"I… it's that time of the month." Zhu Zhuqing's breath was soft, tinged with both embarrassment and exertion.
Lin Jie's hands, which had just been exploring her body, froze in place. His eyes widened in disbelief. "You serious?"
Zhu Zhuqing gave a soft hum and turned her head away, clearly too embarrassed to face him.
Lin Jie nearly collapsed on the spot. Damn it. Of all times… seriously?
They had been just one step away. Just one. And now—
He clenched his teeth in frustration. But as the moment passed, he gradually calmed down. Thinking back, he realized he had gotten too caught up in the heat. Knowing Zhu Zhuqing's personality, she never would have gone that far without resisting—unless she had chosen to.
Yeah… she tempted me first, he thought to himself. No question. She's just too seductive. A wry smile curled at the corner of his mouth.
Zhu Zhuqing sat up quietly, the soft rustling of fabric audible as she began dressing. Lin Jie followed suit, sitting up beside her.
"I'm sorry," he said gently. "I got carried away."
Zhu Zhuqing's cheeks were bright red, but she gave a quiet "Mm" in response. She stood, adjusting her clothes. "I—I'll go back now."
As she turned to leave, Lin Jie suddenly called out, "Wait."
She paused in place but didn't look back.
"Do you trust me?" he asked.
It was the third time he had asked her that question.
"I do," Zhu Zhuqing said softly.
"In that case, listen to me. Your clan, your engagement to Dai Mubai, and his so-called royal status—none of it matters to me. If you let me… I can protect you."
He stepped closer.
"If you insist on fighting your own battles, then I have a way to help you become stronger. Fast."
Did he truly have a way to deal with Zhu Zhuqing's powerful clan? Not at the moment. But he wasn't lying either—just buying time. After all, there were still over two years before the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Tournament. No need to rush.
His voice softened. "Go get some rest. Think it over. Let me know your answer tomorrow."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded slightly and walked out, her graceful figure swaying with a subtle allure that Lin Jie couldn't help but admire.
The Next Day
Flender gathered everyone for a short but memorable "sausage lesson," courtesy of Oscar, before dismissing them to prepare for their trip to the Star Dou Great Forest to help Oscar obtain his second Spirit Ring.
At first, Lin Jie found Oscar's chant while producing his Recovery Sausages a bit awkward, but eventually, he got used to it. Watching Oscar conjure sausages reminded Lin Jie of the grilled sausages from his past life—so he proposed a little cookout.
That day, they had a spontaneous sausage barbecue. The flavor? Let's just say Oscar's cooking didn't even come close. But once Lin Jie took over the grill, even Tang San and Dai Mubai had to admit it was delicious.
Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong, in particular, devoured several each—Lin Jie had made sure to pile extra onto their plates. He wasn't exactly being subtle about who he favored.
Oscar was stunned. "Lin Jie! Your sausage tastes are on another level! Are you secretly a noble from some gourmet family?"
Lin Jie just chuckled. "Just something I picked up myself. Want the recipe? Sure. Sharing with classmates is what I do."
Oscar tried copying his method with great enthusiasm, but his control over the fire was still lacking.
Over the course of that day, the group's dynamic noticeably softened. Laughter came easier—though Dai Mubai still eyed Lin Jie with thinly veiled hostility. And Lin Jie didn't care to hide his disdain in return.
That night, Dai Mubai had cornered Zhu Zhuqing, questioning her about her relationship with Lin Jie.
She didn't deny it.
In fact, she fired back: "You—who abandoned me and ran away, wasting your days with drink and women—what right do you have to question me?"
The two nearly came to blows right then and there. If Tang San and the others hadn't walked in and diffused the tension, fists would've flown.
Despite all that, Lin Jie's bond with the rest of the team continued to deepen—or at least seemed to on the surface. What each person truly thought? That remained hidden.
Departure
The next morning, under Zhao Wuji's lead, the group set out for the Star Dou Great Forest.
Worth noting: Zhu Zhuqing had broken through to Spirit Power Rank 29, and she mentioned she could feel her breakthrough to Rank 30 was close. Her connection with Lin Jie had clearly grown stronger since the night before, even if she didn't show it openly. But the look in her eyes when she glanced at him—it had become softer. Warmer.
The eight students formed up in a tight formation, placing the support-type Spirit Masters in the center, and began their journey toward the forest.
Within the first hour of travel, the value of Oscar's Recovery Sausages became evident. After having eaten so many yesterday, everyone's initial resistance to the "weird chant" had faded. Though the taste still couldn't match Lin Jie's grilled version, the utility was undeniable.
As they continued through rugged terrain, everyone's stamina was steadily drained—but Oscar's sausages provided quick replenishment.
Even Lin Jie—who barely broke a sweat—pretended to be exhausted, just to keep appearances. After all, everyone had seen him spar with Zhao Wuji for half an incense stick's time. Even if Zhao Wuji hadn't gone all out, that was still impressive.
Every hour, each member ate one of Oscar's sausages to maintain energy levels.
Oscar's treatment had clearly improved. With Dai Mubai and Tang San taking turns helping him navigate the harder terrain, he looked quite pleased.
And Lin Jie?
Naturally, he turned his attention to Ning Rongrong.
As a support-type Spirit Master—and a girl—keeping up with the others was a challenge. So Lin Jie occasionally stepped in to offer her a hand. Ning Rongrong's favor toward him clearly grew, her eyes lighting up whenever he helped her.
Zhu Zhuqing, of course, noticed.
She glared coldly at Lin Jie from the side, clearly displeased.
Lin Jie caught her stare, offered her a harmless smile.
She snorted softly, turned her head, and walked faster.
The Star Dou Great Forest sat on the southeastern border of the Balak Kingdom, a portion of it overlapping with the kingdom itself. Since Suotuo City was also in the southeast, the distance to the forest was less than five hundred kilometers.
Naturally, it was the prime location for Shrek students to obtain Spirit Rings.
Thanks to Oscar's sausages, they reached the outskirts of the forest by nightfall—a full day ahead of schedule.
They arrived at a large, bustling town just outside the forest. Though it had no city walls, the place looked almost like a small city, full of lively streets and countless shops.
Lin Jie took a closer look and realized that nearly every store catered to Spirit Masters—whether it was recovery tonics, basic tools, or battle gear.
Oscar was in awe. "You know the saying: 'Live off the land, live off the water'? This is it. A whole town surviving off its proximity to the Star Dou Great Forest. I bet there are more like this scattered around the forest's edge."
Zhao Wuji pointed at an inn up ahead. "We'll stay there tonight. Rest up. We head out early tomorrow. You all pay your own way."
Lin Jie sighed internally. Shrek Academy really is broke as hell. Can't even cover a night's stay?
Fine. He decided to treat everyone.
The inn was a two-story building, with a dining hall on the ground floor and lodging above. Zhao Wuji booked a private room and vanished upstairs, leaving the group to sort themselves out.
After some discussion, Lin Jie arranged separate rooms for everyone—and paid the full bill himself.
Dai Mubai resisted at first, but relented. After all, who says no to free money?
Oscar whistled. "Damn, Lin Jie! You're rich, huh? Don't tell me you're some secret noble?"
Lin Jie just smiled. "Just self-made. Helping classmates is only right. Don't get all formal on me."
Everyone thanked him in turn.
Ma Hongjun groaned. "Let's eat first before heading up. After a full day of nothing but sausages, I'm about to puke."
Everyone nodded in agreement—even Zhu Zhuqing didn't object.
The group found a table tucked in a corner and sat down together.
Tang San asked, "Should we call Teacher Zhao to join us?"
Dai Mubai shook his head. "No need. Teacher Zhao doesn't eat with students. It's a rule Flender set—everyone pays their own way."
Lin Jie actually respected that. Self-reliance. A good principle.
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