Chapter 68: Dai Mubai, you disgust me

As Xiao Tianyang had mentioned, Zhu Zhuqing had already regained her strength shortly after they began their return journey, though her head still felt slightly dizzy.

"Your body can't handle a four-level enhancement right now. Next time, we'll reduce it to two levels," Xiao Tianyang suggested as they walked.

He then turned to her and asked, "Which type of enhancement do you think suits you better?"

Zhu Zhuqing paused for a moment before inquiring, "What exactly is nerve reflex speed?"

"It's how quickly you can react to an attack," Xiao Tianyang explained.

As he spoke, he suddenly threw a punch directly at Zhu Zhuqing.

The strike was swift and unexpected, so much so that even Zhu Zhuqing, an agility-based fighter, couldn't react in time. However, Xiao Tianyang had no intention of actually hitting her.

His fist stopped just inches from her face, and he tilted his head with a smile. "If you had the enhancement from earlier, you could have dodged that, at least at this speed."

"I see," Zhu Zhuqing replied calmly, not angered by the sudden attack. She continued walking forward and added, "Actually, the four-level enhancement feels just right."

"Are you sure?" Xiao Tianyang was slightly surprised but soon nodded in acceptance.

"Indeed, with the four-level enhancement, your explosive power and speed would improve significantly. If your nerve reflex speed can keep up, you could close in and defeat an enemy in a short time. Additionally, the flame blessing would make it easier for you to break through their defenses. This setup is quite effective, but can your body handle it?"

"Didn't you say I'd get used to it?" Zhu Zhuqing quickened her pace, leaving Xiao Tianyang unable to see her expression.

"It's possible. Over time, this kind of enhancement might even become permanent," Xiao Tianyang mused, stroking his chin.

To be honest, this ability was something he had developed recently, and its effects weren't yet perfect.

The main concept was straightforward: remove the other peculiar flames and retain only the flames of life.

When used with his first soul skill, it would enhance specific body parts rather than heal with green flames.

The limbs represented physical coordination, the heart symbolized explosive power, the brain stood for nerve reflex speed, and the flames deepened the damage dealt.

 Other aspects were still under development, but Xiao Tianyang was certain of one thing: while this enhancement did cause some strain, it didn't harm the user.

As the Life Flame continued to evolve, the body would gradually adapt to this strain, slowly increasing its tolerance.

---

When the two returned to the lounge, Dai Mubai announced, "The dean has left, and today's class is over. Let's head back."

No one objected, and the group left the Great Spirit Arena together.

As they reached the entrance, Ma Hongjun whispered mysteriously, "Ahem, Boss Dai, I'm going to buy something. Want to come?"

"Get lost. Don't bother me. Do you think I'm like you?" Dai Mubai shot him a glare.

"Hehe, there's really something good," Ma Hongjun insisted, glancing at Zhu Zhuqing before squinting with a sly smile. "You can't be serious, can you?"

Dai Mubai's eyes flickered with a hint of menace. "Do you think I'm you? If you want to go, just go. Stop talking nonsense!"

Ma Hongjun shrugged and turned to leave. "Fine, fine. See you tomorrow then."

"Hey, Dai Mubai, it's just shopping. Why are you so tense?" Xiao Wu asked innocently, thinking it was a simple errand.

"Why do you want to know so much?" Xiao Tianyang stepped forward and lightly tapped her head.

"I'm just curious," Xiao Wu protested.

"Curiosity killed the cat. No dinner if you keep it up," Xiao Tianyang teased.

"Ah, you're the canteen chef! You can't just shirk your responsibilities like that!"

"I haven't signed a contract with the dean. I can leave anytime. Got a problem with that?"

"No... but what's a contract?"

"Ha, it's nothing. Just like what I mentioned the other day," Xiao Tianyang replied casually.

Dai Mubai spread his hands with a nonchalant expression. "If he wants to suppress the evil fire in his body, he has to go to the red-light district in Suotuo City. You know, the brothels. That's where he goes."

"Brothels?" Tang San looked puzzled.

"Disgusting," Zhu Zhuqing muttered coldly, her eyes flashing with disdain.

"Hmph, it does feel a bit dirty," Ning Rongrong added, her face showing clear distaste.

"What's a brothel?" Simple Saber asked innocently.

Ning Rongrong blushed and pulled Saber aside, whispering an explanation.

"People are different. You can disapprove of something, but you can't ignore its existence," Xiao Tianyang interjected, feeling there was nothing inherently wrong with it. Of course, he wouldn't admit that this might be a bit of male psychology at play...

"Tianyang, so you've been to that kind of place?" Saber's voice came from behind.

"Where did you get that idea?" Xiao Tianyang was speechless. "I have mental mysophobia, okay?"

His quick retort seemed to reassure Saber, who let out a relieved sigh.

Xiao Wu, on the other hand, found it amusing. "Hehe, Dai Mubai, you just hinted that Fatty goes there often. Does that mean you do too? Otherwise, why would he only invite you and no one else?"

"How could I go to such a place?" Dai Mubai waved his hand dismissively. "Fatty pursuits are nothing compared to mine."

Zhu Zhuqing's eyes turned icy. "Oh, you're not much better than him. No matter how much you try to elevate yourself, it's all just about how much money you spend. Dai Mubai, you disgust me!" With that, she turned and walked away, her disdain evident to everyone present.

The group was left stunned.

Even if Dai Mubai had such habits, her reaction seemed unusually harsh. After all, Ma Hongjun had been far worse earlier, yet Zhu Zhuqing hadn't scolded him.

To Xiao Tianyang, however, this scene made sense. The marriage contract between Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing wasn't just a simple arrangement—it was tied to their very lives.

Dai Mubai had come to this academy with a sense of resignation, while Zhu Zhuqing, who had followed him, naturally held no fondness for this fiancé she had never met.

She was determined to change her fate, and this clash of emotions and interests had created a tangled mess.

But at that moment, Dai Mubai's temper flared. "Stop right there!" he shouted, his face red with anger as he stormed toward Zhu Zhuqing.

Before he could take another step, a hand rested on his shoulder, halting him. "Mubai, didn't you say you wanted to show us around Suotuo City?" Xiao Tianyang stepped in, his face calm and smiling. "It's still early. Let's go."

…

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