"Oh? Let's hear it then."
Dai Mubai frowned slightly, unsure of Feng Xiaotian's intentions.
Feng Xiaotian was a unique character—his reputation was a bit… abstract. A mutated spirit with innate full soul power, he was already in his twenties yet only at Rank 44. Most notably, he was known as a shameless simp!
Still, his story ended well enough. Through his persistent efforts, he and Huo Wu eventually ended up together.
However, during their previous match against Blazing Academy, Huo Wu had surrendered outright. Dai Mubai and Huo Wu hadn't exchanged more than a few words, so Feng Xiaotian's sudden approach now felt unwarranted.
"Brother Dai, it's nothing serious," Feng Xiaotian began, scratching his head awkwardly before continuing.
"I know Shrek Academy's overall strength is far beyond ours at Godwind Academy. So, I'd like to discuss something with you.
"In this match, we at Godwind Academy will surrender. But if we meet again in the advancement rounds... heh, we hope you'll show mercy and not make our defeat too humiliating."
Beneath his mask, Feng Xiaotian's ears burned red with embarrassment. As the captain of Godwind Academy, this humiliating task had fallen to him alone.
Godwind Academy didn't need a victory—they just wanted to save face. Losing was acceptable, but being utterly crushed in a one-against-six or one-against-seven scenario was not.
Even in the original story, this had been the reason Huo Wu fought so desperately during their match. Without any semblance of respect, what choice was there but to fight with everything on the line?
"Alright, I'll make sure I'm the last to go up," Dai Mubai replied with a nod. It wasn't a big deal—Feng Xiaotian was merely asking for a dignified loss.
"Thank you, Brother Dai!" Feng Xiaotian cupped his hands in gratitude, visibly relieved by Dai Mubai's response.
The Shrek team, with the exception of Tang San, had no objections.
Tang San opened his mouth, ready to speak, but hesitated.
He could object to Flender's plan to forfeit matches, but could he really stop the opponent from surrendering?
Left with no choice, he sighed deeply, his frustration evident as he fell silent.
After a few more words of thanks, Feng Xiaotian took his leave and returned to Godwind Academy.
"Dai Mubai, you're being shortsighted…" Tang San finally broke his silence.
Before he could finish, Dai Mubai cut him off with a shake of his head. Placing a hand on Tang San's shoulder, he said:
"Tang San, in the world of spirit masters, strength is most important, but relationships and social etiquette are close behind!"
"By granting Godwind Academy this favor today, you'll gain their goodwill. If you ever need help in the future, they'll be more inclined to return the favor.
"Do you understand?"
Tang San: "???"
What was Dai Mubai even saying? Tang San couldn't wrap his head around it.
Seeing this, Zhao Wuji clicked his tongue in annoyance. Dai Mubai had explained it plainly, yet Tang San still didn't get it. He couldn't help but wonder how Tang Hao had raised his son.
At such a young age, Tang San had already shown his ruthlessness during their trials. That was one thing, but killing Tai Long over a minor grievance?
With a personality like that, who would dare to be his friend?
"Clearly, you don't understand." Dai Mubai shook his head again, disappointment flashing across his face as he continued.
"Once, you called me 'Boss Dai.' But ever since I helped you hunt spirit beasts and obtain your spirit rings, you've only called me 'Dai Mubai.'
"I don't mind small things like that. If you're strong enough, you could even call me 'Little Bai,' and I wouldn't care.
"But it's a little disheartening, don't you think?"
"Tang San, with your attitude, do you think I'd dare to help you again in the future?"
Dai Mubai's pointed questions left Tang San momentarily stunned, his mind reeling.
The other team members, particularly the girls like Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, and Dugu Yan, gave Tang San disdainful looks.
"Tang San, I treated you as a friend, a brother. But you saw me as a tool to be used. When it's cold, you can wear more layers; when it's chilling to the heart, that's when it truly dies."
With that, Dai Mubai turned and walked away.
"Let's go. I trust Godwind Academy will keep their word."
The others followed without hesitation, sparing Tang San one last indifferent glance.
Ma Hongjun hesitated, wanting to pat Tang San on the shoulder and offer a few words. But after some thought, he shook his head and decided against it. Too risky.
Dai Mubai had spoken the truth—if Tang San started calling him "Ma Hongjun" instead of "Fatty," their friendship would probably end on the spot.
"Hey, slow down, you little brats! Don't rush off! Old Zhao just got paid—I'll treat you to a meal!"
"Yay! Thank you, Teacher Zhao!"
In no time, the Shrek Academy resting area was empty, leaving Tang San alone.
He stood there motionless, his face contorted with inner conflict, as if he were waging a war with himself. Gradually, his expression turned grim.
"Friends? Brothers?"
"Hmph. I, Tang San, need neither friends nor brothers!"
Tang San's eyes gleamed with steely resolve as he muttered under his breath.
"Dai Mubai, you've humiliated me in public. You've signed your death warrant!"
Dai Mubai's words had completely severed their fragile relationship. Tang San had even been considering helping Dai Mubai secure his position in the Star Luo Empire. Now, that idea was gone.
"Hmph, complaining over a few thousand-year spirit rings! If not for me holding off that Titan Giant Ape, you wouldn't have even survived!"
"If you weren't so weak, I wouldn't have had to settle for three or four thousand-year rings!"
"I am a disciple of the Tang Sect, a scion of the Haotian Clan. Who are you, Dai Mubai, to be my friend or brother?"
Tang San's mental state was unstable. His injuries, combined with the spiritual backlash from his battle with Canghui Academy, had caused his spirit power to spiral out of control.
Dark energy began to seep from Tang San's body, and the clarity in his eyes gave way to a sinister red glow.
A twisted smile crept onto his face.
Suddenly, a black-cloaked figure appeared beside him. Without a word, the figure delivered a swift chop to Tang San's neck, knocking him unconscious.
The next moment, the figure disappeared, taking Tang San with them.
Fortunately, no one witnessed this scene. Otherwise, Tang San would soon find himself hunted by the Spirit Hall...
Some time later...
Tang San groggily opened his eyes to see Tang Hao sitting before him, his expression cold and unreadable.
"Dad, I—"
SMACK!
Tang Hao's slap resounded like thunder, cutting Tang San off.
"Tang San, what the hell are you doing?! Do you know you were this close to becoming a Fallen One?!"
Being the Haotian Clan's heir would have protected Tang San from the Spirit Hall. But if he became a Fallen One, the Spirit Hall would hunt him to the ends of the earth.
Tang Hao's furious shout echoed as Tang San struggled to regain his bearings…
(Chapter Ends)
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