Zhao Wuji, now sporting a bruised and battered face, hastily called for Oscar's sausages.
"Dammit," he thought bitterly. "Today's humiliation is unbearable. To think I got beaten up this badly by a mere kid barely above Level 20!"
He glanced at the pale-faced Tang San and then at Shen An, who was casually playing with a cat nearby. A thought crossed his mind: Who's stronger between these two?
"Tang San is at the same soul power level as that kid, yet he managed to force me into such a sorry state. Maybe he could teach that kid a lesson someday and help Shrek Academy regain its pride."
Meanwhile, Oscar, who was handing over the sausages, was left completely dumbfounded. What is going on today? First, Boss Dai got beaten up despite a higher soul level, and now even Zhao Wuji has been utterly embarrassed by a Soul Master!
After Zhao Wuji announced that they had passed the test, he turned to leave. Tang San, finishing his meditation, stood up and spoke:
"Teacher Zhao, I must apologize. I lost control earlier and used my hidden weapons against you. Please allow me to remove them from your body; otherwise, they may cause long-term harm."
After removing the weapons, Tang San suddenly collapsed.
Shen An, observing from the side, was utterly perplexed. Removing the hidden weapons makes sense. But passing out? What's the deal? Is it truly exhaustion, or is he fishing for sympathy?
Ever since the system had warned Shen An that Tang San had taken an interest in him, Shen An found everything about Tang San annoying. The guy just seemed too calculating and manipulative.
An idea popped into Shen An's head. He quietly borrowed Tom's revolver. Tom, holding the bullets, gestured to Shen An as if asking if he wanted to load it. Shen An shook his head lightly.
Holding the unloaded revolver, Shen An pretended to aim at Tang San's temple, his finger hovering on the trigger.
Of course, Shen An wasn't planning to kill Tang San. Their conflict was minor—mainly due to the rabbit girl—hardly a life-or-death feud.
But Shen An couldn't resist exposing a faker, much like those internet sleuths back in his previous life.
As Tang San lay there with his eyes closed, a sudden chill ran through him. A dreadful sense of foreboding enveloped his heart.
Who? Who is targeting me?!
Determined to uncover the source of danger, Tang San let out a soft groan, opened his eyes, and weakly sat up, feigning exhaustion.
"My apologies, Teacher Zhao. My soul power was overextended earlier and caused you undue worry."
Tang San wasn't lying about his depleted soul power, but he wasn't on the verge of collapse either. He had planned to fake unconsciousness to gain sympathy and secure the Academy's care.
But the hidden threat felt like a dagger at his back, forcing him to act preemptively.
Zhao Wuji waved dismissively. "Alright, as long as you're okay. Oscar, take them to their dorms and let them rest. We'll discuss other matters tomorrow."
Tang San nodded but kept pondering the source of the danger. His eyes landed on Shen An. Out of everyone present, Shen An was the only one with whom he had any friction. However, Shen An's soul power was sharp and straightforward, unlike the covert, needle-like sensation he'd felt earlier.
Could it be an expert interested in my Tang Sect weapons and techniques? Tang San shuddered at the thought.
Shen An watched Tang San wake up and rolled his eyes inwardly. Such scheming! Tang San's behavior is just like one of those shady doctors who poison the well and then sell the cure. Hypocrite.
Shen An followed Oscar to the dormitory area with the group.
Oscar explained, "Normally, we have two-person dorms. Tang San and I can share a room. The three girls can decide who gets the single room."
Ning Rongrong quickly volunteered, "Why don't Zhu Zhuqing and I share a room? It'll be easier for us to chat. I can take care of Xiao Wu tonight as well."
Oscar, who had been paying extra attention to Ning Rongrong, eagerly agreed with a big grin. Unfortunately, his unkempt beard made his enthusiasm look more comical than charming.
Zhu Zhuqing was surprised. She had intended to claim the single room for herself but didn't object to Ning Rongrong's suggestion. Though Ning Rongrong had been scolded by Shen An for trying to buy Tom earlier, Zhu Zhuqing was indifferent to her company.
When Shen An and Tom accompanied Zhu Zhuqing to her shared dorm, Tom whipped out a full cleaning kit from nowhere, donning gear like a professional housekeeper to tidy the place up.
Domestic Cat Tom is now online.
Ning Rongrong, watching Tom work, was wide-eyed with amazement. Covering her mouth in awe, she exclaimed, "Oh my gosh, this cat is incredible! It can do anything!"
Her big, bright eyes gleamed with interest as she turned to Shen An. "Your martial soul is a sword, right? If you let Tom play with me, I might consider asking my Sword Grandpa to teach you a few moves."
"Sword Grandpa? Never heard of him. No need," Shen An replied coldly. He didn't know Ning Rongrong well, so why would he agree to let Tom be her plaything just for some sword lessons?
"Hmph, such ignorance!" Ning Rongrong pouted. "My Sword Grandpa is none other than the number one swordmaster in the continent—Sword Douluo Chenxin!"
Shen An's heart skipped a beat. In his past life, his dorm mates wouldn't stop raving about Sword Douluo's grace and power, calling him the epitome of a sword immortal.
The thought of receiving guidance from such a legendary figure was indeed tempting.
Shen An glanced at Tom, his resolve faltering. Maybe… just maybe… letting Tom humor her a bit wouldn't hurt. It's not like Tom would lose a limb over it.
Tom, sensing Shen An's gaze, froze in terror. His fur stood on end as if to say, "My master is plotting something terrible!"
Feigning reluctance, Shen An replied to Ning Rongrong, "It's not about your Sword Grandpa. I just feel we hit it off. Sure, Tom can play with you, but only if you promise not to hurt him."
Zhu Zhuqing sighed inwardly. Here we go again. When she first met Shen An, he'd made Tom trade his charm for food. Now he was doing it for swordsmanship lessons.
Tom, on the other hand, looked horrified. You big idiot! What are you doing?!
As Ning Rongrong gleefully reached for Tom, the poor cat clung to the floor with his claws, leaving long scratch marks in his desperate attempt to resist.
"Meow!"
Ning Rongrong giggled, utterly captivated by Tom's antics. Shen An could only watch helplessly as the cat was once again exploited for its talents.