Chapter 9. The Hunt for Oscar's Third Ring and the Encounter with Meng Yiran
The following morning, all the new students of Shrek Academy gathered in the central courtyard — a modest open area in front of the main building, bordered by old trees and simple training equipment. The sun had only recently risen, bathing the sky in soft pink and golden hues. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of forest and dew that drifted even through the walls of the humble village academy. Flender stood at the center, arms crossed, his glasses glinting in the early light. Beside him were Zhao Wuji, still wearing a faint smirk from the previous day's trial, along with several other instructors including Li Yusong and auxiliary staff.
The group was nearly complete: Tang San, Xiao Wu, Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing, Ma Hongjun (now without yesterday's aggression, though still bearing visible bruises on his face and arms), Ning Rongrong, and Ye Chen. Oscar was the only one missing, and this immediately drew Flender's attention.
The dean adjusted his glasses and scanned the students with a stern gaze.
"Where is Oscar?" he asked, directing the question at Tang San. "He is your roommate. You should know where he is."
Tang San nodded calmly, his voice steady and measured as always.
"I saw him last night. He was practicing late into the evening. He mentioned feeling the breakthrough approaching. He likely stayed up to meditate."
Flender sighed, rubbing his temples.
"That boy… If he has overslept or gotten distracted by his sausages again, I will personally reprimand him so thoroughly that he will not sit comfortably for a week. We cannot wait indefinitely. Oscar is an auxiliary-type master, but without his third ring he remains a weak link in combat. Today's hunt is planned specifically for him."
Zhao Wuji snorted, arms still folded.
"Do not get worked up, Flender. The kid is stubborn. If he said breakthrough, then breakthrough. He is not the type to let the team down."
At that moment, Oscar appeared from around the corner of the building. He jogged lightly toward them, hair disheveled, face lit with a wide, satisfied smile. In his hand he carried one of his signature sausages — freshly made, still warm, releasing a subtle aroma of meat and spices.
"Sorry, Dean! I'm here!" he called out, stopping before Flender and bowing deeply.
Flender's frown deepened, brows knitting together.
"Oscar, you are late for assembly. Do you understand what that means? I am about to—"
Oscar raised a hand, interrupting with a beaming grin.
"Dean, wait! I… I have reached the thirtieth level!"
Everyone froze. Flender blinked, momentarily speechless.
"What did you say?"
Oscar summoned his martial soul — a long, fragrant sausage. Three soul rings slowly revolved around it: two yellow and the third — also yellow, but bright and fresh, carrying a faint golden sheen.
"I broke through last night. I practiced without stopping until dawn. Here is the proof."
Flender stepped forward, produced a testing crystal, and placed it against Oscar's rings. The crystal flared brightly, confirming: thirtieth level.
The dean's stern expression melted into a genuine smile — the first sincere one of the morning.
"Thirtieth level! Excellent work, Oscar! You gave me a fright, but this is truly praiseworthy. Today we head to the Star Dou Forest for your third soul ring. Everyone — prepare yourselves. This will be your first joint hunt as a team."
The group stirred with excitement. Xiao Wu bounced on her toes in delight, Zhu Zhuqing gave a small nod, Dai Mubai smirked, Ma Hongjun clapped Oscar on the shoulder (nearly knocking him over), Ning Rongrong smiled at Ye Chen, and Tang San simply inclined his head, already analyzing the upcoming journey.
"Very well. Let us depart," Flender declared. "Zhao Wuji, you lead the group. I will accompany you. Remember: this is not merely a hunt — it is a test of teamwork. Oscar, your target beast must be auxiliary in nature — preferably with recovery, regeneration, or enhancement abilities. No attack-type beasts; that would be far too dangerous for you."
They assembled quickly: provisions, weapons, forest maps, and basic supplies were gathered. The group set out for the Star Dou Forest — not venturing too deep, but far enough to locate a suitable target for Oscar's third ring. The journey took roughly two hours at a steady pace to avoid unnecessary fatigue while maintaining efficiency. Along the way Zhao Wuji explained:
"We will not go too far in — a beast between 1500 and 2000 years old is sufficient for a third ring. For Oscar, we need something with healing, energy restoration, or stamina recovery. Look for creatures like the Mandrake or Phoenix-Tailed Crest Serpent — they are rare, but perfect for auxiliary souls."
The group advanced in formation: Zhao Wuji at the front, Flender immediately behind, Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun on the flanks, Tang San and Ye Chen in the center protecting the girls. Ning Rongrong walked close to Ye Chen, occasionally brushing his hand — after yesterday's incident, she had grown even more attached.
"Do you think we will find a suitable beast quickly?" she asked quietly.
Ye Chen offered a small smile.
"With Zhao Wuji and Flender here — yes. And if not… we will handle it."
They entered the forest. The air grew thick, saturated with the scent of earth, moss, and distant beasts. Mist clung to the ground, muffling sounds. Zhao Wuji raised a hand — the group halted.
"Quiet. I sense a strong presence."
They proceeded cautiously and emerged onto a small clearing where strange grass grew — tall stalks with purple leaves and a screaming flower at the top. From the soil rose a Mandrake — approximately 423 years old, a massive root with a face-like bulb and a cry capable of stunning opponents.
"Here it is!" Zhao Wuji exclaimed. "A Mandrake! Recovery-type. Perfect for you, Oscar."
The group surrounded the beast. The Mandrake opened its maw and screamed — a deafening wave struck their ears. Everyone clamped hands over their ears. Tang San acted instantly: Blue Silver Grass surged from the ground, wrapping the roots tightly.
"Ye Chen, assist!" Tang San called.
Ye Chen activated "Green Light" — emerald radiance enveloped his body, doubling all attributes. Then "Green Armor" — fivefold amplification. He leaped forward and struck the stalk with a fist — the impact was devastating; the Mandrake shrieked and weakened.
Dai Mubai unleashed his White Tiger roar, Ma Hongjun released Phoenix flames. Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing attacked from the sides. The beast fell within minutes. The soul ring formed — yellow with a golden tint.
But Oscar did not have time to begin absorption.
From the bushes stepped a young girl — beautiful, with long green hair and a cold gaze. This was Meng Yiran, age 12, level 30, martial soul: Snake Staff.
Behind her appeared an elderly woman — Chao Tianxiang, the Snake Granny, level 63, Soul Emperor, martial soul: Snake Staff.
"Who dared kill the Mandrake?" Chao Tianxiang thundered. "This herb is mine! It is needed for my granddaughter!"
The group froze. Zhao Wuji stepped forward.
"Chao Tianxiang? What are you doing here?"
Chao Tianxiang sneered.
"I guard this clearing. The Mandrake protected the Immortal Herb. You killed it — now hand over the grass."
Tang San frowned.
"We did not know. But the ring has already formed."
Meng Yiran stepped forward.
"Then fight me. If you win — the herb is yours. If you lose — you die."
She summoned her Snake Staff. Two soul rings revolved — level 30.
Tang San nodded.
"I accept."
The fight began. Meng Yiran attacked with poisonous mist and serpentine strikes — her staff transformed into a snake, delivering swift, venomous blows. Tang San countered with Blue Silver Grass for control, hidden weapons, and "Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track." Ye Chen supported: activating "Green Light" and "Green Armor," he delivered strikes that weakened her defense. Ning Rongrong amplified the team — "Strength" and "Speed" granting +20% to Tang San and Ye Chen.
Tang San won — Meng Yiran fell to her knees, breathing heavily.
Chao Tianxiang roared, her level 63 aura flaring — she attacked with her Snake Staff, but Zhao Wuji intercepted, his Vajra Defense holding firm.
"Do not touch the children!" he bellowed.
At that moment an elderly man appeared — Meng Shu, the Dragon Duke, level 83, Titled Douluo, martial soul: Dragon Staff.
He and Chao Tianxiang activated their martial soul fusion — "Dragon Snake Fusion" — their bodies merged into a massive dragon-serpent form, power surging to near level 90+.
The group retreated — even Zhao Wuji and Flender could not withstand such force.
But Meng Shu halted the attack.
"Children, you are strong. We will not kill you. The herb is yours. But Meng Yiran…"
He looked at his granddaughter.
Meng Yiran rose, approached Tang San, and… kissed him lightly on the cheek.
"This… is compensation for my defeat," she said, blushing deeply.
Oscar began absorbing the ring — the process completed smoothly. His third skill: "Mushroom Sausage" — consuming the sausage grants flight for one minute at the speed of a Mandrake.
The group exhaled in relief. Meng Shu, Chao Tianxiang, and Meng Yiran departed.
"Thank you, everyone," Oscar said, grinning. "Now I am ready for real battles."
Ye Chen glanced at Ning Rongrong — she smiled at him, holding his hand tightly.