Outside the Great Spirit Arena.
Flender stood at the entrance and gave everyone a brief speech about the "Monster" ideology, then explained the basic rules inside. Finally, he stated that one of Shrek Academy's graduation requirements was to obtain a **Silver Spirit Fighting Badge**.
**"Alright, now Dai Mubai will lead you to register. If you have any questions, feel free to ask him."**
Dai Mubai nodded and, with a smile, walked over to Zhu Zhuqing.
**"Zhuqing, if there's anything you'd like to know, just ask me."**
Zhu Zhuqing didn't even glance at him.
She took **Su Xiaoqi's** hand and walked straight into the Great Spirit Arena.
**"Stupid woman, acting all high and mighty."**
Dai Mubai cursed inwardly but maintained a smile on the surface.
**"Let's go inside, everyone. I'll explain things more thoroughly on the way."**
---
As they walked in, Zhu Zhuqing noticed Su Xiaoqi seemed a bit distracted.
**"What are you thinking about?"** she asked softly.
Su Xiaoqi smiled.
**"Nothing. Just thinking about what cool name to register you under."**
Zhu Zhuqing clearly didn't buy that explanation, but since they were surrounded by people, she didn't push further.
Su Xiaoqi secretly sighed in relief.
In truth, his mind had been on **Dai Mubai**.
Something was off. Dai Mubai being unusually friendly must mean he had some ulterior motive.
Su Xiaoqi guessed it was likely because Zhu Zhuqing had shown surprising strength earlier—enough that Dai Mubai saw hope in her defeating **Davis**, and thus lowered himself to butter her up.
**"Dai Mubai... you're done for in this life.
Enjoy the little time you've got left."**
He glanced at Dai Mubai, who was still boasting about his past victories in the arena, and began plotting:
**"Once we go to Star Dou Forest in a few days, maybe I'll find a chance to take him out."**
---
### At the Registration Counter:
Zhu Zhuqing paid 10 gold spirit coins and received a registration form.
Before filling it out, she looked at Su Xiaoqi.
**"So, have you come up with my flashy name yet?"**
Su Xiaoqi paused briefly, then leaned in and whispered something in her ear.
Zhu Zhuqing's expression went speechless.
This mischievous guy never misses a chance to stir the pot.
Still, she'd go along with it.
Even if this name offended a certain student at the academy, she didn't care.
She wasn't here to make friends—**Ning Rongrong had just been a lucky exception.**
---
After filling out the form, next came **spirit power testing**, to verify no one was lying about their strength and to match opponents of similar level.
Once registration was done, the arena started arranging battles.
While waiting, Flender told **Ning Rongrong** to go find a partner and sign up for a 2v2 match. Then he headed inside the arena.
Seeing this, Su Xiaoqi grabbed a card from Zhu Zhuqing and hurried after him.
**"Dean Flender! Where are you rushing off to? Let's go together."**
Flender turned back coldly.
**"What? Not going to keep Zhu Zhuqing company?"**
Su Xiaoqi grinned.
**"Even if I wanted to, I can't now.
Besides, I think there's been some misunderstandings between us.
This is a great chance to clear things up."**
---
Su Xiaoqi had already bought two tickets.
Once inside the betting area with Flender, he smiled slyly.
**"Dean, do you know where we can place bets?
Our Shrek students are so strong—I think there's good money to be made."**
Flender glanced at him.
**"Not afraid I'll tell Zhu Zhuqing you're gambling?"**
Of course, Flender knew the place well.
He'd bet here plenty of times himself. Running an academy wasn't cheap.
His side hustle was necessary—especially with that junk shop of his barely surviving.
He also knew Su Xiaoqi was rich.
**Li Yusong** had told him Su Xiaoqi originally came to invest in the school.
Flender had been bitter about missing that money ever since—blaming **Zhao Wuji** for screwing it up.
---
**Su Xiaoqi chuckled.**
**"Come on, Dean. We're all men—everyone has hobbies.
And this one? Guaranteed profits.
If I win a big haul today, Zhuqing will be thrilled."**
**Flender:**
**"Fine. Follow me.
But if you lose everything, don't come blaming me.
This is your own decision."**
He wasn't going to put in too much himself.
Even if Shrek's students were "monsters," they couldn't win **every** time.
---
They arrived at the betting station and began spectating matches.
After a few rounds, **Shrek Academy's team** finally appeared.
To Su Xiaoqi's surprise, the first match wasn't Zhu Zhuqing vs. Tang San (like in the original story), but instead:
> **Tang San vs. a complete nobody—an unfamiliar attack-type Spirit Master with only Level 27 spirit power.**
**Su Xiaoqi walked over.**
**"Here's a card with 3,000 gold spirit coins.
Please place it all on Tang San to win."**
No hesitation.
Even with low odds, it didn't matter. His goal wasn't just money—it was to lure Flender in.
---
He returned to Flender's side with a grin.
**"Dean, I went all in on Tang San.
How much did you bet?"**
**Flender blinked.**
**"You've got guts. I only placed 200 coins."**
**Su Xiaoqi:**
**"Dean, I know you think Zhuqing and I don't fit in,
but I'm trying to change that.
That's why I bet everything on Tang San—because I believe in him."**
**"You know his strength better than anyone. His power is higher than his opponent's.
But if Tang San found out you only bet 200 coins on him…
How do you think he'd feel? He might be disappointed."**
That speech actually stunned Flender a bit.
**He suddenly felt like maybe he really had been too cautious.**
But it was too late—the match was starting. No more bets allowed.
---
The fight was over quickly.
**Tang San crushed his opponent** with a few simple moves and easily won.
Su Xiaoqi grinned—he'd just made **1,500 gold spirit coins**.
**"Dean, this money is too easy.
I'm definitely treating Tang San to a big meal later!"**
Flender, in contrast, looked a little sheepish with his meager payout.
---
Then came the next match.
**"Now, let's welcome our next duo:
The Cat That Loves Spicy Rabbit Heads, and… Xiao Wu!"**
**"Pfft!"**
Su Xiaoqi nearly burst out laughing and quickly covered his mouth.
**"The Cat That Loves Spicy Rabbit Heads"** was the ridiculous name he gave Zhu Zhuqing.
But now wasn't the time to laugh—he needed to convince Flender to bet big on her.