Chapter 39: Xiao Wu and Dai Mubai in the Forest

Repaying evil with virtue? That's something saints do.

Dai Mubai was no saint. On the contrary, he was a villain at heart.

With his mind made up, Dai Mubai walked over to Xiao Wu, smirking.

"Little rabbit, didn't you accuse me of peeking at your thighs?"

"Well, tonight I won't just take a closer look—I'll examine them thoroughly."

Hearing these words, Xiao Wu's face went pale with fright. She stumbled back two steps until a tree blocked her retreat. Forced to stop, her voice trembled.

"Dai Mubai, you—you'd better not mess around!"

Xiao Wu shivered visibly, only now realizing the situation she was in.

She wasn't a match for Dai Mubai. On top of that, he knew her biggest secret, leaving her trapped in a dilemma.

Unfortunately, Xiao Wu didn't have someone like Dai Mubai's loyal brothers to call for help. Otherwise, her "good brothers" would probably be standing at the gates of heaven, trying to make a choice.

"You already said I was that kind of person. How could I possibly be a good guy?"

"Relax. Just grit your teeth and it'll be over soon."

A sinister curve tugged at Dai Mubai's lips, and under the moonlight, his face seemed utterly wicked.

"Here. Start with this lollipop."

Xiao Wu: "..."

The dark night echoed with the constant chirping of insects, and now and then, the roar of some distant beast reverberated through the air.

If one looked down from above the forest, they'd notice a tree shaking violently, accompanied by rhythmic "thud… thud…" sounds.

It was as if the tree were calling out to friends far away…

Back at Shrek Academy, after Flender, Zhao Wuji, and the others had left with the students, the academy fell into a rare quiet.

Following Flender's instructions, Shao Xin didn't prepare breakfast, lunch, or dinner for anyone. Instead, the staff went to eat in Soto City.

The notoriously stingy Flender had surprisingly booked meals for the teachers at a restaurant in Soto City, spending a total of five gold spirit coins—of course, Yu Xiaogang wasn't included.

Originally, Yu Xiaogang had planned to join the hunting team heading to the Star Dou Forest, but Flender had asked him to draft a training plan for Tang San's Soul Elder level. That was why Yu Xiaogang had stayed behind.

Tang San was his disciple, after all, and Yu Xiaogang cared about him deeply. Flender suddenly being so considerate of Tang San didn't strike Yu Xiaogang as odd—he simply assumed Flender had recognized Tang San's potential.

Once Tang San reached the Soul Elder level, Yu Xiaogang was confident that he could train him into a Soul Ancestor in no time!

The morning and afternoon had passed in a busy blur, and Yu Xiaogang hadn't eaten. By evening, his hunger had reached the point where his chest nearly stuck to his back, prompting him to head to the cafeteria.

To his surprise, the cafeteria was completely empty.

He then checked the dormitories but found no one there either!

"Where is everyone?"

Puzzled, Yu Xiaogang made his way to the academy's front gate, where he finally spotted Li Yusong, Shao Xin, and Lu Qibin leisurely strolling back. The three were chatting and laughing, clearly in a good mood.

"What's going on here?"

Yu Xiaogang's confusion deepened.

As the trio approached, Yu Xiaogang straightened his back, put his hands behind him, and tilted his chin upward, looking at them from the corner of his eye.

"Where were you all? Why wasn't dinner prepared?"

Li Yusong, Lu Qibin, and Shao Xin: "???"

The trio's smiles froze instantly. Their good mood evaporated on the spot.

What was this guy's deal?

A mere Grandmaster at level 29—how dare he speak to high-level Soul Emperors and even a Soul Saint in that tone?

The three exchanged glances, and even Shao Xin, who always seemed the most easygoing, had a flash of cold menace in his eyes.

"The academy is on break. Until Flender returns, there won't be any food."

Shao Xin replied coldly.

Cooking for Dai Mubai and the others was something Shao Xin did willingly.

But for this Yu Xiaogang? To hell with that!

He was a dignified Food-type Soul Saint, ranked among the top five in all of Douluo Continent. Any major power would treat him with the utmost respect.

Yet this level-29 waste of a Grandmaster, someone who would never break through to level 30, dared to order him around like a servant?

Who did he think he was?

Even Yu Yuanzhen would be polite when dealing with Shao Xin, if not deferential.

This arrogant little buzzcut? He had no skill to speak of—only an inflated ego.

"What?"

Yu Xiaogang was stunned.

No meals until Flender and the others returned?

So Li Yusong and the rest had just come back from eating outside?

Why hadn't they brought him a meal? Why hadn't they invited him along?

Before Yu Xiaogang could say anything more, the three of them ignored him and walked off.

Angry but helpless, Yu Xiaogang could only head toward Soto City.

Fortunately, he still received a stipend from Spirit Hall. Otherwise, he might not even have money for food.

Once Yu Xiaogang left, Li Yusong, Lu Qibin, and Shao Xin exchanged meaningful glances, their eyes gleaming with malice.

"Old Li, what do you think?"

Lu Qibin asked expressionlessly, staring thoughtfully at Yu Xiaogang's retreating figure.

"After dinner, it's good to walk around and get some exercise," Li Yusong replied, his tone casual.

"Shao Xin, what about you?"

"You all know I'm just a weak little Food-type. I'll wait until you finish 'exercising.'"

The teachers of Shrek Academy were no pushovers.

None of them were clean slates—they were either outcasts who couldn't survive in Douluo Continent's power struggles or individuals hiding from their enemies.

While Flender was around, they respected his authority and refrained from dealing with Yu Xiaogang.

But now that Flender was gone?

They would show Yu Xiaogang mercy—by not beating him to death.

"Let's go. Bring a black sack…"

"Heh heh heh…"

At that moment, Yu Xiaogang was blissfully unaware of what awaited him.

After having a meal in Soto City, Yu Xiaogang finally left the city and began his journey back to Shrek Academy.

Suddenly, a strong gust of wind blew past him. Before he could react, everything went black, and a sharp pain erupted at the back of his head, sending him spiraling into unconsciousness.

Li Yusong withdrew his Dragon-Patterned Staff, while Lu Qibin and Shao Xin emerged from the shadows.

"This buzzcut really is useless. He didn't even notice our ambush."

Li Yusong shook his head disdainfully.

Just then, someone unexpected appeared.

"Flender?"

Indeed, Flender had returned! He had briefly checked Shrek Academy earlier and found no one there, assuming Li Yusong and the others were still out enjoying themselves.

He had orchestrated Yu Xiaogang's trip to Soto City perfectly, knowing Yu Xiaogang would work tirelessly all day and forget to eat until nightfall.

Li Yusong and the others were visibly surprised.

"Weren't you heading to the Star Dou Forest?"

"I came back specifically to handle this matter," Flender said, pointing at Yu Xiaogang, who lay on the ground.

Li Yusong and the others: "..."

After exchanging glances, the group nodded in understanding.

Everything was clear without needing further words.

(End of Chapter)