Chapter 31: Chapter 31: Oscar: I Want to Marry You?!
After all, she couldn't afford to lose to Xiao Wu or Zhu Zhuqing.
Especially Xiao Wu—she was already at level 31 at the age of twelve.
Absolutely outstanding.
And it was all because... she had fallen for Zhang Fan.
Back when they fought Teacher Zhao together, Zhang Fan had asked Zhu Zhuqing to protect her.
That gave her a huge sense of security.
Plus, Zhang Fan was the most monstrously talented and ridiculously handsome guy in the entire Shrek Academy.
One sword strike and boom—he defeated Teacher Zhao in the coolest way imaginable.
Of course, she knew Teacher Zhao hadn't gone all out.
But even so, it was enough to prove how exceptional Zhang Fan was.
In the entire Heaven Dou Empire, which young prodigy could say they were level 38 at just twelve years old? Who else had defeated a level 76 Soul Saint in one strike?
None.
Only Zhang Fan.
Just thinking about it made her heart race like crazy. Her face even started to flush.
And her running speed? Skyrocketed.
Honestly?
Handsome men can be a source of motivation for beautiful women.
Oscar was stunned as he watched Ning Rongrong bolt forward like a madwoman.
What the heck did this beauty eat? How did she suddenly get so fast?
In no time, Ning Rongrong completed all twenty laps, looking like she was on steroids.
Oscar was completely impressed.
"I want to apologize for what I said earlier!"
Oscar said seriously, staring at Ning Rongrong, who was drenched in sweat—her figure even more alluring in that moment. He was entranced.
But what really shocked him was that Ning Rongrong actually ran faster than him! She even returned to the academy before he did! His mind couldn't process it.
"What are you staring at! You couldn't even keep up with me!"
Ning Rongrong shot him a disdainful glare and walked off, panting heavily.
Truth be told, she almost couldn't keep going either.
But then she thought of how amazing Xiao Wu was, how monstrous Zhang Fan was—and as the heir to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, something awakened inside her. Her blood surged, and her speed soared.
Even she couldn't believe she ran that fast.
"Ding! Dialogue Modification Mission triggered."
[Oscar says to Ning Rongrong with a serious face: 'I want to surpass you!'] Two words may be modified.
Zhang Fan was stunned.
She actually outran Oscar? That's not how the original story went…
With a sly grin, he focused his thoughts and changed the two words "surpass" to "marry."
Oscar looked at Ning Rongrong seriously and shouted: "I want to marry you!"
"Huh?! What nonsense are you spouting?!"
Ning Rongrong glared at him, clearly annoyed.
On the grassy field nearby, Ma Hongjun, Dai Mubai, Zhang Fan, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing all stared in shock.
Ma Hongjun couldn't help but tease:
"Oscar, what did you just say? You want to marry Rongrong?
Don't tell me it's because you found out she's the heir of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and now you're drooling over both her beauty and her wealth?"
"I…!"
Oscar was completely dumbfounded. He couldn't even begin to explain himself. He really did like Ning Rongrong. Heck, the moment he first saw her, he had even imagined their wedding.
But he never intended to say he wanted to marry her.
He meant to marry her in the traditional sense—not become her wife!
How did those words come out of his mouth?!
He was so embarrassed he could die right there.
If there were a hole, he would've jumped in.
"Unbelievable! Our goofy, happy-go-lucky little Oscar… turns out he's a calculating schemer! Just waiting for the right moment to climb the social ladder!"
Dai Mubai was equally stunned and merciless with his words.
"Ah… my heart hurts… it hurts so bad I can't breathe…"
Oscar was about to cough up blood from anger. He clutched his chest, shaking all over:
"My heart is so cold… I need you to warm it…"
"Scram, you psycho!"
Dai Mubai was horrified. He didn't even want to acknowledge Oscar anymore.
"Goodbye."
Even Ma Hongjun was speechless. He didn't know what else to say.
"…"
Tang San had already slipped into a depressive state. He didn't want to say a word.
"You guys… you've truly broken my heart!"
Oscar, bleeding inside, turned and ran away—he couldn't face them anymore. He had completely lost face.
"Are you okay?"
Xiao Wu looked at Ning Rongrong with concern, seeing her sweaty, flushed face.
"I'm fine! As long as you have faith in your heart, you can overcome anything!"
At that, Ning Rongrong snuck a glance toward Zhang Fan.
"Impressive."
Zhu Zhuqing gave her a cold thumbs-up. Even she wasn't sure she could finish twenty laps.
Only someone with true conviction in their heart could run like that.
But...
Everyone at Shrek is kind of unhinged.
Teacher Zhao spanking Dai Mubai's butt and trying to poke Tang San's backdoor...
Ma Hongjun constantly self-harming...
Dai Mubai going full bald...
As for the rest, she wasn't sure.
And now Oscar—trying to live off a woman. The guy barely knew Ning Rongrong and already wanted to marry her?
She had no words.
Though... Zhang Fan, Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and herself had never acted crazy—yet.
Especially Zhang Fan—so handsome it hurt, ridiculously talented and strong. She dreamed of being with him—ahem, she meant she dreamed of being together with him.
Pretty much the same thing, really.
But—
She was a reserved, cold, and quiet woman. Not good at words.
Pursuing Zhang Fan would be tough. It would take time.
Of course, even though she didn't talk much,
She had a strong skill in observing others. Even when she was silent, she'd watch everyone's every move.
Dai Mubai, for example—his gaze always seemed off. That's why she kept her distance.
After resting for a while, Ning Rongrong went to shower.
Before dusk...
Flender flew down to the schoolyard:
"Time to go!"
Soon, they left Shrek Academy, entered Suotuo City, and arrived at a massive building—nearly a hundred meters tall and glowing faintly.
"Today's first lesson is actual combat. You're all little monsters—normal classes won't do. Only real battle can unlock your potential."
Flender sat at a tea table, sipping as he spoke:
"With equal strength, the one with more battle experience usually wins. Your training ground is that building over there."
He pointed toward the enormous structure:
"This is the Great Spirit Arena. Only cities at the main capital level have one."
"It's a place for battling with martial spirits."
"It was founded by the seven most prestigious soul master clans across the continent—not under the control of either of the two great empires or Spirit Hall. It's a third-party force as rich as a nation."
"The Great Spirit Arena is relatively fair. As long as you have strength, you can earn value."
"Soul masters are represented by the title 'Battle Spirit' inside. Winning a match earns you a badge."
"Each win adds points, and higher points mean higher badge ranks and better rewards."
"The lowest rank is Iron, then Bronze, Silver, Gold, Amethyst, Sapphire, Ruby, and Diamond—eight total levels."
He continued:
"Your graduation requirement is to earn a Silver Battle Spirit Badge."
"That's way too hard!"
Dai Mubai protested:
"I've fought 56 matches—29 wins, 27 losses. I've just reached Bronze from Iron, with only 2 points."