It wasn't that Ma Hongjun disobeyed orders or acted recklessly—it was just that this monster's flying speed was too fast and he was about to fly over the heads of several people.
In a rush, the red-haired boy could only call out to Flander and the others to stay alert, then quickly took action to bring the creature down.
"If I'm not mistaken, this should be a thousand-year-old Phoenix-Tailed Cockscomb Snake. It's more suitable for Oscar to absorb. If we miss this chance, it'll be hard to find another. That's why I acted. I'm sorry, teacher."
Ma Hongjun pointed to the charred, snake-like creature on the ground, its long body barely twitching at the tail. It was clearly on the brink of death.
The whole thing had happened so quickly that by the time the others reacted, the thousand-year-old soul beast was already defeated.
"It's not a big deal. Zhao Wuji and I were just worried that you lacked experience and might make a mistake if you acted too soon. But if you're confident, we'll back you all the way."
Flander shook his head, a trace of surprise in his eyes.
With his level of strength, he had naturally sensed the snake earlier. But while he was still analyzing it, the boy had already moved and subdued it.
Was this kid too impressive for his age?
A thousand-year-old soul beast—and subdued with his first soul skill?
"Good job, you acted decisively."
Zhao Wuji burst out laughing.
"My man! I love you so much!"
Oscar was so emotional his eyes welled up with tears. He lunged to hug Ma Hongjun, but the latter dodged him with a look of disgust.
"It's okay. Even if you hate me, I won't mind! From now on, eat as much of my sausage as you like!"
Oscar gave a big thumbs up and pounded his chest.
"Scram! Go absorb the spirit ring already!"
The red-haired boy said, clearly annoyed.
He had considered helping Oscar find a better spirit ring, but then remembered that in the original version of events, this Phoenix-Tailed Cockscomb Snake had granted Oscar an excellent skill—so he stuck with it.
"Brother Hongjun is really incredible."
Ning Rongrong looked at him with admiration, her beautiful eyes sparkling.
Zhu Zhuqing also wore a similar expression, though Xiao Wu's face had turned a little pale, as if she were reminded of something painful.
"Hmph, what's the big deal?"
Tang San snorted coldly.
He had also seen the soul beast with his Purple Demon Eye—he just didn't say anything.
Oscar is good friends with Ma Hongjun, and sooner or later they will become his enemies!
"Fine, no more words—I'll take it as a gift from the heavens!"
Oscar placed his hands on his hips, grinning in triumph. He pulled out a knife, ready to give the finishing blow to the dying soul beast.
But just as he was about to act, an elderly voice called out.
Two figures—one tall, one petite—rushed over and appeared in front of the group.
When they got a clear look at who the group was, the taller one gasped in surprise.
The younger girl's eyes were locked onto the red-haired boy.
"Hahaha! Look at that—like the flood washing away the Dragon King Temple. Family members failing to recognize each other."
Zhao Wuji laughed heartily, then asked warmly, "Is something the matter?"
"Nonsense. That Phoenix-Tailed Cockscomb Snake is a soul beast I wounded earlier. I just lost track of it for a moment."
The newcomers were none other than Snake Lady Chao Tianxiang and Meng Yiran, who had a brief encounter with Ma Hongjun in the past.
Chao Tianxiang snorted coldly. "Why? Are you trying to steal it halfway through?"
The air grew tense, but on the other side, things took an awkward turn.
Ma Hongjun looked at the graceful young woman with a trace of embarrassment. The affection and sweetness in her eyes were impossible to ignore. He also noticed several curious gazes falling on him.
Meng Yiran stepped forward, her eyes filled with unspoken feelings.
Ever since their last meeting, Ma Hongjun's image had never left her mind. And after her grandmother revealed her plans, those feelings only deepened.
From that day on, she had dreamt of him every night. In those dreams, her heart and body would soar with him to the clouds.
But every morning, she would wake up to cold sheets and lingering emptiness.
She thought she would have to wait a long time to see him again. But fate had other plans.
"I… I'm fine. What about you?"
Ma Hongjun scratched his nose awkwardly.
He could sense the breathing around them suddenly intensify.
"I've missed you terribly. Actually, I—"
Meng Yiran took a deep breath, steadying her emotions. She stared at him deeply, as if to burn his face into her heart.
"I have other matters to handle for now. Let's meet in Tiandou Imperial City, okay?"
Ma Hongjun nodded. "What about the soul beast?"
"Of course it's yours."
She smiled gently, then stepped forward and kissed him lightly on the cheek.
"I'm willing to give you everything—including myself."
She breathed softly in his ear, leaving those words behind before turning and walking away with a sweet smile.
Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, Xiao Wu: !!!!!!
Oscar, Dai Mubai, Tang San: ???!!!
"Grandma, let's go. Let them have the snake."
Meng Yiran was clearly in high spirits. Her pretty face radiated joy as she tugged at the Snake Lady's arm.
"Girls really can't be kept once they grow up…"
The Snake Lady sighed helplessly. She no longer cared to argue with Zhao Wuji and Flander and simply left with Meng Yiran.
For a long moment, the clearing was completely silent.
Then suddenly, Dai Mubai and Oscar threw themselves at Ma Hongjun, shaking his shoulders wildly.
"Holy crap, Fatty! When did you manage to steal such a beauty?!"
"Did you see her eyes? That gaze! I'm dying here!"
"Deeply in love—head over heels!!"
"Fatty, you're truly impressive!"
The two were equal parts envious and gleeful. They envied that someone like Meng Yiran seemed to have fallen for him completely. But since it happened in front of everyone, it probably meant Ma Hongjun wouldn't have a chance with the others anymore, right?
Even Tang San looked excited.
Wouldn't this help Xiao Wu see what kind of guy Ma Hongjun really was?
Before Ma Hongjun could react to their teasing, he noticed the complicated expressions of Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, and Xiao Wu.
"Brother Hongjun is so outstanding. It's only natural that others would like him."
Ning Rongrong took a deep breath. Though her eyes were dim, they also gleamed with determination.
She clenched her fists and looked at him seriously.
Zhu Zhuqing stepped forward, her cold and beautiful face flushed slightly. She nodded subtly, showing her stance.
Dai Mubai, Oscar: ????
Wait, what the hell is going on?!