As soon as Su Ming finished speaking, Xiao Wu chimed in from the side, "Yeah, that's right! Zhuqing is a sensitive agility-type soul master, and her strength isn't weak. She's perfect for scouting ahead. Having her at the back doesn't make much sense."
"My brother will be right behind Zhuqing, so there's no way she'll be in danger. With Dai Mubai and Tang San at the rear, that's more than enough."
Zhao Wuji stood to the side, simply observing. He didn't interfere in their discussion, thinking that it was something they needed to decide for themselves. This would also help them build teamwork and understanding.
Without saying a word, Zhu Zhuqing quietly walked from the back of the group to the front after hearing Xiao Wu's suggestion.
With that settled, Dai Mubai chose a direction, and the group set off, running on foot, with Zhao Wuji walking by himself on the side, not part of their formation.
Not long after they started, Su Ming activated his fourth soul skill. Little green lights landed on Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong, energizing them.
Seeing this, Ma Hongjun grumbled in dissatisfaction, "Su Ming, why are you only helping those three? Look at me, I'm so fat. Help me out too!"
Before Su Ming could respond, Xiao Wu shot Ma Hongjun a glare and snapped, "Fatty, do you want a beating? If you're tired, go eat Oscar's sausages! You've eaten them before! And besides, it's good for your weight loss!"
Since Xiao Wu had spoken, Su Ming didn't feel the need to say anything. That was exactly what he had intended—there was no way he was going to help Ma Hongjun.
The group continued their journey from morning until dusk. When they got hungry, the three girls ate the dry rations they brought, even though they weren't very tasty. They would rather eat bland food than touch Oscar's sausages.
The others weren't as picky. Oscar's sausages were delicious and far better than dry rations.
As they kept moving, even the usually strong Dai Mubai and Tang San began to feel their energy depleting. But with Oscar's sausages replenishing their strength, it wasn't much of an issue.
As for Su Ming, he barely ate any of Oscar's sausages. His physical strength far surpassed that of Dai Mubai or Tang San. It was important to remember that Su Ming's fourth soul ring was at the 50,000-year mark, and he regularly practiced soul power body refinement techniques. His body was estimated to be strong enough to handle a soul beast of 60,000 or 70,000 years.
In other words, Su Ming's physical strength was on par with Zhao Wuji's. If Zhao Wuji didn't use soul power enhancements, a close-quarters battle between the two would be evenly matched. Su Ming wouldn't be the one getting beaten.
However, Su Ming figured, why bother with close combat when you can attack from afar? It's less exhausting and much more enjoyable to cast spells from a distance.
Xiao Wu's physical strength was also impressive. According to Su Ming's estimates, she could already absorb a ten-thousand-year fourth soul ring, which wasn't slow progress at all.
By nightfall, they were nearing the Star Dou Forest. But it was late, and they had reached a small town, so Zhao Wuji gave the order to rest and replenish their energy.
Pointing to an ordinary-looking hotel ahead, Zhao Wuji said, "We'll stay here tonight. Rest up, and we'll head out early tomorrow morning. Everyone is responsible for their own lodging and food."
The hotel was a two-story building, with a dining area on the ground floor and rooms on the second. Zhao Wuji paid for his room and went straight upstairs. After all, he wasn't exactly flush with cash, given his lack of income.
Dai Mubai, Tang San, and Oscar pooled together for a triple room, while Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, and Xiao Wu shared another. Su Ming, on the other hand, got a room for himself.
He wasn't short on money and saw no reason to share a room with Dai Mubai and the others. Plus, he had plenty of secrets, and being in close quarters with them would make it hard to focus on his training.
Originally, Su Ming had wanted to book individual rooms for the girls too, but since they preferred staying together, he dropped the idea, amused at how close the three of them had become. Their bond was nothing like in the original storyline.
In the original, at this point, Ning Rongrong was ostracized for her selfish and reckless behavior. It wasn't until after their journey through the Star Dou Forest that she started to integrate into the group. But now, the three girls were as close as sisters.
"I need to eat something else," Ma Hongjun grumbled. "After eating sausages all day, I feel sick. I need some proper food."
Su Ming nodded and said, "You guys go ahead and order some food. I'll head upstairs to check out the room first."
In truth, this was just an excuse. Su Ming didn't want to get involved in the conflict that was about to happen. It was better to let the teacher from Canghui Academy give them a good beating before Zhao Wuji came down to deal with it.
If Su Ming stayed downstairs, he might feel compelled to step in and help. But Ma Hongjun was too obnoxious, and with his rat-like appearance and whiskers, Su Ming couldn't help but think that the anime version had made him look far better than reality.
Xiao Wu and the others had guessed Su Ming's thoughts and chimed in, "We'll go check out the room with Su Ming. You guys order first, and we'll come down when we're ready."
With that, Xiao Wu pulled Su Ming along, and the three girls followed him upstairs.
Dai Mubai and the others didn't mind, focusing on ordering food instead. Tang San asked, "Should we invite Teacher Zhao to join us?"
Dai Mubai shook his head and said, "No need. The dean has a rule—while he won't pay for our expenses on trips, he also won't accept any favors from us."
Ma Hongjun grinned mischievously and said, "Alright, enough talk. Let's order some food. Oh, and Dai Laoda, you're treating us tonight!"
Dai Mubai, annoyed, retorted, "Why should I treat you, Fatty? You eat the most! Haven't I treated you enough? You should be the one treating us!"
Laughing, Ma Hongjun replied, "But you're the boss, aren't you? Besides, your monthly soul master stipend is ten times mine. My money barely covers my visits to the brothels!"
Dai Mubai shot Ma Hongjun a glare, grateful that Su Ming and the girls were upstairs. Otherwise, Ma Hongjun would have caused even more trouble with the girls.
With a sigh, Dai Mubai relented, "Fine, I'll treat you. After all, I'm the oldest here. Consider this meal a welcome for Tang San and the others."
Tang San and Oscar said nothing, thinking it was just one meal. There would be plenty of opportunities to treat each other during their time at Shrek Academy.