In the shared quarters of Dai Mubai and Tang San...
"Tang San, is your spirit really just Blue Silver Grass?" Dai Mubai asked, watching as Tang San sorted through his belongings.
This was a question Tang San himself wasn't entirely sure about. However, Yu Xiaogang had assured him that his Blue Silver Grass was anything but ordinary.
"It is indeed Blue Silver Grass," Tang San replied.
Dai Mubai crossed his arms. "Xu Yunhan thinks there are two possibilities for a Blue Silver Grass spirit to have innate full spirit power.
"First, your Blue Silver Grass might be a high-tier spirit that hasn't fully evolved yet—it just needs time or the right trigger.
"Second, you might possess a second spirit. A twin spirit!"
His gaze sharpened, scrutinizing Tang San's reaction.
Tang San was stunned. Someone else actually deduced the same thing as Teacher Yu Xiaogang? Based solely on his innate full spirit power, Xu Yunhan had guessed the truth.
He hesitated—should he admit it? But since he'd already joined Shrek Academy, the others would find out eventually. Still, he opted for a vague response.
He merely smiled at Dai Mubai.
That smile alone confirmed that at least one of the two possibilities was true.
And Dai Mubai was now convinced—Tang San had a second, powerful spirit!
This changes everything.
Dai Mubai's demeanor shifted instantly, his tone dripping with flattery. "Twin spirits… They're practically legendary. Tang San, your future is limitless—far beyond any of ours. Even Xu Yunhan's current lead in cultivation is only temporary."
Tang San neither confirmed nor denied it. "Who can say for sure what the future holds?"
So it's true! Dai Mubai's heart raced.
A twin-spirit genius, once fully grown—how terrifying would that be? Dai Mubai couldn't even fathom it.
Someone like him would undoubtedly surpass Xu Yunhan. I have to secure his loyalty!
With Tang San as an ally, dealing with Xu Yunhan would be effortless. More than that—he could even leverage Tang San's strength to contend for the throne of the Star Luo Empire!
There was no way Dai Mubai was letting this opportunity slip away.
His attitude became almost obsequious—offering endless concern and hospitality.
Tang San didn't mind the attention. He used the chance to gather information. "I know Xu Yunhan also has innate full spirit power, with the Three-Eyed White Tiger spirit. But when did he join Shrek Academy?"
Dai Mubai answered readily. "Him? He's been here for over six years—even longer than Oscar..."
He went on to explain Oscar and Ma Hongjun's backgrounds, then detailed the academy's five instructors and general operations.
Tang San frowned. "Oscar and Ma Hongjun call Xu Yunhan 'boss,' but you're the oldest, right?"
Dai Mubai's expression darkened. "Xu Yunhan was the first to arrive. He used his slightly higher spirit power to force everyone to acknowledge him as 'boss.'"
By now, Tang San understood—Dai Mubai and Xu Yunhan had beef. His own impression of Xu Yunhan wasn't bad, so he had no intention of getting involved.
After chatting a while longer, he excused himself under the pretense of checking on Xiao Wu.
Not long after stepping out, he ran into her.
"Xiao Wu! When did you wake up? Are you alright?"
She grinned. "I'm fine, brother. I've been awake for a while—just talking with Rongrong and Zhuqing."
Tang San exhaled in relief. "That's good. That Zhao Wuji—how dare he hurt you!"
Xiao Wu laughed. "In a fight, injuries happen. Besides, didn't you avenge me?"
She'd already heard about the battle from Ning Rongrong.
Tang San's expression turned solemn. "I'm still not strong enough to protect you properly. I'll train harder."
Xiao Wu shook her head. "You're already amazing, brother."
Their conversation grew increasingly intimate—until Dai Mubai's voice cut in.
"Xiao Wu, you're awake."
She shot him a cold glance and didn't respond. After hearing about Zhu Zhuqing's situation, she wanted nothing to do with him.
"San, let's go explore." She tugged Tang San away without another word.
"See you later, Dai Mubai," Tang San called over his shoulder.
Left standing alone, Dai Mubai seethed.
That bitch Zhu Zhuqing must've poisoned Xiao Wu against me!
Xiao Wu's closeness to Tang San could sway his decisions—a thought that infuriated Dai Mubai.
Fuming, he stormed off to confront Zhu Zhuqing.
But when he arrived, he found Xu Yunhan, Oscar, and Ning Rongrong already there.
Damn it.
"Second Brother Dai, you're here!" Oscar greeted cheerfully.
Despite everything, Oscar and Ma Hongjun still referred to Dai Mubai as "Second Brother" out of habit—a title that only deepened Dai Mubai's humiliation.
Dai Mubai gave a stiff nod, then glared at Zhu Zhuqing. "Zhuqing, come outside. We need to talk."
She didn't budge. "Say whatever you have to say here. There are no outsiders."
His face flushed with anger, especially when he noticed Xu Yunhan ignoring him entirely.
"Zhu Zhuqing!" he snapped. "Remember your place! You're my fiancée!"
"What?!" Oscar was the only one shocked.
Ning Rongrong smirked. "Oh, now you remember you have a fiancée? Where was this concern when you abandoned her and ran like a coward?
"Pathetic. You're not worthy of Zhuqing. Stop deluding yourself."
Dai Mubai's temper exploded. "Ning Rongrong, this is none of your business! Shut your mouth before I drag you out and—"
He cut himself off, but the threat hung in the air.
Ning Rongrong's eyes flashed. "Try it. I dare you.
"You think a worthless prince like you scares me? Not even your father would dare touch me. Know your place!"
Zhu Zhuqing stepped forward. "Dai Mubai, leave. If you have a problem, take it up with me. Don't bully Rongrong."
Ning Rongrong crossed her arms. "Exactly. What's a spineless coward like you gonna do?"
Dai Mubai's fists clenched. He was seconds away from attacking.
Oscar stood frozen, utterly lost.
Fiancée? Star Luo Empire prince?! What the hell is happening?!
"Enough."
Xu Yunhan's voice cut through the chaos like a blade.
Silence fell.
Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong quieted out of respect.
Oscar shut up out of fear.
Dai Mubai—though seething—didn't dare speak another word.
Because he knew he couldn't win against Xu Yunhan.
Every time he'd challenged him in the past, he'd been humiliated. The psychological scars ran deep.
With a final glare, Dai Mubai turned on his heel and slammed the door behind him.
Ning Rongrong snorted. "And he calls himself a man? What a joke."
Zhu Zhuqing sighed. "Thanks, Rongrong."
Xu Yunhan considered whether he should just eliminate Dai Mubai now—but part of him still enjoyed tormenting him.
Oscar finally found his voice. "Uh… Boss, Dai Mubai is a prince? And Zhuqing's fiancée?"
Ning Rongrong rolled her eyes. "A prince who fled instead of fighting for the throne. Zhuqing has nothing to do with him now."
Oscar nodded hastily. "Right, right! Dai Mubai's definitely not good enough for Zhuqing. He's always fooling around in Suotuo City—switching women like clothes."
Ning Rongrong arched a brow. "And you called him 'Second Brother.' I bet you joined him plenty of times, huh?"
"No!" Oscar denied vehemently. "I'm nothing like that! I believe in loyalty!"
Ning Rongrong clearly didn't buy it.
Regret and resentment churned in Oscar's gut—directed squarely at Dai Mubai. This is all his fault!
...
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Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 35 on my patreon, go check it out.
Give me all your power stones