Douluo Dalu: Starting With Tom Cat

Shen An had sensed the terrifying power of the Clear Sky Hammer. At first, he held his ground, barely enduring the impact, before retreating slightly to defuse the force.

However, the sword aura had already extended toward Tang San's arm, forcing him to use Mysterious Jade Hand to block it.

At the same time, the Nine-Leaf Phantom Sword, having broken free from its constraints, instantly turned into a streak of light and struck Tang San's chest, which was left undefended.

Meanwhile, Ma Hongjun, who had been entangled in battle earlier, now lay on the ground like a dead bird, letting out weak groans.

Tang San, wrapped in the sword aura of the Sword Grass, had his clothes shredded. His meridians were obstructed, his internal breath was in turmoil, and streams of blood trickled from his nose. His chest was drenched in blood, the wound continuing to bleed profusely.

At this point, the battle was decided—Shen An's blood was slightly shaken, but Tang San was severely injured.

Shen An couldn't help but sigh.

He had underestimated Tang San.

The Clear Sky Hammer's power was indeed terrifying. Even though he had taken the attack head-on, he still felt his internal energy disrupted.

No wonder even Zhao Wuji, known for his brute strength, had been beaten black and blue when caught off guard by it.

Shen An specialized in speed and attack power—going head-to-head with someone like Tang San was clearly a tactical mistake.

He made a mental note: Always play to his strengths and avoid direct confrontations.

Tang San, on the other hand, couldn't believe what had happened.

Shen An was supposed to be at a disadvantage.

Shen An was supposed to be weaker in raw power than the Clear Sky Hammer.

Shen An's soul power was lower than his.

Yet, in a head-on clash, Tang San was the one gravely injured, while Shen An only suffered a slight internal shock.

Tang San trembled as he reached for his hidden weapons, determined to strike back.

But Shen An didn't hesitate—he flicked his sword sideways, sending Tang San flying.

Clang! Cling! Clang!

The silver needles Tang San held scattered onto the ground.

Among everyone present, only Xiao Wu still had the strength to fight.

Her eyes burned red as she rushed to Tang San's side, cradling him in her arms.

A deep determination flickered in her gaze.

Suddenly, a gust of wind howled through the air—Flender had arrived!

Behind him, massive wings unfurled, his entire body covered in feathers. His orange-yellow eyes gleamed sharply, pupils narrowed into slits, while seven soul rings pulsed around his body.

He had been wandering outside the Soul Arena, when he felt the powerful fluctuations of his students' soul power. Sensing that something was wrong, he immediately returned.

Upon seeing guards stationed at the entrance, Flender's instincts screamed trouble. He had thought that his students had broken some rule inside the arena.

So, without hesitation, he unleashed his power, ignored the guards, and rushed inside.

But what he found shocked him.

One person—Shen An—had single-handedly fought four of his students.

Meanwhile, Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong stood by, watching coldly.

For a moment, Flender was completely confused.

Still, as the Academy Headmaster, he forced himself to suppress his anger.

His voice was cold as he spoke:

"Shen An, what did my students do to provoke you? Why did you go so far? I expect an explanation."

Before Shen An could answer, Ning Rongrong stepped forward with a haughty attitude.

"Flender, stop making it sound like we started this! It was Tang San and Xiao Wu who pulled dirty tricks on Zhu Zhuqing in their match. Who could tolerate that?"

Flender's expression darkened.

"Ning Rongrong, don't forget that you're also a student of Shrek Academy! Our academy values unity, not betrayal!"

His gaze swept toward Zhu Zhuqing as well.

"Zhu Zhuqing, the same goes for you. Whatever conflict you have, we could've handled it back at the academy!"

Ning Rongrong rolled her eyes.

"Oh? So now you suddenly remember I'm your student?"

"Didn't you just tell me to get out of the academy earlier? And now you're saying I belong to Shrek?"

Her mischievous, rebellious nature was on full display.

Flender's sharp gaze then locked onto Shen An.

He could afford to offend Ning Rongrong, but Shen An was different.

This kid dared to injure his students—Flender wouldn't let it slide.

Zhu Zhuqing's body tensed, instinctively wanting to shield Shen An.

But Shen An gently pushed her aside and stood his ground against Flender.

"Are you planning to attack me?" Shen An asked bluntly.

Flender answered seriously, "I am. I cherish my students, and today, you nearly crippled them."

Shen An smirked.

"I fought four at once, and their cultivation levels weren't weaker than mine. Given the result, no one has the right to complain. But if you insist on fighting—go ahead."

Flender's expression hardened.

He was ready to teach this arrogant kid a lesson.

Shen An, however, thought to himself:

"If this old man really dares to attack, I'll have Tom put on his battle suit and take him down. And if Tang Hao dares to interfere from the shadows, I'll make sure he's finished off too—no loose ends."

But before the situation could escalate, Ning Rongrong spoke up again, her voice filled with urgency:

"Flender, don't you dare! Shen An is now my Sword Grandpa's disciple! If you touch him, my Sword Grandpa will wipe your entire academy off the map!"

Flender narrowed his eyes.

Sword Grandpa?

Sword Douluo?

Flender didn't believe a word of it.

Someone like Sword Douluo wouldn't bother mentoring a random kid like Shen An.

But when he looked at Zhu Zhuqing, standing firm behind Shen An, with a deep resolve in her eyes, he realized—

Shen An was… oddly popular.

Flender took a deep breath and calmed himself down.

"I, Flender, have my pride. I won't stoop to bullying the young. My students will take their revenge on you in the future."

Shen An chuckled.

"Zhao Wuji said the same thing before. I welcome them anytime."

Flender's eyes flickered with meaning.

"You have no idea who you've offended today."

With that, he quickly gathered his four injured students and left.

...

Flender knew that his students weren't crippled—the injuries, though severe, were controlled.

The only exception was Tang San, but even he would recover eventually.

Since a certain someone in the shadows hadn't interfered, Flender chose not to attack Shen An.

As he left, he sighed.

"Why have two of my seven students suddenly turned against me?"

But there was no time to dwell on it. The injured needed treatment.

The rest could wait.

Shen An sighed in relief.

"Good thing I didn't have to fight that old man. Who knows when I'll get another high-level battle suit."

He turned to Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong.

"What about you two? You're still Shrek students. This will make things complicated."

Zhu Zhuqing replied softly, "It doesn't matter. You stood up for me, and Tang San and Xiao Wu were in the wrong."

Ning Rongrong scoffed, "I can just go back to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Zhuqing, you can come with me."

But Zhu Zhuqing hesitated.

"She's too naïve. I need to convince her not to return to Shrek."

As Shen An surveyed the wreckage of the Soul Arena, he sighed.

"Damn it, Flender left too fast—he clearly doesn't want to pay for this mess."