Chapter 63: Fat Man

Qin Feng kept reminding himself not to use the mindset of Earth's "that type of youths" to judge Oscar. Oscar was just a simple boy, after all.

With that in mind, Qin Feng left the academy and wandered outside Shrek College. The academy occupied a third of the village, and many of the houses in the village were simple wooden structures. Some clever villagers had set up small shops inside their homes, hoping to make a little extra money.

Although Qin Feng had wandered around the back forest of the college the previous night, he hadn't yet explored the village itself. Since he would be living there for a while, he figured it was a good idea to familiarize himself with the area.

As he wandered in search of food, Qin Feng heard some commotion up ahead. He moved closer, curious about what was happening. Suddenly, he heard someone shout:

"We've broken up! Stop bothering me!!"

Following the voice, Qin Feng saw a young man in a red outfit, looking a bit flamboyant, blocking the path of a young woman. The boy appeared to be about fourteen years old, while the young woman seemed to be around seventeen or eighteen.

"Why, Cuihua? Tell me what I did wrong, and I'll change, I promise!" the boy, fat and dressed in red, pleaded desperately with the woman named Cuihua.

"I... I just can't take it anymore.

We're not right for each other. Please, stop bothering me!" she replied, her voice strained with pain, her face flushed with frustration.

"Cuihua, you don't realize how lucky you are. You'll never find someone like me again. Don't break up with me! I'll treat you well, I swear," the fat boy begged, trying to grab her hand.

"No! We're done! Don't come near me again—we're completely over!" Cuihua shouted, pulling away from him.

The fat boy seemed determined. "Alright, fine. If you really want to break up with me, then you need to agree to one condition."

Cuihua looked wary. "What condition?"

"Just one more time. Let's be together one last time, and after that, we'll go our separate ways. I won't bother you again," the boy said, raising one finger and staring at her with a serious expression.

"Ma Hongjun! You're disgusting! You're not even human!!" Cuihua screamed, horrified by his demand.

Watching this scene from afar, Qin Feng couldn't help but chuckle. So this is the infamous Phoenix? he thought to himself. He had come out for breakfast and stumbled upon something far more amusing.

But his laughter didn't go unnoticed. Ma Hongjun turned and spotted him in the distance. "What's so funny? Mind your own business and get lost!"

Ma Hongjun was already furious, and seeing someone laugh at his misfortune only added fuel to the fire. If Cuihua weren't standing right there, he would've attacked Qin Feng immediately.

"Oh? Are you talking to me?" Qin Feng asked, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Yeah, you! Get out of here, or I'll bash your skull in!" Ma Hongjun shouted, gripping Cuihua with one hand and glaring at Qin Feng.

This guy really thinks he's some kind of tough guy, Qin Feng thought, amused by the boy's overconfidence.

Qin Feng slowly approached, still smiling. He hadn't had the chance to meet the Evil Fire Phoenix yet, but now seemed like the perfect opportunity to see what Ma Hongjun was made of.

The air between them grew tense.

"I've never met anyone so eager to get beaten up. Cuihua, wait right here. I'll deal with this guy in no time," Ma Hongjun said, kissing Cuihua's hand before charging toward Qin Feng.

"I gave you a chance to leave. Now don't blame me for what happens next!" Ma Hongjun shouted as he barreled forward with surprising speed for someone of his size.

Despite his short, stocky build, Ma Hongjun's movements were quick and forceful. But as he lunged at Qin Feng, Qin Feng effortlessly dodged and used his shoulder to throw Ma Hongjun off balance, sending him crashing to the ground with a single sweep of his leg.

In the distance, Cuihua, who had initially considered running away, paused when she saw Qin Feng's skillful move. Her eyes widened, filled with admiration. When did such a handsome guy arrive in the village? she thought, her heart racing.

Not only was Qin Feng handsome, but he also carried himself with confidence. Cuihua was instantly smitten. How did I ever settle for someone like Ma Hongjun? she wondered, already forgetting about the fat boy and dreaming about Qin Feng.

Meanwhile, Ma Hongjun, furious after being humiliated in front of Cuihua, scrambled back to his feet. "Alright, that's it! I'm done playing around!"

He couldn't afford to lose face any further. If he didn't do something now, he'd look pathetic in front of Cuihua. Little did he know, Cuihua's affections had already shifted.

"Take this punch!" Ma Hongjun yelled, throwing a heavy punch infused with a hidden flame.

Qin Feng, seeing the fire within the punch, responded calmly. He summoned his soul power, blocking the attack with ease. I'm not made of steel, he thought. There's no need to take a Phoenix Flame punch head-on.

"So, you're a Soul Master too?" Ma Hongjun said, his expression darkening. "That explains why you dared to interfere. But I'll show you that there's a big difference between Soul Masters. Don't stick your nose where it doesn't belong unless you're ready to back it up!"

With that, Ma Hongjun activated his Phoenix Possession. A bright fuchsia glow surrounded him as his martial spirit took form.

Qin Feng watched with a raised eyebrow as Ma Hongjun transformed.This guy supposed to be a phoenix? Qin Feng wondered. He looks more like a giant turkey.

"Are you sure you're a phoenix?" Qin Feng asked, barely containing his laughter. "You look more like a plump roast chicken than a phoenix."

Unexpectedly, Cuihua burst out laughing from behind them. She hadn't moved far, and she heard every word.