Mo Fan, having just returned from the school assembly, was brimming with excitement as he headed back to the villa.
"Oh my god, I can actually go to the Three-Step Pagoda to practice again!" he exclaimed, his thoughts racing. This is such a huge gain. Last time, when I was busy dealing with the Black Church, I didn't have a chance to go. Does this mean I get the full 14 days now?
The possibilities made his mind spin. A half-month breakthrough sounded too good to be true. He couldn't help but laugh to himself, overflowing with anticipation.
Meanwhile, Ai Tutu entered the living room to find Ye Chenfeng sitting on the sofa. Her first instinct was to lash out, but she hesitated. This wasn't Mo Fan; Ye Chenfeng had even helped her before, and his fearsome reputation preceded him. Not someone to cross lightly. But—Oh no, Sister Mu is still upstairs!
Panic set in. Ai Tutu rushed to Mu Nujiao's room, pulling her out of meditation in a flurry of urgency.
"Sister Mu! Save my bunny, hurry!"
Mu Nujiao, dazed from her interrupted meditation, blinked in confusion as she processed Ai Tutu's frantic words.
When Mu Nujiao stepped into the living room, she saw Ye Chenfeng nonchalantly pinching the ears of Ai Tutu's rabbit doll. Her brows knitted in mild annoyance. It's all Mo Fan's fault. He calls Tutu a big-breasted rabbit so often that I almost thought something inappropriate had actually happened.
"Sister Mu~" Ai Tutu pleaded, her voice trembling as she clung to Mu Nujiao. Her eyes darted between Ye Chenfeng and her squished bunny.
Mu Nujiao studied Ye Chenfeng cautiously. Why is he here? she wondered. His name often came up in the academy, accompanied by stories of his overwhelming strength and mysterious aura—someone even more intimidating than Mo Fan. And now he was here, calm yet somehow radiating effortless dominance.
Still, Mu Nujiao tried to stay composed as Ai Tutu clung tightly to her arm. She couldn't help noticing Ye Chenfeng's piercing gaze examining her. His expression, however, was less intimidating and more... amused.
"Are you here to see Mo Fan?" Mu Nujiao asked warily.
"That's right." Ye Chenfeng's casual response was paired with a smirk, as if her question were obvious.
His gaze briefly lingered on her, assessing her magical fluctuations. Not bad. A cultivation level close to Mo Fan's, though clearly enhanced by a Nebula Magic Weapon. Must be an aristocratic perk.
But Mu Nujiao, standing just a few feet from him, felt her confidence waver. The sheer strength emanating from him was overwhelming—several times more potent than hers or Mo Fan's. This guy is a monster! she thought. Why is he still on the Qing Campus? Shouldn't someone like him already be on the main campus?
Moments later, Mo Fan walked in, breaking the tension. "Old Ye!" he greeted warmly, noticing the strange atmosphere in the room but brushing it aside.
Ye Chenfeng didn't waste time. He wrapped an arm around Mo Fan's neck, his demeanor both relaxed and commanding. "How about joining me to hunt down the shadow monster? I need someone reliable for the team."
Mo Fan grinned, already calculating the advantages. "Of course, Old Ye! If you hadn't come to me, I would've sought you out!" he laughed. With Ye Chenfeng around, I'd rather team up than end up fighting against him. That's a battle I'd lose every time.
As the two discussed their plans, Ye Chenfeng glanced at the two women, Ai Tutu and Mu Nujiao. "What about them? Do you two want in?"
After some hesitation, the group agreed. Plans solidified, and Ye Chenfeng quickly made a call to another potential recruit.
"Old Zhao, it's me. I've got a team hunting shadow monsters, and we're short one person. Want in?"
The voice on the other end lit up. "Are you kidding? Of course, I'm in! A shot at the Three-Step Pagoda? I'd be crazy to say no!"
The group was now set to embark on their next great challenge. Mo Fan, though excited, couldn't help but feel slightly uneasy, caught between the awe-inspiring power of Ye Chenfeng and the enigmatic dynamics of his companions.