Chapter 47: Confrontation and Departure
The night passed quietly. Early the next morning, just as Chen Sheng finished his morning exercises, Qin Ming arrived, bringing academy chefs carrying steaming hot breakfast.
Chen Sheng greeted him, "Senior Qin Ming, good morning."
Qin Ming smiled. "No wonder your strength is so impressive among the Shrek students. You're already up and training so early. This level of hard work is something Heaven Dou Royal Academy students can't even compare with."
Chen Sheng replied, "Senior Qin Ming, you're too kind. I'm not the only one who gets up this early to train."
Qin Ming followed Chen Sheng's gaze and looked toward the roof, where Tang San sat meditating.
Tang San opened his eyes, having heard their conversation. He jumped down from the roof lightly. "Good morning, Senior Qin Ming."
"You are the most outstanding children I have ever seen," Qin Ming said sincerely.
The other Shrek members woke up one by one. As they ate breakfast, Qin Ming explained more about the Royal Academy.
"Emperor Xue Ye is merely the honorary dean of the academy. All major and minor affairs are actually decided by a committee of three faculty elders."
After breakfast, Qin Ming led the Shrek group to meet the three faculty elders.
The faculty elders' office was located in the largest building at the center of the academy. When they arrived, the three elders were already waiting.
The three elders wore black robes exclusive to Spirit Douluo, embroidered with strange golden patterns. Such formal attire was usually only worn when meeting equals or on extremely important occasions. That they wore them now showed their high regard for the Shrek group.
Three Spirit Douluo, Chen Sheng thought. In terms of teaching staff, Heaven Dou Royal Academy really is the best in the Heaven Dou Empire.
If others showed respect, Chen Sheng believed in showing respect back.
Flender quickened his pace and stepped forward. He crossed his hands over his shoulders, bowed slightly, and said, "Flender of Shrek Academy, martial soul Four-Eyed Owl, Level 78 agility-attack type Spirit Sage, greets the three seniors."
This was proper etiquette for a junior meeting seniors. The three elders were all over eighty years old, so Flender truly was a junior.
The elder in the center stepped forward, took Flender's hand, and smiled. "Dean Flender, there's no need for such formality. We've long heard your name. It's an honor for our academy to have teachers from the legendary Monster Academy visit us today. I am Meng Shenji, Chief Faculty Elder, martial soul Black Demon, Level 86 control-type Spirit Douluo."
After introducing himself, Meng Shenji introduced the other two elders.
The heavy-set one on the left was Bai Baoshan, martial soul Heavenly Star Furnace, Level 85 defense-type Spirit Douluo.
The thin one on the right was Zhilin, martial soul Heavenly Azure Vine, Level 83 control-type Spirit Douluo.
"Everyone, please come inside," Meng Shenji said warmly. "Don't be shy—make yourselves at home."
The building's interior wasn't as fancy as the outside. It had only necessary furniture and simple green plants for decoration, which made people feel comfortable.
Meng Shenji, Flender, and the other teachers took seats. Chen Sheng and the other students stood behind them.
Meng Shenji got straight to the point. "Qin Ming has informed me of your requirements, and we agree. From now on, the Shrek students will continue to be taught by yourselves, and we won't interfere. The academy can provide you with simulated training environments, and in return, you'll represent the academy in battles and earn honor."
The three elders' attitude greatly satisfied Flender, though the thought of Shrek Academy ceasing to exist in its original form left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Spirit Douluo Zhilin suddenly spoke. "Qin Ming mentioned that among your students, there's a particularly outstanding genius control-type spirit master. Which one is it?"
Yu Xiaogang smiled slightly and gestured toward Tang San with his eyes.
Tang San stepped forward and bowed. "Greetings, three teachers."
Zhilin smiled faintly. The air around his body suddenly twisted.
The others felt nothing, but Tang San felt a massive wave of spirit power pressing in from all directions, making him unable to move. However, although this spirit power oppressed his body, it carried no killing intent.
Tang San circulated his Mysterious Heaven Skill, resisting the constantly invading force.
Flender and the others, seeing this, understood that this was Zhilin's test for Tang San—like an entrance exam.
"Oh!" Zhilin's calm gaze gradually turned surprised. The spirit power pressure he exerted had already reached Level 34, equal to Tang San's own strength, yet Tang San remained very relaxed, not even releasing his martial soul.
Generally speaking, for a low-ranked spirit master to withstand the spirit power pressure of a high-ranked spirit master, being able to endure two-thirds of their own spirit power level was considered good.
To match one's own spirit power level was quite impressive, and that required releasing one's martial soul—and it had to be a beast martial soul.
Beast martial souls provided a much greater boost to a spirit master's physical abilities than tool martial souls.
The spirit power pressure continued increasing, reaching Level 36. Tang San still stood there firmly, a faint white mist appearing around his body.
Seeing this, the other two elders couldn't help but be surprised. Zhilin's spirit power pressure had already exceeded Tang San's own level, yet Tang San still hadn't used his martial soul.
Zhilin wanted to see where Tang San's limit was, so he continued increasing his spirit power output. When it reached Level 40, Tang San finally started to struggle.
With difficulty, he raised his right hand. Blue light flickered, and Blue Silver Grass quietly released from his palm, forming a giant cage around his body.
All the Blue Silver Grass swayed in the air, and with each sway, Zhilin's spirit power pressure weakened slightly.
Zhilin had been about to retract his pressure when Tang San released his martial soul, thinking he'd reached his limit. But then he witnessed this strange phenomenon.
Using a small force to deflect a great one, Chen Sheng thought with amusement.
The Blue Silver Grass used the technique of deflecting large forces with small ones to redirect some of Zhilin's pressure.
Zhilin continued increasing his spirit power pressure, much faster than before.
Using a small force to deflect a great one was certainly effective, but if the force was too immense, could it still be deflected? The answer was no.
The Mysterious Heaven Skill circulated faster and faster, and the Blue Silver Grass swayed with increasing speed, desperately resisting Zhilin's spirit power pressure. Before anyone knew it, the pressure had risen to Level 45.
Tang San's body reached its limit. He couldn't even move a single finger.
Just then, something within Tang San's body seemed to break.
POOF—
The Eight Spider Lances on his back burst forth, gently pulsating. The white mist around his body was absorbed into him like a thousand rivers returning to the sea.
"Spirit bone!"
The three elders almost simultaneously exclaimed in surprise. Zhilin also stopped—Tang San had reached his limit. Continuing would likely cause him to explode and die.
Xiao San gained quite a lot this time, Chen Sheng thought. His spirit power broke through a level, he opened up a meridian channel, and the Eight Spider Lances completely fused with his body.
"Thank you, Spirit Douluo Zhilin, for your assistance," Yu Xiaogang stood up with a smile and bowed. "Ever since Tang San obtained the external spirit bone, the Eight Spider Lances, he's been unable to fully integrate it. Now, under your pressure, he's finally completely merged with it and can control it at will."
"External spirit bone!"
Upon hearing those words, the three elders almost simultaneously rose from their seats. Their gazes burned as they looked at Tang San, as if he were a rare treasure.
Yu Xiaogang's words were very clever. First, Tang San's spirit bone was an external spirit bone, which—unlike the other six spirit bones—wouldn't drop even if Tang San were killed. This dispelled any ideas the three elders might have about killing him for treasure.
Second, he didn't hide that Tang San possessed an external spirit bone, which showed sincerity.
Meng Shenji exclaimed, "I never thought such a genius would emerge in our spirit master world."
Flender chuckled. "Xiao San is Grandmaster's direct disciple, and his natural talent is exceptional. We can't take credit for his achievements."
Meng Shenji realized, "So he's Grandmaster's direct disciple."
After absorbing all the surrounding white mist, Tang San withdrew his Eight Spider Lances, feeling refreshed. He bowed. "Thank you, Spirit Douluo Zhilin."
Zhilin waved his hand slightly, indicating he dared not take credit.
Meng Shenji said, "Teacher Qin Ming, this matter is settled. The rest of the arrangements are up to you."
Qin Ming quickly nodded. He was naturally willing to accept such a task.
Just as the Shrek group prepared to leave, Chen Sheng suddenly looked toward the entrance. He sensed three people approaching.
"Brother Sheng, what's wrong?" Xiao Wu asked in a low voice.
"Someone's coming," Chen Sheng said.
Soon, footsteps echoed from outside, though it sounded like only two people walking.
"Is Chief Meng Shenji present?"
Before the person appeared, a loud voice boomed from outside, carrying a hint of arrogance that made Chen Sheng feel annoyed.
Meng Shenji and the other two were familiar with the voice and thought, Why is he here?
Under everyone's gaze, three figures entered through the doorway. One was Xue Beng, whom Dai Mubai and Xiao Wu had beaten up. Xue Beng stood on the left, his eyes filled with intense hatred.
Just for that look in your eyes, I'll make sure your throne disappears in the future, Chen Sheng thought coldly.
Walking in the middle was an old man in luxurious robes. He wore a yellow long gown embroidered with clusters of flowers. His graying hair was neatly combed back. He was medium height with slightly small eyes.
On the right was a tall, thin old man, standing as straight as a spear. His hair and beard were dark green, and his eyes sparkled like emeralds.
Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo, Chen Sheng identified immediately.
"Prince Xue Xing, why have you come?" Meng Shenji bowed slightly, greeting the old man in luxurious robes.
Prince Xue Xing smiled faintly, his gaze sweeping over the Shrek group. "The three elders have guests. Aren't you going to introduce them to this prince?"
Meng Shenji frowned slightly, but out of respect for the prince's status, he introduced them. "Your Royal Highness, allow me to introduce you. This is Flender, dean of Shrek Academy, who has come to exchange ideas with the Royal Academy. Flender, this is Prince Xue Xing."
Flender frowned slightly and bowed. "Greetings, Your Royal Highness Prince Xue Xing."
Prince Xue Xing's eyes held a hint of disdain. He said coldly, "Shrek Academy? I've never heard of it. It must be a trash academy, right? Meng Shenji, is such an academy even qualified to exchange ideas with our Royal Academy?"
Upon hearing Prince Xue Xing's words, everyone from Shrek was furious.
Only Chen Sheng, who knew about this beforehand, remained calm.
Meng Shenji's expression changed. "Prince Xue Xing, Shrek Academy is not a trash academy. It has cultivated many excellent spirit masters. Teacher Qin Ming graduated from Shrek Academy. This time, it's at Teacher Qin Ming's request that Dean Flender is leading Shrek Academy's teachers to teach at the Royal Academy."
Prince Xue Xing still maintained his disdainful look. "Meng Shenji, teachers hired by the Royal Academy must pass an assessment. I wonder if they've been assessed?"
Zhilin couldn't help but say, "The teachers of Shrek Academy all possess the strength of Heaven Dou Senior-level teachers. Do they still need assessment? Prince Xue Xing, did you come today specifically for this matter?"
Prince Xue Xing snorted coldly. "The Royal Academy is of utmost importance to the empire. I don't wish for a group of arrogant and unruly individuals to infiltrate the academy. They just arrived yesterday and already beat up Prince Xue Beng. How can Xue Beng, the Fourth Prince of the Empire, be easily humiliated?"
"I was the one who hit him. Whatever methods you have, just come at me. I'll face them, whether open or hidden." Chen Sheng stepped forward, smiling meaningfully. "But did His Highness Xue Beng truly just happen to encounter us, or did he want to use this method to drive us away? If it's the latter, then His Highness Xue Beng has put on a very convincing act of being foolish for all these years."
As soon as Chen Sheng finished speaking, he sensed an instant surge of killing intent. Although it lasted only a moment, he clearly perceived that the killing intent erupted from Prince Xue Beng.
[DETECTED! Dai Mubai's Emotion (Respect, Gratitude) Congratulations to Host! Treasure Chest acquired!]
[DETECTED! Xiao Wu Emotion (Gratitude, Pride) Congratulations to Host! Treasure Chest acquired!]
[DETECTED! Ning Rongrong Emotion (Admiration, Relief) Congratulations to Host! Treasure Chest acquired!]
[DETECTED! Zhu Zhuqing Emotion (Respect, Appreciation) Congratulations to Host! Treasure Chest acquired!]
[DETECTED! Xue Beng Emotion (Rage, Killing Intent, Fear of Exposure) Congratulations to Host! Treasure Chest acquired!]
...
Meng Shenji and the other two looked thoughtful after hearing Chen Sheng's words.
"It seems you truly are, as I expected, a group of arrogant and unruly individuals. You commit mistakes and show no remorse. How can I allow people like you to infiltrate the Royal Academy?" Prince Xue Xing snorted coldly.
"Prince Xue Xing, don't go too far. His Highness Xue Beng was clearly in the wrong first. Don't distort right and wrong here," Meng Shenji said angrily.
"Meng Shenji, don't forget that the academy belongs to the imperial family. As the direct manager, I have the power to make personnel decisions. Since you say they're talented, I'll give them a chance to prove their talent to me," Prince Xue Xing said.
Flender suppressed his anger. "Your Royal Highness, how do you wish for us to prove ourselves?"
Xue Xing smiled indifferently. "It's very simple. As long as you can last five minutes against Sir Dugu, this prince will acknowledge your talent."
Flender wanted to make a move, but Chen Sheng held him back and whispered, "Dean, you're not his opponent. He's Titled Douluo Dugu Bo. Let me handle it."
When Flender learned that the green-haired old man was actually Poison Douluo, shock flashed in his heart.
[DETECTED! Dugu Bo's Emotion (Shock, Curiosity) Congratulations to Host! Treasure Chest acquired!]
Dugu Bo opened his eyes, his gaze falling on Chen Sheng. Massive pressure bore down on Chen Sheng, but to Dugu Bo's surprise, Chen Sheng showed no reaction, as if the pressure didn't exist.
Prince Xue Xing said respectfully, "Sir Dugu, I trouble you."
Dugu Bo looked indifferently at the Shrek Academy group. "All of you, come at me together."
As he spoke, strong green light erupted from his body. Two yellow, two purple, and five black spirit rings—nine in total—rose from beneath his feet, pulsating around his body.
Except for Chen Sheng, everyone's expressions changed, including the three elders.
"Uncle, Fourth Brother, three elders, you're all here." Just as tension peaked, a figure walked in from the doorway.
"Greetings, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince." Meng Shenji and the other two bowed. The newcomer was Xue Qinghe, Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire.
"Qinghe, why are you here?" Prince Xue Xing said with a forced smile.
"I heard some geniuses arrived at the academy, so I came to look. I didn't expect Uncle and Fourth Brother to also be so concerned about academy affairs," Xue Qinghe said indifferently. Then his gaze swept over the Shrek group. When he looked at Chen Sheng, he paused for a moment.
Such a handsome young man, Qian Renxue thought, feeling her heart skip slightly. No, focus. This is... I'm here for intelligence gathering.
[DETECTED! Qian Renxue Emotion (Attraction, Curiosity, Professional Interest) Congratulations to Host! Treasure Chest acquired!]
She wouldn't have come for me, right? Chen Sheng thought, noticing her lingering gaze.
"His Royal Highness Crown Prince, this is Flender, dean of Shrek Academy," Meng Shenji introduced.
"So it's Flender, the Speed Horn of the Golden Iron Triangle, the Four-Eyed Owl. I've heard so much about you," Xue Qinghe said, giving off a feeling of approachability, unlike Prince Xue Xing's aloofness.
"Greetings, Your Royal Highness Crown Prince," Flender bowed slightly.
"Uncle, is there something you're here for?" Xue Qinghe asked, feigning confusion.
"I heard the academy recently recruited some new teachers. As the direct manager of the academy, I have a responsibility to come and inspect whether they're qualified," Prince Xue Xing said coldly.
"I've long heard of Dean Flender's reputation. I don't think an inspection is necessary. If anything goes wrong, I'll take responsibility," Xue Qinghe said indifferently.
"The Royal Academy is the cradle of the empire's talents. Every teacher must be strictly vetted. Qinghe, you can't bear such responsibility," Prince Xue Xing said solemnly.
Just as Xue Qinghe was about to say something, Flender stepped forward. "Thank you for Your Royal Highness's kindness, but I think we'll decline. The Royal Academy is not suitable for us."
Flender somewhat regretted not listening to Chen Sheng earlier. Otherwise, he wouldn't have suffered this humiliation today.
Prince Xue Xing's lips curled slightly when he saw Flender leaving on his own.
"Dean Flender—"
Meng Shenji was startled and tried to persuade him, but Flender waved his hand. "Three seniors, the Royal Academy doesn't welcome us, so how can we force it? Even if we stay today, we won't have peace in the future. Thank you for your warm hospitality, three seniors. Flender will never forget it. Farewell."
Flender led the Shrek group away. He didn't want to get involved in the royal family's power struggles.
"Dean Flender," Meng Shenji called out anxiously.
Flender still didn't turn around and continued walking outside. As they passed Xue Beng and Prince Xue Xing, Xue Beng's eyes held schadenfreude, while Prince Xue Xing held his head high, as if he hadn't seen them.
"Grandpa!"
Just then, a pretty young girl ran in from outside and threw herself into Dugu Bo's arms.
This girl was none other than Dugu Yan. When Dugu Bo saw her, his cold gaze softened a little.
Dugu Yan's gaze swept over the Shrek group. When she saw Chen Sheng, her expression clearly changed, and she whispered a few words into Dugu Bo's ear.
"Three teaching committee members, I'm sorry, but I think I also have to leave the academy," Qin Ming suddenly said, indignation on his face. Prince Xue Xing's actions had completely disappointed him in the Royal Academy.
Meng Shenji hurriedly said, "Teacher Qin Ming, we'll report today's matter to His Majesty and ask His Majesty to deliver justice. Please don't leave yet."
Qin Ming shook his head. "Heaven Dou Royal Academy belongs to the royal family. Since the royal family dislikes Shrek Academy people, what face do I have to stay? Qin Ming will always remember the care of the three teaching committee members over the years, and I'll definitely repay it someday. Farewell."
"Teacher Qin Ming, I can guarantee that the royal family will definitely give Shrek Academy an explanation for this matter," Xue Qinghe stepped forward and said.
Qin Ming's steps still didn't stop. He had some understanding of Emperor Xue Ye's character and knew this matter would have no results, and would eventually just fade away.
"Prince Xue Xing, we'll definitely report your actions today to His Majesty," Meng Shenji said angrily.
"Whatever," Prince Xue Xing snorted coldly.
---
The Shrek group left Heaven Dou Royal Academy. Midway, Qin Ming caught up, said nothing, and just followed behind Flender.
"Dean, why don't we expand Shrek Academy?" Dai Mubai suggested.
Flender didn't speak, looking up at the sky, his expression a little lonely.
Dai Mubai continued, "I know you're unwilling to accept student sponsorships, and I understand. But we really can't swallow this insult today. Don't worry, I won't use money from my family. We can participate in the Spirit Fighting Tournament. With our strength, we can definitely bring enough income to the academy."
Flender sighed. "Alas, I have no fighting spirit to reopen the academy now. Perhaps it's because I'm old."
Zhao Wuji said, "So where do we go now?"
Ning Rongrong said, "Why don't we go to my house? The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan is very close to Heaven Dou City."
Flender shook his head. "I don't want to experience this feeling of depending on others again. Rongrong, thank you for your kindness."
Ning Rongrong said anxiously, "Dean, my family will definitely not be like Heaven Dou Royal Academy. If anyone dares to say anything to you, I definitely won't let them off."
Flender still wasn't planning to go to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. "It's not far from Heaven Dou City here. Let's go to Heaven Dou City first to take a look, then discuss and decide where to go next."
Everyone nodded, then set off for Heaven Dou City. They didn't say anything along the way, and in less than half an hour, they arrived at the city gate.
When Flender led everyone into the city, he saw a huge announcement on the bulletin board next to the city gate.
"Blue Tyrant Advanced Spirit Master Academy, due to expansion, is sincerely recruiting ten teachers, requiring spirit power level of forty or above, with higher spirit power being prioritized. Once hired, treatment will be excellent."
Others focused on the content of the announcement, but Flender's focus was different. "This academy's advertisement is even posted at the city gate. How much money does that cost?"
Qin Ming said, "Any advanced academy that can open in Heaven Dou City has a certain background. I'm not clear about the background of this Blue Tyrant Academy, but I remember that during the last Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament, it was this academy that eliminated the Royal Academy's second team. However, that batch of students has already graduated, so this time in the Spirit Master Tournament, it probably won't have that strength."
Flender asked, "What's the scale of this Blue Tyrant Academy?"
Qin Ming said, "It's about one-third the size of the Royal Academy, but since it's located within Heaven Dou City, its expenses are not smaller than the Royal Academy's. I heard this academy has a rule: it only accepts commoners and rejects all nobles."
A glint appeared in Flender's eyes. "Who said Blue Tyrant Academy doesn't have the capital to contend with the Royal Academy in this Spirit Master Tournament? They'll have it very soon."
Qin Ming thought of something. "Dean, are you saying..."
Flender sighed. "I've thought carefully about it on the way. It's too difficult to expand Shrek Academy. We're old and don't have that much time. This Blue Tyrant Academy and our Shrek Academy complement each other perfectly. Let's go and take a look."
Yu Xiaogang said, "You're the dean. We all listen to you."
Flender knew Liu Erlong was at Blue Tyrant Academy, Chen Sheng thought with amusement. He's acting so convincingly to trick Grandmaster into going there. If I hadn't known beforehand, I might have been fooled.
---