Wow!
Black feathers scattered through the air as Flander hit the ground with a bang, breathing heavily as he shielded the red-haired boy behind him. The cold glint from his black-rimmed glasses reflected the seriousness in his eyes as he stared at the elderly couple standing before him.
"Lord Long, I don't understand what my disciple has done to offend you so badly that you've come after him with such force."
They had spent the entire night searching for Ma Hongjun, even almost venturing into a brothel to find him.
Just as he was running out of ideas, he sensed a familiar trace of fiery energy—
And Lord Long's aggressive aura.
Worried that something had happened to Ma Hongjun, Flander had flown ahead of the group.
That's when he saw the young man burst into flames, burning away the seal that had suppressed his power.
How did this guy grow so much stronger overnight?
He'd definitely need to ask him later.
But right now, there was a more pressing situation to deal with.
With that in mind, Flander moved the boy behind him, guarding him closely.
"Is this kid your disciple, Four-Eyed Owl Flander?"
Lord Long narrowed his eyes, frowning slightly.
The Golden Iron Triangle may be relatively new, but they were no less famous or powerful than any established force.
Still—
"Perfect. My granddaughter has taken a liking to him. Since you're here, you can serve as a witness."
He nodded nonchalantly.
Golden Triangle? So what?
When the Peerless Dragon and Snake built their reputation on the continent, they were just three brats playing at being heroes.
Besides, Meng Shu had never cared about flashy reputations.
Flander: ???
Another wedding witness?!
No way. How is my disciple suddenly this popular?
First, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect wanted him, and now even the Peerless Dragon and Snake are getting involved?
Flander suddenly felt a headache coming on.
"I'm sorry, but don't you think we should ask my disciple what he wants first?"
He shook his head and sighed.
"And frankly, don't you think you're being a bit presumptuous?"
After all, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect offers a base dowry of 200,000 gold coins.
You want my disciple without offering a single coin? Keep dreaming.
"Four-eyed brat, don't get cocky."
The Snake Lady snorted. "Or do you think you're qualified to negotiate with us?"
"Who said he's alone?"
A rough voice came from nearby. Zhao Wuji, Shao Xin, and the others came rushing over.
"Hey, Dean, did I make it in time?"
He scratched his head and grinned, but then his eyes fell on the red-haired youth.
"Who's this handsome kid? He doesn't even look human."
Hearing this, Shao Xin and the others turned to look at the red-haired boy—his striking features and noble aura made him seem more like a myth than a person.
Ma Hongjun:
I guess none of the teachers have seen me since my Martial Soul evolved...
But Mr. Zhao, what kind of comment is 'doesn't look human'?
"He is who you think he is. I'll explain everything later."
Flander covered his face and waved his hand, clearly exasperated.
If they started explaining now, it would never end.
"Alright, fine."
Zhao Wuji nodded as if he understood and continued to eye the red-haired boy curiously.
He had a strange feeling... like he'd seen him before. And the boy was looking back at him with familiarity too.
Who is this kid really?
Wait—didn't the Dean say he saw Hongjun?
Where is he then?
"Two Soul Sages and three Soul Kings…"
Lord Long's eyes darkened, his expression turning grim.
"Four-eyed brat, is this your confidence?"
Buzz!!
A massive aura erupted as an overwhelming wave of soul power surged out like a crashing tide. A winding Dragon Staff appeared in Meng Shu's hand, along with eight soul rings that glowed brilliantly—
Yellow, yellow, purple, purple, purple, black, black, black!
Their dazzling light pulsed with an awe-inspiring pressure.
Soul Douluo!!
Flander and the others immediately entered Martial Soul Possession. Soul power wrapped around the red-haired boy like a protective barrier. In an instant, the once-quiet outskirts were flooded with surging energy and radiant light.
"Four-eyed brat, today I'll teach you a lesson."
Meng Shu gripped his staff tightly, staring disdainfully at their alert eyes.
"No matter how many ants gather, they're still just bugs—easily crushed."
He had just finished speaking when Zhao Wuji, hot-tempered as always, could no longer hold back. He roared and activated his Martial Soul.
"You arrogant old man! Let's see just how strong you really are!!"
The massive Diamond King Kong Bear let out a roar, its claws gleaming as its spirit rings lit up in succession. It charged straight at Lord Long.
"Zhao, don't be reckless!!"
Flander cried out in alarm, reaching out to stop him—but he was already too late.
"Foolish."
Duke Long snorted coldly, then gently waved his staff. A purple soul ring flared—
Boom!!!
A blinding beam shot from the Dragon Staff and slammed into the charging King Kong Bear. With a loud groan, the massive beast was knocked flying in an instant!
Defeated in one blow!!
"Damn it!!"
Zhao Wuji roared in frustration, forcing himself to stand.
But after just two steps, his body swayed and collapsed again.
A faint green mist seeped from his body, carrying a fishy stench.
"Damn, it's poison—Shao Xin!!"
Flander's pupils shrank. Wings spread wide, he generated a strong gust to blow the mist away. Shao Xin didn't hesitate—he rushed over and used his Sugar Bean Martial Soul to start detoxifying Zhao Wuji.
"Senior, using poison in a direct fight—don't you think that's low?"
Flander turned sharply to glare at the Snake Lady.
He hadn't expected them to resort to poison despite already having the upper hand.
"Hmph, it's just a little punishment. As long as the boy comes with us, we'll give you the antidote."
The Snake Lady gently tapped Meng Yiran's neck. The girl fainted, and she continued coldly:
"My snake venom isn't very strong. If it's neutralized within ten minutes, there'll be no side effects. But if even a minute is delayed, one of the internal organs will fail."
"How you handle it is your choice."
"You—!"
Flander's face turned red with rage. Veins bulged from his forehead as his body surged with soul power.
"Absolutely not!"
"Then just watch your good brother slowly turn into a corpse."
The Snake Lady sneered at the panic-stricken Shao Xin.
"My snake venom—unless you bring Poison Douluo himself, no one in the Tian Dou Empire can cure it."
Creak!
Everyone clenched their teeth in fury, eyes filled with murderous intent.
Flander was stunned.
He couldn't bear to see his good brother die—but giving up his disciple would be like sending him into the tiger's jaws.
Before, he thought the Peerless Dragon and Snake were just arrogant. Now, he saw the truth—
They were utterly shameless and ruthless.
But...
Watching Zhao Wuji writhe in pain, Flander's heart ached.
"Teacher..."
As the boy's voice came softly, Flander instinctively raised a hand.
"Hongjun, I won't hand you over."
There had to be another way. There must be.
"No need."
The red-haired youth glanced at the sneering Snake Lady. Flames flickered into life in his palm as he calmly said:
"I have a way to cure the snake venom."