The *Slave Collar* – a rule-defying artifact.
The collar hovered in the air, locking onto Tang Hao's form. In an instant, it flew forward and affixed itself around his neck.
Moments later, it fused into his body, leaving behind only a faint black line encircling his neck.
"Meng Bei, what are you doing? Tang San and I are brothers. Good brothers should share. What's wrong if I'm with Xiao Wu?" Meng Bei's voice carried a hint of innocence and confusion.
Tang Hao froze, the black line around his neck flickering slightly.
His demeanor shifted instantly.
"No, Meng Bei, you're absolutely right. It was my mistake earlier. I don't know what came over me, wanting to harm you over such a trivial matter. It was truly uncalled for!"
Tang Hao spoke sincerely, even bowing slightly to Meng Bei in apology.
*[Ding! Side Quest Completed. Reward Obtained: God-given Spirit Ring.]*
Now that Tang Hao was under control, he posed no further threat.
Meng Bei wasted no time and retrieved the *God-given Spirit Ring* from the system's storage.
It appeared as a milky-white sphere, radiating faint energy with no discernible external characteristics. After examining it briefly, Meng Bei stowed it away.
At only *Rank 39*, Meng Bei couldn't yet use the Spirit Ring. Even upon reaching Rank 40, he didn't plan to utilize it immediately.
The God-given Spirit Ring provided the most suitable ring with the maximum age the user could withstand. Therefore, the later it was used, the greater its potential value. Using it as a fourth ring would be wasteful.
"What was that white sphere just now? It seemed to contain a peculiar energy," Tang Hao asked curiously.
Meng Bei's face turned cold.
"Tang Hao, is that really something you should ask? Respecting others' secrets is basic courtesy."
Tang Hao quickly nodded in agreement, acknowledging his mistake.
"You're right. I shouldn't have asked."
Meng Bei watched Tang Hao's compliant demeanor, marveling at the system's power.
A mighty Title Douluo reduced to a submissive slave.
After some thought about his next steps, Meng Bei issued a new directive to Tang Hao.
"Tang Hao, I want you to remain hidden and protect me, Xiao Wu, and Ning Rongrong as we travel to Heaven Dou City. As Tang San's good brother, you wouldn't refuse such a favor, would you?"
Tang Hao initially hesitated at the unreasonable demand, but the collar activated, compelling him to comply without objection.
With a satisfied grin, Meng Bei returned to the hotel. Tang Hao faithfully kept watch outside.
Inside, Meng Bei stood at Ning Rongrong's door, hesitating briefly before turning away to open a different room.
Tonight, Xiao Wu seemed like a more interesting option.
"Are you asleep?" Meng Bei whispered.
Under the moonlight, Xiao Wu's cheeks flushed, her eyelashes quivering faintly. Meng Bei instantly recognized her pretense.
Instead of calling her out, he gently lifted the corner of her blanket. A small, silk-clad foot peeked out, wrapped in pristine white stockings.
Meng Bei reached out, cradling the delicate foot in his hands. He held it for a long time, admiring its warmth and softness. Soon, he grasped her other foot, drawing it close as well.
Xiao Wu remained motionless, her face now a deep shade of crimson.
Meng Bei held both feet aloft, and what followed needed no further description.
At dawn, the morning mist settled into dewdrops, dampening Tang Hao's robes. He had stood guard all night.
His acute hearing as a Title Douluo allowed him to pick up many sounds.
Xiao Wu had been thoroughly "tended to" the entire night.
Normally, this would have incited his fury.
But knowing the culprit was Tang San's sworn brother? That changed everything.
To Tang Hao, this was perfectly acceptable—well within the bounds of brotherhood.
In fact, he was rather pleased. Tang San had made an excellent friend, one whose stamina surpassed even a ten-thousand-year Soft Bone Charm Rabbit. Truly a prodigy among men!
By midday, an unexpected visitor arrived—Tang San.
Having tracked Meng Bei's location to the hotel, he approached, his presence immediately detected by Tang Hao, who informed Meng Bei.
Upon learning of Tang San's arrival, Meng Bei quickly devised a plan.
"This is the perfect opportunity to test my dear brother's loyalty to the Master," Meng Bei thought with a sly grin.
He summoned Xiao Wu and whispered instructions.
"When you see Tang San, do this, then this…"
Xiao Wu listened, her face pale with shock and defiance.
"No way! I can't deceive Tang San like that. I love him!"
Meng Bei raised an eyebrow.
"I'll stay with you for a whole week…"
Xiao Wu hesitated, recalling the blissful sensations of the previous night.
"Fine… I suppose this is for Tang San's own good."
Meng Bei chuckled.
"Exactly. It's all for Tang San."
When Tang San arrived, he immediately expressed his intent.
"Meng Bei, stop being stubborn. The Master isn't what you think. He's admitted his actions were inappropriate. Everyone misses you. Please, come back."
Meng Bei shook his head firmly.
"Unless the Master personally apologizes, I won't return."
Tang San frowned, conflicted.
Meng Bei knew the Master's pride would never allow such a gesture. This was precisely his intention.
His plan wasn't to sever ties with Shrek entirely, but to create some distance. His next destination was Heaven Dou City, specifically the legendary *Blue Tyrant Academy*.
Meng Bei had long known that Shrek Academy wouldn't fully integrate with the Royal Academy. Eventually, Flender and the others would migrate to Blue Tyrant Academy, so he intended to get there ahead of them.
Back in the present, Tang San tried to reason further, torn between his loyalty to Meng Bei and the Master.
"Can't you make even a small concession? He's your elder, after all," Tang San pleaded.
Before Meng Bei could reply, a firm voice interrupted.
"No concessions!"
Xiao Wu stepped forward.
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