Looking at Zhu Zhuqing's still slightly pale face, Ma Hongjun felt a lingering fear.
Fortunately, after the evolution of his martial soul, his mental strength had also improved significantly. He had sensed something off about Tang San early on and stayed alert.
If not, with Tang San's tendency to use poisoned hidden weapons, Zhu Zhuqing might have been seriously injured—or worse, killed!
Not only would he have lost a crucial source of evolution points, but he also couldn't bear to see a good girl like her—cold on the outside yet warm within—die in such a way.
"Ma Hongjun, I've had enough of you! Do you really think you're invincible?!"
Tang San's eyes were bloodshot as he glared at the red-haired boy, his teeth clenching tightly.
"It's bad enough that you humiliated and bullied me, but now you dared to take Xiao Wu from me?!"
"Xiao Wu is mine!"
"She's always been mine!"
"I'm Xiao Wu's brother—her only brother!!"
He roared like a madman, leaving the others from Shrek Academy completely stunned.
No one expected Tang San to lose his composure like this.
"Hahahahaha! Xiao Wu! Xiao Wu, come to me!!!"
As everyone froze in shock, Tang San burst into wild laughter. But before he could finish his sentence, his body was sent flying backward. He crashed into a tree with a loud crack, snapping it in half, and then slammed to the ground.
"So noisy."
The red-haired boy slowly retracted his flaming foot and looked coldly at Tang San lying on the ground.
"Xiao Wu is not some object you can own. She's a person, with thoughts and will of her own. Whatever choice she makes, it's hers alone. Who are you to decide for her?"
Xiao Wu lifted her head as she heard that. A mist gradually clouded her beautiful eyes, and she stared at the boy's back, tears welling up.
"And as for your claim that I bullied you… Tang San, take a moment and really think. Who was the one constantly provoking me?"
Boom!
As Ma Hongjun spoke, his figure suddenly vanished. The next moment, he appeared right in front of Tang San.
The burning pain in Tang San's abdomen nearly made him lose consciousness. As he struggled to rise, he suddenly felt a wave of intense heat brushing across his neck.
Tang San froze.
That familiar sense of looming death returned. He swallowed hard and slowly looked up—only to meet a pair of blazing, flame-filled eyes.
"Tang San, didn't I already warn you?"
"If you keep acting like this, I won't hesitate to kill you. Clearly, my words meant nothing to you."
Ma Hongjun looked at the trembling Tang San, and the killing intent in his eyes grew even more intense.
This time, Tang San had truly crossed the line.
To kill, or not to kill?
He weighed the consequences in his mind.
If he killed Tang San, that madman Haotian would definitely go on a rampage, and the danger would extend to everyone around him.
Unless...
He could take down Haotian as well.
But even if that worked, there was no guarantee that the gods wouldn't take notice—and if they did, Gu Yuena could be put at risk.
On the other hand, if he didn't kill him, Tang San could no longer remain at Shrek Academy. Letting him go might be just as dangerous.
The flames in Ma Hongjun's eyes flickered as he hesitated, the murderous intent around him intensifying.
Just then, a calm, gentle voice echoed in his ear.
"Hongjun, if you want to spare this human but also make sure he doesn't pose a threat in the future, I have a solution."
Gu Yuena?
Ma Hongjun's eyes lit up. That's right—she was wise and well-informed. Perhaps she knew of some method passed down from ancient times.
"If the Phoenix God trusts me, then just let him go for now," she said again.
Without hesitation, Ma Hongjun nodded.
Although they hadn't known each other long, Gu Yuena already understood his nature. More importantly, in terms of common goals, the two of them were perfectly aligned.
Besides, Tang San wasn't much of a threat right now. If necessary, they could always capture him again.
The silver-haired beauty noticed his decision and a faint smile appeared at the corner of her lips.
It felt good to be trusted—without hesitation.
When no one was watching, she closed her eyes. Her thoughts stirred, and a vast surge of spiritual energy swept outward.
In the most dangerous part of the forest, the black dragon sat cross-legged with his eyes closed, quietly recovering. Suddenly sensing something, he dropped to one knee.
"Your Highness, my Lord."
"I understand. I will do as you command."
"If you're not here, there's no meaning in keeping the Tianmeng Ice Silkworm around. But it would be a pity to waste its potential. If it can help Your Highness, that would be even better."
"May Your Highness attain everything you seek."
Only after Gu Yuena's spiritual projection faded did the black dragon rise.
With one beat of his wings, he summoned a violent gust of wind and flew toward the center of the lake—an area guarded by savage soul beasts.
There, a plump, round ice silkworm was stuffing its face with food.
When the black dragon approached, the silkworm shrank back in fear.
"L-Lord Beast God, I-I-I swear, I didn't do anything yet…"
"It's fine, Tianmeng. I have a mission for you."
The black dragon didn't waste time. His eyes locked onto the silkworm.
"If you complete this mission, you'll be accepted into the Great Fierce Land and become one of the fierce beasts of the Star Dou Forest. You'll enjoy the protection of our shared master."
Upon hearing this, the frightened silkworm froze, stunned, then lit up with disbelief and overwhelming excitement.
"Is that true, Lord Beast God? I-I-I really…"
Di Tian nodded solemnly.
"This comes directly from His Majesty."
Clap clap clap!!
Tianmeng Ice Silkworm began smacking the ground with its tail, eyes wide with determination and glee.
"Please rest assured, Your Highness! I, Tianmeng, will carry out this mission no matter how hard it gets! I won't disappoint you!"
Di Tian: …
When did this guy become so good at flattery?
"Anyway, do your best. When you return, we'll reward you."
Di Tian waved his claw casually.
"Your mission is to go to the forest's edge and make contact with a human."
Ma Hongjun had dealt with the immediate problem—but now, a new dilemma arose.
He needed to come up with a reasonable excuse to let Tang San go.
"Hongjun."
Just then, a weary voice called from behind.
He turned and saw Flander looking at him, his face filled with pleading.
"Tang San… he has a deep connection to an old friend of your teacher. Could you… could you spare his life?"
As he spoke, he turned to Zhu Zhuqing and bowed deeply.
"Zhuqing, I'm sorry. As your dean, I beg your forgiveness. Don't worry—if you ever need anything in the future, I, Flander, will give my all to help you… even if it costs me my life."
The once-proud, four-eyed cat-owl who once roamed the continent now looked as if he had aged several years. His once-proud frame seemed to hunch ever so slightly.