Chapter 41: Verbal Beatdown

Although Zhao Wuji was technically the one leading the team, he didn't even show up. He just left a message: "Wait for me at the Spirit Hunting Village outside Star Dou Forest. Be there before dark."

What could Han Feng and the others do? They could only hurry along the road.

The group of eight traveled in formation: the support-type spirit masters Ning Rongrong and Oscar were protected in the middle; Dai Mubai led at the front; Ma Hongjun flew overhead; Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing guarded the flanks; Tang San followed closely behind Dai Mubai; and Han Feng brought up the rear, covering the team.

"Oscar! Supplies! We're almost there! " Dai Mubai called from the front.

Oscar quickly handed out sausages to everyone.

After a hard push, they finally reached the Spirit Hunting Village before nightfall. Everyone sighed in relief—only to freeze when a rough voice barked behind them:

"Five minutes late! When we get back to the academy, each of you will run five laps around the campus—no spirit power allowed! "

Everyone immediately recognized that voice. Without even turning around, they groaned in unison:

"Ah…"

"'Ah,' what? Find a place to stay for the night. We're entering Star Dou Forest tomorrow morning! "Zhao Wuji snapped. Dai Mubai and the others didn't dare talk back and quickly nodded.

Zhao Wuji snorted and turned away.

Han Feng, full of malicious glee, glanced over—sure enough, Zhao Wuji's face was still covered in bruises. Han Feng silently celebrated: Serves you right, old man. Like bullying kids, do you? How's that working out for you now?

But what puzzled him were the faint lash marks among the bruises…

Did Tang Hao swap out his hammer for a whip?

With Zhao Wuji's sharp senses, of course he noticed Han Feng's glance, but all he could do was grit his teeth and pretend not to see. Before leaving, Tang Hao and Baobai Shan had warned Flender and the others: under no circumstances could Han Feng or Tang San find out what happened. If asked, they were to say Zhao Wuji got those injuries from "falling."

Falling? Falling leaves, whip marks? Could falling bruise a Spirit Saint like this?

So strength means you can spout nonsense with a straight face, huh!?

Once Zhao Wuji left, Tang San approached Dai Mubai and whispered,

"Doesn't the academy cover lodging? "

Dai Mubai chuckled. "I know what you're getting at. No, all expenses during trips are our own responsibility. Same goes for the teachers. Personally, I like this system—clean and clear. No one owes anyone."

Tang San nodded. "Fair enough…"

By the time they found rooms, night had fallen, and after an entire day of travel, everyone was starving. They gathered at an inn to eat.

When it came time to order, Ma Hongjun immediately snatched up the menu. Neither Dai Mubai nor Oscar objected—if there was one thing Ma Hongjun excelled at, it was food.

"This one… and this one… oh, and this one too…" Ma Hongjun flipped through the pages with a grave expression, crossing off dishes he didn't like before handing the menu back. "Everything else—bring us two of each! "

Dai Mubai slammed Ma Hongjun onto the table. "You fat idiot! Trying to kill us with the bill!? "

He saw right through Ma Hongjun's ploy—trying to exploit the fact that they'd split the cost.

Apologizing to the waitress, Dai Mubai corrected, "Just one of each, please."

She had no objections. Even with one portion of each, her commission would be enough for two days' wages—and with that handsome face of Dai Mubai's, how could she possibly refuse?

"Of course! Please wait a moment! " she replied with a smile, taking the menu.

Just then, the door opened, and a group swaggered in—one man in his thirties led four youths, all around seventeen or eighteen, each bearing the crest of Canghui Academy.

They strutted in like they owned the place. One of the youths barked arrogantly at the innkeeper, "Hey! Bring us your best food and drink, fast! "

As they neared, another youth shoved aside the waitress standing by Han Feng's group. "What are you standing there for? Move it! "

Han Feng and his companions exchanged looks, their expressions souring.

Ma Hongjun and Oscar looked ready to watch the drama unfold, while Tang San's gaze hardened. They're acting like we're invisible.

"Who do they think they are, strutting around like that? "Xiao Wu asked, biting into a carrot.

Dai Mubai cast a dismissive glance over his shoulder, his heterochromatic eyes filled with disdain. "Just a bunch of—"

"—rabid dogs that bite whoever they see," Han Feng interrupted with a yawn, deliberately raising his voice.

Every Canghui student turned toward him. Their teacher stayed silent, but one of the students stepped forward, shouting, "Who are you calling dogs!? Haven't you heard of Canghui Academy? How dare you insult us!? "

Han Feng smirked. "Oh? My bad. I didn't name names, but if you feel that called out, maybe you do have some self-awareness. At least that's better than actual dogs."

Dai Mubai winced. Right… I forgot Han Feng's mouth is a weapon of mass destruction.

"You brat! Say that again to my face if you dare! "The student snarled, jabbing a finger at him.

Han Feng feigned horror. "No thanks. Looking at that face is like watching a long-divorced couple living separate lives—get them together, and it's a human tragedy. Making me look at you is premeditated cruelty."

The lone female student scowled. "Careful, little boy—words can get you killed."

Han Feng grinned. "With a voice that sweet, your boyfriend must have diabetes."

Their teacher finally intervened. "Which sect are you from, boy? Are you looking to make an enemy of Canghui Academy? "

"No sect. We're students of Shrek Academy."

"Shrek? Never heard of it! "

"Then I suggest you rinse your ears with dishwater under the full moon—might save what's left of your hearing," Han Feng shot back, spirit power already flaring.

"Didn't your elders teach you to respect your seniors!? "

"Oh, they did. They just never taught me how to respect a green-shelled turtle. With a head of shiny green hair like yours, are you blessed with both infertility and a house full of children? "

"You insolent brat! "The teacher finally snapped. His spirit erupted—a massive turtle shell enveloped him, limbs covered in thick scales, and five spirit rings—yellow, yellow, purple, purple, and black—circled his body. The oppressive power of a Spirit King filled the room.

Han Feng exaggeratedly gasped. "Wow, you really are a green turtle! I need to ask—where's your wife employed? Do they cover round-trip travel expenses? "

"Sharp-tongued brat! "The Spirit King seethed, unleashing a wave of frigid energy straight at Han Feng.

"Shrek, attack! " Dai Mubai roared, his White Tiger spirit surging forth.

"Han Feng's mouth is going to get us all killed one day! "Xiao Wu muttered, summoning her spirit.

"Wrong," Dai Mubai countered coldly. "Dean said those who fear trouble are mediocrities. Even if Han Feng didn't pick fights, I would."

Xiao Wu bristled, ready to argue, but Tang San stopped her. "Xiao Wu, enough."

"Hmph! "With nowhere else to vent her frustration, she turned on the Spirit King. "Tang San, help me smash that old turtle's shell! "

"Blue Silver Grass, first spirit ability—Bind! "Tang San's vines shot out, entangling the Spirit King. Xiao Wu and Dai Mubai immediately unleashed their attacks—White Tiger Light Wave and Eight-Stage Drop—amplified by Ning Rongrong's buffs.

The Spirit King merely scoffed. "First ability—Black Turtle Guard! Second ability—Ice Seal! "

His defenses effortlessly nullified their attacks, his focus still locked on Han Feng.

"Tch, turtles really do hold grudges," Han Feng muttered, activating his own spirit. "First ability—Life's Aegis! "

With the Sunflame's aid, he successfully blocked the freezing onslaught.