"Everyone, this isn't necessary, right?"

Dugu Bo forced a bitter smile but couldn't help feeling somewhat relieved in his heart.

Thank goodness I didn't have time to kill that little monster...

If I really had taken action just now, I'd probably be lying dead here today.

It was just capturing a kid at level 30. Why are they acting like I've committed some unforgivable crime?

This lineup of powerhouses… even the battlefield wouldn't see something like this.

What's the true identity of that little monster?

He actually managed to attract so many top experts to come to his rescue.

A flash of curiosity appeared in Dugu Bo's eyes.

"Dugu Bo, you'd better not lay a finger on our son-in-law. Otherwise, I'll have Jian strip your flesh off piece by piece and keep your bones as decoration."

Bone Douluo sneered, twisting his neck with a cracking sound.

Sword Douluo stood silently with an icy expression. His eyes were cold and empty, and he didn't say a word.

Yet the oppressive aura radiating from him made Dugu Bo's pupils contract sharply.

A layer of cold sweat drenched his back.

"Is that boy from your Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect?"

Dugu Bo was genuinely shocked. The master of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect actually valued that boy so highly?

To the extent of betrothing his own daughter at such a young age?

"Our little princess likes him. If anything happens to him today, you'll pay with your life."

Bone Douluo let out a strange laugh, a chilling light flickering in his eyes.

Two powerful waves of killing intent locked onto Dugu Bo. His head shook frantically.

"I haven't done anything to him! He's completely fine! Please, everyone, calm down—don't be impulsive!"

Dugu Bo's words came out fast and anxious, terrified that if he spoke too slowly, these people would attack without hesitation.

Ning Rongrong's eyes turned red.

Tears welled up at the corners of her eyes.

Even though Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo stood right beside her, the overwhelming panic in her heart refused to subside.

Clutching the hem of her clothes tightly, her gaze anxiously scanned the surroundings.

When Dugu Bo finally spoke, the tension she had suppressed completely collapsed, and her tears spilled down uncontrollably.

She sobbed as her heartache surged.

"Tell me quickly! Where is Brother Hongjun?!"

The girl shouted, her voice choked, her eyes wide and desperate.

"He… he's..."

Dugu Bo opened his mouth to speak but suddenly hesitated.

The thought of the Yin-Yang Ice and Fire Eyes was like a hook pulling him back. He immediately shut his mouth.

That treasure trove... how could I give it up for a kid?

"Speak!"

Zhu Zhuqing couldn't hold back anymore.

She had been silent the whole time, quietly following with anxiety written all over her face.

We're this close to knowing where Brother Hongjun is...

Yet this guy still dares to hesitate!

Even someone as composed as Zhu Zhuqing couldn't maintain her calm.

"Where did you hide the fat guy?! Tell us!"

Dai Mubai's eyes gleamed like sharp torches.

Until he saw the fat man himself, he would never believe a single word from Dugu Bo.

Ning Rongrong wiped the tears off her face.

"Grandpa Jian..."

Sword Douluo's gaze softened slightly. With a flash, his sword unsheathed again.

This time, the sword light was even more terrifying—ripping the air apart as it slashed toward Dugu Bo.

Dugu Bo's emerald eyes flashed. His figure flickered, and the Green Scaled Snake King lunged forward to block the strike.

A loud clang echoed.

A deep wound appeared on the snake's body, so deep the bones were visible.

"I said it already! That kid is fine!" Dugu Bo shouted bitterly.

Since that boy has connections to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, why was he at the Royal Academy?

The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is one of the top three sects. Isn't it better than the Royal Academy?

Damn it... just my luck to kick a steel plate today...

Sword Douluo's face remained unchanged as he prepared for another attack.

In the distance—

"Seniors, wait a moment!"

As the words fell, Ma Hongjun appeared before everyone.

The phoenix wings behind him slowly retracted as he gracefully landed on the ground.

Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he let out a sigh of relief.

Thank goodness I made it in time.

If I was any later, Dugu Bo would've really died at their hands...

Upon seeing Ma Hongjun, Dugu Bo also let out a long breath.

I really didn't expect these Titled Douluo to be this unreasonable.

I told them the kid was fine, but they just wouldn't believe me!

"Brother Hongjun!"

The moment Ning Rongrong saw Ma Hongjun, she couldn't hold back anymore and rushed straight into his arms.

Tears streamed down her face as she sobbed uncontrollably.

"I thought... I thought..."

She couldn't finish her sentence.

"It's okay now. Don't cry."

Feeling the girl's deep concern, warmth spread in Ma Hongjun's heart.

Only Gu Yuena knew his plan.

He hadn't told anyone else because he was afraid they'd worry.

Looking at the two Titled Douluo, the people from the Star Luo Empire, and the two teachers who arrived, Ma Hongjun felt his chest fill with a warm, comforting feeling.

"Little monster, these people are all here for you."

"Don't forget what we talked about earlier. No matter what conditions you ask for, I'll agree to all of them!"

Dugu Bo quickly stepped up behind Ma Hongjun.

He stood quietly, not daring to move.

After taking that earlier blow, he was completely obedient now.

Anyway, I haven't really offended this kid. Becoming friends with him can only bring benefits, not trouble.

At this moment, Dugu Bo had no idea how much he would want to slap himself when Ma Hongjun later proposed his conditions.

"My dear seniors, this was all just a misunderstanding."

"Senior Dugu and I had something to discuss. He acted in a hurry and took me with him, which caused this misunderstanding."

"I sincerely apologize for troubling everyone."

"In a few days, I will personally visit everyone to express my gratitude and apologize properly."

Ma Hongjun bowed respectfully.

Bone Douluo looked at the red-haired boy in front of him with growing admiration.

There's no way Dugu Bo simply 'acted in a hurry' like he claimed.

This boy must have convinced the old poison master by relying on his own strength.

So calm and composed even in this situation. No wonder Old Ning spoke so highly of him.

Plus, he possesses the Phoenix Martial Soul—one of the strongest martial souls.

He's certainly worthy of Rongrong.

The more Bone Douluo looked, the more satisfied he became.

Sword Douluo also examined him closely. The boy's temperament was extraordinary. Calm and steady—just the kind of person suited for sword cultivation.

Zhu Zhuqing quietly looked at Ma Hongjun from afar. In order to hide her emotions, she didn't step forward.

"Hongjun, are you okay?"

Flander rushed over, grabbing Ma Hongjun's shoulders to check him over.

"Teacher, don't worry. I'm fine."

Ma Hongjun allowed Flander to inspect him, and when he noticed how pale Flander's face was, a hint of emotion flashed in his eyes.

Liu Erlong also stepped forward, looking Ma Hongjun over carefully. The boy was handsome, composed, and mature. The more she looked, the more satisfied she felt.

Boss Fu doesn't even know how lucky he is to have such an outstanding disciple...

"Boss Fu, I really like this kid."

Liu Erlong voiced her appreciation without hesitation.

Ma Hongjun immediately guessed the identity of the fiery woman standing in front of him.

But since he couldn't reveal it directly, he simply looked at Flander with a confused expression.

Seeing that his student was safe, Flander finally relaxed and smiled.

"Hongjun, this is the last member of the Golden Triangle I told you about—Liu Erlong. You can call her Aunt Erlong."

Hearing this, Ma Hongjun greeted her quickly. A bright, warm smile appeared on Liu Erlong's face.

If I ever have a child in the future... I hope they'll be like him.