Chapter 94: The Old Man

"By the way, observe Wang Feng's true reaction." Karida was curious to see if he would betray her under pressure, as his constant flattery had left her somewhat confused.

Those who enjoy watching the drama never mind the trouble it causes, but the Old Wang team, at the center of the storm, began to feel the mounting pressure.

Heaven and earth may be vast, but honor is paramount.

Having their captain labeled as such a despicable flatterer was something they could not let pass.

In the evening, in Old Wang's dormitory...

When have the Li family ever cared about honor?

As for Winnie herself, she was notorious, but no one dared to confront her directly. Anyone who dared to criticize her faced her wrath, but Old Wang lacked that power.

"Wang Feng, you need to handle this; I won't take the blame unjustly." Winnie crossed her legs, pointing and gesturing, her tone dripping with schadenfreude.

It was the first time she had encountered someone even more despised than herself. Though she was also disliked, others bore the brunt of her actions.

Considering Wang Feng's cowardly nature, this matter would definitely require some coercion. No need for violence; he valued democracy, so a majority rule would suffice!

Before coming, Winnie had already "discussed" matters with the others.

As for the newcomer Nuoyu, he was ignored outright; there were enough people already.

Nuoyu still had bandages from Mo Tong's beating; this was his first team meeting with the Old Wang squad. Frankly, the team had left him with a good impression.

Though he had only been there for a few days, Fantasi's diligence, Wu Di's integrity, Kela's bravery, and Winnie Lee's surprisingly warm and approachable demeanor all made a deep impression on him.

But the most profound impression was undoubtedly made by Captain Wang Feng.

He was upright, strict, and responsible. To help Nuoyu and Fantasi improve, he spent a fortune hiring experts from Mahoraga to train them, enduring the scorching sun alongside them, guiding them every step of the way!

He was kind, gentle, and generous. He did not ostracize the orcs, whom everyone viewed as a filthy blight, but treated them like brothers and sisters, guiding and helping them wholeheartedly!

How many captains of the Holy Sanctuary could do these things? His noble character had reached exemplary heights!

No wonder even Principal Karida held Wang Feng in high regard, choosing him and personally assigning Nuoyu to the Old Wang team, truly showing her wisdom.

Without a doubt, the captain was a righteous man. The rumors in the academy were nothing but baseless slander. Nuoyu should stand by Captain Wang Feng and fight for justice in this world of twisted truths!

"Captain, we should hold a meeting and refute these slanders openly, exposing them for what they are!"

Though a newcomer, Nuoyu was never afraid of trouble, inheriting only a reckless spirit from his parents.

"Captain, whatever you decide, we support you!" Kela said, regardless of the outside talk, Wang Feng was the best to them.

Winnie rolled her eyes; this wasn't how they had planned it. Even orcs could be cunning.

"Afeng, didn't you offend someone? I think this is intentional, probably Ma Tan!" Fantasi said.

Shouldn't this be a condemnation meeting? The tone had shifted, and Winnie's expression turned serious: "Wang Feng, what do you plan to do now?"

"What do you mean, what do I do?" Old Wang thought tonight's gathering was to celebrate Nuoyu's joining, hoping to get Fantasi to treat them to skewers.

Winnie's lips twitched: "The rumors about you in the academy, haven't you heard?"

"What are they saying?"

"Afeng, they say you're the biggest flatterer in Rose Holy Sanctuary, that you're shameless, don't repay debts, beat your own brothers, and live off flattering Karida!" Fantasi interjected, venting verbally given Wang Feng's recent behavior felt satisfying.

They had noticed, indeed perceptive.

Old Wang agreed; given his situation, not flattering would be impossible. Not only must he flatter, but he must do it well, which required skill.

But such words couldn't be said in front of the team; it would undermine the captain's authority.

"Jealousy marks mediocrity, and the wise dismiss rumors," Old Wang said nonchalantly: "Ignore them. Let them slander; the moon shines over the river. We have a clear conscience."

"Don't lump us together; you're you, and I'm me!" Winnie pouted, this tough nut didn't care, "Are you even a man? How can you cower at a time like this! Your cowardice makes us all look bad!"

"So, what do you suggest?" Old Wang realized they were prepared.

"We should counterattack them directly!" Fantasi said firmly: "They say you flatter Karida? Why not criticize her publicly tomorrow? Given her broad-mindedness, she won't mind. The rumors will dissipate, and our Rose Holy Sanctuary values free speech; Principal Karida won't do anything."

"That's a great idea!" Winnie's eyes lit up; she hadn't expected Fantasi to be so clever. Why hadn't she thought of it?

"No, we can't bow to evil. How can we harm the just?" Nuoyu shook his head vigorously.

"Shut up, substitutes don't speak!" Winnie found him less attractive when he spoke, just asking for a beating.

"Is this your solution?" Old Wang glanced at them coolly, then scolded: "What nonsense is this? Wang Feng may have no other virtues, but he stands for righteousness. Principal Karida is our hero and my benefactor. I'd sacrifice my life rather than let her be defamed. Stop talking; rumors won't defeat us; they'll make us stronger!"

At the peak of his speech, Old Wang stood up, waving his fists. Nuoyu cheered loudly; this was the captain he admired. Kela and Wu Di nodded; for orcs, loyalty was paramount, something humans often lacked.

As for Fantasi, ... Afeng was trying to fool who? He always acted like this when lying.

Wang Feng, facing away from the door, felt the sensation of being watched disappear. Blue Great Chef was great except for his habit of eavesdropping.

This performance deserved a perfect score.

Winnie was speechless; these four fools were useless, leaving her helpless. The brainwashing at Blade Edge was effective; Wang Feng had the upper hand.

"But we can't do nothing, right?"

"As long as we achieve good results, the rumors will dissipate." Old Wang smiled.

Seeing little Winnie back down, Old Wang didn't gloat too much; dealing with a young girl was relatively easy. "Winnie, focus on improving Kela and Wu Di's magic resistance..."

"What's magic resistance?" Winnie was puzzled.

"Cough, cough, what I mean is resistance to witchcraft. Don't just have them spar; use fireballs on them more often. They'll adapt over time, and it's more effective than anything else." Wang Feng said, "Oh, Fantasia and Nuoyu too."

"Alright then. I've been in a bad mood lately, so this will be good for me. But you, Captain, why do I feel like you're not doing anything?"

"Me? I'm very busy! I have to sign all sorts of documents, scrounge up money to pay your fines, and brew the evolution potions that Kela and Wu Di need..."

"Evolution potions? What are those?" Kela and Wu Di perked up their ears. They had never heard of such a thing... It didn't sound quite reliable.

"Where are the potions?" Winnie looked disdainful, clearly thinking he was boasting. Even if they were real, she figured Karida must have gotten them and he was taking credit for it.

"I haven't brewed them yet, otherwise how could I say I'm busy?" Old Wang said proudly, "Once I brew them, you'll be amazed! Let me tell you, my potion-making skills are top-notch, unmatched in the League of Blades."

"Afeng, stop bragging," Fantasia couldn't stand it anymore, "Last time when we tried brewing a first-class potion, you failed nine out of ten times. If you hadn't sold them at an inflated price, you'd probably have lost your pants. And now you want to brew evolution potions..."

"Tsk! You know nothing!" Old Wang spat, feeling misunderstood. Geniuses were always lonely: "Every day here is filled with important matters. Do you think I have time to boast with you? Let me tell you, you guys don't know how lucky you are. For anyone else, even a stunning beauty would have to make an appointment just to speak with me. And you guys barge into my chambers like this?"

Everyone's faces showed subconscious contempt.

"What's with those looks? Nuoyu, tell me, aren't we the best-looking members of the team?"

Nuoyu looked at Wang Feng seriously, torn between honesty and mercy.

Everyone burst out laughing, with Winnie pointing at Wang Feng exaggeratedly: "You? You're worse than Ashiba. At least he has a goal. All you do is spar with yourself?"

Fantasia suddenly looked proud but then realized it wasn't exactly a compliment.

Old Wang was completely speechless. How did this girl grow up? Where did she learn these words? Speaking so harshly, are you watching your banana split spar with itself?