"Ah! Stop, stop that!"
Ning Rongrong's face flushed a deep red as she tried to wriggle free, but her small hands were tightly enveloped by Meng Bei's larger ones.
His strong grip held her delicate hands, gently kneading them.
"Rongrong, your hands are so soft, and you smell so nice," Meng Bei teased, leaning closer to take in her scent.
He deliberately brushed his cheek against her ear, their heads so close they could feel each other's warmth.
The air between them grew charged with intimacy.
Ning Rongrong, overwhelmed by Meng Bei's playful advances, felt her body weaken. However, her mind retained a sliver of clarity.
"Meng Bei, no! We can kiss, but nothing more!" Ning Rongrong insisted firmly, her tone resolute despite her soft demeanor.
Meng Bei, understanding boundaries, smiled and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. "Of course, Rongrong. I'll listen to everything you say."
He knew the importance of restraint. Rushing things would only backfire. Progress had to be steady, step by step, and Meng Bei was an expert at this approach.
As they stood close, Ning Rongrong hesitated before shyly whispering, "Actually… kissing is okay too."
Her face burned even redder, like a ripe apple ready to burst. Embarrassed, she hastily blurted, "Let's head back now!" and turned to dash away, leaving Meng Bei amused and satisfied.
---
That evening, Meng Bei ran into Tang San and Xiao Wu at Shrek Academy. The two were walking side by side, but upon spotting Meng Bei, Xiao Wu instinctively distanced herself from Tang San, as if keeping a respectful gap.
"Brother San, Sister Xiao Wu!" Meng Bei greeted them warmly.
Tang San returned the smile.
Walking up to Tang San, Meng Bei put on a contemplative expression.
"Brother San, I need your advice on something."
"Sure, Meng Bei. What's on your mind?" Tang San replied attentively.
Meng Bei sighed and began explaining, "It's like this, Brother San—I've fallen for a girl, but her family doesn't approve. What do you think I should do?"
Tang San considered for a moment before asking, "Who's the girl? Can you tell me?"
Meng Bei hesitated, a troubled look on his face. "Brother San, it's not convenient for me to say. But I can tell you her family is incredibly powerful, with elders at the **Titled Douluo** level."
Tang San's eyes widened in surprise. A Titled Douluo family? He glanced at Meng Bei, piecing together clues about who the girl might be.
After a moment of thought, Tang San offered his advice. "Meng Bei, I think you should pursue her boldly. If you're sincere, her family will see that and be won over by your genuine heart."
"Oh, I understand now!" Meng Bei exclaimed, feigning sudden realization. "Thank you so much, Brother San!"
"No need to thank me; it's a small matter," Tang San replied with a generous wave of his hand.
Despite Tang San's modesty, Meng Bei insisted on expressing his gratitude. To him, this was no small matter.
---
Later, the three went to the dining hall for dinner. During the meal, Meng Bei discreetly scribbled a note in Xiao Wu's palm:
**"Come to my room tonight."**
Xiao Wu's hand recoiled as if shocked, her face instantly clouded with nervousness.
"Xiao Wu, what's wrong?" Tang San asked, noticing her reaction.
"Nothing, nothing at all!" Xiao Wu quickly stammered, unwilling to let Tang San discover the truth.
---
As the day turned to night, everyone returned to their dormitories to rest. Exhausted from their training and battles, they fell asleep quickly—except for Xiao Wu.
Lying in bed, she tossed and turned. Should she go to Meng Bei's room? She knew she'd be at his mercy if she did, but if she didn't, what if he revealed their secret encounters?
After much internal struggle, Xiao Wu finally mustered the courage to get up. She changed into fresh clothes and sneaked toward Meng Bei's room.
*Knock, knock, knock.*
The door opened immediately, revealing Meng Bei, who had clearly been waiting.
"You big bully, this is the last time—mmph!" Xiao Wu's protests were cut off as Meng Bei kissed her, silencing her objections.
Her body quickly melted into his embrace, succumbing to the same overwhelming sensation as before—the irresistible pull of a higher bloodline. Her instincts yearned for his strength.
Meng Bei wasted no time, diving straight into the purpose of their meeting.
During the day, he had been restrained with Ning Rongrong, taking things slow. But with Xiao Wu, there were no such concerns. He could indulge in his desires freely.
---
By the end of the night, Meng Bei held a torn and tattered white silk ribbon in his hand.
"Tch. Acting so pure with your little white accessories when you're anything but," Meng Bei muttered disdainfully.
Still, he carefully used his spirit power to freeze the ribbon, preserving it before tucking it into his storage ring.
It would serve as a useful tool to keep Xiao Wu in line if she ever disobeyed him.
If Tang San ever saw the ribbon in its current state, he would probably go berserk.
Meng Bei chuckled at the thought. "Good thing Tang San's martial spirit isn't Sharingan. Otherwise, he'd awaken a Mangekyo in pure rage."
In an imaginary scene, Tang San shouted:
"This world is an illusion! I must create one without Meng Bei!"
---
The days flew by, and Meng Bei spent most of his time immersed in the Great Spirit Arena.
Flender's requirement was two matches per day for each student, but Meng Bei often participated in four or even six. His evolved martial spirit gave him an overwhelming advantage, suppressing most opponents with sheer power.
Meng Bei's victories were swift and decisive. Often, one use of his **third spirit ability** was enough to secure a win.
As a result, he rarely tasted defeat.
Grandmaster was full of praise for Meng Bei, attributing his success to his tireless effort. "Meng Bei might not have the highest innate talent, but he's the hardest-working among you all. You should all learn from him!"
Of course, no one knew Meng Bei's true motivation—to rack up as many wins as possible for his side quest.
---
A few days later, Meng Bei faced his first team battle with the Shrek Seven Devils.
Because of the delay in hunting Meng Bei's spirit ring, the team had missed their chance to face the Crazy Battle Team as they had in the original story. Today, however, their opponents were just as formidable: the **Rock Armor Team.**
Every member of the Rock Armor Team was a Spirit Elder, with martial spirits tied to rock and stone, granting them exceptional offense and defense. They would be a formidable challenge for Shrek.
---
[Ding! Side quest triggered!]
Side Quest: Defeat the Rock Armor Team and secure Shrek's first team battle victory in the Great Spirit Arena.
Difficulty: Normal.
Reward: Spirit power increased by two levels.
---
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