Chapter 50: Lofty Promises

It had to be Ye Hao—Qin Ming couldn't think of anyone else. 

First, Ye Hao had registered the name Spicy Rabbit Head at the Soto Great Spirit Arena. 

Second, Ye Hao openly loved eating spicy rabbit heads and frequently ordered them. 

At this moment, Xiao Wu was still unconscious. Qin Ming glanced at the seething Flender and the other Shrek teachers, hurriedly excused himself, and left the inn. 

As he walked outside the Shrek Academy lodging, Qin Ming sighed deeply, thinking of Ye Hao's actions. 

"This boy really knows how to stir up trouble." 

There was no deep grudge, no personal vendetta. 

Why beat that girl, Xiao Wu, so severely? Especially when she was a Shrek Academy student—technically Qin Ming's junior. 

What Ye Hao did was undoubtedly a slap in the face for the entire Shrek Academy. 

Luckily, Ye Hao's identity hadn't been exposed yet. Otherwise... 

Qin Ming, as the Emperor Team's leader, would have faced serious repercussions. At worst, he could even be accused of failing to discipline his team. 

Not long after Qin Ming departed, Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing returned to the inn together. As they passed Flender's room, they noticed Xiao Wu lying on the bed. The deep red handprints on her swollen face were still plainly visible. 

The two girls exchanged a knowing look. Without a word, they chose not to intervene. 

They had no desire to risk incurring Xiao Wu's wrath or—worse—being placed on Tang San's "must-kill" list. 

Inside the room, Flender's voice rang out. 

"You two, come in!" 

Hearing this, Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing hesitated before stepping inside. They were met with stern expressions from everyone present. 

Flender's face was particularly grave. He looked at the two girls and asked coldly, "What's going on with you two and Xiao Wu? According to Tang San, you've not only moved out of your shared dorm but are also isolating her. Who gave you such audacity? Don't you understand the importance of unity?" 

Grandmaster chimed in, "The Shrek Seven Devils are a team. You must support one another. Petty grievances cannot jeopardize the entire group. Tomorrow's battle is critical, and I hope you'll apologize to Xiao Wu today so we can put this behind us." 

Unbeknownst to them, Xiao Wu, lying on the bed, was already awake. 

Though her fists clenched tightly beneath the sheets, she didn't move or speak. She was determined to find out why Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing were treating her this way. 

Ning Rongrong scanned the room, her gaze sweeping over everyone. Finally, she broke the silence. 

"You all really want to know?" 

Everyone nodded. As Grandmaster had said, the Shrek Seven Devils were supposed to be a team. No problem should be unsolvable through honest discussion. 

But what Ning Rongrong was about to reveal would shatter their assumptions. 

Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself. The memory of that night's events sent a chill down her spine. For a moment, she feared Tang San, the once-revered "Third Brother," might one day turn on her in the dead of night. 

But then she reminded herself: I am Ning Rongrong of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. With my family's resources and influence, I have nothing to fear! 

Before continuing, she addressed Tang San directly. 

"I have a question for you." 

Tang San, startled, replied, "Go ahead." 

Ning Rongrong's expression turned serious. "I heard Xiao Wu mention that the two of you made a promise when you were young. Is that true?" 

Tang San nodded. "Yes. Xiao Wu is my sister. I swore I would never let anyone harm her. Anyone who does will pay the price." 

"Such lofty promises!" Ning Rongrong sneered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. 

Tang San's expression darkened. "What did you say?" 

"You heard me," Ning Rongrong retorted. "Did I say something wrong? Soul Master battles are sacred contests between soul masters. Stepping onto the stage is akin to signing a death warrant. Each combatant must accept their fate, win or lose." 

Her tone grew colder. "And yet, Tang San, you blatantly disregard the rules. You see them as nothing." 

Oscar interjected, "But the situation was urgent! You saw what Spicy Rabbit Head did to Xiao Wu—how could Tang San just sit back and do nothing?" 

"Fine," Ning Rongrong shot back. "Let's not talk about that." 

She pointed an accusatory finger at Tang San. 

"You believe you're entitled to do whatever you want. You can harm others, but no one can harm you. If someone dares to touch you, you'll kill them in return. Such a narrow-minded person—what gives you the right to call yourself my friend?" 

Her voice softened but was no less cutting. "Do you know why Zhuqing and I have been avoiding Xiao Wu?" 

Tang San fell silent, his eyes flickering with unease. 

"Remember the team battle a few days ago?" Ning Rongrong continued. "One of the opposing soul masters made an offensive gesture toward Xiao Wu." 

The moment she said this, Tang San froze. 

It couldn't be... 

No one else knew what had happened that night—only him, Ye Ritian (Spicy Rabbit Head), and the lone survivor. Tang San had ensured the other six were silenced forever to protect his secret. 

"Is that why you're ostracizing Xiao Wu?" Tang San asked, his voice low. 

Ning Rongrong scoffed. "What do you think? Over such a trivial matter, you nearly killed someone. Why should I associate with someone so petty and vindictive?" 

Tang San let out a quiet sigh of relief. It seemed his secret was still safe—for now. 

"Enough!" Flender interrupted, trying to defuse the situation. "You're a team. You cannot let a small misunderstanding drive a wedge between you. Tomorrow's team battle is crucial for the Shrek Seven Devils." 

"Hmph." 

Ning Rongrong snorted dismissively, grabbed Zhu Zhuqing's hand, and left the room without another word. 

Outside, Zhu Zhuqing glanced at Ning Rongrong, worry etched on her face. "You almost told them everything." 

Ning Rongrong shrugged. "I'm not that foolish. Do you think I'd give away such a dangerous secret?" 

"You're not afraid of Tang San seeking revenge?" Zhu Zhuqing asked. 

Ning Rongrong smiled confidently. "Afraid? What's there to fear? If he dares to act against me, my clan won't let him get away with it. Two Title Douluo guard my family—Tang San is nothing more than a bug to us." 

Zhu Zhuqing nodded, reassured by her friend's confidence. 

Back inside, the atmosphere was heavy with unspoken tension. Flender was furious, slamming the door behind him as he stormed out. 

"She's absolutely impossible!" he fumed. But he was powerless to do anything. With Ning Fengzhi's blessing, he couldn't afford to touch a hair on Ning Rongrong's head. 

Meanwhile, Grandmaster sighed heavily. "Tang San, it's late. Take care of Xiao Wu." 

The others began to disperse, leaving Tang San alone with the unconscious Xiao Wu.