Chapter 187: No, I Disagree!

"Uh..."

This time, it was Zhao Wuji's turn to stop laughing.

He had sparred with Flender countless times and knew his strength all too well.

As a power-type Soul Master, he had no way to deal with Flender, a speed-type and a flying-type Soul Master.

Moreover, Flender's spirit power was two levels higher than his.

At their level, the difference between each rank was not as subtle as it was for younger Soul Masters like Xiao Wu and the others.

Every level of difference was an absolute gap.

Qin Ming looked at the seated Shrek group, but his gaze lingered on Yun Feng for a moment, full of regret.

"What a pity... If you all weren't already part of Shrek Academy, I would do everything in my power to bring you into the Royal Academy."

"If you joined... maybe..."

Before he could finish, a familiar voice interrupted from not far away.

"Even if they belong to Shrek Academy, you can still bring them to the Royal Academy."

Everyone turned to look and saw Yu Xiaogang walking in from outside. Without hesitation, he squeezed into a seat beside Flender.

Qin Ming hesitated before asking,

"Master, what do you mean by that?"

Before Yu Xiaogang could answer, Flender was already upset.

"Master, are you here just to ruin my day? These kids belong to Shrek Academy—now and always!"

"Are you saying we can't provide them with a proper education?"

Yu Xiaogang knew why Flender was so agitated.

But he didn't react to Flender's frustration. His expression remained stiff as he spoke calmly.

"I never said they should transfer to Heaven Dou Royal Academy. What I mean is that our two academies should have some form of exchange."

"Teacher Qin, I believe this shouldn't be a problem, right? If you can't decide, I can always consult the Martial Soul Hall."

Yun Feng almost laughed out loud. Yu Xiaogang really knew how to use his "tiger skin" to his advantage!

Qin Ming was momentarily stunned, unsure how to respond.

Flender, too, was looking at Yu Xiaogang, wondering what kind of plan he was cooking up.

But having been brothers for so many years, he trusted that Yu Xiaogang had a good reason.

Qin Ming thought for a moment and said,

"It would be an honor for Heaven Dou Academy to exchange with our juniors, but I fear..."

Yu Xiaogang immediately pressed him.

"You're afraid these kids are too talented, and if they go to Heaven Dou Royal Academy, they won't want to return, aren't you?"

Being seen through so easily was an uncomfortable feeling.

Yu Xiaogang's words may have seemed simple, but they carried an intimidating weight, cutting straight into Qin Ming's thoughts.

People like him were terrifying—once they caught a thread, they wouldn't let go.

Qin Ming didn't deny it and nodded.

"Yes. Heaven Dou Royal Academy may have the title of the empire's top academy, but in recent years, we have produced fewer and fewer strong Soul Masters. Our status is declining."

"The academy's leadership is desperate for talented students. If the juniors come, I can't guarantee they won't try every method to keep them."

"I fear they will pull every string possible to make them stay. That would be like poaching Shrek Academy's best talents."

However, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong all looked at Qin Ming with disdain.

To eat from one's master's hand and then turn against them—how despicable.

Especially Ning Rongrong. If someone behaved like this in her family, they would have been expelled or even executed.

Absolutely disgusting!

But Flender and the others simply burst into laughter.

"Xiao Ming, you're not bad! No wonder you came from Shrek Academy—you know how to look out for your alma mater."

"Xiaogang, Xiao Ming isn't an outsider. Just tell us what you're planning."

Yu Xiaogang glanced at Flender before continuing.

"I am telling you directly. Teacher Qin, if I recall correctly, Heaven Dou Royal Academy has two slots for the tournament in one year, correct?"

"I want these kids to temporarily enroll as exchange students at Heaven Dou Royal Academy until after the tournament ends."

"That way, you won't have to worry as much."

Qin Ming was taken aback.

"Master, are you saying you want them to represent Heaven Dou Royal Academy in the tournament?"

"But if that happens, the academy will definitely announce to the world that they belong to Heaven Dou Royal Academy!"

Yu Xiaogang smiled indifferently.

"What's wrong with having an extra academy's name on their records?"

"After all, it's a free ride."

"No, I disagree!"

Flender suddenly slammed his hand on the table, glaring at Yu Xiaogang.

"These kids belong to Shrek! Yu Xiaogang, don't forget—Shrek Academy is my life's work for the past twenty years!"

Yu Xiaogang remained calm despite Flender's outburst.

"Flender, let me ask you a few questions. If you can answer them, then it won't matter whether the kids go to Heaven Dou or not."

"First, can you provide them with a simulated training environment?"

"Second, can you grant them eligibility to participate in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament next year?"

"Third, what makes you think that if they enter Heaven Dou Royal Academy, they will no longer be part of Shrek?"

"You might not understand my reasoning, but I'll ask you one final question—what was your purpose in establishing Shrek Academy?"

"I... I..."

Flender was speechless. He glared at Yu Xiaogang, but his previous anger gradually faded into a sense of defeat.

Yu Xiaogang seized the opportunity to drive his point home.

"A simulated training environment can significantly accelerate their cultivation."

"Only officially registered academies can participate in the Elite Tournament. But Shrek Academy is not registered in any kingdom or empire because we lack the necessary infrastructure."

"Although Shrek Academy has a certain reputation among Soul Masters, that alone does not grant us entry into the tournament. And you know better than anyone how valuable the tournament's rewards are for these kids."

"Your original goal in establishing Shrek Academy was to cultivate talents that would shock the Soul Master world."

"I am merely choosing the smoothest path for them to achieve that goal. And I'm not done yet."

Yu Xiaogang turned to Qin Ming.

"If the students join Heaven Dou Royal Academy, I have one condition: the academy must accept all of Shrek's teachers as well."

"We must be allowed to personally train these students without any interference from the academy."

"They can bring honor to Heaven Dou Royal Academy, but their education will remain under our control. And when the time comes for us to leave, Heaven Dou Royal Academy will have no right to stop us."

READ 30 CHAPTERS AHEAD OF EVERYONE FOR ONLY $7!

LINK: patr eon.com/SenatusPopulus