Ignoring Zhao Wuji's heart-wrenching shouts, Mr. Ning rushed up to the young man, opened the book, pointed at a picture, and asked anxiously:
"Well? Do you feel anything?"
What the heck?
The red-haired boy blinked in confusion at the old man. Then, as his gaze dropped to the page, black lines spread across his face.
"Old man, please have some self-respect."
Ma Hongjun took a quick step back, rubbing the goosebumps on his arms as he looked at Mr. Ning with suspicion.
"You're way too old to be doing this kind of stuff. It'll ruin your reputation."
The book was filled with vivid erotic images.
To be fair, the artwork was top-tier.
The poses were bold, the details meticulous, and the quality crystal clear. Most people would probably feel their blood rush and breath quicken after looking at it.
But for Ma Hongjun—who had seen the art of countless masters in his past life—this kind of thing was a bit underwhelming.
If he were alone, maybe he'd pause to admire the artistry, give a small nod, and show a little respect.
But when an old man shoved it in your face with hopeful, expectant eyes? That changed everything.
"Hey, it's fine, it's fine."
Mr. Ning didn't mind the boy's blunt rejection at all. In fact, when he saw that Hongjun not only showed no interest but even looked a bit disgusted, he nearly laughed out loud in joy.
I knew it!
I knew a kid like this wouldn't fall for such filth!
Even I couldn't help but react when I saw this stuff, but this boy? Not even a twitch!
Wait... could there be something wrong with him?
That thought made Mr. Ning glance at the boy's lower half suspiciously.
Even if he didn't have something like evil fire (an overabundance of lustful inner energy), he couldn't possibly be... that useless, right?
If that's the case, maybe having evil fire would be better.
"Hold on... you're really Hongjun?"
Zhao Wuji stood up, eyes wide, and joined the group of teachers who had gathered around the red-haired boy. Their expressions were filled with disbelief.
"Hiss! This makes no sense!"
"I watched this kid grow up. How did he turn into this in just a few days?"
"You're saying all it takes is losing weight to become that handsome?"
"Yeah, no way. It's gotta be something more than that. Lao Zhao would just get uglier if he slimmed down."
"Fuck you!!"
The teachers argued loudly while Zhao Wuji kept staring at Ma Hongjun, still trying to process what he was seeing.
"I suspected it earlier, but I couldn't believe it... I didn't expect it was really you. Hey, Hongjun, tell your teacher—how did you change like this?"
Can you teach me too?
Even though Zhao Wuji considered himself plenty good-looking, something like this? Who wouldn't want it?
"It was a martial soul mutation, Teacher Zhao," Ma Hongjun replied honestly, though he left out the part about the system.
Even so, everyone present was stunned—and envious.
A martial soul mutation?
It was like he'd been reborn. Even his entire vibe had changed!
"So, you're seriously not into this stuff anymore? You used to be obsessed with it," Zhao Wuji asked, retrieving the album from Mr. Ning with a puzzled expression.
Mr. Ning leaned in slightly, clearly listening.
"Come on, Mr. Zhao. I'm not a kid anymore."
Ma Hongjun sighed and turned to walk toward Flander.
No way was he going to admit that he still appreciated this kind of thing.
Besides, he had more important things to focus on now.
After a lot of commotion, it was finally noon by the time they figured everything out.
Flander was surprised that the boy's internal fire didn't seem too serious. Ma Hongjun also understood what was going on with the so-called engagement and rejected it outright.
While hitching a ride on the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's power was tempting, it would also mean becoming tied down—a huge limitation for his future. That was not a wise move.
Mr. Ning was disappointed, but he didn't press the issue. He could tell the boy had a strong will and firm beliefs.
Pushing harder would only make things worse.
Still... this boy left a strong impression.
I'll just find a few talented female disciples from the sect to train Rongrong. Let's see who really wins in the end.
Having made up his mind, Mr. Ning left with a smile. He still had to report everything to Ning Fengzhi.
Finally, the group returned to Shrek Academy.
"It's been a long two days," the boy sighed, stretching lazily as he inhaled the faint scent of wheat drifting through the fields. His whole body relaxed.
A lot had happened.
But the gains were just as great. Earning 300 evolution points left him very satisfied.
Still, Ma Hongjun wasn't sure how best to use them.
He planned to get his third soul ring first, explore the system's mechanics further, and then decide how to distribute the points.
"Fatty! You're finally back! Your brothers have been waiting forever!"
As they reached the gate, Oscar's tearful shout rang out. Then he saw a bearded man running toward him, crying dramatically.
Huh?
Was he really that emotional?
Ma Hongjun scratched his chin, puzzled, but still spread his arms open.
He was genuinely touched that his brother cared this much.
But before Oscar could get to him, a large hand grabbed him by the back of the collar and lifted him off the ground.
"Dean!"
Uncle Sausage froze and looked up at Flander with an awkward smile. "Can I hug Fatty first? I really missed him..."
"I'll give you time," Flander said, adjusting his glasses with a smile.
"But your punishment is now doubled. And don't forget the sack you didn't carry last night."
"Of course, you could skip the hug, cut the penalty in half."
"So? Do you really want to reminisce with Hongjun?"
Oscar straightened up immediately, turned on his heel, and bolted out of the village.
"Dean! I'm starting now!!"
Ma Hongjun:
The red-haired boy frowned and began lowering his arms, realizing that Oscar had been trying to use him as a human shield.
Some brother you are. Huh!?
Just as he was mentally grumbling, something soft and warm suddenly landed in his arms.
A faint, cool fragrance drifted to his nose, and a shy, nervous voice whispered softly:
"Welcome back."
Then the girl stepped away.
The red-haired boy stood there stunned, staring at the retreating back of a cool, black-haired girl with a perfect figure.
Wait… Zhu Zhuqing?!
What just happened?!
If it weren't for the lingering scent in his arms, Ma Hongjun would've thought he imagined it.
Smash!
A loud crash. He turned toward the sound and saw Dai Mubai frozen in place, shards of a broken wine glass still in his hand.
"Fatty, you..."
"No—wait—I didn't—!"
Ma Hongjun barely had time to explain before another small, soft body flitted into his embrace.
"Welcome back!"
The sweet girl gave him a cheeky smile, eyes twinkling, then darted away like a butterfly.
"FATTY!!!"
Another voice full of disbelief echoed behind him. He turned and met Oscar's heartbroken stare.