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Time passed quickly. With Oscar and Ning Rongrong's support, everyone's combat capabilities had significantly improved, and they no longer worried about stamina depletion. On the other hand, the Imperial Battle Team had lost their only support member, leaving them without their initial advantage.
After continuous intense battles, the Imperial Battle Team gradually began to collapse. First were the Shi brothers, whose Black Tortoise Turtle martial souls made them slower targets. Under Yang Xiong's relentless attacks and Dai Mubai's assistance, the Shi brothers were soon knocked unconscious and eliminated.
As the battle progressed, the Imperial Battle Team began to crumble entirely. In the end, Yu Tianheng was overwhelmed by everyone's combined assault, and the entire Imperial Battle Team was eliminated. Shrek Academy emerged victorious.
Yu Xiaogang watched the situation on the stage with a somewhat grim expression. He hadn't expected them to win so easily against such formidable opponents.
Especially in this soul battle, Yang Xiong had led the charge, eliminating multiple opponents and standing out as the best performer, overshadowing everyone else on the field.
On the other hand, Principal Flender was visibly excited. This soul battle had earned him a fortune. The arena had set Shrek Academy's odds extremely low, resulting in a high payout ratio. Additionally, there was the hefty appearance fee for participating in the match.
At this moment, a young man approached—Qin Ming, the leader of the Imperial Battle Team.
Qin Ming bowed respectfully to Flender. "Principal Flender, I've returned."
Flender was overjoyed. "It's you, Xiao Ming? I can't believe you've become the leader of the Imperial Battle Team so quickly. Judging by the performance of these juniors, they truly are worthy of being my students and Shrek Academy's pride."
---
After exchanging pleasantries, Qin Ming revealed the purpose of his visit.
"Principal, I see that these juniors possess exceptional talent. However, Shrek Academy's resources may not be sufficient to fully nurture them. I have an idea—why not arrange for them to become exchange students between Tian Dou Imperial Academy and Shrek Academy? You could lead them to Tian Dou Imperial Academy, where they might gain access to better resources."
Upon hearing this, Flender's expression darkened. "Xiao Ming, you should know that Shrek Academy is my life's work. I cannot sell out my students, nor will I trade their futures for opportunities at Tian Dou Imperial Academy."
Qin Ming then went into detail about the exchange program, emphasizing the benefits of utilizing Tian Dou Imperial Academy's resources to further cultivate the juniors.
While Flender hesitated, Yu Xiaogang spoke up. "Flender, I think this is a good idea. Perhaps we should consider what's best for the children?"
Flender was surprised. "Even you, Xiaogang, support taking our students to Tian Dou Imperial Academy? What if they go and never return? I want all my students to face reality and train diligently, so they can become true high-level soul masters without wasting their talents."
Yu Xiaogang shook his head. "Flender, you must understand that these children's future doesn't lie in the small Shrek Academy in the village or even in Suotuo City. Only by stepping out into the wider world can they achieve greater heights."
"Moreover, Shrek Academy's resources are limited. We lack simulated environments, and our funds are nearly depleted. How do you propose we continue training the children?"
Flender fell silent. He had established the academy to nurture students, but its facilities had indeed become a bottleneck for their growth.
Finally, Flender sighed. "Xiaogang, I understand your hidden intentions. But have you considered what kind of situation these children might face at Tian Dou Imperial Academy?"
"Xiao Ming, you graduated from Tian Dou Imperial Academy. You know they only accept noble students. Those nobles' characters… you're more familiar with them than I am."
Qin Ming nodded. "Principal, your concern for the students is admirable. Tian Dou Imperial Academy does receive substantial resources from the royal family and is hailed as the top academy in Tian Dou Empire. However, in recent years, the quality of students has been mediocre, and no true geniuses or strong individuals have emerged. The leadership is desperate for talent."
"But the academy's atmosphere is complicated. Once the juniors enroll, they'll likely be courted by various factions. I can't guarantee they won't be poached."
Flender forced a bitter smile. "It's rare to see you still thinking of the academy, Xiao Ming. Xiaogang, explain your true intentions."
Yu Xiaogang nodded. "Teacher Qin Ming, according to the rules of the soul master world, in a year and a half, there will be a grand soul master gathering. Tian Dou Imperial Academy should have two spots reserved. If you can secure one spot for Shrek Academy's juniors, I believe joining Tian Dou Imperial Academy would be worthwhile."
"Of course, I have one condition. Tian Dou Imperial Academy must also accept all of our teachers. After all, these students have been trained by their teachers for some time now."
Flender looked puzzled. "Xiaogang, are you doing all this just for the soul master competition? Is it really worth it? If we go down this path, Shrek Academy might cease to exist altogether."
Yu Xiaogang replied, "Flender, you're forgetting one thing. After we train these students, they need a platform to showcase their abilities and potential. They can't all stay at the academy as teachers, nor can they become wandering soul masters. The soul master competition might be their best opportunity to shine."
"Besides, why do you assume that once they join Tian Dou Imperial Academy, they'll stop being Shrek Academy's students? These children aren't ungrateful. They won't forget the academy's nurturing."
---
After further discussion, the three reached a basic consensus on Shrek Academy's future direction.
In the following days, Yang Xiong took Ning Rongrong by the hand and strolled through the entire Suotuo City. For Yang Xiong, this was a rare moment of relaxation, setting aside his usual focus on cultivation.
He had always prioritized training—either physical conditioning or meditation—never considering matters of the heart. He had even grown distant from his own family.
After confessing his feelings, Yang Xiong felt a newfound vitality. At least he wouldn't be obsessively fixated on cultivation anymore.
When they returned to the academy and Flender announced that Shrek Academy would merge with Tian Dou Imperial Academy, everyone's expressions varied.
Yang Xiong found the situation intriguing. If this happened, Tian Dou Imperial Academy would simultaneously gather direct disciples from the top three sects. Things were about to get interesting.
As for Blue Lightning Academy or Prince Xue Beng, Yang Xiong didn't give them much thought. Compared to Blue Lightning Academy, Tian Dou Imperial Academy seemed like the better choice.
Yang Xiong was well aware of Tian Dou Imperial Academy's reputation. Once they arrived, it would likely mark the beginning of Shrek Academy's fragmentation. At the very least, Ma Hongjun probably wouldn't resist the temptations awaiting him.
Returning to Tian Dou City would also bring him closer to home. It was time to consider his family's future. He couldn't remain a cultivation-obsessed monster forever.
Of course, Yang Xiong was also aware of the greatest threat in Tian Dou City—or even the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. He had always kept his identity as a reincarnated soul master secret, fearing unnecessary trouble if discovered.
But if they joined Tian Dou Imperial Academy, perhaps he could gradually guide others and avoid disaster. At the very least, his family's safety wouldn't be compromised.
The others from Shrek Academy didn't care much. They were simply studying abroad, and the location didn't matter.
Ning Rongrong, however, complained. She had only been away from home for half a year, and now she was returning to Tian Dou City. What was the difference between this and going back home?
Shrek Academy moved quickly. Within a few days, they had packed everything—even the broken signboard, which Flender carefully stored. It was clear how much he cherished Shrek Academy.
Soon, the group departed Suotuo City, heading toward Tian Dou City.
As for the arrangements to enroll at Tian Dou Imperial Academy, Qin Ming had likely returned ahead of time to handle things.
Fifteen days later, they finally arrived at Tian Dou Imperial Academy.
Tian Dou Imperial Academy was located on a mountain several dozen kilometers outside Tian Dou City. The entire mountain belonged to the academy, covering an expansive area. Its scale and prestige were extraordinary.
Originally, Ning Rongrong had wanted to visit her family first, but Yang Xiong stopped her, saying it wasn't the right time to return to the sect. It was better to follow everyone to Tian Dou Imperial Academy. (He feared repercussions.)
As Yang Xiong had predicted, whether due to Qin Ming leaking information, they "coincidentally" encountered Prince Xue Beng in the square.
Xue Beng, accompanied by over ten people, seemed prepared. He mocked Shrek Academy, calling them country bumpkins unworthy of Tian Dou Imperial Academy.
After over ten days of travel, the group did look a bit dusty, but they were far from the sorry state Xue Beng described. Especially Dai Mubai, who was himself a prince, dressed modestly but was anything but a bumpkin.
Dai Mubai, always rebellious, couldn't tolerate Xue Beng's insults. He and his companions beat Xue Beng and his group soundly, leaving Xue Beng bruised and battered.
Xue Beng had clearly intended to provoke Shrek Academy into fighting, hoping to pressure the academy into expelling them.
However, to his surprise, Tian Dou Imperial Academy had already sent Teacher Sun to greet them. Teacher Sun was well aware of Xue Beng's character and scolded him instead.
Yang Xiong observed Xue Beng closely, feeling that this spoiled brat was trouble. Having lost all his siblings, Xue Beng became the sole heir to the Tian Dou Empire. His infamous act of kneeling to Tang San in the original story had made him the ultimate "lucky leech" in the Douluo World.
Such a spoiled and foolish individual was clearly a villainous character. Could he possibly become wise and heroic? Especially when he later claimed his past misbehavior was merely an act to survive—what about those he had harmed?
Seeing Xue Beng deep in thought, likely plotting revenge, Yang Xiong walked over and forcefully pressed his hand onto Xue Beng's shoulder. Xue Beng felt immense pressure, unable to resist.
"What do you want? Teacher Sun, this person provoked me for no reason!"
Yang Xiong smiled. "Teacher Sun, I'd like to have a word with this classmate. I assure you, I won't harm him."
Yang Xiong then turned Xue Beng toward Ning Rongrong. "This classmate earlier called us all bumpkins. You've caused quite a bit of trouble. That young lady is the little princess of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. By offending her, do you think this matter will be easily resolved?"
Xue Beng's face turned pale with fear. He knew whom he shouldn't provoke. "I didn't know she was from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect! Besides, I only said it casually, and I was beaten up too. Do you still want to hit me?"
Yang Xiong smiled. "Not necessarily. But Miss Rongrong is deeply loved by Elder Sword and Elder Bone. If they find out you insulted her, do you think they'll spare your tongue?"
Xue Beng trembled. "What more do you want? I've already been beaten like this!"
Yang Xiong leaned close to his ear, whispering softly. "I know you have powerful backers, but even they wouldn't dare offend us. If a single word about today's incident leaks, or if you try to retaliate, you'll lose more than just your tongue. From now on, avoid us whenever you see us on campus."
After speaking, Yang Xiong patted Xue Beng's shoulder. Terrified, Xue Beng fled the scene as fast as he could.
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