After venting its anger, Tom proudly winked at Shen An, as if saying, "Your love life is under my protection!"
"Cough cough... Damn cat! I swear I'll skin you alive!"
Shao Hu struggled to his feet, clutching his aching chest as he glared at Tom with fury.
Tom instantly ducked behind Shen An, who naturally wouldn't stand by and let someone bully his cat—especially not when that someone had been harassing Zhu Zhuqing.
With a flick of his wrist, the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass materialized in his hand.
"What the—?!"
Before Shao Hu could react, a blade sharper than death itself pressed against his throat, sending chills down his spine.
"Don't move. Move, and you die."
Shen An's whisper might as well have been a demon's curse to Shao Hu's ears. Cold sweat broke out across his skin, and even the simple act of swallowing felt too dangerous to attempt.
"L-Let's talk this out! This is Heaven Dou Academy—kill me, and you won't escape either!" Shao Hu stammered, masking his terror with bravado.
Shen An smirked. At least this guy wasn't completely stupid, trying to hide behind the academy's authority. But he had no intention of killing him—that would bring unnecessary trouble. A lesson, however, was non-negotiable.
"Shen An, stop! This is all a misunderstanding. Shao Hu is one of mine."
A young, arrogant voice cut through the tension.
The group turned to see a squad of Heaven Dou students in golden-yellow uniforms led by a haughty young man oozing the air of a spoiled noble.
So what if you're important? Who said I have to care?
Without hesitation, Shen An kicked Shao Hu with enough force to send him flying. Even among power-type Soul Ancestors, few could match Shen An's raw strength at the Soul Elder level.
Unlike Tom's punch, which only knocked Shao Hu unconscious, this strike had him coughing up blood mid-air.
Xue Beng's eyes flashed with anger. Despite his years of playing the fool, he was still the Fourth Prince of Heaven Dou Empire—how dare a commoner humiliate him like this?!
But memories of his uncle Xue Xing's warnings resurfaced: "Shen An's talent is extraordinary. He defeated a Soul Elder in one strike and has caught Poison Douluo's eye. Most importantly—he's at odds with the three Education Committee members."
If Xue Beng wanted the throne, he needed allies like this. Swallowing his pride, he forced a smile.
"Ah, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Xue Beng, Fourth Prince of Heaven Dou. My uncle, Prince Xue Xing, was the one who stood with you against the three Education Committee members. We're practically old friends! But since you injured Shao Hu... How about a simple apology, and we'll call it even?"
Shao Hu paled. An apology?! After all this?! He opened his mouth to protest, but a sharp glare from Xue Beng silenced him.
Shen An almost laughed. Using that incident as leverage? Pathetic.
"Your status means nothing to me. I'm only here for my friend." He pointed at Zhu Zhuqing, then locked eyes with Shao Hu. "Remember—stay away from her. Or next time, the consequences will be worse."
With that, Shen An raised two fingers and slashed downward.
Whoosh—!
The ground before Xue Beng split open in a razor-straight fissure.
The prince's entourage recoiled. These were no weaklings—all Soul Masters or higher—yet that casual strike made it clear: This guy isn't someone to mess with.
Xue Beng's face darkened. He played the fool, but ambition burned in his heart. To him, a prince's favor was a gift beyond measure—yet this commoner dared reject it?!
"Stop right there!" Xue Beng barked. "You can't just walk away after attacking my man!"
Shen An paused, his gaze glacial. "Looking for a fight?"
"Call it justice. Apologize, or we'll make you apologize." Xue Beng sneered. If Shen An wouldn't be an ally, he'd crush him. After all, as the 'notorious wastrel,' bullying others was his trademark.
"Tom, Jerry. You're up. Firecrackers allowed."
Bored by these lackeys, Shen An delegated the task—perfect for showcasing the firecrackers' power to Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong.
Saluting with a white-gloved paw, Tom counted six targets (including Xue Beng and Shao Hu) and produced six tiny firecrackers.
Xue Beng's group burst out laughing. "You're gonna beat us with firecrackers?!"
"Release your martial souls! Show them what we've got!"
Beast-type transformations erupted—leopards, lions, bears, wolves.
Tom smirked. Normally, I'd cower. But today? I've got explosives.
Pulling out a match, it patted Jerry, who eyed it suspiciously—until Tom yanked its tail and struck the match against Jerry's butt.
"SQUEAK?!"
Jerry clutched its singed rear, fuming. "YOU COULD'VE USED A LIGHTER!"
Ignoring Jerry, Tom theatrically tossed five firecrackers in perfect arcs.
Xue Beng's crew tried dodging, but the projectiles homed in, lodging squarely up their nostrils.
Eyes crossing as they stared at the shrinking fuses, realization dawned—
"Oh shi—"
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!