Being forced to grow like a pig? But I'm immune to the consequences!

Inside the office, a slightly overweight man with a stubble beard was holding a cup, looking at Mohan and Wu Sheng with suspicion as they entered.

Mohan quickly stepped forward and said respectfully, "Senior Passa, I am Mordo's nephew. My uncle instructed me that if I ever join the Hyena Gang, I must come and visit you." He then introduced, "This is my friend, Mr. Wu."

Passa slowly took a sip of water and drawled out an "Oh": "Modu's nephew... those were indeed the selections for the new year. You guys were lucky to pass the preliminary rounds."

Mohan smiled ingratiatingly and continued, "Senior Passa, we've only been here a few days, and we're unfamiliar with the place. Plus, we had to prepare for our assessments, so we couldn't come to see you right away. The tests just finished today, so we finally have some free time. It's just that we couldn't go out during our training period, so we couldn't bring you anything..."

Pasa waved his hand, interrupting his pleasantries, and casually asked, "How did the test go?"

"We've both broken through to the first level of Body Tempering," Mohan replied.

Passa's expression shifted, he put down his cup, and pointed to the two stools beside him: "Sit."

After the two sat down, his attitude became noticeably more serious: "Modu is an old friend of mine. Since you are his juniors and have good talent, it is only natural for me, as your elder, to take care of you." He paused and asked, "Do you have enough money for food? During the body tempering stage, you can't go without eating enough, or your body will break down."

Mohan and Wu Sheng exchanged a glance. Mohan honestly replied, "It's enough for now, but... I feel like my appetite is getting bigger and bigger, so it might be a bit tight later on."

Although Mr. Wu was not short of money at the moment, he nodded in agreement.

Passa understood and readily agreed, "How about this, from now on, you can come find me for lunch every afternoon, and I'll take you to the cafeteria. It's free."

Mohan hesitated for a moment: "Senior Passa, is this... appropriate? Won't it cause you trouble?"

"What's the trouble?" Pasa waved his hand. "As official members of the Hyena Gang, we don't have to pay for meals. There's plenty of leftover food in the canteen this afternoon, so bringing a couple more people won't cause any trouble. Besides, with your talent, breaking through to the third level of Body Tempering within a month shouldn't be difficult, so this is a good early investment."

Mohan and Wu Sheng quickly thanked him in unison, "Thank you so much, Senior Passa!"

Pasa smiled. "Don't call me 'senior,' it's too formal. Just call me 'uncle.'" He then asked, "By the way, who's mentoring your class this year?"

"It's instructors Guo Hui and Zhang Yong, with instructor Guo mainly in charge," Mohan replied.

"Guo Hui..." Pasa stroked his stubble, pondering. "Not exactly close, but I know him. You're in your training period, so you won't have much interaction with the instructors. But it won't hurt to have a good relationship. Guo Hui is a proud man who likes to hear nice things. If you flatter him, you might get some small benefits, but don't expect too much. Some of what he says, just listen and don't take it all seriously."

After a brief conversation, the atmosphere became much more familiar. After chatting for a few more minutes, Wu Sheng and Mo Han got up to take their leave.

On the way back to the training ground, Wu Sheng said, "Mohan, thanks to you this time."

Mohan scratched his head and chuckled, "Don't say that. I think Uncle Pasa mainly sees potential in us. Otherwise, hehe..."

"In any case, the problem of food has been mostly solved, which is a good thing, and it will save us some unnecessary trouble," Wu Sheng nodded.

……

Back at the training ground, the two took the newly acquired potential-enhancing potions and once again immersed themselves in the tedious yet fulfilling training.

As night deepened, Wu Sheng finished his stance and exhaled, a glint of light flashing in his eyes.

[Body Tempering Level 4: 28/80]

"At this rate, breaking through to the fourth level is just around the corner."

The continuous strengthening of his physique is quietly nourishing his spirit. The days of arduous training have brought not only strength, but also an increasingly solid foundation and self-confidence. Wu Sheng can feel that he is slowly but firmly breaking free from the precarious state of existence he once lived in.

As usual, he and Mohan finished their practice and prepared to return to their dormitory to rest together.

"You two! Where are you going?!"

A piercing voice suddenly rang out, silencing them.

Everyone on the training field turned to look. Liao Xing stood in the center, hands on his hips, facing everyone, and shouted in an almost commanding tone, "Listen up! Master Guo instructed last night that a few of us will be responsible for guiding you in learning basic fighting techniques! No one is allowed to leave early today; everyone must stay and practice!"

Everyone was taken aback by what they heard and looked at each other in bewilderment.

"When did you say that? How come we didn't know?"

"That's right, Master Guo didn't mention it."

Wang An immediately stepped forward to chime in: "Master Guo told us personally last night that he wanted us to teach everyone!"

Yan Liang also adopted a peacemaker stance, persuading, "Let's all hang in there. Learn some fighting skills; you'll always find a use for them in the future."

Some of the already exhausted students, who were planning to leave, suddenly hesitated. If it was truly Master Guo's request, they dared not disobey. But could they let Liao Xing and his group teach? Besides, they were so tired they just wanted to lie down.

"What are you barking like a dog?"

A cold voice pierced through the noise and rang out clearly.

Wu Sheng stopped and turned around, his gaze sharp as a knife, piercing Liao Xing.

"You..." Liao Xing was stung by that gaze, but then stiffened his neck, maintaining his "manager" demeanor, and was about to retort.

"I'm asking you—" Wu Sheng suddenly took a step forward, his voice rising abruptly, his tone menacing, "What are you barking like a dog for!"

The training ground fell silent instantly.

"I'm warning you, don't bark like a stray dog!" Wu Sheng said mercilessly, each word like a nail. "I don't care how you talk to others, but if you dare to yell at me like that again, I'll knock all your teeth out!"

Mohan stepped forward tacitly, standing shoulder to shoulder with Wu Sheng, staring intently at Liao Xing and the others, his meaning crystal clear.

This sudden and forceful counterattack was like cold water poured into hot oil, leaving Liao Xing and his group momentarily stunned and their momentum faltering.

Before they could react, Wu Sheng launched into a rapid-fire barrage of questions:

"I'm asking you! Did Master Guo personally order that all of us must stay and be taught by you few? If you don't leave, we can't leave too?!"

Wang An muttered softly, "It's...it's what Master Guo told us to teach..."

"Or is it—" Wu Sheng's voice grew colder, filled with undisguised sarcasm, "that you few are just bored out of your minds, running to Master Guo to fawn over him and offer suggestions, trying to find a sense of existence and indulge your 'instructor' fantasies' with your mediocre skills? And then you're here falsely issuing orders, forcing us to play along with you?!"

As soon as he finished speaking, many students suddenly realized what was going on. If this were true, why wouldn't Master Guo announce it himself? The truth is probably just as Wu Sheng said.