"Vice-Dean Lin…"
"Would you and Dean Dugu allow us a private word?"
The Dean of Godwind Academy was the first to speak. The other deans followed with expectant, almost eager gazes toward Lin Feng.
"Flender, take everyone back to the hotel to rest," Lin Feng instructed knowingly, turning toward Flender.
Once Monster Academy's team had departed, Lin Feng invited the visiting deans into the lounge.
"Gentlemen, what brings you here?" Lin Feng asked directly, wasting no time on pleasantries.
"Dean Lin, we've all heard the news today," said the Elephant Armored Academy's dean with a flattering smile.
"Blazing Academy's three Soul Ancestors and four Soul Elders—all advanced only because they trained at Monster Academy."
"We were wondering… could our academies also send some of our best students to study with you?"
"Your best students?"
Dugu Bo's face darkened as he snapped coldly:
"When Monster Academy was first established, we publicly declared that students from any academy were welcome to come and exchange. None of you came then. But now that Blazing Academy shows results, you shamelessly come crawling back?"
His disgust was palpable.
Perhaps in the past he might have shown some courtesy to the Thunderclap Academy's dean, because of Yu Yuanzhen's reputation. But now, with the Lin Clan behind him—boasting a Limit Douluo and even soul beasts surpassing the hundred-thousand-year level—Dugu Bo feared no one. Unless someone came directly from the Pope's Palace, he had no reason to show restraint.
The Thunderclap Academy's dean's face soured instantly, but he could only swallow his pride. He recalled sneering at Monster Academy when it was founded, saying their rookies didn't understand the world. But in just a few years, Monster Academy had grown into a force leaving them in the dust.
"Sigh… it was our shortsightedness that cost us such a good opportunity." The Thunderclap dean forced a bitter smile, swallowing his humiliation.
"Yes, yes, Senior Dugu, please don't be angry. We are all people of the Heaven Dou Empire—let's not harm our unity over this," the deans of Godwind and Elephant Armored hurriedly added.
"Hahaha! Grandpa Dugu, calm down," Lin Feng chuckled, turning to Dugu Bo.
"Since they're showing such sincerity, why not set aside past grudges? After all, exchange students benefit everyone. Even Blazing Academy's progress has given us fresh ideas to refine our teaching."
"But let me be clear," Lin Feng's tone shifted as he laid down conditions.
"Monster Academy has one principle now. Exchange students must come from your next generation's reserve team members. It's not enough for you to simply label them 'excellent.'"
"That's wise, Feng'er," Dugu Bo nodded approvingly. "It prevents them from sending us worthless trash and wasting our resources."
"Dean Dugu, rest assured—we'll cover all teaching expenses," one of the deans quickly promised, sensing a chance.
They weren't desperate to join Monster Academy. But if they lost this opportunity and other academies gained the advantage, they'd never again survive the Elite Tournament.
"Only money?" Lin Feng pressed, feigning hesitation.
"Of course not," the Elephant Armored Dean jumped in, instantly understanding. "We can also transfer ownership of some of our best shops and land resources at favorable terms."
Compared to the potential rewards of success at the Elite Tournament—imperial rewards and prestige—this cost was insignificant.
"We agree as well," the deans of Godwind and Thunderclap quickly echoed.
"In that case, Grandpa Dugu, let's reluctantly accept," Lin Feng said lightly, turning with a smile.
"Hmph. If it weren't for your sincerity, I wouldn't have agreed," Dugu Bo said proudly, raising his chin.
"Thank you, Vice-Dean Lin, Dean Dugu!" the three deans said in unison, bowing in gratitude.
"Very well. Once the tournament ends, you may send your students. As for the shops and land—you'll negotiate with my second uncle."
With that, Lin Feng left with Dugu Bo, the room behind them falling into uneasy silence.
The Godwind Dean wore a pained expression, still lamenting the loss of his properties. The Thunderclap Dean fumed inwardly—When has Thunderclap Academy ever had to bow to another like this? Only the Elephant Armored Dean was barely able to contain his joy, delighted with the arrangement.
After a pause, they exchanged stiff smiles.
"Congratulations!"
"Yes, congratulations indeed!"
At least they were all headed to Monster Academy together.
---
Spirit Hall – Council Chamber
"Elder, at today's Heaven Dou Empire tournament, Monster Academy fielded a Soul Master with soul power rivaling that of a Soul Emperor. Blazing Academy's entire team advanced to Soul Ancestor and Soul Elder levels after training there."
Bishop Salas's messenger knelt, reporting respectfully.
"Monster Academy… isn't that the school run by that old poison freak?" Yue Guan sneered, flicking his orchid fingers dismissively.
"Very well. I understand. Keep a close watch on Monster Academy, and report any developments immediately."
"Yes!" The subordinate bowed and departed quickly. Yue Guan himself wasted no time, turning and heading straight toward the Pope's Palace.
---
Star Luo Empire – Star Luo City, Grand Arena
"Your Majesty, our spies from the Heaven Dou Empire report that a new academy called Monster Academy has appeared in the tournament…"
An elder spoke quietly to the Star Luo Emperor in the royal lounge.
"Heh… interesting. So many new talents have emerged in Heaven Dou these past years. Mu Qing, it seems our plans must move ahead sooner. We cannot allow Heaven Dou to grow unchecked."
"Yes, Your Majesty," replied a noble at his side, bowing.
---
Five days later, the Heaven Dou preliminaries concluded. Advancing were:
Monster Academy
Blazing Academy
Thunderclap Academy
Godwind Academy
Elephant Armored Academy
During the matches, Lin Xue even defeated seven opponents alone, securing Monster Academy an undefeated record of four wins.
News of Monster Academy spread like wildfire across the Heaven Dou Empire. Even their affiliated Rose Hotel became bustling, packed with new guests.
---
Rose Hotel – Monster Academy Rest Lounge
"Vice-Dean Lin, not only are other academies requesting exchanges—many talented individuals now want to enroll directly into our academy!" Flender entered with a broad grin, brimming with pride.
"That's good news. I was just discussing this with Grandpa Dugu," Lin Feng replied, smiling faintly.
"Monster Academy will hold an additional recruitment. Flender, you and Lin Shui will oversee the preparations."
"Yes, Vice-Dean! I'll take care of it immediately," Flender said with a bow before hurrying off.
---
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