"Yes, there's something I need to talk about," Qin Ming began. "Shrek Team's Zhu Zhuqing has broken through to level 30. Flender wants Teacher Ah Yin to come to the classroom so we can discuss forming a joint team with the Emperor Battle Team to go to Sunset Forest. The goal is to help Zhu Zhuqing obtain her third spirit ring and also provide training for both teams."
While speaking, Qin Ming's gaze involuntarily drifted toward Ah Yin, who sat behind the desk, radiating a gentle and mesmerizing beauty.
He found himself increasingly drawn to Ah Yin. Even though she was Tang Yin's adoptive mother and Tang San's biological mother, Qin Ming's feelings for her didn't waver.
Tang Yin noticed Qin Ming's gaze and a faint coldness flickered at the corner of his mouth. Ah Yin was his woman—how could Qin Ming covet her?
However, Tang Yin couldn't stop Qin Ming from harboring feelings for his adoptive mother. After all, he couldn't control others' thoughts, and it only highlighted Ah Yin's incredible charm. This, in turn, only made Tang Yin feel a greater sense of pride during their private moments together.
Still, Qin Ming…
"If that's the case, let's head there now," Tang Yin suggested, already planning where Qin Ming might find his proper place.
Tang Yin extended his hand toward Ah Yin, who unhesitatingly stepped forward, placing her delicate hand in his like a devoted wife. The two walked out of the office hand in hand, leaving a stunned Qin Ming behind.
When Ah Yin had extended her hand, Qin Ming had thought for a moment that it was for him, and his heart leapt with joy. But when he realized her gesture was directed at Tang Yin, his heart plummeted.
The crushing disappointment left him in a daze for a long while before he recovered enough to follow them.
Walking behind them, he noticed the special intimacy between Tang Yin and Ah Yin. Their interaction resembled that of a couple rather than an adoptive mother and son, leaving Qin Ming deeply puzzled.
As he contemplated finding an opportunity to talk to Ah Yin, he saw that her focus was entirely on Tang Yin, which only deepened his frustration.
A short while later, Tang Yin and Ah Yin arrived at the classroom.
Flender, Yu Xiaogang, Zhao Wuji, and others were already gathered.
Oscar, Ma Hongjun, Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Ning Rongrong were present, along with Zhu Zhuqing, who should have been resting in her room but had also come to the classroom.
Dai Mubai, however, was nowhere to be seen.
When Tang Yin entered, Zhu Zhuqing's pale face instantly flushed. She avoided looking at him, clearly embarrassed as memories of their previous interaction surfaced.
Tang Yin, on the other hand, only gave her a playful glance before taking a seat, directly in front of Zhu Zhuqing. To his left and right sat Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and the other Shrek beauties.
Ah Yin chose to sit next to Tang Yin instead of joining the other teachers.
She felt more comfortable by Tang Yin's side than with Flender and the others.
Flender looked around, noticing Dai Mubai's absence. He frowned and turned to Ma Hongjun and the others.
"Where's that brat Dai Mubai?"
Ma Hongjun scratched his head awkwardly. "Uh, we're not sure either."
Oscar nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we haven't seen him since last night. Maybe he's training somewhere in the academy?"
Flender's frown deepened.
"I think he's probably in some shady place in Heaven Dou City, spending time with another woman," Tang Yin said nonchalantly.
All eyes turned toward him—Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, Tang San, and Ma Hongjun among them.
"Don't talk nonsense, Tang Yin!" Ma Hongjun retorted. "Boss Dai hasn't gone to places like that in a long time. I even invited him last time, and he refused."
"Exactly," Oscar chimed in. "Since Zhu Zhuqing arrived, Boss Dai has been keeping himself clean and hasn't visited those places anymore."
Tang Yin chuckled. "Oh? So you're saying it used to be his habit? How can you be so sure he wouldn't feel like going again?"
"Well…" Ma Hongjun and Oscar faltered, noticing Zhu Zhuqing's icy expression.
Flender coughed, trying to change the subject. "Tang Yin, how can you be so sure Dai Mubai went to a place like that?"
"Because I saw it with my own eyes. Isn't that right, Zhuqing?" Tang Yin glanced at Zhu Zhuqing.
Everyone turned their attention to her, surprised when the usually quiet and reserved Zhu Zhuqing nodded to confirm.
"He did go to those places," she said coldly.
Her words shocked the room, especially Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong, who couldn't believe what they were hearing.
"Last night, Tang Yin and I went to the underground battle arena. That's where we ran into Dai Mubai. While he went off to those places, I broke through to level 30 by engaging in a life-or-death duel in the arena."
Zhu Zhuqing spoke succinctly, leaving no room for further questions.
The classroom fell silent.
Everyone present was well aware of the brutality and violence of the underground battle arenas. Zhu Zhuqing willingly went there just to break through to level 30—and only needed one attempt to succeed.
What surprised them even more was her running into Dai Mubai at a disreputable establishment during the same visit.
Everyone in Shrek knew about Zhu Zhuqing and Dai Mubai's arranged marriage. Even the Emperor Battle Team was aware, given the compatibility of their martial spirits.
But now, Dai Mubai had been caught red-handed betraying Zhu Zhuqing. This could easily cause a rift in their relationship, destabilizing the Shrek team's morale.
Flender, who knew Dai Mubai's character well, sighed. While he had previously turned a blind eye to Dai Mubai's behavior, it was unacceptable now that Zhu Zhuqing was here.
"Zhuqing, I think there must be some misunderstanding. When Dai Mubai returns, I'll talk to him and straighten this out."
"For now, let's focus on your third spirit ring. We plan to head to Sunset Forest the day after tomorrow. Both the Shrek and Emperor Battle Teams will join for training, and I, Zhao Wuji, Qin Ming, Xiaogang, and Ah Yin will accompany you to ensure your safety."
As Flender spoke, Dai Mubai returned to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
Thinking there might be a class, he headed toward the classroom—only to see Zhu Zhuqing and Tang Yin sitting close together, Zhu Zhuqing's face flushed as they whispered to each other.
The sight, combined with memories of last night's events, made his face turn green with rage.
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