Chapter 161: What can I do for you, senior?

Xiao Tianyang, having successfully completed his mission without leaving a trace, whistled cheerfully as he made his way back to Shrek Academy. To avoid suspicion, he deliberately took a detour through the other side of the city.

Honestly, if he had gone to such lengths and still ended up being suspected, he could only throw up his hands and consider himself unlucky.

After all, from the recipe auction to the final sneak attack on Chrysanthemum Douluo, none of it could be traced back to him. Moreover, while it was true that Shrek Academy's cooking had been discovered to boost soul power, the extent of the improvement was still unclear.

Who could possibly know who had created such a dish?

As for why he had turned back in the end, it was simple to explain. With his strength, sneaking up on a Title Douluo and immobilizing him was no small feat.

Anyone from the Douluo Continent would know that such a task was beyond the capabilities of someone like him. And Miao Zhenshan? Even more impossible.

The methods used in the sneak attack on Chrysanthemum Douluo were completely different from Miao Zhenshan's techniques.

Furthermore, as long as the Spirit Hall diverted its attention elsewhere, even if they didn't completely back off, just reducing their surveillance would significantly ease the pressure on Xiao Tianyang. His plan was a masterstroke, achieving three goals at once:

First, he had not only made a fortune but also thoroughly deceived Chrysanthemum Douluo.

Second, he had redirected the Spirit Hall's focus, making them concentrate on other matters.

Third, he had completely rid himself of the burden of soul power cooking, allowing the disaster to vanish even if not entirely.

Of course, there was more to the plan, something that would strike at the very heart of the Spirit Hall... Thinking of the follow-up, Xiao Tianyang felt increasingly pleased, his steps lightening as he walked.

However, as soon as he arrived at the academy gates and saw the scene before him, the smile on his face deepened.

Tang San and Xiao Wu stood at the entrance, facing an old man flanked by a burly man and their classmate, Tai Long.

"The one in the middle must be Tai Tan," Xiao Tianyang thought, sneaking to the side to watch the show, planning to make his entrance at the right moment.

But just as he found a good vantage point, Tai Tan leaped into the air, throwing a punch straight at Tang San!

"Oh no, this isn't just a confrontation—it's a death match!" Xiao Tianyang muttered under his breath. Without hesitation, he stomped the ground, propelling himself forward like a cannonball.

A dragon's roar echoed as eight golden dragons spiraled upward, slamming fiercely into Tai Tan's chest.

"Boom!"

A terrifying shockwave erupted, scattering sand and rocks in all directions.

The once-smooth road cracked under the force.

Tang San, closest to the impact, barely managed to hold his ground, his Eight Spider Lances extending to anchor him to the ground and prevent him from being blown away.

"Shocking Barrage!" Xiao Tianyang shouted, withdrawing his palm and circling it before pressing it hard against Tai Tan's chest.

Another explosion followed, causing the ground to collapse. But Tai Tan, being a Soul Douluo, wasn't going to be pushed back so easily.

Xiao Tianyang had only gained the upper hand through a sneak attack. In a direct fight, he stood little to no chance.

Using the force of his palm strike, Xiao Tianyang propelled himself backward, tucking his legs to his chest and rolling mid-air before landing gracefully at the academy entrance.

"Perfect!" he exclaimed, striking a dramatic pose.

Tai Tan, however, looked at his right hand in confusion, his expression shifting between doubt and anger. He glanced up at Xiao Tianyang and demanded, "Boy, who are you?"

He had assumed it was a teacher from the academy who had intervened, but it turned out to be just another youngster.

For a moment, he wondered if age had dulled his strength, but he quickly dismissed the thought. He was a Soul Douluo, an expert of extreme strength! There was no way a kid could block his punch without some trick or external help.

"Senior," Xiao Tianyang replied with a sly smile, "before asking for someone else's name, shouldn't you introduce yourself first?"

He was stalling for time. Though he didn't know why Tai Tan had attacked so ferociously, it was clear that Tang San couldn't have withstood that punch.

If things escalated, Xiao Tianyang might get dragged into the mess. For now, he could only hope the academy teachers would step in. Against a Soul Douluo, his only option was to flee.

"My name is Tai Tan, and I am Tai Long's grandfather!" the old man declared, his voice gruff. "Now it's your turn!"

"This old man is really something," Xiao Tianyang thought, suppressing a smirk. Outwardly, he maintained a serious expression. "My surname is Ma, and my name is Hongjun. What can I do for you, senior?"

The surrounding Shrek Academy students were stunned. To lie so brazenly, without a hint of hesitation, was truly a skill. But Tai Tan's attention remained fixed on Xiao Tianyang, oblivious to the murmurs around him.

"Let me ask you," Tai Tan said sternly, "how did you block my punch just now?"

"It was just a simple palm strike, pressing against your chest. Didn't you see it?" Xiao Tianyang replied, spreading his hands in mock helplessness.

"But my hands are numb now. I'll probably have to stay in bed for two or three days, missing classes and my practices."

"Do you know how hard my life will be from now on? I already have to work during the day and knit sweaters at night to make ends meet. And now, with my hands injured, my already struggling family will suffer even more. Senior, is your heart made of iron? Doesn't it ache at all?"

The onlookers were speechless.

A few stifled laughs could be heard, but most were too stunned to react.

Xiao Tianyang's acting was impeccable. Though he didn't shed a tear, his choked tone and pitiful demeanor were enough to sway even the most skeptical.

Some of the girls even wiped away tears, glaring at Tai Tan as if to say, "This is all your fault!"

Even Tai Tan, a Soul Douluo, found himself at a loss. Though he doubted the boy's story, the crowd's reaction made it difficult to press further.

If he continued to push or attacked outright, how could he ever show his face in Heaven Dou City again?

…

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