What level of spirit power did it take to slap a Spirit Elder who had activated their martial spirit so hard that they were sent flying, all without using a martial spirit or spirit power?
Dai Mubai was utterly bewildered. The person before him didn't resemble one of those "reverse-aging old monsters," so how could he possibly possess such strength?
After all, with his White Tiger martial spirit activated, even without using spirit abilities, Dai Mubai's raw physical strength alone was enough to overpower most Spirit Grandmasters.
Yet this person had pummeled him with two slaps without even releasing a martial spirit, leaving him helpless and unable to retaliate.
Despite his seemingly pitiful state, Dai Mubai wasn't actually injured. The only lasting damage might have been the loss of a few teeth.
Before Dai Mubai could get back on his feet, Li Si once again appeared in front of him, moving like a phantom.
"Is this the extent of your strength? And yet you dare to act so arrogant, looking down on others?"
Li Si's expression remained calm as he looked down at Dai Mubai, speaking with disdain.
"Who are you?!"
Dai Mubai growled through gritted teeth, his eyes bloodshot. He recognized Li Si's overwhelming strength but still clung to his defiance.
After all, with the teachers of Shrek Academy backing him, who could truly threaten him in Soto City?
"You like calling people 'kid,' don't you? Go ahead, provoke me again. Maybe if I'm angry enough, I'll tell you who I am."
Dai Mubai's anger flared at Li Si's taunt. While he knew better than to provoke him further, his pride refused to let him concede fully.
"This time, I admit defeat. My skills are lacking," Dai Mubai muttered, his tone dripping with resentment. "But don't get cocky. Teacher Zhao and Dean Flender will avenge me!"
To Dai Mubai, Li Si was at most a Spirit Ancestor. While rare at such a young age, Spirit Ancestors couldn't possibly defeat Spirit Sage-level powerhouses.
As Dai Mubai struggled to stand, his words were hindered by the gap left by his missing teeth. Yet his demeanor remained haughty.
Li Si sneered, lifting his right leg and kicking Dai Mubai squarely.
"Bang!"
Dai Mubai tumbled across the ground like a rolling gourd.
This time, Li Si didn't use his Ghost Shadow Perplexing Step. Instead, he strode toward Dai Mubai with deliberate slowness, each step exuding menace.
"First, you provoke me. Then, you say you won't fight. Letting you off would make people think I'm an easy target," Li Si said coldly.
"You admit defeat, yet you keep spouting threats. You've got no sense of a loser's humility!"
With those words, Li Si reached Dai Mubai and delivered another powerful kick.
If I don't teach Dai Mubai a lesson today, I'll write my name backward!
"Not daring to cause trouble makes you mediocre," huh? Let's see if you can still spout nonsense after this.
"Bang!"
This kick was harder than the last, leaving Dai Mubai writhing in pain, unable to speak.
A Spectacle for the Masses
Time seemed to blur as Li Si continued his relentless assault. Dai Mubai's cries and grunts filled the air as the bystanders watched, too stunned to intervene.
Though brutal, the sight was oddly satisfying.
Ordinary citizens were often bullied by spirit masters from both Balak Academy and Shrek Academy. Neither group was known for their fairness.
Suddenly, Li Si grabbed Dai Mubai by the collar with his left hand, hoisting his unconscious body into the air.
"This is troublesome, but oh well," Li Si muttered to himself.
His right hand ignited with flames, and with one fiery slap, he struck Dai Mubai's left cheek.
The scorching pain jolted Dai Mubai awake, his dazed eyes struggling to process the situation.
Before he could gather his thoughts, the flames dissipated, and frost coated Li Si's left hand. Another slap, this time icy, landed on Dai Mubai's right cheek.
The Ice and Fire Slap. This was the first time Li Si had used it, and the results were spectacular.
The onlookers were dumbfounded. Slapping someone with alternating elements? Ice and fire, of all things?
Dai Shao really got the short end of the stick today, they thought. This guy is ruthless, silent, and efficient in his beatings.
Dai Mubai, utterly defeated, couldn't comprehend what was happening.
He had only taunted Li Si a little. How had it escalated to this?
Yet something gnawed at Dai Mubai's mind. Li Si hadn't released a martial spirit or used a spirit ability, but he was controlling elemental powers?
Ice and fire, two inherently opposing elements, no less. How was this possible?
A Shattered Pride
As time passed, Dai Mubai's once-pristine appearance was thoroughly ruined.
His golden hair was singed away, his handsome face disfigured—one side burned, the other frozen. Even if he received treatment, he would never regain his former looks.
Xiao Wu, meanwhile, struggled to process what she was seeing.
She had never witnessed Li Si in combat before. Who could've guessed he was this ruthless when dealing with troublemakers?
A Spirit Elder, pummeled like a mere mortal, left her utterly astonished.
The Arrival of Zhao Wuji
At that moment, a stocky figure approached in a hurry. Though only about 1.68 meters tall, his broad frame exuded immense power.
"Eh? This kid sure knows how to throw a punch," Zhao Wuji remarked casually, eyeing Li Si and Dai Mubai before continuing on his way.
He had rushed over after hearing from Oscar that Dai Mubai had been beaten senseless in Soto City after picking a fight.
This was unacceptable! Shrek Academy was supposed to be the one dishing out beatings, not taking them.
Li Si watched Zhao Wuji pass by and scratched his head in confusion.
That looks and feels like the Zhao Wuji from the original story…
But if Zhao Wuji was here to rescue Dai Mubai, why had he just glanced at him and walked away?
Li Si glanced at Dai Mubai and suddenly understood.
With the way Dai Mubai looks now, even Zhao Wuji wouldn't recognize him. Heck, even the Emperor of Star Luo might not realize it's him!
"Teacher… Zhao…"
Dai Mubai weakly raised his right arm in Zhao Wuji's direction, his voice barely audible due to his injuries.
Dai Mubai was on the verge of tears. Zhao Wuji, are you blind? A bear blind? That's exactly what you are!
But under the circumstances, Dai Mubai dared not openly criticize Zhao Wuji. He could only curse him silently.
Zhao Wuji paused, frowning.
That voice… It sounds a lot like Dai Mubai…
After a moment's hesitation, he turned back and approached Li Si and Dai Mubai.
As Zhao Wuji and Dai Mubai locked eyes, both were left speechless.
(End of Chapter)