49 To the Great Star Dou Forest (1)

Waking from his slumber, Sheng Jun blinked groggily as he scanned his surroundings, then gradually rousing himself from sleep.

After a moment of tidying up, he emerged from his room and encountered Dai Mubai and Tang San stepping out of theirs. With a nod of acknowledgment, they set off toward the central square, like usual.

"Wait, where's Oscar?" Sheng Jun inquired curiously, noticing the absence of Oscar. It was unusual for Oscar to sleep in so late, prompting concern among the group. Deciding to investigate, they approached Oscar's door and knocked, awaiting a response. However, after a prolonged silence, they exchanged looks and reluctantly concluded that Oscar might need additional rest following the events of the previous night. With a shared understanding, they opted to give Oscar space and time to recuperate.

As they made their way to the central square, they spotted a figure already standing there with her head bowed low, waiting patiently. "Hmm? Isn't it our little princess, you haven't left yet?" Sheng Jun joked sarcastically as they approached her, earning a slight tremble from the girl. Soon, other girls joined them, confirming that Ning Rongrong hadn't returned to the dormitory all night.

Just then, three familiar figures were spotted approaching them. Tang San's face lit up with joy at the sight. It was none other than Flender, Liu Erlong, and Grandmaster, finally arriving at the academy.

"Greetings, Teacher, Mistress, Grandmaster," Sheng Jun said respectfully, followed by the others in the group echoing his greeting.

Flender nodded as he glanced over the group, his expression turning slightly questioning. "Where's Oscar and Ma Hongjun?" he inquired, his curiosity evident as he directed his gaze towards Sheng Jun and Bai Chenxiang.

Upon hearing Flender's question, Bai Chenxiang stepped forward to provide an explanation. "Hongjun is currently breaking through to level 30, so he might be running a bit late," she replied with a cheerful smile. Due to their unique circumstances and relationship, they have been granted permission to live together. Unlike others who are still separated into boys and girls dormitories.

Before anyone could fully process Bai Chenxiang's revelation, a loud Phoenix cry pierced the air, drawing everyone's attention. A red figure soared into the sky, rapidly approaching them, while simultaneously, a handsome white-haired figure dashed towards them with joy evident on his face. "Dean Flender (Teacher), I have broken through to level 30!" Oscar and Ma Hongjun exclaimed loudly in unison, startling everyone present, including Flender. He turned to Liu Erlong to pinch him in order to ensure he wasn't dreaming. Feeling the pain, he realized it was indeed reality.

Flender burst into hearty laughter, patting Ma Hongjun and Oscar on their shoulders repeatedly, expressing his joy. "Good, both of you are very good! We will all go to the Great Star Dou Forest today to help both of you obtain your third spirit ring!" he announced with a smile. Before proceeding, Flender gestured towards Grandmaster, who stepped forward to introduce himself.

"Hmm, as you guys already know, I am called Grandmaster by everyone, so you can call me that as well. I will be responsible for your training from today onwards," Grandmaster announced calmly as he observed everyone standing before him.

Over the years, he had strived to improve his cultivation beyond level 39 and elevate his Heavenly Dao Sutra to the fifth level, but he found himself stuck at the fourth level due to his lack of talent. Sheng Jun had offered him Heavenly Treasures that could purify the dragon bloodline of his Martial Soul, but he declined, partly out of pride and partly because he felt such treasures would be wasted on old men like him. Besides, Sheng Jun had already helped him too much.

With an approving nod after reviewing the details of the nine individuals in front of him, Grandmaster continued. "Since we will be going to the Great Star Dou Forest today, we will start by eating Oscar's sausages. You need to eat at least three of each" he instructed, earning nods of agreement from Flender and Liu Erlong.

As Tang San, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong stood there in confusion, their expressions perplexed, they couldn't help but wonder: Isn't it just a sausage?

Their gaze shifted towards Oscar, who was beaming with joy at the revelation. With a mischievous grin, he stepped forward, before beginning his incantation.

"I, your father, have a big sausage! I, your father, have a small sausage!" Oscar declared with a playful smirk, his hands conjuring forth his Big Recovery Sausages and Small Detoxifying Sausage. He then extended his offering with a smile, presenting the sausages to his victims, ahem friends.

However, as Tang San, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong observed Oscar's sausages, their expressions contorted with undisguised disgust. The sight earned involuntary twitches from their faces, their revulsion evident.

Oscar couldn't help but laugh awkwardly at their reactions realizing that their response was quite typical. Only Sheng Jun and the others, accustomed to Oscar's peculiar incantations, remained unfazed by the display.

Flender let out a dismissive snort at their reactions, unimpressed by their disgust towards Oscar's sausages. "If you're unable to enjoy such delicious sausages just because of a few words, then you won't have what it takes to survive in desperate situations. Then perhaps it's best for you to return home. So, who else besides Sheng Jun, Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Bai Chenxiang will be the first to go?" he stated calmly, his tone carrying a hint of challenge.

Upon hearing Flender's words, Ning Rongrong's eyes sparkled with determination as she stepped forward boldly. "Me! I refuse to go home!" she declared resolutely, earning smiles from everyone present, except for Sheng Jun, who merely gave a nod of approval.

With determination in her gaze, Ning Rongrong reached out and accepted Oscar's sausages, taking a hearty bite with relish as she looked into Oscar's eyes. Who couldn't help but flinch instinctively at the forcefulness of her bite. Encouraged by Ning Rongrong's boldness, the others reluctantly followed suit, overcoming their initial disgust to partake in the lesson.

After concluding the lesson, Flender summoned Zhao Wuji and briefed him on the upcoming expedition. "Zhao Wuji will lead you to the Great Star Dou Forest and assist in fighting any spirit beasts if necessary. The three of us will trail behind, only intervening in case of genuine danger. This journey is primarily aimed at honing your teamwork and gaining practical experience" Flender explained, motioning for them to get together and strategize before setting out.

After a thorough discussion, they settled on a traditional formation. Dai Mubai would take the lead, with Zhu Zhuqing scouting ahead. Ma Hongjun and the others would form the middle group, while Oscar, Ning Rongrong, and Sheng Jun would bring up the rear with Zhao Wuji as Auxiliary System spirit masters. With their strategy in place, they set out towards the Great Star Dou Forest.

…

"The teachers are too strict! They won't even allow Bai Chenxiang and me to fly, instead, they force us to run with you guys" Ma Hongjun grumbled as they approached the small town ahead, earning a stern look from the group. Sensing the tension, he cleared his throat awkwardly, realizing his complaint might not be well-received.

As they entered the town, they surveyed their surroundings until their eyes fell upon an inn. As they entered and took their seats, they placed their orders and settled in, grateful for the chance to fill their stomach with something other than sausages.

"I must admit, Oscar's sausages are really too potent. Besides a bit of hunger, I don't even feel the need to sleep right now," Dai Mubai couldn't but marvel at its effects no matter how many times he tried it, prompting nods of agreement from the rest of the group as they awaited their meal.

"Huh? Where is Teacher Zhao Wuji?" Xiao Wu asked curiously, noticing Zhao Wuji's absence from their dining group.

Sheng Jun sighed softly before explaining, "This is one of the school rules when teachers are taking students out to train. They're responsible for their own affairs and can't take advantage of students" His gaze then narrowed slightly as he added, "I believe I already told you to memorize the school rules" his words carrying a hint of sternness as he fixed Xiao Wu with a piercing stare. Xiao Wu flinched slightly and sought refuge behind Tang San, who offered a sheepish smile in response.

Just then, a group of people swaggered into the establishment, pushing past anyone who stood in their way as they made their way to a table, their demeanor brimming with arrogance. They called out loudly for the waiter, demanding immediate attention.

Observing their behavior, Dai Mubai couldn't help but exclaim after assessing their attire, "A mere Blue Sunshine Academy dares to be so arrogant?" His voice carried a hint of disdain, ensuring that they heard him loud and clear.

Tang San couldn't help but voice his concern, "Sixth Brother, wouldn't we get into trouble like this?" he said, although his eyes darted around confidently

Before Dai Mubai could respond, Ma Hongjun interjected boldly, "So what? Teacher said that spirit masters who don't dare to cause trouble are useless spirit masters" His words were met with nods of admiration from the rest of the group, who admired such daring sentiment.

However, Sheng Jun's expression remained unchanged, his mouth twitching slightly as he silently mused, "These bastards seem to forget that Teacher also said not to cause trouble unless you are over level 40"

Just then, one of the Blue Sunshine Academy students abruptly stood up, but he was quickly restrained by their middle-aged teacher, who rose to his feet and cast a scrutinizing gaze over Sheng Jun's group. Though they weren't dressed in their academy's uniforms, their demeanor and appearance suggested they were anything but ordinary. In particular, the white-haired, blue-eyed young man among them exuded an aura of power and royalty that was unmistakable.

"My name is Ye Zhiqiu, a teacher from Blue Sunshine Academy. May I ask which family or academy esteemed Spirit Masters are from?" he asked humbly, bowing slightly in respect.

"Hmph, are you even worthy of knowing?" Dai Mubai responded with a smirk, his tone dripping with arrogance.

Hearing Dai Mubai's provocative response, Ye Zhiqiu was exploding with anger. However, as he was about to take action, a voice suddenly rang out from the blue-eyed, white-haired young man in the group. "We are from Shrek Academy" he declared confidently.

Shrek Academy? The very institution that had become their biggest adversary over the past years? The one rumored to have at least one Spirit Saint teacher and a mysterious faction supporting them? The man's thoughts raced as he processed the situation, a forced smile plastered on his face. Despite his internal turmoil, he knew better than to provoke a confrontation with such formidable opponents. He quickly signaled for his students to retreat.

"Oh, so you are from Shrek Academy, no wonder, no wonder" he said in a flattering tone, attempting to diffuse the tension. "We are sorry for the disturbance, we will leave right away" He made a move to stand up, but his motion was halted by Sheng Jun's commanding voice, freezing him in place.

"Who gave you the permission to leave?" Sheng Jun's voice dripped with arrogance as he flashed a wicked smile, his eyes flickering with anticipation as he glanced towards Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun. If they wanted to cause trouble, he was more than willing to go along with it until the end.

"Young man, what do you mean?" Ye Zhiqiu asked, his voice trembling with anger and humiliation at such blatant disrespect.

"I want you to fight my friends here. I promise you won't get in trouble even if our Academy finds out. Or are you too scared?" Sheng Jun taunted.

Unable to bear the insult any longer, Ye Zhiqiu snapped, his rage fueling his actions as he unleashed his Martial Soul. Five spirit rings floated around him, and his appearance underwent a sudden transformation as turtle armor enveloped him. "Good, very good! If you want to fight, then let's fight!" he declared angrily, his determination evident in his stance.

Sheng Jun smirked as he gestured for Ye Zhiqui to wait outside, further stoking the man's anger, though he begrudgingly complied.

Turning his attention back to the stunned Dai Mubai and the others, Sheng Jun couldn't help but smirk. "What? Didn't you want to cause trouble? I won't be participating, so you guys discuss the strategy" he announced casually before settling into his seat and taking a bite of his food.

Though initially shocked by Sheng Jun's sudden arrogant attitude, they quickly realized that he was putting on an act to provoke trouble. Nodding to themselves in understanding, they gathered in a circle to begin discussing the strategy.

After a brief discussion, everyone finalized the strategy. However, just as they were about to leave, a voice interrupted them. "Wait, Tang San, what about my role?" Ning Rongrong asked, her tone tinged with disappointment as she looked at Tang San expectantly.

Tang San smiled awkwardly as he scratched his head. "Your Martial Soul is a bit special, so act according to the situation" he replied, leading everyone outside to prepare for battle, leaving Ning Rongrong feeling dejected.

After a moment of hesitation, Oscar paused and offered Ning Rongrong some advice. "If you want their acknowledgment, use action to prove that you are part of Shrek," he suggested before walking out, leaving Ning Rongrong to ponder his words.