Realizations and Gratitude

"First Brother, do you know where the Teacher went?" Ma Hongjun couldn't help but inquire as they made their way towards the Academy, the absence of Flender weighing on his mind. It was unusual for Flender to be out so late, especially since Liu Erlong had started living with them.

Sheng Jun's lips curled into a knowing smile as he glanced at Tang San, who turned his to listen, "Teacher and Mistress have gone to pick up Grandmaster. It is likely for Grandmaster to be in charge of our training from tomorrow onwards" he revealed.

Tang San's eyes widened in surprise at the news, his excitement palpable as he exclaimed, "What? Master is coming here?! That's great!" His voice filled with genuine enthusiasm.

Sheng Jun also nodded in agreement at Tang San's enthusiasm. Despite their complicated pasts, they had all moved on from the shadows of their past. So it was only natural that Liu Erlong and Flender would go to pick up their best friend, and the prospect of Grandmaster's return filled him with anticipation. With Grandmaster's presence, the Golden Iron Triangle would be complete once more, and the students training would undoubtedly benefit from his special ability.

However, their thoughts were interrupted by a faint commotion ahead of them. As they drew closer, they could see Dai Mubai, who intended on heading back to rest, being stopped by Ning Rongrong and Oscar at the gate of the Academy. It appeared that there was some sort of disagreement unfolding, piquing their curiosity as they approached to investigate further.

"Ning Rongrong, I already said I don't know where the Dean is. Wait for the First Brother, he might know more. Now, don't bother me" Dai Mubai said wearily, his voice tinged with exhaustion as he swatted away Ning Rongrong's hands. His mood was low, weighed down by Zhu Zhuqing's constant rejections, and all he wanted was to retreat for some much-needed rest.

"You!" Ning Rongrong exclaimed, her frustration evident as she glanced at the bruises forming on her hand from Dai Mubai's slap. It wasn't entirely Dai Mubai's fault, he had grown accustomed to interacting with strong Auxiliary System spirit masters like Sheng Jun and Oscar, causing him to overlook Ning Rongrong's abilities.

"Hah, it seems you hit a wall with Zhu Zhuqing, didn't you? It's clear there's some kind of history between you two. I don't know what you did, but it's clear that you deserve it. You're so useless!" Ning Rongrong's voice cut through the air, dripping with mockery and anger.

The words struck Dai Mubai like a blow to the chest, causing him to clench his fists tightly. He knew deep down that he was at fault, that he had made mistakes, but hearing it from Ning Rongrong only added salt to the wound. He wanted to hear it from Zhu Zhuqing herself, to face her and accept whatever punishment she deemed fit. He longed for her to acknowledge him, even if it meant facing her hatred. But with Ning Rongrong's harsh words echoing in his ears, his mind spiraled into chaos, consumed by the fear of being ignored by her for the rest of his life.

At that moment, Dai Mubai's soul power began to stir erratically, swirling around him like a tempest unleashed. With a pained roar, he released the turbulent energy, sending shockwaves rippling through the air and damaging anything unfortunate enough to be in its path. The force of the blast sent Ning Rongrong flying, but Oscar, quick to react, rushed to her side, using his soul power to shield her from harm and soften the impact of the fall.

"S-sixth Brother, calm down!" Oscar's voice rang out urgently as he tried to quell the chaos surrounding Dai Mubai. Ma Hongjun and the others, who had rushed over to intervene, also attempted to rouse Dai Mubai from his frenzied state, but their efforts proved futile.

Feeling a sense of urgency, Sheng Jun stepped forward, knowing that he had to act quickly before the situation spiraled further out of control. Drawing upon his special ability, he commanded with authority, "Come back to your senses!" The words carried a weight of authority as a chunk of his soul power was drained in the process.

To everyone's relief, Dai Mubai suddenly ceased his rampage, his wild soul power subsiding as if quenched by Sheng Jun's command. With a collective sigh of relief, Sheng Jun and the others knew that they had averted a potential disaster. Sheng Jun was surprised that his command had actually worked, as he didn't think it would have such an effect.

"I'm sorry, everyone. I want to be alone for today" Dai Mubai apologized solemnly before turning and walking into the Academy, his steps heavy with the weight of his emotions.

Hearing Dai Mubai's words, Sheng Jun and the others exchanged somber nods, understanding his need for solitude. Ma Hongjun and Bai Chenxiang also bid their farewells before departing for their residence, leaving the remaining trio, Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Sheng Jun to make their way toward the Academy in silence.

However, just as they were about to continue on their path, a sudden voice rang out, halting them in their tracks.

Ning Rongrong broke free from Oscar's embrace and ran towards Tang San and Xiao Wu with a determined expression. "Tang San, Xiao Wu, I know guys are very powerful. Kill that bastard for me, with mine and Oscar's help, it's doable! If you eliminate him, you'll become a distinguished guest at my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan! I can also pay you as much as you want!" she implored, her desperation evident in her plea. After all, considering they had joined the academy at the same time as her, Tang San and Xiao Wu were the only ones present who hadn't formed a close bond with Dai Mubai yet.

Her proposition hung in the air, leaving everyone stunned. Oscar's expression shifted, a mixture of shock and disbelief clouding his features. Tang San and Xiao Wu exchanged troubled glances, their brows furrowing with concern.

Meanwhile, Sheng Jun's eyes narrowed, a silent fury brewing within him. "Want to kill Mubai in front of me? Should I assassinate her?" he thought to himself, briefly considering retaliation. After a moment of consideration, he shook his head, discarding the idea. "You're fortunate that your father is Ning Fengzhi. I will spare your life as a sign of respect for our partnership" he thought to himself silently, choosing to restrain himself.

Tang San suddenly felt a strong wave of killing intent wash over him, stronger than anything he had ever experienced before, causing him to turn back in shock, only for it to dissipate as quickly as it had appeared. "Could it be First Brother's?" he wondered silently, his mind racing with possibilities. Sensing Xiao Wu's trembling beside him, he gently patted her hand, offering reassurance. As a rabbit Martial Soul, she was naturally more sensitive to danger, and the sudden presence of killing intent had rattled her nerves.

Deciding to set aside his suspicions for the moment, Tang San finally spoke up, addressing Ning Rongrong. "Ning Rongrong... Everything in this world can't be bought with money" he began, his tone firm but not unkind.

"If you continue to think this way... Perhaps it's best for you to leave the Academy" With those words, he turned and walked into the Academy with Xiao Wu.

Sheng Jun followed closely behind, stopping just beyond the gates as he waited for Oscar. As he glanced around, his gaze landed on a tree nearby, his instincts alerting him of something.

Ning Rongrong, who had come back to her senses, was undeterred by Tang San's refusal. She shifted her attention to Oscar, who was still standing nearby "Oscar, let's go find someone else to help us kill Dai Mubai" she suggested, reaching out to take his hands. However, to her astonishment, Oscar swiftly withdrew his hands and shook his head slowly.

"Oscar?" Ning Rongrong questioned incredulously, her disbelief evident in her voice. "Don't tell me you won't help me either?! But didn't you like me?!" she cried out, her voice rising with desperation.

Oscar trembled slightly at her words, his heart heavy with regret. "The Rongrong I liked was the one I saw for the first time… At that moment, I thought I saw an angel. But now it seems I was mistaken" he confessed, his voice tinged with sadness.

"Ning Rongrong, the princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, seems to view everyone as her servant. But that's not what I want... First Brother and Tang San were right. If you don't change, making so-called friends will remain a dream for you... Maybe you truly don't belong here" With those words, Oscar turned and walked into the Academy, leaving Ning Rongrong to grapple with the weight of his words.

Tears welled up in Ning Rongrong's eyes as she collapsed to the ground, the realization of her mistakes hitting her like a tidal wave. "Am I wrong?" she murmured, her voice barely audible as she wept alone.

As Oscar entered the Academy, he was taken aback to find Sheng Jun waiting for him. "First Brother?" he questioned, his tone uncertain. Sheng Jun nodded, offering a reassuring pat on Oscar's shoulder. "Cheer up, there are many good women in this world. Someone like her is not worth your time" he advised, attempting to uplift Oscar's spirits.

But seeing that his words didn't have the desired effect, Sheng Jun could only sigh inwardly, first loves were truly troublesome. "Go rest already then. I have something else to do" he added, gently nudging Oscar away.

With a slow nod, Oscar made his way toward their dormitories.

As he watched Oscar's retreating figure, Sheng Jun finally spoke up. "Zhu Zhuqing, come out" he called out into the night. After a brief moment, a figure suddenly leaped down from the trees, surprise evident on her face.

With a sigh, Sheng Jun continued, addressing Zhu Zhuqing directly. "You were clearly worried about him after you felt his soul power going berserk just now, or else you wouldn't have run back here" he exclaimed.

With another sigh, he added, "Do you realize how happy Dai Mubai would be if he knew you were so worried about him?" It was clear that she cared for Dai Mubai, but she didn't want to express her feelings openly in front of him. Sheng Jun could only shake his head in exasperation at such situation.

At this moment, Zhu Zhuqing's voice sounded softly, breaking the silence. "Thank you" she said, expressing her gratitude. Surprised by her words, Sheng Jun asked, "For what?" feeling a hint of confusion.

"I have investigated his past since arriving here and couldn't find a single stain on his reputation. So thank you for not letting him become a scum and for guiding him to become stronger" Zhu Zhuqing responded with genuine appreciation, her words carrying a weight of sincerity.

Hearing her words, Sheng Jun could only smile slightly. "You should thank Hongjun and Oscar and not me" he said dismissively.

"I did" Zhu Zhuqing continued. "They said everything they have learned, including the source of their power and their belief in life, came from you. So thank you" she expressed, bowing her head slightly to show her sincerity.

Sheng Jun sighed softly, gesturing for Zhu Zhuqing to cease her bowing. "If you want to express your gratitude, then do so by treating Mubai with more kindness in the future. I understand that what he did in the past may not be easily forgiven... but as his First Brother, I can only ask this of you" he spoke sincerely.

Zhu Zhuqing listened attentively, her expression wavering with uncertainty. After a moment of contemplation, she nodded in agreement, acknowledging Sheng Jun's request.

Sheng Jun smiled warmly in response before broaching another topic. "You've heard about the Heavenly Dao Sutra and Special Abilities from Dai Mubai, correct?" he inquired, receiving a nod of confirmation from Zhu Zhuqing.

"In that case, I will impart one upon you now. Relax your mental defenses. Rest assured, I have no intention of harming my future sister-in-law and Eight Sister. On the contrary, this will only serve to enhance your strength" he reassured her calmly, preparing to impart the Heavenly Dao Sutra to her as a sign of his acceptance of her becoming his Eight Sister.

After a moment of hesitation, Zhu Zhuqing nodded, closing her eyes in preparation. With a gentle tap on her forehead, Sheng Jun imparted the sutra to her.

After a brief period of absorption, Zhu Zhuqing reopened her eyes, a glimmer of excitement dancing within them. Sensing her anticipation, Sheng Jun couldn't help but inquire, "It seems like you obtained a decent special ability. What is it?"

A bright smile graced Zhu Zhuqing's features as she eagerly shared, "My special ability is called Immunity. It grants me immunity to anything that hinders me to a certain extent, such as opponents damage reduction effects, defensive buffs, curses, debuffs, or immobilizing skills like Tang San's paralysis poison and Xiao Wu's Charm" Her enthusiasm was palpable as she expressed her gratitude to Sheng Jun once more, recognizing the newfound strength and potential this ability bestowed upon her.

Sheng Jun also nodded in excitement. Despite the immunity only working to a certain extent, he couldn't help but think of its potential once it continues to upgrade in the future.

With their exchange concluded, Sheng Jun and Zhu Zhuqing naturally made their way back to their dormitory.

Before departing, Sheng Jun glanced back momentarily, pondering Ning Rongrong's whereabouts. "It seems she hasn't entered the Academy yet. Did she leave? Hah, that might be for the best" he mused to himself, his mood lifted as he proceeded toward the dormitory.