As Dai Mubai arrived at the classroom door, Flender noticed him immediately. However, he was puzzled by the unpleasant expression on Dai Mubai's face as he glared in the direction of Zhu Zhuqing and Tang Yin.
Tang Yin glanced at Dai Mubai but quickly looked away, ignoring him completely.
"Boss Dai, you're back!" Ma Hongjun was the first to react.
Hearing the call, everyone turned their attention to the doorway.
"Mubai, where have you been?" Flender asked.
Without hesitation, Dai Mubai replied, "I went to Heaven Dou City to participate in a soul fight competition."
Though it was a lie, Dai Mubai spoke as if it were the absolute truth, his expression calm and composed.
Hearing this, Flender turned to look at Tang Yin and Zhu Zhuqing, sensing a clear discrepancy in their accounts.
Both Tang Yin and Zhu Zhuqing glanced at Dai Mubai with expressions of disdain, especially Zhu Zhuqing.
She had seen him the previous night with two women, heading to a hotel room. There was no need to guess what had transpired.
As for her own interaction with Tang Yin, Zhu Zhuqing felt no guilt. If there was anyone to blame, it was Dai Mubai, whose history with women was well-known—he'd been with at least fifty, if not a hundred, over the years.
Flender, a seasoned veteran, immediately recognized the lie. Dai Mubai's scent alone gave him away. However, as a teacher, Flender decided not to confront Dai Mubai publicly in the classroom or pit him against Tang Yin and Zhu Zhuqing. Doing so would risk sparking a conflict that could destabilize the Shrek Team's unity.
Clearing his throat, Flender said, "Whatever you were doing last night doesn't matter anymore. Just take your seat now."
He continued, "Zhuqing has already broken through to level 30. The day after tomorrow, we will head to Sunset Forest to help her obtain her third spirit ring and give both teams a chance to train."
Hearing Zhu Zhuqing's breakthrough, Dai Mubai looked momentarily surprised. However, recalling the events of the previous night, his expression darkened further, though he still replied, "Understood."
He walked over to his seat and sat beside Ma Hongjun, who immediately leaned over to whisper in his ear.
"Boss Dai, that's not cool! You went to the city for women last night and didn't even invite me? That's not brotherly at all!"
Due to Ma Hongjun's martial spirit, his indulgences were an open secret among the Shrek students.
Hearing this, Dai Mubai rolled his eyes. "What nonsense are you spouting? When did I go looking for women? I already told you—I was at a soul fight."
"Heh, Boss Dai, don't try to deny it. Your scent gives you away, and those red marks on your neck are proof enough!" Ma Hongjun teased, pointing at the evidence.
At this, Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu both glanced at Dai Mubai's neck, where indeed faint red marks were visible.
That was enough to confirm Dai Mubai's activities from the previous night.
"Shameless scoundrel!" Xiao Wu scolded, furious on behalf of her good friend Zhu Zhuqing.
Ning Rongrong, too, felt indignant for Zhu Zhuqing, who remained seated with her arms crossed, refusing to even look at Dai Mubai. After all, she had already witnessed his actions firsthand.
Meanwhile, members of the Emperor Battle Team, including Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling, noticed the marks as well and whispered among themselves.
"Enough, quiet down," Flender ordered, sensing the tension escalating.
He continued, "Now let's discuss the trip to Sunset Forest."
"Sunset Forest is home to countless powerful soul beasts. For safety, we teachers will accompany you. Take the next few days to prepare. Remember, this is not just training but also a group effort between two teams. Learn to work together and support one another."
"Additionally, we teachers will grade your performance during the trip. Those with low scores will face extra training when we return."
Flender concluded, "If there's nothing else, you're dismissed to prepare. Dai Mubai, stay behind—I need to speak with you."
Flender's expression was serious as he addressed Dai Mubai.
At that moment, Tang Yin raised his hand.
"Flender, I have something to say," he began.
"What is it?" Flender asked.
Tang Yin stood up. "I've heard that recently, Sunset Forest has seen frequent outbreaks of soul beast riots, including those involving ten-thousand-year soul beasts. With both teams going, I'm concerned that just you, Zhao Wuji, and my foster mother might not be enough to ensure everyone's safety."
He added, "Of course, I'm not doubting your strength, but with two teams of soul masters under level 40, any unexpected encounter with such beasts could end poorly. And with Master Yu joining us, your attention will also be divided to protect him."
Tang Yin's words left Yu Xiaogang slightly embarrassed but struck a chord with the others, who recognized the truth in his concerns.
Zhao Wuji, recalling their previous encounter with the Titan Giant Ape in Star Dou Forest, quickly agreed. "Flender, Tang Yin has a point. We need additional help to ensure the children's safety."
Flender nodded and turned to Yu Xiaogang, who averted his gaze awkwardly, clearly understanding the implication.
"Wait, I have an idea!" Flender suddenly brightened. "Erlong! If we bring Liu Erlong along, our safety would be guaranteed."
As part of the Golden Iron Triangle, their martial spirit fusion could unleash power on par with a Titled Douluo.
Flender naturally wanted Yu Xiaogang to invite Liu Erlong.
Tang Yin's lips curled into a subtle smile.
He couldn't wait for Liu Erlong to join the trip to Sunset Forest.
Who knew? It might even lead to some exciting adventures in the wild.
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