Zhu Zhuqing had known Zong long before, and she traveled all the way to Shrek Academy not to find Dai Mubai but to look for her boyfriend. Based on Yu Xiaogang's account, the group concluded that Dai Mubai was the one trying to steal love, not Zong.
"Master, can you tell us more about Zong?" Ning Rongrong's eyes lit up. She also wanted to know what kind of person this exceptionally gifted boy was. Technically, she had only met Zong twice: the first time because of his looks, which led her to strike up a conversation, and the second time, she was shocked by his strength. Hearing that he had reached the level of Soul Elder at just eleven years old left her in awe.
Yu Xiaogang nodded solemnly and began, "This all started six years ago when I took Tang San to the Soul Hunting Forest to acquire his first Soul ring. To my shame, we were being chased by a nearly 400-year-old MandalaSnake. Fortunately, we encountered Zong and the Vice dean of Nuoding Academy, who had just obtained his first Soul ring. With just the power of a newly awakened Soul master, Zong was able to subdue the hundred-year Soul beast, and then the instructor finished it off. Without them, Tang San and I wouldn't be here today."
"That sounds like a good thing. Why does Tang San hate Zong then?" Meng Yiran asked, showing special concern whenever it came to Tang San.
Ning Rongrong and the others remembered, "I think Zong mentioned yesterday that Tang San still holds a grudge over the first Soul ring."
Yu Xiaogang's face turned grim as he said, "That's my fault. At that time, Zong and the instructor were focused on saving us and accidentally killed the Mandala Snake. It's well-known that a Soul master must personally kill a Soul beast to absorb its ring once they've reached their level cap. The Mandala Snake was perfect for Tang San, and he thought Zong ruined it on purpose."
Yu Xiaogang gave a bitter smile, which looked more like a grimace on his stiff face. He continued, "If that were all, it wouldn't be so bad. After that, Zong and the instructor decided to help Tang San find another Soul ring. I might have been affected by a small dose of the Mandala Snake's poison, which clouded my judgment. By the time I realized it, it was too late—Tang San had absorbed a ring from a Rattrap Snake,' a Soul beast barely over a hundred years old, for his first ring."
"Ratrap Snake?" Everyone gasped.
Flander suddenly understood. "No wonder Tang San never uses his first Soul skill. I always thought it was too destructive and you didn't let him use it. But who would've thought? The Sticky Snake is one of the most useless and disgusting Soul beasts out there. But still, Tang San shouldn't blame Zong for this!"
Yu Xiaogang sighed, "This might be why Zong is reluctant to come to Shrek. After all, he has a conflict with Tang San."
(Zong rolls his eyes: "Wrong, I just don't want to go to Shrek because the environment is awful.")
Everyone sighed in surprise. So, Tang San was being unreasonable! If anyone was to blame, it should be this "Master of Theories." Of course, no one dared say that out loud in front of Flander, knowing there would be consequences if he heard it.
Only Meng Yiran's eyes briefly flashed with cold light as she thought to herself, "I need to keep Tang San away from this master."
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In the city of Suotuo, at a small breakfast shop near the Rose Hotel.
Zong, Xiao Wu, and Ye Lingling were enjoying their breakfast.
"Slurp," Xiao Wu quickly finished a large bowl of carrot porridge in a few gulps.
Zong glanced at her meal: four carrot-filled buns, a big bowl of carrot porridge, and a fresh carrot.
This rabbit really can eat, Zong thought. She eats more than I do. And what's with that belly? A bottomless pit? She eats so much yet still has such a flat stomach, like she's still hungry.
Sure enough, Xiao Wu shouted, "Boss, another bowl of carrot porridge! Extra carrots, less rice!"
"Got it!" the owner responded.
Zong gave Xiao Wu a sideways look and muttered, "You should watch your image, little girl. Be careful you won't be able to get married. Look at how ladylike Lingling is when she eats."
"I don't care! If I'm hungry, I'll eat. I've already stuck to you anyway, so whether I can get married or not doesn't matter," Xiao Wu said, unfazed. Ever since Zong gave her that strange "candy," her unique Soul beast aura had disappeared, and her cultivation speed had greatly increased. The only downside was her increased appetite. But since she realized she wouldn't gain weight no matter how much she ate and the food turned into pure Soul power, she didn't hold back.
Watching Zong and Xiao Wu's playful banter, Ye Lingling couldn't help but smile. They really are a pair of livewires when together, she thought.
"Still eating?" A familiar female voice called out.
Zong looked up and saw his little kitten, Zhu Zhuqing. But why was Tang San here too?
Zong patted the chair beside him and smiled, "Zhuqing, have you eaten? Come, sit."
Zhu Zhuqing didn't refuse and sat beside Zong, taking the cup of tea he offered and sipping lightly. "I've already eaten."
"Who's that guy outside looking like a background character? What's he doing here?" Zong pointed casually.
Zhu Zhuqing shot him a glare. She knew Zong was a mischievous and irreverent guy, but didn't expect him to call someone he knew a "background character" right to their face.
Her cheeks flushed as she whispered something softly to Zong.
"Pfft." Zong couldn't help but spit out his tea, though he managed to turn his head away at the last second, narrowly avoiding splashing Ye Lingling.
He hadn't expected it. Just yesterday, he planted fire poison in Dai Mubai, and the guy couldn't wait to visit the brothels that very night. Sure, his life could probably be saved, but as for "down there"... it was likely already useless.
Curious, Xiao Wu leaned in, "Zong, what did Zhuqing tell you? Something funny? Share it with me!"
Zong's eyes sparkled with an idea. If Dai Mubai was finished, then he could use this to his advantage—maybe get him to sign a document breaking his engagement to Zhu Zhuqing.
Zong whispered his plan to Xiao Wu, who blushed furiously. "Serves that 'Evil-Eyed Tiger' right," she spat.
Zong then explained his idea to Zhu Zhuqing, moving her deeply. The engagement to Dai Mubai had haunted her like a nightmare for years, and now there was finally a chance for escape, even if only in name. It was still something.
Following Zong's instructions, Xiao Wu filled Ye Lingling in on the situation.
Ye Lingling's face flushed, but she calmly said, "You've been teaching me, so I owe you. Whether I agree or not is up to you."
Zong nodded. It seemed like a trip to the legendary Shrek Academy was in order.
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