"If I hadn't stepped in, do you think you'd still be standing here?" Yan Shaozhe turned, fixing Dai Huabin with a fierce gaze.
Dai Huabin's face turned pale, his body trembled slightly, and his breaths came in ragged gasps. Bloodshot eyes glared with resentment, but he lowered his head, clenching his teeth, finally succumbing to silence, unable to retort.
"A loss is a loss; excuses only make it worse." Yan Shaozhe gave a cold huff, his eyes sharp as he looked at Dai Huabin. "If you're dissatisfied, you can challenge Xiao Yan again once classes are divided. The academy's Battle Soul Arena is open if he agrees. But for now, be silent."
Yan Shaozhe's gaze hardened. "Or do you want to embarrass your father, Duke White Tiger Dai Hao?"
With that, Yan Shaozhe turned on his heel and strode out of the examination area.
"Hmph." Dai Huabin wavered slightly, barely staying upright with Zhu Lu's help. His hand, wrapped tightly in bandages, bore the full extent of his injury. Eyes cold, he glared at Xiao Yan, vowing inwardly. "Breaking my hand—this isn't over. Xiao Yan, one day you'll pay me back a hundredfold. Soon, I'll have you begging at my feet."
A venomous gleam flashed in his bloodshot eyes. Xiao Yan's punch had fractured more than just his bones—it had bruised Dai Huabin's pride, leaving a deep wound in his spirit.
Throughout his life in the White Tiger Duke's household, Dai Huabin had basked in praise and admiration, his future seemingly assured. Losing to Xiao Yan, a "mere" auxiliary spirit master, was a blow to his pride, a wound to his self-image far worse than any physical pain.
"Consider yourself lucky today. Next time, when no one's around to help, I'll make sure you don't leave the arena alive." Xiao Yan observed Dai Huabin's expression, relishing the flash of frustration in his rival's eyes. Coldly, he sneered, a sense of satisfaction rising within him.
While Xiao Yan had enough strength to harm Dai Huabin, he'd held back for practical reasons. Shrek Academy was well-guarded, filled with powerful elders; if he acted rashly, it would only bring trouble. Even with Yao Lao's assistance, Xiao Yan wanted his revenge to come through his own strength.
But one day, if Dai Huabin left the academy… With his mastery of the ground-breaking Flame Splitting Tsunami Strike, Xiao Yan was confident he could bring Dai Huabin down outside the academy's protection.
"Let's go; the match is over. We should rest. Tonight, let's meet on East Street outside the academy. I'll be selling rabbit and potatoes there; come and have a taste. No charge today—it's on me to celebrate," Xiao Yan said to Lan Luoluo and Lan Susu with a smile.
"Yes! We love rabbit!" Lan Luoluo and Lan Susu cheered, thrilled.
Under the gaze of countless onlookers, the three of them left the arena, marking the end of Shrek Academy's freshman assessment for the year.
"This boy… there's something special about him. Looks like it's time to call another Sea God Pavilion meeting," murmured Elder Xuan from his place on the platform. Chuckling, he took a bite of his chicken leg and started making his way down.
---
Shrek Academy, Infirmary
"What are we going to do, Huabin? I can't believe that jerk dared to break your hand. Good thing you got treatment right away, or it would have been much worse," Zhu Lu said, her gaze filled with concern as she looked at Dai Huabin's bandaged hand.
Dai Huabin's eyes turned venomous. "That kid's first spirit ring is only a ten-year ring. There's no way he should have that kind of power. He must be hiding two spirit bones, at least fifty thousand years each."
He clenched his teeth. "If that's the case, he leaves me no choice."
Zhu Lu's eyes widened. "Huabin, are you thinking… But this is Shrek Academy…" she stammered, covering her mouth.
Dai Huabin's voice was low and cold. "What if he's outside the academy? Don't worry about it. Just help me get permission from our teacher for a leave. I'll be going out for a bit."
With that, Dai Huabin rose and left the infirmary.
---
Evening
Xiao Yan strolled through the academy's shaded paths, barely noticing the admiring looks cast his way. Ever since winning the freshman assessment, these stares had followed him wherever he went.
"Xiao Yan!"
Xiao Yan paused, turning to see Tang Ya hurrying over. A small smile appeared on his face.
"Congratulations! I heard your team won the freshman assessment championship. You really should have joined our Tang Sect," Tang Ya said, her tone carrying a hint of regret.
Xiao Yan chuckled, scratching his nose. "Just lucky, I suppose."
"Yeah, sure, 'just lucky.'" Tang Ya laughed, giving him a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Let's go, 'Lucky Guy.' Time to sell some rabbits."
"Mm." Xiao Yan nodded. "I was just heading over. To celebrate today's win, I've invited some friends to join us. They'll be my guests tonight."
"Great!" Tang Ya cheered, her face lighting up. "So I get to eat as much as I want?"
"Yep, as much rabbit and potatoes as you can handle!"
Soon, the two of them reached East Street outside the academy, where a long line had already formed. At the front of the queue was Xu Sanshi.
"Here," Xu Sanshi tossed Xiao Yan a silver spirit coin. "No need to give me change. Give me the biggest roasted rabbit you've got."
"Xu Sanshi, you again? Are you eating rabbits every day because you can't win over Jiang Nannan?" Tang Ya teased him.
Xu Sanshi's face darkened. "Tang Ya, one more word, and I won't be so nice. I'll tell Bei Bei."
"You wouldn't dare!" Tang Ya puffed up her chest defiantly, unfazed by his glare.
Just then, a woman in a red robe and a mask appeared from the distance. Her aura was fierce and intimidating, and the crowd instinctively made way for her. Even those waiting to buy rabbit turned silent.
"Xu Sanshi, there you are. I've been
looking for you everywhere," said the red-robed woman, her voice crisp and cold.
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