The Second Evolution of the Martial Soul!
These words had immense appeal to Ma Hongjun.
After all, the first evolution of his martial soul had completely transformed both his life and his strength.
It had laid the very foundation for his future.
This goal had always been at the top of his priorities.
But the number of evolution points required was ridiculously high, so Ma Hongjun had shelved the idea for the time being.
He just hadn't expected the opportunity to come so soon.
"Xiao Wu, you're truly a lucky star."
The red-haired boy murmured to himself. Nearby, Dai Mubai and Oscar were both shocked and exchanged confused glances.
So... you were actually thinking about women?
But soon, smiles crept onto their faces.
If Fatty liked Xiao Wu, didn't that mean they still had a chance?
As for Tang San—who cared about him anymore?
His actions tonight had completely destroyed any good impression Oscar and Dai Mubai had of him.
They were all teenagers, passionate and hot-blooded. Seeing Tang San side with the teacher felt like betrayal, and it made them deeply disgusted.
Ma Hongjun, of course, had no idea about the sinister thoughts brewing in his two "good brothers." He was instead pondering a question.
Wait... did I even do anything?
As for Xiao Wu, Ma Hongjun hadn't really expected much. In the original story, she was practically defined by her obsession with love.
In his view, getting her to leave Tang San would be as difficult as getting Bibi Dong to stop chasing love altogether.
So, he hadn't treated her any differently.
Which meant... this was all caused by Tang God-King himself?
"Tang San, you're the real lucky star," he muttered again.
Oscar and Dai Mubai both froze upon hearing those words. Horrified, they looked at Ma Hongjun—and instinctively covered their buttocks.
"Xiao San, Xiao Gang has high hopes for you... but your behavior tonight..."
Inside the dean's office, Flander sat in a chair, looking at the black-haired boy in front of him. His eyes, behind his black-framed glasses, were filled with complicated emotion.
I truly misjudged him.
I thought he was the most outstanding of all the students.
Now I see that while his talent is decent, his character...
"I'm sorry, Dean. I've let you down."
Tang San bowed deeply. His tone was humble and sincere, making it hard for Flander to continue scolding him.
"Well, regardless, try to get along with your teammates. They're all good kids—especially Hongjun. I watched him grow up. I know what kind of person he is."
He sighed and shook his head.
At those words, Tang San's head shot up. He stared at Flander in disbelief.
"You said you watched Brother Ma Hongjun grow up? Isn't he an orphan?"
How could that be?
Didn't Dai Mubai say that Ma Hongjun was just a farmer's kid—a mutated native chicken spirit?
Panic gripped Tang San's heart. He realized he may have done something terribly foolish tonight.
"That child has had a difficult life," Flander said with a frown, clearly annoyed. "But I raised him. In a way, I'm like his father. Don't ever call him an orphan again. Got it?"
"I..."
Feeling the pressure of Flander's anger, Tang San realized he had said something terribly wrong. He quickly bowed again.
"I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking clearly."
Damn it!
Damn it!!
If Ma Hongjun had been raised by the dean, then everything he'd done tonight had been beyond foolish!
How could I have thought the dean would expel his own adopted son?!
Damn you, Dai Mubai! You lied to me! You're courting death!!
Anger and shame surged in Tang San's heart. He had no idea how he left the office—only that two names kept repeating in his mind:
Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun!!
You bastards!!
I swear I'll kill you!!
"This kid's mindset is off," Zhao Wuji said seriously to Flander. "He's not suited for this place. His heart's full of calculations. Honestly, sometimes he doesn't even seem like a kid."
"Of course I can see that," Flander replied, sighing. He took off his glasses and wiped them.
"But Xiaogang's been through so much. Now that he finally has someone to hope for, how can I not support him?"
If it weren't for the fact that he was Yu Xiaogang's disciple, I would've kicked him out a long time ago, just based on how he treats Hongjun.
"I've gotta ask, Dean," Zhao Wuji said, frowning. "Did you sleep with Yu Xiaogang's woman or steal his kid? You're always thinking about him, always talking about him. Even now, after everything, you haven't fired him. Sometimes I wonder if the two of you are a couple."
Flander smiled bitterly.
Sleep with his woman?
More like... he slept with the woman I liked. No, not literally. They're brother and sister after all.
"Anyway, remember to pay my medical bills," Zhao Wuji added lazily. "Damn, Hongjun is really amazing. What's the secret behind his martial soul's mutation? I wanna try it myself."
Yawning, he picked up the tea canister from the desk and casually walked out the door.
Hongjun.
A satisfied smile appeared on Flander's face as he recalled the boy's image.
This kid really makes people proud.
Shaking his head, he reached for the kettle on the stove and then for the tea canister on the table.
A moment later, Flander's furious voice rang out from the office.
"Zhao Wuji, f**k you!!"
The next morning, Tang San—who had barely slept a wink—arrived at the training ground with dark circles under his eyes.
From a distance, he saw a group of boys and girls surrounding the red-haired boy he loathed, listening to him with rapt attention.
Hmph. I'll kill you sooner or later.
Even after cursing Ma Hongjun a thousand times in his mind, Tang San still found himself walking closer.
As he approached, Ma Hongjun's voice floated to his ears.
"To save Xu Xian, Lady White caused a flood that submerged the Holy Sect. Although she managed to save Xu Xian, she completely enraged the sect."
What on earth is this?
Tang San frowned, listening more intently.
"In the end, the White Snake was trapped by several Title Douluo from the Holy Sect. She and Xu Xian would never meet again in this life."
"That's the story of the White Snake."
Ma Hongjun sighed and looked up—only to freeze in surprise.
The three girls all had red eyes. Ning Rongrong's were even puffy from crying.
Awesome! As expected from the White Snake. Even though I adapted it to fit Douluo's world, it really does make people cry. But seriously...
"Oscar, Boss Dai, why are you two grown men crying too?!"
The red-haired boy looked at Oscar and Dai Mubai, who were wiping their tears.
Was the story that powerful?
"Isn't it embarrassing for grown men to cry over such a childish story?" a cold voice scoffed.
Oscar and Dai Mubai turned to see Tang San staring at them with disdain.
But before they could respond, three sharp voices snapped at once:
"Tang San, what's your problem?!"
"You didn't like the story or something?"
"Get lost!!!"