Lin Jie was a little surprised to see Ning Fengzhi and Xue Qinghe arrive together.
He and Tang San shared a room, so when Lin Jie stepped out, Tang San came along. Tang San was used to seeing Ning Fengzhi, since his daughter Ning Rongrong was on their team, so that wasn't too surprising. What he hadn't expected was the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire appearing alongside him.
Tang San greeted them politely, "Uncle Ning. Your Highness, what brings you here?"
Xue Qinghe smiled gently at the two boys. "I'm here to observe the Advancement Round with my father, and I heard that Brother Tang and Brother Lin were stationed here, so I thought I'd stop by and pay you a visit. How is the accommodation? If there's anything wrong, I can ask my father to have it changed for you."
Tang San quickly shook his head. "Thank you, Your Highness, but it's already more than enough. We really appreciate your kindness."
Lin Jie simply watched the exchange without speaking. Then, an idea struck him. He wanted to test whether his recently refined Purple Demon Eye could see through Xue Qinghe's real identity.
The moment he activated his Purple Demon Eye, a faint trace of violet surfaced deep in his pupils. As his gaze locked onto Xue Qinghe, the purple light flared for a moment—then vanished.
Just then, Xue Qinghe frowned ever so slightly and said warmly, "Brother Tang, please, there's no need to address me as 'Your Highness.' I'm only a few years older than you. If you don't mind, why not just call me 'Brother Xue'? The same goes for you, Brother Lin."
Lin Jie had just retracted the last trace of the violet glow from his eyes and gave a casual smile.
Tang San, who already had a good impression of Xue Qinghe, nodded. "If that's what you prefer, then I'll call you Brother Xue from now on."
"That would be for the best," Xue Qinghe said with a gentle smile. "By the way, Brother Lin—"
Before he could finish, Lin Jie smiled and cut in, "Tang San, how about we invite Uncle Ning and Brother Xue to sit inside first? Right, Brother Xue?"
He deliberately emphasized the last three words, his eyes twinkling as he looked at Xue Qinghe.
Tang San quickly echoed, "Yes, Uncle Ning, Brother Xue, please come inside and make yourselves comfortable."
Ning Fengzhi chuckled. "I won't be staying long. I just came to check on Rongrong. It's been a while, and I've missed that girl."
As he spoke, he turned toward Lin Jie with a meaningful look in his eyes.
Inside, Ning Rongrong had heard her father's voice. Overjoyed, she ran out cheerfully. "Dad! You're here!"
The others also came out of their rooms. Tang San was just about to introduce Xue Qinghe to Flender when he saw the prince subtly raise a hand to signal silence. Tang San understood and said nothing.
Flender's expression lit up when he saw Ning Fengzhi. He walked forward quickly with a warm smile. "Sect Master Ning, welcome."
Ning Fengzhi nodded with a smile. "Headmaster Flender. I heard you'd already settled in, so I came by while I was nearby. I also have a small request, if I may."
"Oh? Please go ahead. If it's within my ability, I'll do my best," Flender replied, a bit surprised. He couldn't imagine what someone like Ning Fengzhi would need from him.
Ning Fengzhi said, "Rongrong has improved tremendously during her time at your academy—more than she ever did back in the sect. That tells me there are flaws in our educational approach. So, I would like to send a few disciples to your academy for the next term, if that would be convenient."
Flender was stunned. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School was one of the Three Upper Sects—its status was leagues above Shrek Academy. "Sect Master Ning, isn't that a bit… inappropriate? How could our little academy's instruction compare to your sect's?"
Ning Fengzhi chuckled. "There's nothing inappropriate about it. Your academy has clearly produced outstanding students. Rongrong herself is the best example. And with someone as knowledgeable as Master teaching here, even I must admit I fall short. So please, Headmaster Flender, don't sell yourself short."
Flender glanced at Yu Xiaogang. He could tell Ning Fengzhi's interest lay mainly with him. Still, if Shrek could secure the support of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, it could elevate the school to national prominence. That had been Flender's lifelong dream.
Yu Xiaogang had initially wanted to say something, but seeing Flender's hopeful expression, he stayed silent and nodded, signaling tacit agreement.
Ning Fengzhi, seeing this, smiled. "Then let's discuss the details after the tournament. For now, let me wish Shrek Academy good luck in the Advancement Round."
"Thank you, Sect Master Ning," Flender said quickly.
At that moment, Xue Qinghe stepped in. "Teacher, it's getting late. We should take our leave."
Flender turned to him. "Sect Master Ning, may I ask—who is this?"
"Oh, this is my disciple, Xue Qinghe," Ning Fengzhi replied with a smile.
Xue Qinghe stepped forward and gave a polite bow. "It's an honor, Headmaster Flender."
A disciple of Ning Fengzhi, with the surname Xue… Flender had a guess about his background, but simply nodded politely.
Ning Rongrong pouted slightly. "Dad, you just got here and now you're leaving?"
He chuckled. "Rongrong, your father still has matters to attend to. Be good and stay focused, alright?"
"Okay~" she said with a playful pout.
"We'll take our leave then, Headmaster Flender," Ning Fengzhi said with a smile.
After they left, the group briefly discussed the match strategy for tomorrow, and Flender went off to handle the draw. Everyone else turned in early for the night.
The next day, under the guidance of a designated attendant, Shrek Academy arrived at the Advancement Round battlefield.
The venue was a specially modified training field. A space of over a hundred meters had been marked out as the competition ring. To the north stood the VIP viewing platform, which also served as the referee's stand. Compared to the preliminaries, far fewer people were present.
At the center sat Emperor Xue Ye, Ning Fengzhi, and Salas, with several military generals and high-ranking Spirit Hall officials behind them.
Fifteen teams were competing in the Advancement Round, with fourteen rounds of matches to be held in total. One team would sit out each day. Every day, seven matches would take place on the same field.
The rules were simple: Each team sends out seven members. One person from each side battles in turn. The winner stays, the loser rotates out, and the match continues until one team is entirely defeated.
The match schedule had been finalized the night before. Shrek Academy's opponent for today was a team from a high-level Spirit Master academy under the Balak Kingdom. They were scheduled for the third match of the day.
Each academy had its own designated area. Shrek's group soon reached their section.
As Lin Jie walked into their area, he noticed several sharp gazes falling on him.
Among them were Feng Xiaotian of Godwind Academy, Huo Wu and Huo Wushuang from Blazing Academy, and of course, Shui Bing'er from Tianshui Academy—someone Lin Jie wouldn't forget anytime soon.
He glanced their way briefly, then calmly looked away.
At that moment, Yu Xiaogang gathered the group. "Our opponents are from the Balak Kingdom. For today's match, the lineup will be: Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Lin Jie."
Hearing this, Dai Mubai raised a brow. "Master, aren't we supposed to send out seven people?"
Yu Xiaogang replied, "The Advancement Round is about strength. Even though the other teams are stronger than those in the preliminaries, Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Lin Jie are enough."
Dai Mubai chuckled. "That's true. With those three, we'll crush any Balak team without trouble."
At that moment, Emperor Xue Ye stood and, through a soul amplification device, addressed the arena:
"Today marks the official start of the Advancement Round! I hope all the teams present will display their full strength and show the brilliance of their academies. Let the battles begin!"
As his voice rang out, the Royal Knights surrounding the arena raised their silver spears and bellowed, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empire!"
The thunderous cheer rolled across the field like a tidal wave.
After the noise faded, the announcer stepped forward.
"The first match of the Advancement Round: Blazing Academy vs. Fabea Academy! Teams, please take the field!"
As both sides began to send their participants forward, Blazing Academy's first fighter was none other than their team captain, Huo Wushuang.
Lin Jie watched him step onto the field and noted the change in his aura. Though more restrained, it now carried a quiet, steady pressure—proof that his strength had grown significantly over the past month.