SS - 20

Chapter 20 Ma Hongjun, the Evil Fire Phoenix

Ning Rongrong woke up from the commotion and stood, rubbing her eyes. "Brother Xiao, what's going on?"

"It's just as Boss Dai said—this is the last old student, Ma Hongjun. He wants to eat Xiao Bai and now plans to teach me a lesson." Su Xiao's tone was calm as he explained.

Ning Rongrong's expression darkened. Clinging to Su Xiao's arm, she said, "Let me assist you, Brother Xiao."

Su Xiao shook his head. "No need." He turned to Ma Hongjun. "Let's settle this over there. Loser won't get to eat breakfast."

Ma Hongjun snorted disdainfully. "A newcomer dares to set terms with me? You even showed off your affection in front of me earlier. Fine, let's make it more interesting—if you lose, hand over your girlfriend."

Ning Rongrong's face turned crimson with rage as she gritted her teeth, glaring at Ma Hongjun.

"Let's get one thing straight—Rongrong isn't my girlfriend," Su Xiao said plainly. "If you think you've got a chance with her, you can try chasing her yourself. But honestly, I don't think you do."

With that, Su Xiao left Xiao Bai's nest. Xiao Bai, still fast asleep, suddenly opened his eyes as Su Xiao stepped away. The beast let out a soft, confused call, clearly disoriented.

"Xiao Bai, relax. You can sleep a little longer. I'll find something for you to eat later," Su Xiao reassured him with a smile.

Ma Hongjun sneered, stretching his arms. "You're already out of food. Where do you plan to find anything for that soul beast?"

"Don't worry about it," Su Xiao said confidently. "If I run out, I'll just take your share for Xiao Bai."

Infuriated, Ma Hongjun growled, "Martial Spirit Possession!"

A burst of purple-red flames erupted around him as feathers grew on his arms, his hands transformed into claws, and a fiery phoenix appeared behind him. Two yellow soul rings rose from his feet as he declared, "Newcomer, you're looking at the pinnacle of fire-type beast martial souls—the Evil Fire Phoenix! With the best combination of two soul rings, it's not too late for you to beg for mercy."

Su Xiao smirked. "Let's see how impressive you really are."

Golden light enveloped Su Xiao as the aura of the Light Holy Dragon erupted behind him, completely suppressing Ma Hongjun's phoenix. The draconic features on Su Xiao far surpassed Ma Hongjun's phoenix traits.

The most shocking detail was the three purple soul rings slowly rising from Su Xiao's feet.

"You sure you still want to fight? Why not admit defeat now? I'd rather not waste time—I've got breakfast to attend to," Su Xiao teased, stretching lazily.

Ma Hongjun, who had been brimming with confidence moments ago, was left stunned. His jaw practically hit the ground.

"Three thousand-year soul rings? Even Boss Dai doesn't have that kind of setup! How did the dean manage to recruit such a freak?"

At that moment, Dai Mubai arrived, smacking Ma Hongjun on the head. "Fatty, are you trying to get yourself killed? First, you provoke Tang San, and now Su Xiao? Open your eyes—he's got three thousand-year soul rings!"

Ma Hongjun withdrew his martial spirit dejectedly. "I didn't know!" he muttered in frustration.

Meanwhile, Ning Rongrong returned Su Xiao's coat. Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Dai Mubai joined them, having caught up with the commotion.

"You two..." Xiao Wu pointed between Su Xiao and Ning Rongrong, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.

Ning Rongrong's cheeks turned red as she stammered, "Xiao Wu, don't misunderstand! Brother Xiao and I aren't what you think!"

"Brother Xiao? That's a first," Xiao Wu teased, giggling.

Su Xiao shook his head, exasperated, and started to leave. Ning Rongrong quickly followed him, her tone anxious. "Brother Xiao, are you upset?"

"No," Su Xiao replied with a faint smile. "Let's just head to the cafeteria for breakfast. Xiao Bai must be hungry, and I think we'll put Ma Hongjun's share to good use."

At that moment, Dai Mubai called out from behind, his voice urgent. "Hurry! If we don't get there first, the fat man will lick all the plates clean!"

Su Xiao paused, realizing his oversight. Though Ma Hongjun had lost the bet, his insatiable appetite, fueled by the Evil Fire Phoenix, had no limits.

"Rongrong," Su Xiao said, turning to Ning Rongrong, "forget the cafeteria. Let's head to the city to buy some food. We'll make it back before class."

Ning Rongrong looked puzzled. "But Brother Xiao, isn't the city too far? I don't mind eating something simple in the cafeteria."

Su Xiao shook his head. "You don't understand. With Ma Hongjun there, there won't be any food left. Plus, it's good training for us to head to the city. Have you ever heard the saying, 'An auxiliary soul master who can't run is no good'? This is as much a lesson as it is breakfast."