Chapter 72: Qian Renxue: “Hmph, This Can’t Happen Again!”

Hearing Dai Mubai's request, Qian Renxue couldn't help but feel a surge of discomfort in her heart.

The Light Unicorn Skull Spirit Bone was perfectly suited for Dai Mubai himself, yet here he was, trading it for something more appropriate for Zhu Zhuqing.

He doesn't want a left arm spirit bone… so that means she already has one, Qian Renxue thought, frowning slightly.

The idea of Dai Mubai expending such precious resources on another girl left a sour taste in her mouth.

"Fine. I'll help you."

Qian Renxue replied "generously," though her eyes held a trace of grievance. She bit her lower lip as she accepted the two spirit bones Dai Mubai offered.

"Thank you."

Dai Mubai responded sincerely.

"It's nothing. Do you need anything else?"

Qian Renxue's tone was deliberately cold as she stored the two spirit bones in her spatial soul tool. Her mood had soured considerably.

"Yes. I need you to investigate the whereabouts of Dugu Bo and get me Chrysanthemum Douluo's botanical records."

"...What?"

Qian Renxue's brows furrowed in disbelief.

This man's requests weren't just troublesome—they were downright audacious!

Does he really think I'll just do all this for him?

Investigating Dugu Bo's movements involved a Title Douluo—a task far from simple. As for Chrysanthemum Douluo's botanical records, they were highly private and coveted within Spirit Hall.

"And what exactly do I get out of this?"

Qian Renxue asked irritably, arms crossed. She had agreed to the first task out of sentiment, but now Dai Mubai was really testing her patience.

Dai Mubai scratched his head. Truth be told, he didn't have anything concrete to offer her just yet.

After thinking for a moment, he took two steps toward her.

"What are you doing?"

Qian Renxue instinctively widened her eyes in confusion.

"Smack—"

Dai Mubai leaned in and quickly pecked her cheek before immediately retreating a few steps.

"There. That's your payment."

Qian Renxue: "..."

She froze, her brain momentarily incapable of processing what had just happened.

Did… Did he just kiss me?

Her mind reeled in shock and disbelief.

Is this scoundrel actually using a kiss as payment?!

But what confused her even more was the faint flutter in her heart—a small thrill of joy she couldn't quite suppress.

"You… You…"

Qian Renxue pointed a trembling finger at Dai Mubai, her face flushed crimson. Words failed her as she tried to articulate her fury.

"Hmph! This can't happen again! But… fine, I'll help you this time."

Qian Renxue turned her back to him, hiding her embarrassment. Her cheeks burned hotly, her emotions in turmoil.

"Thank you!"

Dai Mubai replied cheerfully, completely unbothered.

But before Qian Renxue could respond further, he added another request.

"By the way, once Chrysanthemum Douluo's botanical records arrive, is there any way you can distract Dugu Bo for three days?"

Hearing this, Qian Renxue's curiosity deepened.

This man… What exactly is he up to?

Distracting a Title Douluo for three days? That was far more difficult than merely tracking his movements.

While Spirit Hall kept tabs on Dugu Bo's whereabouts, forcing him to stay occupied for three whole days was no small feat.

"Can you at least tell me why you need this?"

"It's something that will greatly enhance my strength."

Dai Mubai replied honestly.

Qian Renxue fell silent for a moment before nodding.

"Fine. I'll help you. I'll ensure it's done within three days. But next time, bring a real show of sincerity!"

With that, Qian Renxue turned on her heel and strode out of the hall, leaving Dai Mubai to his thoughts.

"Huh? Real sincerity?"

Dai Mubai blinked in confusion.

What does she mean by that?

Does she want something more than a kiss? A hug?

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. I mean… I wouldn't lose out either way.

Meanwhile, at Blue Tyrant Academy…

Thanks to Flender's prior arrangements, the Shrek group was able to settle in smoothly.

The headmistress of Blue Tyrant Academy, Liu Erlong, came personally to greet them.

However, when her eyes landed on Yu Xiaogang, she froze in shock.

"It's you… Xiaogang?"

Liu Erlong's voice trembled as she stared at him.

Flender's expression was a mix of pain and helplessness. Still, he remained silent.

Yu Xiaogang, however, merely shot Liu Erlong a disdainful glance.

"Liu Erlong, remember your identity!"

His tone was cold and dismissive, as if speaking to a stranger.

Liu Erlong: "...???"

She stared at him in stunned disbelief. Is this really Yu Xiaogang?

Shouldn't he feel ashamed for abandoning her all those years ago? Shouldn't he be running away in guilt?

Instead, he had the audacity to tell her to "remember her identity"?

Flender, too, was dumbfounded.

What the hell is going on here?

Flender had planned to bring Yu Luomian here to reveal the truth about the past.

But now? Yu Xiaogang's attitude was… bizarre.

In reality, something had indeed changed in Yu Xiaogang.

Over the past few months, his demeanor had shifted drastically.

Four months ago, Yu Xiaogang would constantly argue with Flender.

Three months ago, he became unusually silent.

Two months ago, he began agreeing with everything Flender said.

One month ago, as they left Soto City, Yu Xiaogang started addressing Flender as "Brother Flender" or "Big Brother Flender."

Flender had been deeply unsettled by this transformation.

To Yu Xiaogang, however, this was all perfectly logical.

In his mind, Flender's constant reminders that he wasn't the headmaster—that he was just a "theory teacher"—were actually acts of tough love.

Flender clearly wanted Yu Xiaogang to focus on his theoretical research.

Even when Flender clenched his fists in anger, Yu Xiaogang saw it as "tough concern."

As for Liu Erlong and Bibi Dong? They didn't understand him.

Only Flender had always believed in him—believed in his theories.

Liu Erlong remained frozen in place, struggling to process Yu Xiaogang's words.

What is wrong with him?

Flender, equally baffled, stood there in awkward silence.

(End of Chapter)