Part 1
Roasted to golden yellow and faintly covered by flowing oil, a thick aroma continuously spread from the fish’s belly. When the fish touched teeth, a “kaka” sound could be heard. The skin was roasted to crispiness, but without being a single bit burnt. Under the crispy skin was the meat that completely soaked up all of the delicious spices.
After only one bite, the student with the yellow uniform could only stare straight. Not bearing to pause to praise it, he finished the entire fish in another few bites.
The surrounding students immediately understood. The first batch of fish was instantly bought out. His sales also directly went to twenty bronze coins, which is equal to two silver coins.
Those four roasted fish were able to bring him a great reputation in a short time. Since he was near the academy gate and a lot of people pa.s.sed by, his table was quickly surrounded by so many that not even water would have been able to flow through.
“So delicious. Really, so delicious.” The first student to have bought a roasted fish was finally able to squeeze back in, “Junior, give me another three. I’m having my entire dinner here at your place.”
Another student, a year older than him, coldly told him, “Get back in line.”
Huo Yuhao didn’t think that his roasted fish business could be this good. He said to the surround students apologetically, “Seniors, today is the first day I’m starting this business. I can only sell eighteen roasted fish. I had already sold four and there are fourteen more. Going by first come first serve, those who will not be able to buy any today, please come back tomorrow.”
As he said this, he received money from the students in the front, putting them directly into his Twenty-four Moonlight Bridges belt. By selling eighteen fish, he had already received nine silver coins. Subtracting costs and money to buy more material tomorrow, he should have enough to eat. Huo Yuhao was not greedy at all. He clearly understood that the most important thing to him now is cultivation. As long as he spends frugally, it should be enough.
Fish after fish came out of the oven. Huo Yuhao cooked with focus and did not lower his quality. Every student who received a roasted fish was satisfied. There were even people who wanted to preorder for tomorrow. Huo Yuhao had to convince them that he can only do it according to the order in the line. No matter what, the roasted fish will taste best right when they come out of the oven. If someone came late, then the taste might not be as good.
Right then, a group of female students wearing purple uniforms walked out of Shrek Academy’s gate. The one in the front attracted numerous gazes.
She looked to be only fourteen or fifteen. She had a slender and well-proportioned body, with golden hair flowing behind her head. Her skin was like snow, her eyes like clear water that possessed a graceful quality as she looked around. Her face was like jade, like a newly filled moon, like snow around a flowering tree, with tender looks, a relaxed voice, a delicate temperament and beauty beyond comparison. Her presence seemed to make the colors around her dull.
“Sister Nan, it smells so good. What is it?” Asked a curious girl standing next to the exquisite beauty. Her looks were also quite good but it was impossible for a firefly to shine next to a full moon.
The exquisite beauty also smelled the sweet aroma and the girls looked over to Huo Yuhao’s stand.
Maybe it was because the leading girl’s beauty was too compelling, but the students originally surrounding Huo Yuhao’s stand actually opened up a path for her and the few girls behind her to walk forward. Seeing everyone stand aside for her, the exquisite beauty did not act proudly but smiled warmly and nodded toward the students who gave way. All those who saw her smile couldn’t help but blush with excitement.
Seeing the stunning girl’s face, Huo Yuhao also blanked. Before, the most beautiful girl he had seen was Tang Ya. But the girl wearing the purple uniform in front of him did not lack against Tang Ya in any way, but further had a gentle and genial temperament. Adding a melancholy that cannot be erased from her brows, anyone would care for her. Compared to her, Tang Ya is a cheerful optimist. As for appearance, it would have to depend on the eye of the beholder.
“Junior, how much for a roasted fish?” The exquisite beauty softly asked.
By now, Huo Yuhao had just finished selling all eighteen of his roasted fish. There were only two left in the oven, reserved for Tang Ya.
“Senior, five bronze coins each.”
The exquisite beauty frowned, “That is a little expensive. Considering costs and your effort, it should be worth three bronze coins at most. You would still make money.”
Huo Yuhao paused. He didn’t think that this beauty would actually try to bargain with him. Not a single student before had tried to do this.
“Sorry, but I will not change the price. Also, I have already sold everything today.” Huo Yuhao responded calmly. The price was set by Tang Ya so he would not change it easily. Even more, this income was important for him.
The exquisite beauty paused as well and apologized, “Sorry. I just casually calculated it. If there is a chance in the future, I will try it.” As she said this, she turned to leave.
Huo Yuhao could distinctly feel that the atmosphere around him wasn’t good. The previously warm students now looked at him with anger.
“Kid, you dare to not sell?” A deep voice filled with anger suddenly rang out. Right after, a gold light flew toward Huo Yuhao like lightning.
Ding! That golden light accurately hit the oven and was even embedded into it. It was a gold coin. Right after, a figure strode forward, pa.s.sing the exquisite beauty, to the front of Huo Yuhao’s stand, to grab the two roasted fish in the oven.
Because he needed to monitor the oven’s temperature, Huo Yuhao had continuously kept his Spirit Eyes active. When the deep voice sounded, he felt an immense pressure come forward and subconsciously released his Mental Detection skill.
The hand reaching forward to grab the fish was fast, but Huo Yuhao’s Mental Detection ability could predict its movements. He managed to grab the two roasted fish first and step back. These were left for Tang Ya. How can he let another take them?
When the large hand didn’t get the roasted fish, it extended into the oven and ended up grabbing some charcoal instead.
Then, Huo Yuhao saw the person’s appearance.
This person wore a black uniform. He was actually a sixth-year student. His age appeared similar to Beibei’s. He was big, comparable to He Caitou. He had thick eyebrows and a tiger’s eyes with a straight nose and square mouth. Overall, he had a proper look. His fair skin was flushed with anger and his face, with some hints of baby fat, looked very threatening.
Part 2
“Kid, you wanna die?” The black-clothed young man said with anger and crushed the charcoal in his hand. Specks of fire flew, but he didn’t seem to feel the burn at all. Swinging his right foot, Huo Yuhao’s oven was kicked away. At the same time, his large hand grabbed toward Huo Yuhao’s chest.
Under Huo Yuhao’s Mental Detection, he realized that this youth was not only aggressive, but also powerful. Even though it was a simple grab and Huo Yuhao could see a way out, his cultivation was too low for him to escape and ended up being grabbed.
“He.” The black-clothed young man raised his right hand and lifted Huo Yuhao up. At the same time, he swung his left hand and s.n.a.t.c.hed away the two roasted fish from Huo Yuhao.
From the time the black-clothed young man appeared to this moment, the process was so swift that most surrounding observers had not realized what was happening until now.
Suddenly, two voices sounded at the same time.
“What are you doing?”
“Stop.”
The first who spoke out was the exquisite beauty. Her face was also filled with anger. The latter had charged forward like lightning and slapped straight toward the black-clothed young man.
The young man had not thought that anyone would dare attack him and was not prepared to defend. With one hand grabbing on to Huo Yuhao and another with roasted fish, to defend would require him to let one go.
He chose to let go of Huo Yuhao. With a flick of his wrist, Huo Yuhao flew away. Lowering his right hand to block, the two palms collided.
Puff! Two bodies shuddered and both backed up by a step. Neither had gained an advantage.
The person who came was none other than the eldest disciple of the Tang Clan, Beibei.
After being thrown away, Huo Yuhao’s body rotated twice in the air until a figure appeared next to him and guided him as he smoothly landed on his feet.
Tang Ya was obviously the person who was helping Huo Yuhao. At that instant, her pretty face was filled with rage.
“Xu Sanshi, you dare to bully my people! I will personally take care of you!” Just as she was speaking, Tang Ya raised her right hand and a golden light flew towards Xu Sanshi.
The black-clothed youth waved his right hand and a wave of aggressive black light showed up that seemed to almost sweep away the golden light. Yet, a surprising scene occurred, and the little golden light suddenly sparkled and drilled into the deep blackness. It disappeared into the body of the back-clothed youth.
The black-clothed youth’s body shook violently, his eyes also stagnated for a second. Then, anger flared out within his eyes as three spirit rings suddenly rose from his feet. Two yellow and one purple. His pale skin suddenly darkened, muscles tightened, and his whole body seemed to grow larger. The strangest part was that in his right hand, there was a black turtle sh.e.l.l shield about one and a half meters in diameter.
Huo Yuhao was using his Mental Detection and could clearly feel the Spirit Power from the Battle Spirit of the black-clothed youth. The sense of danger was not less than Thunderbolt Beibei.
“Tang Ya, don’t think that I can’t do anything to you just because you have Beibei’s protection,” the black-clothed youth said with anger clearly showing in his eyes.
Tang Ya chuckled coldly, “Come for me then. I’m not afraid of you.”
Beibei said calmly, “Xu Sanshi, you bullied my little brother. You must give me an explanation of what happened today. Or else, let’s take it to the arena.”
Xu Sanshi was slightly shocked and pointed at Huo yuhao, “He’s your little brother?”
Beibei nodded without showing any expression.
Xu Sanshi responded coldly, “So what? He didn’t give any face to Jiang Nanan. That means he didn’t give me face either. It was only two roasted fish and I paid for it, too.”
Tang Ya said angrily, “Those were left for me. Beibei, don’t waste your breath. Beat him. Beat him so hard that he won’t even be able to live independently. Afterwards, I’ll let you kiss me.”
Originally, Beibei’s face was extremely stern. Hearing the inciteful words from the little witch, Tang Ya, his face suddenly twitched.
Xu Sanshi spat out, “Your Xiao Ya is still so out of line. It’s been awhile since we fought, why not step onto the Spirit Battle Arena? Let’s go!”
He turned without pause as he said this. Walking to the exquisite beauty, Jiang Nannan, his anger filled face suddenly became gentle. He handed the two roasted fish forward and softly said, “Nanan, you can eat first. I’ll be back soon.”
However, Jiang Nanan was not too grateful. She was nice to everyone, but to Xu Sanshi, she was as cold as ice, “Xu Sanshi, I had told you many times before that there will never be anything between us. Please, stop bothering me in the future.” Finishing these words, she turned and left.
Embarra.s.sment could be seen on Xu Sanshi’s face. He straightened his back and angrily looked at the crowd. “What are you guys looking at?! Everyone leave. Beibei, let’s go!” Xu Sanshi walked toward the school and threw the fish toward Huo Yuhao.
Tang Ya caught the fish elegantly before Huo Yuhao did and took a bite. She grabbed Huo Yuhao and said, “Let’s go see.”
The Spirit Battle Arena is one of the most important places in Shrek Academy. It was located in the northwest corner of the school, near the Spirit Guidance District. This was also a frequently visited place for the higher level students. Here, the students can carry out various compet.i.tions with a specific teacher to act as referee. The teacher would be responsible for determining the outcome, providing protection, first aid, and other necessary functions. Of course, the students must provide payment to enter.
One battle requires at least ten gold coins. However, many students partic.i.p.ate during their time at the school, simply because there are no rules when fighting in the arena. There were also no dangers since the teacher would take care of everything. Furthermore, the winner will receive a certain number of credits that can be used during level testing.
In order to level up after grade four, spirit battle credits are needed. For example, one needs at least ten wins in battle against students with the same experience to rise from grade four to grade five. Rising from five to six requires even more. From grade six, spirit battle credits are even more important for entering the inner school.
Compet.i.tions in the Spirit Battle Arena are open to all students. Of course, payment is necessary with each ticket, costing one silver coin.
What surprised Huo Yuhao was that this battle between Beibei and Xu Sanshi attracted so many students. Almost all the students, no matter their grade level, who witnessed what happened at the academy gate came to watch the battle.
Part 3
“Teacher Xiao Ya, the academy really knows how to make money!” Exclaimed Huo Yuhao after hearing Tang Ya’s simple explanation about the Spirit Battle Arena.
Tang Ya said, “Of course they do. To run an academy this big requires large expenditures. If they don’t think of ways to make money, then what would they use to support it? However, Shrek City also receives a lot of taxes. Anyway, our academy is the richest one on the continent. Oh yeah, Xiao Yuhao, your fish roasting skills have gotten better. Or maybe it was because of my good spices. It’s so delicious.”
Tang Ya had already finished the roasted fish before even reaching the Spirit Battle Arena. Huo Yuhao had been hungry since earlier. When they pa.s.sed by the cafeteria, he went in to buy some dinner. By the time he and Tang Ya reached the Spirit Battle Arena, there were already a lot of people and countless more coming.
Tang Ya handed over two silver coins and brought Huo Yuhao into the Spirit Battle Arena. The field had six edges and was around the same size as Shrek Plaza. The center was empty, obviously for students to compete in. Surrounding it were circles of ascending chairs. It should be able to fit around three thousand people at once.
At the moment, two to three hundred people were seated around the field. Huo Yuhao and Tang Ya came pretty early and were able to sit in the very front row. The center field was completely empty. No one knew where Beibei and Xu Sanshi went.
Tang Ya knew that Huo Yuhao didn’t know the rules and explained to him, “The Spirit Battle Arena opens after school everyday until midnight. To compete, students must first register and pay a fee. If both sides are famous students in the academy, then the academy would relay the fight to each dorm through a spirit guided speaker to allow more people to experience the fight. The school only takes half of the profits from students, while the other half goes toward the winner. Your elder brother has already made quite a bit of money from this. Furthermore, that Xu Sanshi is a fifth year student and he just entered fourth year. This counts as an above level challenge. If Xu Sanshi loses, he will also have to give up a gold coin. Your elder brother and Xu Sanshi are famous students in the academy and they are both hailed as geniuses. There will probably be more than five hundred people observing today.”
Huo Yuhao asked, “Then who is that Jiang Nannan?”
Tang Ya knocked Huo Yuhao on the head, “Such a young age and you already know to look at pretty girls. Hmph!”
Huo Yuhao hurt and didn’t dare to ask again. He opened his lunch box and started eating dinner.
Seeing his orderly att.i.tude, Tang Ya couldn’t help but smile, “Fine, I’ll tell you. That Jiang Nannan has the nickname of the academy’s number one beauty. She came from a common family and treats everyone with kindness. She has a lot of fans in the academy. Do you think she is prettier than me?”
Huo Yuhao quickly shook his head.
Tang Ya said with pleasure, “Of course. I didn’t think she was better than me either. Hmph. That Xu Sanshi has a powerful variant Battle Spirit called Mystic Deep Turtle. It has both water and earth attributes and possesses a very strong defensive power, known as impregnable. His cultivation is similar to Beibei’s and both possess top level Beast Battle Spirits. Don’t worry, I had already got your revenge. Before, I hit him with a Dragon Whisker Needle. It should hurt him quite a bit. It’s fine if he chases after Jiang Nannan, but not if he dares to hurt my people. It’s actually pretty weird. That Jiang Nannan must have some problems with her interests. There are many exceptional male students chasing her but I have never heard of her showing any interest. She would warmly decline everyone except Xu Sanshi, toward whom she responds with coldness. Maybe Xu Sanshi took advantage of her before. These spectators are really innocent! They only know that Beibei and Xu Sanshi have the reputation of having the most powerful offense and the other having the most powerful defense but don’t know they already know each other. I’m guessing that they created a trap to get money this time. That’s why they came straight to the Spirit Battle Arena.”
Huo Yuhao was surprised, “Elder Brother knows Xu Sanshi?”
Tang Ya nodded, “Xiao Yuaho, don’t worry. Even though they know each other, your elder brother will still give him troubles. He won’t let you be bullied without consequences.”
Spirit Battle Arena, Resting Room.
“Beibei, your Xiao Ya is so brutal. Look, look…” Xu Sanshi’s face was filled with resentment as he lifted his shirt. There was a bulge the size of a toddler’s fist on the right side of his waist. Only by continuously releasing Spirit Power could he keep it in check by hardening the surrounding skin.
Beibei snorted, “Too bad. Who let you bully my little brother. Don’t waste your breath. Give me a Mystic Water Pill and I will remove this Dragon Whisker Needle. Otherwise, you can wait and cut off a layer of meat. This Dragon Whisker Needle was left by our Tang Clan’s founder. It is only pa.s.sed down through the clan’s masters. Tang Ya really got angry this time.”
“That kid was really part of your Tang Clan? I didn’t see any potential from him! Don’t even think about a Mystic Water Pill. Hurry up, I can’t keep releasing Spirit Power forever. This Dragon Whisker Needle is too evil. It hurts so much and wastes Spirit Power. Unintentionally, I saw Tang Ya’s true nature. So depressing.”
Beibei lifted his head up, “Then it’s up to you. You can give it or not. But you hit my little brother and destroyed his stand. Have fun slowly enduring the Dragon Whisker Needle. The match will start soon. I doubt you can fight against me with the needle in you.”
Xu Sanshi snorted with anger, “Fine. Beibei, just you wait. See how I will fix you up on the field. I won’t show any mercy.”
Beibei smiled, “You think I need any mercy from you?” As he said this, he extended his right hand and gestured toward Xu Sanshi.
Xu Sanshi reluctantly brought out a delicate little white jade bottle and threw it toward Beibei. Beibei caught it. “Thank you very much. Retract your Battle Spirit. I will help you remove the Dragon Whisker Needle.”
Xu Sanshi slowly returned his Battle Spirit. Without the limiting effects of his Battle Spirit, waves of sharp pain rose from where the Dragon Whisker Needle stabbed into him. With his cultivation and mental fort.i.tude, he couldn’t help but start trembling uncontrollably.
Beibei quickly pointed toward the wound with his right hand. After, he moved both of his hands and softly released Spirit Power to continuously inject it into Xu Sanshi’s muscles. He moved very intricately and every finger contained a different amount of Spirit Power. After a short while, a very thin but strong golden strand slowly came out of Xu Sanshi.
Beibei lightly waved and the golden strand jumped out, immediately shrinking to the size of a grain of rice. He turned his wrist and retrieved it.
Xu Sanshi was breathing heavily and his face was still full of rage. “Beibei, you take advantage of people too much. It’s not like you don’t know how valuable that Mystic Water Pill is. How about this, let’s make a bet. If I win this fight, you return the Mystic Water Pill to me.”
Part 4
Beibei laughed casually, “And if you lose?”
Xu Sanshi snorted, “I’ll give you a thousand gold coins.”
Beibei shook his head, “No. The Mystic Water Pill is worth more than a thousand gold coins. I won’t bet if it’s not equal.”
Xu Sanshi said with rage, “I only have this much money. If you don’t agree then I’ll really get mad.”
Beibei sighed lightly, “Do you think I lack money or something? Fine, I’ll give you a chance. I know you have more Mystic Water Pills. Just take out another one as the stakes.”
Xu Sanshi’s eyes revealed a hint of suspicion, “I feel like I might have fallen into your plans. Looks like you have confidence winning?”
Beibei’s face still carried a warm smile, “You were the one who wanted to bet, not me. You can choose not to. Also, if you lose, don’t babble to me.”
Xu Sanshi snorted, “Me lose? Even if I might not win against you, don’t think you can win easily against me. What if we tie?”
Beibei didn’t get fooled, “Then we each take what we have and return. Hurry up. You’re acting like a woman.”
Xu Sanshi bit down on his teeth, “Fine, I’ll bet with you. You b.a.s.t.a.r.d. Even though you’re not as strong as me, you are a nasty trickster. I probably just fell into your trap. But I accept it. If worse comes to worst, I’ll just get another beating from my dad when I go back home.”
Beibei’s face still carried a smile. Xu Sanshi focused very hard on trying to see any changes in his att.i.tude but he didn’t succeed.
“You! Even though you are not stupid, you always go r.e.t.a.r.ded when it has to do with Jiang Nanan. Don’t you know that you were probably enemies in the previous life? That Jiang Nannan may be beautiful but there are many other outstanding girls in the academy. Why do you have to go carrying on this unrequited love for a single flower?”
Xu Sanshi snapped, “Don’t say it as if you’re not in the same situation yourself. If you’re so good then why don’t you let me have Tang Ya?”
Beibei stood up. “You should quickly adjust your condition so you won’t be bitter when you lose. I’m going out first.” As he said this, he was already walking outside.
Just like Tang Ya expected, more students gathered in the Spirit Battle Arena. From a glance, there was at least four hundred students at the moment. Gathering five hundred at the end should be a piece of cake.
“Huo Yuhao.” An angry voice startled Huo Yuhao. He turned around and saw the well-dressed w.a.n.g Dong walking over threateningly.
“Why are you here?” Huo Yuhao asked guiltily. As he saw w.a.n.g Dong, his mind immediately recalled the previous scene.
w.a.n.g Dong’s face turned shades of red and white. He sat down next to Huo Yuhao and asked in a low voice, “Say, what did you see?”
Huo Yuhao was somewhat taken aback and said, “Ah? I didn’t see anything!”
w.a.n.g Dong said angrily, “Next time if you don’t knock, I will murder you.”
Huo Yuhao knew that he was wrong but his voice still carried resistance, “We’re all men. So what if I saw you? It’s not like you suffered a loss.”
“What did you say?” w.a.n.g Dong was in rage and extended his hand to grab Huo Yuhao.
A long cultivated palm came forward and slapped w.a.n.g Dong’s hand away. Tang Ya’s voice rang out, “Xiao Yuhao, you haven’t introduced us yet.”
w.a.n.g Dong finally realized Tang Ya’s existence. Seeing Tang Ya’s exquisite face, he paused but quickly recovered to normal. He sighed and sit up straight, ignoring Huo Yuhao. Actually, after Huo Yuhao ran off, he quickly put on his clothes but couldn’t find Huo Yuhao. He wanted to meditate but couldn’t calm his heart. Just then, he heard the speakers in the dormitory and decided to come relax. He didn’t think that he would meet Huo Yuhao and Tang Ya here.
Huo Yuhao responded, “Teacher Xiao Ya, this is my roommate w.a.n.g Dong. w.a.n.g Dong, this is Tang Ya, our senior.” He could only introduce them like this.
w.a.n.g Dong nodded toward Tang Ya and Tang Ya smiled. “What a beautiful little prince! I like you. Xiao Yuhao, how about you convince him to join our Tang Clan as well?”
Hearing the words Tang Clan, w.a.n.g Dong’s body shook with surprise, “You’re part of Tang Clan?”
Tang Ya nodded a few times, “Yes. Tang Clan only has three of us right now. I am the current generation Tang Clan Master. How about it, aren’t you shocked? Come join us. Tang Clan welcomes you.”
She was actually just saying it casually. Even though she usually behaved loud and silly, those who thought she was dumb would end up being taken advantage of. She had seen that w.a.n.g Dong was not common and that he was restraining his essence and Spirit Power. Looking at cultivation, he was far above Huo Yuhao.
However, what surprised Tang Ya was that, after a short pause, he actually nodded. “Okay! I had heard the myths concerning Tang Clan’s hidden weapons. Master, I wish to join Tang Clan. Please accept me.”
“What? You really want to join Tang Clan? There are only three of us left.” Tang Ya was greatly shocked and looked at w.a.n.g Dong with confusion.
w.a.n.g Dong nodded seriously, “I wish to join Tang Clan to study hidden weapons.”
Tang Ya’s face suddenly became serious, “I will consider this. Later, Huo Yuhao will tell you my answer.”
During the time they were talking, Beibei had stepped onto the field from the resting room. Just as he appeared, there were already spectating students shouting his name.
“Thunderbolt Beibei, Thunderbolt Beibei…..”
Beibei smiled and waved toward the spectating students while searching along the observation decks.
Tang Ya stood up and waved to him. Beibei finally saw them. Since they were far, it would be impossible to talk, but he gestured to Tang Ya.
The two had been together for a while. Tang Ya immediately returned a few gestures showing that she understood before sitting back down.
“Xiao Yuhao, how far can you extend your Mental Detection and Sharing ability?” Tang Ya whispered to Huo Yuhao.
“If it’s in a single direction, around fifty meters.”
He had just tested his range in a single direction with w.a.n.g Dong. If it were with normal usage, then he can only reach thirty meters in diameter. That is to say, he would only be able to detect fifteen meters in each direction. So fifty meters is more than double his normal limit. However, it will also exhaust a lot of Huo Yuhao’s Spirit Power.
Tang Ya immediately raised her right hand and signaled with a hand gesture to Beibei. Beibei nodded back.
Xu Sanshi also entered the Spirit Battle Arena then. Coming out with him was a teacher in his forties.
Inside the Spirit Battle Arena, Xu Sanshi and Beibei resumed her conflicting att.i.tudes. This wasn’t the first time they fought. In previous battles, both had wins but mostly ties. Using this spirit battle compet.i.tion, they had made a lot of money so of course they couldn’t easily reveal their close relationship.
The teacher referee stepped to the center of the field and said with a deep voice, “Fourth-year Beibei challenges fifth-year Xu Sanshi. If Xu Sanshi loses, he will have to pay ten gold coins. You two have also made private bets. Are you ready?”
Beibei and Xu Sanshi nodded toward the referee.