.
Flender, true to his reputation as a miser, had collected tuition fees from the students and then thrown them into the arena for combat training. Even the registration fees had to be paid by the students themselves. It was a classic case of reaping without sowing.
The food was poor, the living conditions were poor, the training environment was poor, and even the teaching method was simply tossing them into the arena. Running an academy had never been easier.
As the sun set and the sky darkened, the students of Shrek Academy—Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing—made their way back to the academy.
Ma Hongjun, with his plump figure, walked beside Dai Mubai, grinning lewdly as he told off-color jokes, occasionally letting out a creepy "hehehe" laugh.
Under normal circumstances, Dai Mubai would have been happy to join in the banter. But today, he was unusually serious, his gaze fixed on the girl walking ahead of them. She wore a tight leather outfit that accentuated her curvaceous figure—this was Zhu Zhuqing.
Dai Mubai hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back. As they approached the academy gates, he knew he had to say something.
"Fatty, shut up!" he barked at Ma Hongjun.
After silencing Ma Hongjun, Dai Mubai quickened his pace to catch up to Zhu Zhuqing. "Zhuqing, don't listen to Fatty's nonsense. I'm not that kind of person…"
Hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing sped up even more. Her already cold expression turned icy as she shot back, "Disgusting!"
With that, she quickly disappeared into the distance. As a speed-type agility spirit master, if she truly wanted to leave, Dai Mubai had no hope of catching her.
Watching Zhu Zhuqing's retreating figure, Dai Mubai's face darkened with anger. He had been restraining himself all day, even avoiding contacting the pair of twins he usually spent time with in the city. Yet, he hadn't even gotten a chance to speak properly.
"Hmph!" Ma Hongjun, seeing Dai Mubai's frustration, was surprised. Dai Mubai's handsome face had always been irresistible to women.
He quickly caught up to Dai Mubai and tried to console him. "Big Brother Dai, if she's not interested, don't let it get to you. There are plenty of women in Suotuo City for you to choose from!"
Dai Mubai didn't argue. What Ma Hongjun said was true. Over the years, Dai Mubai had charmed women of all ages, from wealthy noblewomen to innocent girls. A mere gesture from him could attract countless admirers.
But this time, Dai Mubai shook his head. "Fatty, you don't understand."
His expression remained grim as he continued walking.
A short while later, they arrived at the academy gates.
Seeing them return, Ning Rongrong and Oscar, who had been waiting, stood up. Ning Rongrong waved and smiled sweetly. "You're all back…"
Ning Rongrong didn't want to leave, or rather, she wasn't willing to leave like this. She had her own pride. She could leave, but not in this manner.
Noticing Dai Mubai's dark expression, Ning Rongrong asked curiously, "What's wrong? Did you lose your match at the Great Spirit Arena?"
Dai Mubai, already in a foul mood, glared at Ning Rongrong and snapped, "Ning Rongrong, stay out of my business!"
Ning Rongrong's smile vanished, but she quickly figured out the reason. Her expression shifted to one of amusement as she teased, "Oh, I see. You got rejected by Zhuqing, didn't you? You thought she'd fall for you with just a wink, but she ignored you completely!"
Her tone then turned indignant. "Who do you think you are? Do you think every woman on the continent revolves around you? I saw you in Suotuo City, flaunting that pair of twins. How carefree you must be, Young Master Dai! You're so shameless, yet you expect her to pine for you? Disgusting…"
Dai Mubai clenched his fists. Though Ning Rongrong's words were true, he couldn't swallow his pride. His soul power surged violently as he glared at her, his face twisted with rage. "Ning Rongrong, if you dare say one more word, I'll kill you. I don't care who you are. Even if I were to assault you and leave you dead, no one could do anything about it!"
The overwhelming pressure of his 37th-level soul power was too much for Ning Rongrong, who was only at the 26th level and a support-type spirit master. She stumbled backward, losing her balance and falling to the ground. Her face paled, and her eyes widened in disbelief. How could someone dare treat her like this?
As she got back on her feet, Ning Rongrong's eyes burned with killing intent. The little demoness of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had never suffered such humiliation. Her gaze swept across the group, landing on Tang San and Xiao Wu. "Tang San, I know you're strong and have unique weapons. I'll support you. Help me kill him. I'll give you as much gold as you want. Do you dare?"
Tang San shook his head. He had gotten along well with Dai Mubai today and chose to stand by his side. He said to Ning Rongrong, "Ning Rongrong, even if you come from a noble background and have endless wealth, not everyone can be bought. You provoked Dai Mubai earlier. You should apologize to him."
Ning Rongrong was stunned. She hadn't lied, yet now she was being told to apologize for speaking the truth. Since when had anyone dared to be so unreasonable in front of her?
When Tang San refused to help, she turned to Ma Hongjun. Ma Hongjun crossed his arms and looked at her with a smirk, clearly indicating he wouldn't go against Dai Mubai.
Ning Rongrong, still unwilling to give up, glanced around. Only Oscar remained, but he was just a support-type spirit master. When her gaze fell on him, he averted his eyes, not daring to meet hers.
No one stood by her side. Ning Rongrong felt wronged, deeply wronged. Since running away from home, everything had been arranged for her in secret. She had never faced such humiliation.
"You scum! With your filthy mouth, I should cut you down with a single strike!"
A voice filled with killing intent rang out, startling everyone.
They turned to see Chen Yuan approaching from a distance. He moved with deliberate speed, his steps infused with soul power, and in the blink of an eye, he was standing before them.
His tall, upright figure, handsome features, noble demeanor, and intense killing intent immediately put everyone on edge.
The only one overjoyed was Ning Rongrong. It was as if she had been pulled from hell straight into heaven. She took a step forward, then broke into a run, finally throwing herself into Chen Yuan's arms, tears streaming down her face. "Brother Chen Yuan, they all bullied me…"
Chen Yuan patted her head gently. "It's alright. I'm here now."
Dai Mubai, now on high alert, eyed Chen Yuan warily. "Who are you?" he demanded.
Chen Yuan looked up at Dai Mubai. He had come to protect Ning Rongrong, and if he didn't do something now, he'd have a hard time explaining himself later. His voice was cold as he said, "Rongrong, let go. Watch me teach them a lesson."
(End of Chapter)
Word Count : 1,283
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