Chapter 129: Master Actor!

Qin Ming froze for a moment, staring at Yu Xiaogang, unsure how to respond.

The others were equally confused, though Yun Feng, having noticed Flender's earlier shift in demeanor, immediately understood—this was all part of a setup.

After a brief pause, Qin Ming said,

"It would be a great honor for Heaven Dou Academy to exchange ideas with these students, but I'm afraid..."

Yu Xiaogang interrupted indifferently,

"Afraid that these kids are so outstanding that once they come to your academy, they might not want to leave, correct?"

Having his concerns exposed so bluntly made Qin Ming uncomfortable. Despite Yu Xiaogang's unassuming demeanor, his words carried a sharpness that cut straight to the heart of the matter.

Qin Ming, unwilling to deny it, nodded.

"Exactly. Although Heaven Dou Academy holds the title of the Empire's number one academy, it hasn't produced strong spirit masters in recent years, and its status has been declining."

"The academy leadership is desperate for talent. If these students come to Heaven Dou, I fear they might use every resource available to persuade them to stay. Wouldn't that amount to stealing from Shrek Academy?"

Flender laughed heartily.

"Good job, Qin Ming! You haven't forgotten where you came from—you're still thinking of Shrek's interests first."

"Xiaogang, Qin Ming's not an outsider. Why don't you just tell him what's on your mind?"

Yu Xiaogang glanced at Flender, his expression calm.

"I am being direct. Qin Ming, if I'm not mistaken, Heaven Dou Royal Academy has two slots for the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament next year, right?"

"I propose letting these students temporarily join your academy as exchange students until the tournament ends. This should make things easier for you."

Qin Ming was stunned.

"Master, are you saying you want these students to represent Heaven Dou Academy in the tournament? But if that happens, Heaven Dou will likely claim them as their own!"

Yu Xiaogang gave a faint smile.

"Adding another academy to their resumes won't harm them."

At this point, even the dimmest of the Shrek students could see what Flender and Yu Xiaogang were scheming.

However, Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing couldn't help but feel disdain.

For a Heaven Dou Academy instructor to completely disregard loyalty to his employer and conspire against them—it disgusted them as members of prestigious families.

"I object!"

Suddenly, Flender slammed the table and stood up, his eyes burning with indignation.

"These students belong to Shrek! Yu Xiaogang, don't forget—Shrek Academy represents twenty years of my blood, sweat, and tears!"

Yu Xiaogang's expression remained unchanging, though a hint of amusement flickered in his eyes, hidden beneath his stoic exterior.

"Flender, let me ask you a few questions. If you can answer them, then these kids don't need to go to Heaven Dou."

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

"Second, can you give them a spot in the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament?"

"Third, what makes you think that once they join Heaven Dou, they'll stop being part of Shrek?"

"Maybe you can't understand why I'm proposing this. But let me ask you one last question—why did you establish Shrek Academy in the first place?"

"I... I..."

Flender was rendered speechless by Yu Xiaogang's barrage of questions.

He glared at Yu Xiaogang, but his earlier anger dissipated into a defeated sigh.

Yun Feng silently marveled at Flender's acting. In another life, he could have won an Academy Award for this performance.

Yu Xiaogang said calmly,

"Simulated cultivation environments can significantly accelerate their spirit power training.

"The Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament is only open to officially registered academies with the necessary facilities.

"Shrek Academy, as we know, isn't officially registered with any kingdom or empire. We don't meet the qualifications.

"Yes, Shrek Academy has a reputation among spirit masters, but that alone won't grant us entry into the tournament.

"And Flender, you must know how valuable the tournament's rewards are to these kids."

"You founded Shrek Academy to cultivate talent that would shock the spirit master world.

"My plan is to pave the smoothest path possible for them. And I haven't even finished yet."

Turning to Qin Ming, Yu Xiaogang continued,

"My condition for letting these kids join Heaven Dou Academy is that all Shrek Academy's teachers must also join and retain full control over their education. Heaven Dou Royal Academy must not interfere.

"In short, they can earn glory for Heaven Dou, but their training remains under our authority. When we decide to leave, Heaven Dou must not stop us."

Yu Xiaogang's words were meant as much for the Shrek students as for Qin Ming.

Flender sighed deeply, drained his beer, and stood up again.

"Fine, let's do it Xiaogang's way."

"I've been selfish, putting my pride ahead of what's best for the kids.

"Heaven Dou Royal Academy belongs to the Empire and is one of the few places not influenced by the Spirit Hall.

"The kids won't suffer there, and our teachers can finally have a place to retire. It's time I stopped thinking about myself."

He looked down, his voice thick with emotion.

"Let's call it decided. Xiaogang, Zhao Wuji, you two take care of the details. I need some air."

With that, Flender left, his figure heavy with melancholy.

Zhao Wuji shot Ma Hongjun a look. The chubby student immediately abandoned his meal to chase

after Flender, knowing his teacher might need a moment of comfort—or a trip to the nearest brothel.