Chapter 85: The Frustrated Yu Xiaogang
Yu Xiaogang had been feeling quite frustrated lately.
Always known for his self-discipline, he had unexpectedly developed a habit of oversleeping, waking up each morning feeling groggy and unrested.
Not only that, he noticed changes in his chest—it had started to swell and become more sensitive. He would feel tired just from standing a little while, without doing anything strenuous.
He often felt nauseous or had the urge to vomit, and his sensitivity to smells had increased. Additionally, he experienced bloating, frequent urination, and a heightened appetite that left him constantly hungry.
Most bothersome was the constant discharge from his lower body, forcing him to change his underwear several times a day.
Morning sunlight bathed the land, its warmth bringing dryness and vitality. All things revived under the bright rays, signaling the start of a new day.
At Shrek Academy.
The Shrek Seven Devils had already gathered early on the training ground, awaiting the day's new lesson plan.
Ning Rongrong furrowed her elegant brows, looked toward Zhu Zhuqing, and softly asked, "Zhuqing, what do you think is going on with Master lately? Ever since we lost that group spirit battle to the Huangdou Team, I've noticed he's been completely listless."
Zhu Zhuqing shook her head. "I don't know either."
She didn't care much about Yu Xiaogang. To her, he was just an ordinary soul master academy teacher. Ever since Zu Zong left Soto City a few days ago, Zhu Zhuqing had been training even harder, unwilling to waste even a moment.
She spent most of her days cultivating. The grove where she used to secretly meet Zu Zong had now become her exclusive training ground, and she would head there after every class.
Ning Rongrong turned to Tang San. "Tang San, why hasn't your teacher shown up yet?"
Tang San looked somewhat haggard, his face pale with dark circles under his eyes and bloodshot sclera. Clearly, his mood wasn't good.
The recent defeat had struck him like lightning. Despite Yu Xiaogang and Meng Yiran trying to encourage him, he hadn't recovered from his dejection and had even missed several classes in the past few days.
Tang San said calmly, "Maybe teacher has something to handle."
"Ah..." Ning Rongrong was speechless. Upon closer inspection, she realized Tang San had deteriorated quite a bit in just a few days.
There was even sleep crust in the corners of his eyes, and it seemed like he hadn't washed his face before coming out.
"Is this still the confident, high-spirited Tang San who defeated Dai Mubai right after becoming a Soul Elder?" Ning Rongrong wondered silently.
Among the Shrek Seven Devils, Dai Mubai had also changed a lot. After his pride had been wounded during the last battle, he took the pain to heart.
He discarded his flashy clothes, cosmetics, and perfume, and once again donned the white robe full of masculine flair he used to wear.
"Hey! Boss Dai, what do you think is going on with Master lately? I noticed he eats even more than me now," Ma Hongjun said, looking at Dai Mubai.
Dai Mubai glared at the brothel phoenix. Was this really something you said right in front of everyone about the man you admired most?
Clearing his throat, Dai Mubai replied seriously, "He—uh—how would I know? Maybe Master just has a good appetite lately."
Oscar also joined in. "Fatty, now that you mention it, I just remembered—Master's been stewing pig trotters every night lately! He even asks me to bring him sausages every day."
The voices of Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar were not quiet, and soon they had attracted everyone's attention.
A strange glint flashed in Ning Rongrong's eyes. "Now that you bring it up, I remember too—yesterday, I saw Master dry heaving against the wall!"
As soon as she said this, everyone looked at each other in astonishment. This sounded exactly like a pregnant woman!
Just as they were all discussing, a rough coughing sound broke the chatter.
"Ahem—"
Everyone turned toward the sound and was instantly stunned.
Although the weather had only just begun to cool and winter had not yet arrived, Yu Xiaogang was already bundled tightly in a thick cotton coat.
Yu Xiaogang said, "Everyone line up."
Moments later, with his hands behind his back, Yu Xiaogang stood in the center of the training ground, looking at the assembled students before him.
"Ahem, I haven't been feeling well the past few days, so I arrived a bit late. I apologize for that."
Tang San frowned slightly and looked at Yu Xiaogang with concern. "Teacher, if you're not feeling well, you should go back and rest. I'll speak to Dean Flender and have him assign me to take over your lessons."
"This—" Yu Xiaogang hesitated. After standing a while, he did feel rather exhausted.
Tang San said, "Teacher, your health comes first."
As he spoke, Tang San looked toward the rest of the Shrek group.
Ning Rongrong and the others also noticed Yu Xiaogang's poor complexion and immediately chimed in.
"Yes, Master, your health is more important. We can arrange our own cultivation."
"Master, please return to your quarters. Be careful not to catch a cold—"
"Master, I just happened to make two sausages. Here—these are for you." As he spoke, Oscar handed over two sausages.
Yu Xiaogang sighed helplessly. "Alright then. Xiao San, come to my room after class today."
Upon hearing this, Tang San's expression dimmed slightly. Last time, when he asked Yu Xiaogang for permission to switch to cultivating the Clear Sky Hammer, he had been firmly and righteously rejected. Now, it was likely another round of persuasion.
————Divider————
Meanwhile, while things were going poorly for Yu Xiaogang and Tang San...
After several days of travel, and four months apart, Zu Zong and the others from the Huangdou Team finally returned to Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
Looking at the gate before her bearing the name 'Heaven Dou Royal Academy,' Xiao Wu stretched lazily and leapt down from Zu Zong's back.
"Ah! I'm exhausted. Finally back. I, sister Xiao Wu, need a good long sleep." Needless to say, she had once again gotten Zu Zong to carry her along the way.
This was part of an unequal agreement forced upon Zu Zong after Xiao Wu took the blame for beating up Tang San during the spirit battle in Soto City and getting scolded by Qin Ming.
Zu Zong rolled his eyes at her. "It feels like I carried you nearly the whole way, except when we were in the carriage."
—That damn softness. Although it wasn't as ample as Zhuqing's, it had the advantage of better shape. Each had its own merits.
"Hmph! I don't care. I suffered because of you, and this is what you promised me. Also, tomorrow you have to take me around Heaven Dou City for the entire day," Xiao Wu said with a pout.
Qin Ming walked over upon hearing this. When he heard Xiao Wu say she had been wronged, he asked, "Wronged? What happened? Zu Zong, did you bully Xiao Wu?"
"Uh." That was really hard to explain. Was he supposed to tell him that he had instructed Xiao Wu to beat Tang San until he was half-paralyzed?
He quickly covered Xiao Wu's mouth. "Teacher Qin, no, it's nothing. Xiao Wu just asked me to accompany her around Heaven Dou City tomorrow. But I thought, how could I go? We still have class."
Qin Ming gave a slight smile, his expression saying 'I understand completely' as he looked at Zu Zong.
"It's fine. Since you all have completed your four months of spirit battles and earned your Gold Spirit Badges, I was planning to give you three days off. Go ahead, spend some quality time with Xiao Wu."
Zu Zong was stunned. He had really dug his own grave this time. Thinking back to the last time he went shopping with her—it had almost killed him.
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