Chapter 34: The Tragedy of Dai Mubai

Chapter 34: The Tragedy of Dai Mubai

“Take care.” Releasing her jade-like hand, Little Medic left these words behind, her delicate face flushed as she turned and walked into the dense forest.

Watching her graceful silhouette slowly vanish among the trees, Xiao Se smiled lightly and shrugged, trailing at a distance. Only after seeing her rejoin the group from the rear did he turn and leave.

“Brother, you seem to hold that girl called Little Medic in high regard,” came the light, playful voice of Long Kui echoing softly in Xiao Se’s mind.

Xiao Se smiled faintly, replying silently, “Little Medic is no ordinary person. She possesses a rare and peculiar constitution known as the Calamity Poison Body. This constitution is extremely uncommon and inherently venomous—anyone who touches her dies instantly. Those with this gift can grow stronger by continuously absorbing poisons; the more potent the toxins, the faster their power rises, with virtually no upper limit. Of course, everything has its drawbacks. Once the poison inside reaches a certain threshold, the Calamity Poison Body can no longer suppress the toxic energy, and the host will ultimately perish, consumed by the myriad poisons within.”

Hearing this, Long Kui’s expression grew serious, her brows furrowing as she responded, “Isn’t that incredibly dangerous for her?”

Xiao Se smiled and said, “It depends on the wielder. In my eyes, no power is inherently good or evil; what matters is how the one who wields it chooses to act.”

[Beep. One month’s term has arrived. Exchange attempts have been refreshed. Congratulations, host, you have gained one opportunity to exchange.]

At the system’s prompt echoing in his mind, Xiao Se’s lips curved into a faint smile, and his steps quickened slightly.

Before long, guided by Long Kui’s keen spiritual perception, Xiao Se found an abandoned cave near the inner edge of the Beast Mountain Range. He scattered high-grade beast dung and a powder to mask his aura, then sat cross-legged inside, restoring his Dou Qi to its peak. Only then did he begin the exchange.

This time, he wanted to see if he could obtain something like flames.

Curling his right palm slightly, a ball of azure-white flames rose from his hand. “Let’s spice it up a bit,” he murmured.

Without hesitation, Xiao Se took out a first-grade Ape Demon Core purchased in the imitation market. In moments, the core was scorched into a medicinal liquid, floating in the center of the flames.

“System, exchange this flame in my hand.”

[Beep. Congratulations, host, you have exchanged for the tenth-level soul power of Dai Mubai from the Douluo Continent.]

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Douluo Continent.

Shrek Academy training ground.

Dean Flandre of Shrek Academy scanned the three students lined up before him with a beaming smile, nodding gently as he spoke, “Excellent, very good. Today I am pleased to announce that not only has Oscar joined our academy, but Dai Mubai’s soul power also broke through to level thirty this morning. With one more soul ring, he will become the youngest Soul Master in the academy’s history. On behalf of the academy, I extend my congratulations to him.”

Hearing Dai Mubai’s breakthrough to level thirty, Oscar looked at him in shock, exclaiming, “A thirteen-year-old Soul Master!” He had believed that, as an Innate Full Soul Power Food-Type Soul Master, having reached Great Soul Master level at twelve was already extraordinary. Never had he imagined there was a thirteen-year-old Soul Master among the students, a feat he admitted he could not surpass.

Beside him, Ma Hongjun wore an expression full of admiration, excitedly saying, “Wow, Big Brother Dai, you’re amazing! Breaking through to Soul Master at thirteen—I, the Fatty, have to admit defeat.”

“Heh, as long as you work hard, I believe neither of you will fall far behind at my age,” Dai Mubai replied with a light laugh, chest out, head held high. Though humble in words, the pride in his tone was unmistakable.

“Dai Mubai is right. Oscar, Hongjun, both of you are blessed with great talent—one an Innate Full Soul Power Food-Type Soul Master, the other wielding the powerful Beast Soul of the Evil Fire Phoenix. With effort, surpassing Dai Mubai in the future is by no means impossible,” Flandre said earnestly, encouraging them both.

“Yes, Dean,” Oscar and Ma Hongjun answered in unison, their voices brimming with excitement. Clearly, Dai Mubai’s imminent promotion to Soul Master had a profound impact on their spirits, though how long that inspiration would last was uncertain.

Looking at the two brimming with fighting spirit, Flandre nodded with satisfaction, cleared his throat, and continued, “Originally, I had prepared new lessons for you today, but since Dai Mubai has reached level thirty, today’s classes are canceled. You three should rest and recuperate. Tomorrow, I will personally lead you to the Star Dou Great Forest to hunt for Dai Mubai’s third soul ring.”

“Hongjun, come with me to the shop later,” Flandre said, turning to Ma Hongjun.

At this, Ma Hongjun’s small eyes sparkled with excitement as he quickly replied, “Yes, Dean.”

Flandre’s shop was located in Soto City. Ma Hongjun’s trip there was not merely to help run the store but to resolve the issues caused by the evil fire from his Beast Soul.

Nearby, Dai Mubai could not help but smile faintly upon hearing this. He stepped up to Ma Hongjun, patted his shoulder, and joked, “Fatty, take it easy. Don’t get drained dry.”

“Don’t underestimate the owner of an Evil Fire Beast Soul. But you, changing girlfriends every few days, are the one who should be careful,” Ma Hongjun retorted with a grin, pushing Dai Mubai playfully.

“What are you two talking about?” Oscar, still new and unfamiliar with their banter, asked Dai Mubai with a puzzled expression.

Dai Mubai laughed, shook his head, and said, “Nothing. You’ll understand eventually.”

“Dai Mubai, Oscar is new and doesn’t know the academy well. You should take him around and help him find someone to prepare a new dormitory. The three of you crammed into one room is too cramped,” Flandre said, looking at Dai Mubai.

“Leave it to me, Dean,” Dai Mubai readily agreed and immediately led Oscar toward the dormitories, already devising how to get Oscar to call him “Big Brother Dai.”

Before long, the two arrived at a small hut near the dormitory area.

Opening the door and entering, Dai Mubai activated his soul power to blow away the dust swirling in the air. Turning to Oscar, he said, “Oscar, how do you like this room? It’s a bit dirty now, but I’ll have some villagers help clean it later. You can move in tonight.”

No sooner had he spoken than Dai Mubai suddenly felt his vision darken, a cold sweat breaking out on his forehead. His steps faltered, nearly causing him to fall.

Fortunately, Oscar reacted quickly and caught him, concern etched on his face. “Dai Mubai, what’s wrong? Are you okay?”

Before Dai Mubai could answer, a sudden surge of evil fire flared up in his lower abdomen. His lower body swelled painfully, his entire body flushed red and burning hot, steam rising from him.

“Oscar, this is bad—something’s seriously wrong!!!”

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P.S. The third update is here. Thanks to the generous supporters.

(End of chapter)