Upon hearing that Ning Rongrong didn't want to leave, Oscar, who admired her, couldn't help but frown. Then, Dai Mubai snorted coldly, "If she wants to stay, let her stay. Let's go."
Hearing this, Oscar took another deep look at Ning Rongrong and reluctantly nodded. He consoled himself inwardly, thinking that since Lan Si already had Zhu Zhuqing, he wouldn't compete with him for Ning Rongrong. He then left with Ma Hongjun, helping Dai Mubai away.
As she watched the three walk away, Zhu Zhuqing held the marriage annulment letter in her hand. She felt an unprecedented sense of relief. For so many years, her marriage contract with Dai Mubai had been like a nightmare, making her life unbearable. Now that she had the chance to be free, even if only in name, it was still a relief.
"Ah Si, let me introduce you. This is my only friend at Shrek Academy, Ning Rongrong," Zhu Zhuqing said, pointing to Ning Rongrong as she introduced her to Lan Si.
"Hello, I'm Ning Rongrong. My martial soul is the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, and I'm a level 27 auxiliary system Grandmaster." Hearing Zhu Zhuqing introducing her to Lan Si, Ning Rongrong's interest was piqued. Her bright eyes flashed with a peculiar light as she extended her delicate hand, smiling as she introduced herself.
"Lan Si, martial soul: Green Lotus, level 33 control system Battle Soul Elder." Looking at Ning Rongrong's outstretched, fair hand, Lan Si smiled faintly. He raised his hand for a brief handshake, but there was no lingering contact.
"Level 33?" Ning Rongrong's face showed disbelief. She knew that Lan Si was a Soul Venerable but hadn't expected him to already be at level 33. She couldn't help but ask, "Lan Si, how old are you?"
"I'm probably around the same age as you. I'll be 13 in half a year," Lan Si replied calmly.
"Twelve and a half? You're even younger than Tang San by a few months and about the same age as Xiao Wu. Does that mean you became a Soul Venerable earlier than Xiao Wu and Tang San?" Ning Rongrong exclaimed. Worried that Lan Si might not know who Xiao Wu and Tang San were, she quickly added, "Oh, by the way, Xiao Wu and Tang San are also students at Shrek Academy. Like you, they broke through to Soul Venerable at the age of twelve."
Lan Si smiled without explaining further. In the past, he might have felt happy about others' praise, but over time, he had grown indifferent to it.
Elsewhere, Dai Mubai, who had not yet walked far away, glanced back at Lan Si and the others, seeing them laughing and chatting. A cold light flashed in his eyes. At this moment, he resented Ning Rongrong as well.
In his eyes, Ning Rongrong was not concerned about her Shrek Academy teammate. Instead, she was chatting and laughing with his enemy. To him, this was a betrayal.
"Dai, where are we going? Shouldn't we go back to the inn?" Ma Hongjun asked.
"No, let's not go back for now," Dai Mubai shook his head.
"Then where should we go? You still have injuries that need rest," Oscar asked, unable to hold back his concern.
Dai Mubai paused, contemplating for a moment before saying in a deep voice, "Xiao Ao, Fatty, if you still consider me a brother, I hope you'll keep today's events a secret. Don't tell anyone."
While he could inform the Star Luo Royal Family and the Zhu Family about Zhu Zhuqing's betrayal, bringing the Royal Family to pursue Lan Si and Zhu Zhuqing, it would mean he would lose his chance to inherit the throne completely.
Failure meant death, or at the very least, being crippled of his spirit power and imprisoned for life.
Dai Mubai was not one to gamble his life. Otherwise, he wouldn't have left Zhu Zhuqing and fled on his own.
So, he decided to endure for now. As long as he could defeat Davis and become the Crown Prince or even Emperor of Star Luo Empire in the future, he would have plenty of opportunities to take revenge on Lan Si and Zhu Zhuqing.
But for now, he needed to keep this secret.
"Not even Tang San and Xiao Wu?" Ma Hongjun asked in confusion.
Dai Mubai shook his head. "Don't tell them for now. Xiao Wu is a big mouth. If she finds out, everyone at Shrek Academy will know by tomorrow."
"What about Ning Rongrong?" Oscar asked hesitantly.
"I'll talk to her later. Besides, as long as Zhu Zhuqing isn't stupid, she'll tell Ning Rongrong to keep this a secret," Dai Mubai said. "Now, take me to a pharmacy on the west side of Suotuo City. There's a healing spirit master I know there. With Xiao Ao's recovery sausages, I should be mostly healed by tomorrow night."
Hearing this, Ma Hongjun and Oscar nodded heavily.
On the other side, while Dai Mubai sought a healing spirit master, Lan Si, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong chatted as they walked and soon arrived at the inn where Shrek Academy was staying.
"We're here. Thank you for walking us back, Lan Si," Ning Rongrong said, holding Zhu Zhuqing's arm and smiling sweetly at Lan Si.
Women are indeed visual creatures. After witnessing Lan Si's formidable strength, Ning Rongrong had noticed that his looks were not inferior to those of Oscar or Dai Mubai. Moreover, he was the type of handsome guy who fit the ideal image of a sunny, warm-hearted young man. Her goodwill toward him increased significantly.
Of course, this was purely in terms of friendship. As the daughter of Ning Fengzhi, the master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, she had seen spirit masters more handsome than Lan Si. It was impossible for her to fall for a stranger at first sight.
"No problem. I had free time anyway," Lan Si smiled gently. His eyes met Zhu Zhuqing's stunning face. They exchanged a look filled with mutual affection. They had just established their relationship, and their emotions were heating up. If not for the interference of Dai Mubai and his group, he might have had the chance to explore the mysteries of life with his little kitten tonight.
(Author's Note: Don't misunderstand. The kitten is only twelve years old. The protagonist won't commit a crime. They'll just hug; nothing more.)
Facing Lan Si's gaze, Zhu Zhuqing's face flushed slightly. She lowered her head, her eyes evading his.
Seeing their exchange, Ning Rongrong's mischievous side kicked in. She whispered in Zhu Zhuqing's ear, "Zhuqing, since Lan Si is already here, why don't you invite him up? I can always get another room." Because of their close friendship and since Ning Rongrong, an auxiliary spirit master, couldn't be far from her companions, she and Zhu Zhuqing shared a room at the inn.
Hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing's cheeks reddened even more. Even her neck turned pink. She pouted, "Rongrong, if you keep this up, I'll get mad."
"Tsk tsk... Look at you, Zhuqing. Your face is as red as an apple. Be honest, are you..."
"Stop it!"
The two girls started playfully pushing each other.
Seeing this, Lan Si could only shake his head helplessly.
After a while, the two girls stopped fooling around. Ning Rongrong took a deep look at Lan Si and said to Zhu Zhuqing, "Zhuqing, I'll go in first. You two take your time chatting."
As she spoke, Ning Rongrong threw Lan Si a look that was meaningful but indescribable. Then she turned and went into the inn without looking back.
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