Zhao Wuji paused mid-sentence, then continued speaking to Dai Mubai.
"Xiao Bai, you're the strongest in the Shrek Team. If this Shi Nian has any plans against the team, he'll likely come for you."
Zhao Wuji's words were straightforward—if anyone in the Shrek Team were to be targeted, it would most likely be Dai Mubai.
"Mm, I'll be careful!"
Dai Mubai nodded thoughtfully.
At the side, Xiao Wu's eyebrow twitched. She didn't know what to say.
That Shi Nian... She recalled Dean Flender mentioning that he was just a Rank-72 Soul Sage.
Dai Mubai had reached Soul Emperor level a long time ago, and with her energy, his sixth soul ring was a 100,000-year ring!
With Dai Mubai's talent, he should already be at Soul Sage level by now, shouldn't he? Even if not, how could an ordinary Soul Sage defeat Dai Mubai, who had two 100,000-year soul rings?
"If that old man is courting death, it'll be a real joke," Xiao Wu silently ridiculed in her heart.
"Wait a second, Old Zhao!"
Dai Mubai suddenly seemed to think of something and quickly addressed Zhao Wuji.
Zhao Wuji blinked in confusion. What was Dai Mubai up to?
"Right now, I might not be the strongest in the team anymore—Tang San is."
Dai Mubai walked over to Tang San, patted him on the shoulder, and smiled.
To destroy someone's pride, you first have to elevate them—high, very high. That way, when they fall, it hurts much more!
The Clear Sky Hammer with its four purple soul rings was undoubtedly among the most powerful at the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament.
Zhao Wuji was puzzled, but upon seeing Dai Mubai's grin, he nodded in realization.
Didn't he notice how Tang San, who had been bowing his head, had now tilted it up by 30 degrees? Only 15 degrees more and he'd be looking down at people from his nostrils.
"Very good, Tang San! You didn't let me down, and you haven't wasted your own hard work!" Zhao Wuji instinctively praised him. After all, he was used to cheering on Tang San during his devil training sessions, and old habits die hard.
"Let's go have breakfast. Today your opponent is the Tianshui Academy. I look forward to your performance, Tang San."
There was no need to dwell on what Shi Nian might do. With Zhao Wuji guarding them, if Shi Nian dared to come, Zhao Wuji dared to kill him! Did he think Zhao Wuji was the same as before? If only there was proof that Shi Nian was behind the incidents, Zhao Wuji would have stormed his door to ensure the students' safety.
A mere Soul Sage? How dangerous could he be? Could he possibly handle a Soul Douluo?
"Tianshui Academy? What a coincidence," Dai Mubai blurted out without thinking.
As soon as he said that, he noticed that the surrounding air seemed to drop a few degrees.
Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, Xiao Wu, Dugu Yan, Ye Lingling, and the others all turned to look at him with strange expressions!
Dai Mubai: "…"
Tang San: "???"
Tang San could understand the reactions of the others, but why was Xiao Wu also looking at Dai Mubai like that? He couldn't figure it out!
What was going on here?
Suddenly, Tang San recalled Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang's words: Before you become the strongest, all love is just a burden—a stumbling block!
Who Xiao Wu likes is none of my business! As long as it doesn't affect me, that's all that matters.
Dai Mubai was once a genius, but because of women, his soul power growth slowed. It won't be long before I surpass him!
With that thought, Tang San stopped paying attention to Xiao Wu. However, a faint pain lingered in his heart, and tears inexplicably slid down his cheeks.
No, this was clearly Xiao Wu showing disdain toward Dai Mubai! I almost misunderstood her because I was overthinking.
Adjusting his mindset, Tang San felt much better.
"Ahem…"
Dai Mubai coughed lightly and finally spoke.
"I just think it's quite the coincidence to encounter such a strong team right after returning."
"Tianshui Academy won't be easy to deal with. Tang San, today's match is on you!"
The girls rolled their eyes at Dai Mubai before heading toward the cafeteria.
"Boss Dai, you're amazing!"
Ma Hongjun teased.
"It has to be you, Boss Dai!"
"You just mentioned Tianshui Academy, and Zhuqing and the others instantly knew what you were thinking!"
Dai Mubai's lips twitched as he denied it.
"Fatty, I, Dai Mubai, have always maintained a sincere and devoted attitude toward relationships."
"I don't even know the girls from Tianshui Academy. How could I have any improper thoughts about them?"
Ma Hongjun glanced at the departing backs of Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, Dugu Yan, and the others, then sneered.
"Sincere? Devoted?"
"Boss Dai, if you're devoted, then I, Fatty Ma, am pure as snow! Hahaha…"
At that, Ma Hongjun couldn't help but burst into laughter. Beside him, Oscar also covered his mouth, laughing.
"Pure-as-snow Ma Hongjun, sincere-and-devoted Dai Mubai! Are you two trying to make me laugh to death and inherit my remaining gold soul coins?"
"Hahaha!"
At this point, Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun calmly walked over to Oscar, each placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Fatty, I heard that while the Tianshui girls are beautiful, they're ruthless when it comes to fighting. They never hold back."
"Yeah, Boss Dai, just the other day, I saw that Shui Qingyan from their team viciously beating up a Support-Type Soul Elder. It was brutal!"
Oscar: "…"
What were these two up to now?
Oscar was on the verge of tears. How could he have forgotten that he was just a humble Food-Type Soul Master?!
"Little Ao, today's opponent is quite strong. With Ning Rongrong, Ye Lingling, and Jiang Zhu on support, I feel uneasy!"
"Yeah, Little Ao, it's your time to shine and prove your support abilities!"
"Can I refuse?"
Oscar asked weakly.
"Little Ao, you wouldn't want your girlfriend to find out about your ex…"
"Alright, Fatty, say no more! For the academy, for the team, I'll do it!"
Oscar quickly waved his hands, a look of righteousness on his face.
In front of his current girlfriend, he was a devoted man who had never dated before. If she found out about his past, the consequences would be unthinkable!
Suddenly, Oscar seemed to recall something and grinned mischievously.
"Fatty, don't forget about your own past…"
Before Oscar could finish his sentence, Ma Hongjun waved him off nonchalantly.
"Little Ao, my uncle, I've already confessed everything to her long ago!"
"And guess what? She didn't care at all!"
"Jealous? Hahaha…"
"What about you, Boss Dai?"
"Me?" Dai Mubai froze slightly…
(End of Chapter)