Chapter 49: Shattered Pride of Shrek

To everyone's surprise, Shi Yi actually accepted their offer.

The Shrek group lit up with joy—sure enough, children were easy to bribe with food. If he was eating their offerings… didn't that mean a soul bone might be within reach?

"Of course it's all for you! Here, this sausage is amazing—you've probably never had anything like it before. Plus, it can even restore your soul power!" Oscar beamed as he handed over a sausage.

Shi Yi took the sausage, sniffed it carefully, spun it around in his hand, and then calmly muttered, "Hmm. This time, it's not poisoned. I guess I can eat it."

Oscar's smile froze. His face twitched as he shot a glare at Tang San.

"That water last time wasn't poisoned either! You just didn't get to drink it!" Tang San blurted out defensively, his face darkening as he avoided everyone's gaze—but deep down, he was thrilled. Is it really happening? Are we finally getting a soul bone?!

The girls—Ning Rongrong and the others—also eagerly stepped forward, presenting piles of snacks and delicacies, then backing off with hopeful expressions.

Shi Yi didn't hesitate. He began wolfing down the food. The flavor was surprisingly rich—seems like the Shrek team had really put their wallets on the line. Some of the meat was clearly from rare soul beasts!

Minutes passed, and Shi Yi had devoured every last bite. Everyone around him stared in shock.

How can a kid that small eat so much? Where does it all go?!

Shi Yi rubbed his belly, completely satisfied. "Yummy! So tasty! Thank you for the food!"

The Shrek group held their breath, waiting for the next moment.

But Shi Yi didn't do anything else.

Tang San couldn't hold it in any longer and asked, "And…?"

Where's the soul bone?!

The Shrek Seven looked tense and anxious. No one cared about the thanks—what they wanted was the payoff.

Shi Yi blinked, confused. Was my 'thank you' not sincere enough?

After thinking it over, he seemed to get an idea. His eyes lit up.

"Thank you, big brothers and big sisters, for the sausage!" he said sweetly, then bowed in a perfect ninety-degree angle, flashing an innocent, heart-melting smile.

Shrek Seven Devils: "..."

Then—

"Pfft… Hahahaha!"

"HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I can't breathe!"

The silence shattered into roars of laughter. The onlookers were rolling, laughing so hard they nearly cried. Even a fool could see it now—Shi Yi was clearly messing with them.

Feng Xiaotian caught a glint of sly amusement flash across Shi Yi's face.

One of the spectators clutched his stomach as he laughed. "You guys seriously thought a few sausages would earn you a soul bone? Are you comedians or beggars?"

Another added, "Seriously! Groveling to a kid for a handout—have you no shame?"

A third snorted, "Before, when he gave out a soul bone, it was an act of gratitude. Now you're just trying to guilt-trip him. That's not kindness—that's manipulation."

That final jab landed hard. The words pierced straight through their dignity. The Shrek crew had no reply—only silence and burning shame.

"Honestly," someone muttered, "what do they even teach you at that dump called Shrek Academy?"

The Shrek team's faces flushed deep red, like boiling tomatoes. Their gazes wavered, not daring to meet anyone's eyes.

Tang San's hands curled into tight fists, the knuckles whitening with tension. Rage churned in his chest.

Xiao Wu—fuming—exploded: "You guys are going too far! That little brat still ate our food! Doesn't that count for something?"

"But he said 'thank you,' didn't he?" Feng Xiaotian replied righteously. "He even bowed politely. You should take the hint and get lost."

"You at Godwind Academy are such bullies!" Oscar snapped, his voice shaking with anger.

"If you didn't want to give us a soul bone, just say so!" Ning Rongrong huffed. "Our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has everything—we don't need your scraps! We only asked because we didn't want to stoop to your level!"

Her tone was haughty as ever. She yanked Oscar's hand and stormed off, head held high.

That only made the crowd laugh harder.

"Ohhh, now they're mad?"

"You came here begging for favors and can't handle the truth. Pathetic."

Their voices carried spite and scorn. One after another, the Godwind team stood by Shi Yi's side.

Shi Yi stared at Tang San with clear disdain, his childish voice cutting like a knife.

"You're really annoying… My big brother would never be friends with someone like you."

Another jab. Compared to his older brother Shi Hao's brashness, Shi Yi—born with dual pupils—was clearly the smarter one.

"You—!"

Tang San was trembling with fury. He had been humiliated by this brat twice now. Rage twisted in his chest—he was honestly considering if he should just kill the kid and be done with it.

"Brother San, let's go!" Xiao Wu quickly pulled him away.

She didn't know why, but she had a bad feeling—like if Tang San acted on that murderous impulse, he might suffer far more than he expected.

The rest of the Shrek crew realized their chances at a soul bone were gone. Worse yet, they'd made a fool of themselves in front of everyone and dragged their academy's reputation through the mud. Dejected, they followed silently.

Tang San gritted his teeth. This humiliation… One day, I'll make sure every single one of them sees just how strong I really am.

After the farce ended, Shi Yi didn't want to waste any more time. He turned to Feng Xiaotian and Huo Wu and said seriously, "Brother, sister… I still have to save my mom and big brother. I can't stay with you guys. This is goodbye."

"What… You're leaving to save your mom and brother?" Feng Xiaotian and Fire Dance were stunned.

Their shock turned to heartache. No wonder this little kid had been so driven—he had a real reason to fight.

"Who took them away? Tell us—we might be able to help."

As representatives of elite academies, they both came from powerful clans. Helping a kid like him wouldn't be too hard… or so they thought.

"It was the Spirit Hall. They took my mom and big brother."

Shi Yi's voice was soft but firm.

"Spirit Hall!?" they both gasped in unison, faces stiffening.

"They took your family? Why?!" Feng Xiaotian asked, his voice trembling slightly.

Huo Wu's face also fell, her expression turning awkward.

Spirit Hall… That's not something we can handle.

Shi Yi blinked. "They're bad guys. Do bad guys need a reason to take people?"

_

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