At night, Oscar prepared a room for Dugu Yan in the space next to his own. Although they couldn't live together, as a couple, plus with Oscar's special privileges at Shrek Academy, living a bit closer wasn't a problem.
Ma Hongjun's room was on the right side of Oscar's room, while Dugu Yan's was on the left—Oscar was placed right in the middle.
Dai Mubai's room was in another wooden building, not connected to theirs, but all within the same courtyard.
After preparing Dugu Yan's room, Oscar also washed up together with Dugu Yan. After finishing all this, Oscar and Dugu Yan shared a goodnight kiss before returning to his own room.
Ma Hongjun remained expressionless throughout the entire process. Although envious, he pretended not to see anything. Once Dugu Yan closed her door, Ma Hongjun followed Oscar back to his room.
Ma Hongjun didn't want to sleep with Oscar—after all, even if he wanted to, Oscar would never allow it.
Ma Hongjun just hadn't spent time with Oscar in so long and wanted to stay with his Boss a bit longer, share some interesting things from the past year, and find out more about his Boss's gossip.
With sister-in-law Dugu Yan present earlier, many questions Ma Hongjun had were too embarrassing to ask. Now he had to seize the opportunity.
Although Oscar was helpless about this, he didn't chase Ma Hongjun away. After all, he really hadn't gossiped or shared daily life with Ma Hongjun in a long time.
And with Dugu Yan nearby, some topics were indeed difficult to bring up. Now with just him and Ma Hongjun, they could talk about anything.
Dai Mubai had been sleeping ever since being treated by Shao Xin. It wasn't that Dai Mubai hadn't woken up, but Shao Xin deliberately kept him asleep so he'd basically be recovered by the next morning.
It had to be said that Shao Xin, having reached the Soul Saint realm, had some methods when it came to treatment.
Shao Xin's soul skills were also varied—support, recovery, and treatment were all available. Similar to Oscar's first soul skill effect, but Shao Xin's skills each specialized in one capability, with much better effects than Oscar's.
Ma Hongjun asked Oscar many questions, and also shared some problems he'd encountered in his usual cultivation.
Oscar patiently answered them all. Especially upon learning that Ma Hongjun was constantly perfecting his self-created soul skill—the "Flame Phoenix" series—Oscar was very gratified.
Originally, Ma Hongjun could only fight by utilizing phoenix flames. Now, he could barely integrate soul power and attacks into it, giving birth to self-created soul skills in the true sense.
Flender had contributed a lot to this. Although Flender himself didn't have self-created soul skills, some of his soul skills had important inspirational effects on Ma Hongjun.
So in a certain sense, Flender as a teacher was still quite competent, providing Ma Hongjun with quite a bit of help.
It wasn't until late at night that Ma Hongjun reluctantly left Oscar's room. If Oscar hadn't been firm, this kid probably wouldn't have planned to leave tonight.
After Ma Hongjun left, Oscar smiled helplessly, then sat cross-legged on his bed and began cultivating his soul power.
He was now at thirty-seventh level, not far from level forty. And Oscar had already decided on his choice for the fourth soul ring. He only needed to break through to level forty, and he could go obtain his desired fourth soul ring.
...
The next day, Oscar still got up very early. Just as he opened his door, coincidentally, Ma Hongjun and Dugu Yan next door came out at the same time.
Oscar looked at the two with a strange expression, then gently asked Dugu Yan: "How is it? Your first night here—are you used to it?"
After a night of cultivation, Dugu Yan was in excellent spirits. Her exquisite face revealed a charming smile: "Since being with you, I haven't experienced the feeling of sleeping for a long time. Every night is spent cultivating, so it's the same anywhere."
Hearing this, Oscar smiled helplessly: "I'm doing this for your own good too. But you have worked hard during this time."
Dugu Yan also smiled: "I understand. If I get left too far behind by you, I'd be too embarrassed to stay by your side!"
Ma Hongjun rubbed his eyes: "Boss, sister-in-law, stop with the public displays of affection so early in the morning. Want to go train?"
Hearing this, Oscar nodded: "No problem. Just in time to let you properly familiarize yourself with your sister-in-law's soul skills."
The three of them went together to the plaza. On the way, Oscar noticed Dai Mubai hadn't gotten up yet. He went to check his dormitory and found the kid still sleeping, so he didn't disturb him.
However, Oscar was also quite helpless. His physical constitution was indeed abnormal—thirty-seventh level was already comparable to a Soul Emperor. That almost full-power punch had Dai Mubai lying down for a day, which was normal.
But this reminded Oscar of the original work, where thirty-seventh level Dai Mubai faced twenty-ninth level Tang San. At that time, although Tang San wasn't Dai Mubai's opponent, if they only used two soul rings each, Dai Mubai actually lost.
And he himself had put Dai Mubai down for a day with just one punch. If Tang San were to take his punch now, would it kill him directly?
And what made Oscar most amused now was that when he first transmigrated, he had thought about following Tang San around and somehow getting a god position.
Looking at things now, the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well had already been taken by him in advance, and he had formed such a deep bond with Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan, grandfather and granddaughter.
Now without the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Tang San's first and greatest cheat from the original work, he didn't know if Tang San's development would change?
Oscar wasn't worried about anything else. He was just afraid that the butterfly effect from his own actions would cause the later plot to diverge from the original. If that happened, his advantage of foreknowledge would cease to exist.
If that were the case, Oscar would need to be even more careful.
But even if something like that really happened, Oscar wouldn't be too worried. After all, the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was now in his hands, and he had given Dugu Bo the ancient texts on Immortal Grade herbs and pills. No one else would have the opportunity to take this treasure away.
And now Dugu Bo would be even more careful, not letting others discover the existence of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. So Oscar wasn't worried about this point.
As long as he had the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, whether Oscar built his own power in the future or joined others, this was an absolute trump card—the foundation of his future achievements.
Thinking along these lines, Oscar also thought of Xiao Wu—not that he had any improper thoughts about the little rabbit, but because she was a walking one-hundred-thousand-year soul ring and soul bone!
Oscar couldn't really say he disliked or liked Xiao Wu. But if necessary, Oscar wouldn't mind taking this walking one-hundred-thousand-year soul ring and soul bone.
After all, Oscar now had some capital and strength. However, there were too many factors to consider regarding the Xiao Wu issue.
The biggest obstacle among them was naturally Tang San's father—the youngest Title Douluo on the continent, Haotian douluo—Tang Hao.
According to the original work, Tang Hao had always known Xiao Wu's identity, and in the early stages, he most likely viewed Xiao Wu as a soul ring reserved for Tang San.
It was only because Tang San and Xiao Wu fell in love later, plus the fact that Tang Hao's own wife was also a soul beast who had taken human form, that Tang Hao didn't make a move on Xiao Wu, and didn't object to Xiao Wu being with Tang San.
At this stage, Tang San and Xiao Wu were still at Nuoding Academy in Nuoding City. Tang Hao was most likely protecting and observing from the shadows.
Although Tang Hao wouldn't follow Tang San constantly—the original work clearly mentioned Tang Hao left multiple times—at this stage, Oscar couldn't be certain whether Tang Hao had left or not.
The only things Oscar could be certain of were the time they encountered the Titan Giant Ape, and the early stages of the Soul Master Tournament—these two times Tang Hao wasn't around. For other times, Oscar didn't dare confirm whether Tang Hao was present or not.
Besides, he didn't have a good excuse to go to Nuoding City to capture Xiao Wu right now, so this matter had always been buried deep in Oscar's heart, never revealed.
And according to the original development, he was now twelve years and six months old, meaning in another year and a half, Tang San and Xiao Wu would come to Shrek Academy for enrollment—this was also an opportunity.
And it seemed in the original work, Tang Hao also secretly escorted Tang San and Xiao Wu to Shrek Academy, beat up Zhao Wuji, told Zhao Wuji some things, and then seemed to leave again?
So this time Tang Hao would also leave Tang San? Was this also his opportunity?
But according to the original work, soul masters who cultivated to Soul Ancestor or above could most likely see the true form of a re-cultivating soul beast. And re-cultivating soul beasts, before reaching maturity, had nowhere to hide in front of Title Douluos.
His teacher was now approaching eighty-eighth level cultivation. In a year and a half, if not reaching level ninety, he would at least cultivate to eighty-ninth level, right?
So if Xiao Wu came to Shrek Academy, she would definitely be seen through? If that were the case, would Tang Hao still agree to let Tang San and Xiao Wu come to Shrek Academy?
No, that's not right. Tang Hao had never come to Shrek Academy. He probably didn't know about the changes at the academy either. Although Flender and Yu Xiaogang were good brothers, Gai Yue wasn't someone who liked to show off, so he wouldn't have Flender advertise his presence.
If that were the case, Tang Hao most likely wouldn't stop Tang San and Xiao Wu from coming to Shrek Academy. After all, he didn't know that such a small Shrek Academy would have so many powerful soul masters.
But Tang Hao would definitely follow them, just like in the original work. And if at that time his teacher discovered Xiao Wu's identity and made a move to capture her, and Tang Hao intervened to stop him?
If that happened, they most likely wouldn't have the opportunity to obtain Xiao Wu, this walking soul ring and soul bone. After all, Tang Hao was now a Title Douluo—even if his body was ruined, he wasn't someone Gai Yue could deal with.
So if that were the case, they wouldn't have a chance to make a move on Xiao Wu, this walking one-hundred-thousand-year soul ring and soul bone. Tang Hao certainly wouldn't give Xiao Wu to them.
However, originally Oscar didn't really have many thoughts about Xiao Wu. The main thing was his teacher Gai Yue was about to break through to level ninety and needed a suitable soul ring.
Although Xiao Wu's true form was a Soft Bone Rabbit, not matching Gai Yue's martial soul attribute, the quality of a one-hundred-thousand-year soul ring could make up for the attribute difference.
So if Gai Yue could have a one-hundred-thousand-year soul ring, not to mention surpassing Chen Xin, even reaching the ninety-ninth level Peerless Douluo realm would be possible.
But now, although Oscar did indeed have thoughts about Xiao Wu, Tang Hao was indeed a difficult point. Furthermore, doing this meant becoming enemies with Tang San—potentially enemies in the future.
So Oscar needed to weigh the pros and cons. After all, although he now had some capital and strength, he still couldn't go head-to-head with Tang Hao. He needed to think thrice before acting.
After all, although Tang Hao's body was half-crippled, he was still a genuine Title Douluo.
Walking along, Oscar shook his head, not letting himself think randomly. After all, thinking wasn't as good as doing. Unless that day truly came, thinking more was just idle speculation with no practical meaning.
Dugu Yan noticed Oscar shaking his head and asked with concern: "What's wrong? Something on your mind?"
Oscar shook his head: "Just thinking about some things, nothing important."
Dugu Yan nodded: "If you have something on your mind, you can tell me. Maybe I can help."
Oscar smiled slightly: "Mm."
Soon, the three arrived at the plaza. Oscar had Ma Hongjun familiarize himself with Dugu Yan's soul skills while also teaching the coordination between Ma Hongjun and Dugu Yan.
After all, Ma Hongjun's phoenix flames had a certain restraining effect on Dugu Yan's poison. In team battles, if the two didn't coordinate well, it could backfire.
After simple training for two hours, the time reached past eight o'clock. The sky was now fully bright, the sun hanging high. Oscar and his companions went to the cafeteria together for breakfast.
At this time, Dai Mubai had also gotten up. When Oscar and his group arrived at the cafeteria, Dai Mubai happened to come over too. Seeing Dai Mubai who was now fine, Ma Hongjun grinned: "Mubai, how is it? I wasn't joking with you, right? The Boss's strength isn't something we can casually speculate about."
Hearing this, Dai Mubai's face flushed slightly. Originally he had wanted to test just how strong Oscar really was, but yesterday's sparring match ended with him being instantly knocked out by a single punch.
Although the soul power gap between him and Oscar was a full eight levels, plus they differed by one soul ring, Oscar hadn't even used a soul skill back then—just that simple, unadorned punch had instantly taken him out.
And Oscar was a support-type soul master. To be honest, Dai Mubai felt a bit embarrassed himself. But precisely because of this, Dai Mubai completely acknowledged Oscar's strength.
Facing Oscar and Ma Hongjun, these two monsters, he had completely learned to set aside his princely pride and willingly be the little brother.
After all, if he didn't agree, he might get knocked out with one punch.
"Don't mention it. I was indeed too presumptuous. From now on, whatever Brother Ao says, I won't argue. If he says go east, I definitely won't go west." Dai Mubai gave a bitter smile, then said.
Oscar waved his hand: "It's not that serious. We're all classmates. Let's eat first."
Then Oscar led the way, bringing Dugu Yan into the cafeteria, with Ma Hongjun and Dai Mubai following behind.
Walking in front, Oscar suddenly turned back to look at Dai Mubai: "Since your body is fine, come train with us this afternoon."
Dai Mubai nodded: "No problem. I'll follow Brother Ao's arrangements."
Although Dai Mubai had been enrolled for a year, all told he had spent less than a day with Oscar. But from Ma Hongjun at the academy on ordinary days, Dai Mubai had heard Oscar's legendary exploits until his ears were practically calloused.
Plus yesterday when Oscar knocked him out with one punch, Dai Mubai was quite convinced by Oscar's words. Just as Dai Mubai himself said—if told to go east, he definitely wouldn't go west.
Oscar nodded, then led Dugu Yan to sit at a table and asked Shao Xin for four breakfasts.
The four quickly finished breakfast, then Oscar took Dugu Yan to theory class.
Ma Hongjun and Dai Mubai also attended theory class. Although both worked hard in cultivation, they were basically clueless about theory. So they couldn't be like Oscar, who had mastered almost everything after two years of study—Oscar had even bought books to read on his own.
They couldn't do what Oscar did, so they still had to attend theory class.
As for Dugu Yan, she had almost never systematically studied theoretical knowledge since childhood. Not because of insufficient teaching resources, but because her own conditions didn't allow it.
Now with Oscar bringing her along, Dugu Yan was quite willing to learn. Plus her body's deadly poison problem had been resolved, so she wasn't afraid of contact with classmates. Learning things and attending classes no longer held any pressure for her.