Chapter 162: Xiao Wu Protects Her Own, Su Ming's Mysterious Smile

"Just as we were about to... you know... Su Ming took out a small item and said using it would prevent... anything from happening," Xiao Wu said, blushing furiously as she covered her face in embarrassment, feeling too shy to face anyone.

As she spoke, Xiao Wu couldn't help but recall the experience, her face flushing even more.

Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing, intrigued, exchanged curious glances. What was that small item that could prevent... what?

Su Ming, in that moment, had been grateful for the system's odd rewards over the years. Among the bizarre items it provided, that one had turned out to be useful, especially since Xiao Wu wasn't fully mature yet. An accident would've been disastrous.

That night, the three sisters—Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing—chatted intermittently, with Xiao Wu eventually giving in and sharing more details. After all, since she had already spilled the beans, she thought, once Su Ming inevitably won over Ning Rongrong, it would be her turn to tease!

The next morning, Zao Wuji urged everyone to continue their journey. They couldn't delay any longer, especially with Ma Hongjun's condition. Although Zao Wuji had asked Su Ming to use his fourth soul skill to heal Ma Hongjun the night before and reattach his limbs, Su Ming wasn't a proper healing-type soul master. Besides, there were certain areas his soul skills couldn't restore, and they needed to return to the academy for the dean to take a look.

Ma Hongjun was now partially healed and could move, though the pain in his limbs remained.

Su Ming hadn't wanted to heal the chubby man, especially since his injury was indirectly caused by Xiao Wu. Still, since they were all part of Shrek Academy, and Ma Hongjun had already been taught a lesson, Su Ming didn't want to disrespect Zao Wuji.

However, Su Ming had no intention of fully healing Ma Hongjun. Instead, he had reattached the limbs without properly setting them, leaving a bit of pain behind. After all, he wasn't a dedicated healer—there was no proof he hadn't done his best! He chuckled at the thought.

As they rode Su Ming's Wood Dragon out of the Star Dou Forest, Zao Wuji breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, they were out of that cursed place. The Titan Giant Ape encounter had nearly traumatized him, and he almost thought he was done for. In the future, he swore to drag Flender along on such trips.

Once they were out of the forest, Ma Hongjun said, "Su Ming, why don't you just keep the Wood Dragon going and take us all the way back to the academy? We're already in the countryside, not the city, and my injuries…"

Before he could finish, Xiao Wu cut in, protecting her brother, "Fatty, don't be so selfish! It takes a lot of soul power to maintain the Wood Dragon for such a long time. Sure, it's comfortable for you, but it would drain my brother. He doesn't have endless soul power!"

Ma Hongjun, not backing down, argued, "But Xiao Ao and Ning Rongrong can help restore Su Ming's soul power!"

Xiao Wu was instantly furious, "Fatty, have you already forgotten your pain? Do you need me to help you remember?"

Hearing this, Ma Hongjun immediately deflated and pouted.

Dai Mubai, seeing Fatty's pitiful state, also recognized that traveling on foot might worsen his injury. Moreover, riding on Su Ming's Wood Dragon was incredibly comfortable, and they wouldn't feel fatigued at all.

Given that the academy was located in a rural area and there weren't many towns on the way, riding the Wood Dragon all the way back seemed like a convenient option.

He turned to Su Ming and said, "Su Ming, Fatty's still recovering, and Zao Wuji is in a weakened state from using his Martial Soul True Body. Could you push through a bit longer? If you get tired, Ning Rongrong can assist you with her support ability, or you can eat one of Xiao Ao's sausages. We could also stop for a break if needed."

After speaking, Dai Mubai looked around at the others and asked, "What do you guys think?"

Oscar, Tang San, and Zao Wuji all nodded in agreement.

Ning Rongrong, however, was annoyed, "You guys are being unreasonable! It's just a trip back! I'm a support-type soul master, and even I'm not complaining. Fatty is an attack-type soul master, his limbs are reattached, and we can go slow if necessary. Are you telling me that a strong attack-type soul master can't handle a little walk without breaking?"

Dai Mubai waved his hand dismissively, "Fatty's injuries aren't minor. It's better to be cautious. We want to help Su Ming, but only you and Xiao Ao can assist with soul power recovery."

Su Ming observed the group of men, realizing they had naturally formed an alliance in his absence. It seemed that even with his presence, the Four Bastards were still the Four Bastards—unchangeable. But it didn't matter to Su Ming. He didn't have a good impression of them anyway, especially since they were essentially his rivals. He was here for the women, not the men. The guys were useless to him.

Smirking slightly at Dai Mubai's attempt at moral pressure, Su Ming decided to play along. After all, it was Dai Mubai who had proposed it, so he couldn't complain later.

Su Ming stopped Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong from protesting further, then gave Dai Mubai a sly smile and said, "Since Fatty's in such a state and you're all in agreement, I'd hate to seem like I don't care about my classmates."

Xiao Wu was instantly upset. How could Su Ming agree? This Fatty's injuries were caused by her order to Er Ming, so why should Su Ming suffer to help him?

However, out of respect for her brother's decision, Xiao Wu didn't argue further. Still, she couldn't help but wonder why Su Ming, who usually didn't care about these people, was suddenly willing to help them. It wasn't like him.

Su Ming noticed Xiao Wu's confusion but didn't explain. She would soon understand once she saw how he planned to deal with these guys.

Continuing with a grin, Su Ming said, "Besides relying on Ning Rongrong and Xiao Ao for soul power recovery, you guys can help too. It's just a matter of whether you're willing."

Dai Mubai, not thinking much of it, shrugged, "Of course we're willing. But we're not support-type soul masters, how could we help?"

Su Ming's smile deepened, "Oh, you'll find out soon enough. Just don't regret it later. After all, you all agreed, and going back on your word wouldn't be very manly."

For some reason, Dai Mubai felt a twinge of unease at Su Ming's smile. He had a feeling something was about to happen, but as a strong attack-type soul master, he couldn't imagine how he'd be asked to help recover soul power. He brushed it off as overthinking.

The others didn't pay much attention either. Helping Su Ming didn't seem like a big deal, and riding the Wood Dragon made the journey easy.

Su Ming, shaking his head at their indifference, thought to himself, Am I becoming a bit devious?