Chapter 130: Flender's Guilt!

Yu Xiaogang sighed deeply.

"Flender may be stubborn, but he's not unreasonable. I trust he'll come around."

Zhao Wuji chuckled bitterly.

"After all, the academy has been our foundation for so many years. Flender understands the benefits of your suggestion, even though he plans to close the academy after the students graduate."

"But when it comes down to it, it's still hard for him to accept. For us, this decision feels sudden. We've lived here for twenty years."

Yu Xiaogang nodded.

"This is something only he can resolve for himself."

Zhao Wuji thought for a moment and said,

"Perhaps this is the best ending for us. Master, thank you. I know your suggestion wasn't just for the students—it was also for Flender and all of us."

"Heaven Dou Royal Academy is one of the few places free from the Spirit Hall's influence, and it carries enough prestige. You've preserved Flender's pride as much as possible. Retiring there doesn't sound too bad."

A faint smile crossed Zhao Wuji's face. He wasn't as prideful or obsessed as Flender. While he cherished his years at Shrek Academy, he also felt a sense of weariness. A change of scenery might not be such a bad thing.

With just a few words, the decision was made, leaving no time for Qin Ming to react.

Meanwhile, the Shrek students were left speechless. Other than Ma Hongjun, who went after Flender, the rest exchanged glances, struggling to process the sudden development.

The situation felt surreal, and they couldn't help but think their senior, Qin Ming, seemed a bit out of touch.

Flender stood at the hotel entrance, gazing up at the starry sky. He spoke softly,

"Why are you following me? Go back and eat."

Ma Hongjun, no longer tense, now wore a mischievous grin as he stood beside Flender.

"Teacher, don't feel bad. The plan worked, didn't it? As your disciple, do you think I wouldn't understand you?"

Flender chuckled at his words.

"Nothing gets past you, does it? I'm not that upset, but I can't deny the sense of loss. For me, this all happened too quickly."

"By the way, Hongjun, I noticed your evil fire problem has lessened significantly during this time under Yu Xiaogang's training. What's going on?"

Hearing the question, Ma Hongjun's expression turned serious.

"Teacher, I'm not sure either, but I have a theory. It seems to be connected to some strange ailment I've developed recently. It feels like it's extinguished the evil fire altogether."

Flender remained silent for a long time. He had known about Ma Hongjun's condition from the start but had kept quiet. He suspected it might have been something he passed on to his disciple.

Whenever it flared up, Flender endured it alone, harboring immense guilt for Ma Hongjun.

Choosing not to delve deeper, Flender said,

"Don't worry, Hongjun. I'll find a way to resolve this for you."

Ma Hongjun nodded and shifted the conversation with a playful smile.

"Teacher, your 'borrowing the chicken to lay eggs' strategy was truly brilliant!"

Flender smirked faintly.

"You still have a lot to learn."

The next morning, the Shrek group checked out of the hotel, concluding their month-long second training phase.

Physically, this phase wasn't as intense as the first, but it was far more draining mentally. The daily battles, especially against powerful opponents, demanded coordination and focus.

For Yun Feng, however, it was a trivial experience—just another way to pass the time. His supreme cultivation resource, the Heaven-Sealing Monument, and his seven centuries of battle-hardened experience made such training seem insignificant.

Returning to their small, familiar village brought a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Soto City. The tranquil atmosphere provided a sense of peace.

Flender's mood had fully recovered by now. Once back, he promptly handed over all academy matters to Yu Xiaogang, following his plans without hesitation.

How they would transition to Heaven Dou Royal Academy and everything that followed was now Qin Ming's responsibility.

"Everyone, take a break. You've worked hard these past weeks. Zhao Wuji, gather everyone for a meeting."

Flender's instructions came quickly. He intended to consult with the academy's remaining teachers about the future.

Meanwhile, Yun Feng had just returned to his room when Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong unexpectedly sat down on his bed. Zhu Zhuqing hesitated briefly but ultimately chose not to join them.

Yun Feng glanced at the three women and smiled.

"Why aren't you in your own dorms? Are you planning to stay the night with me?"

His teasing remark brought a blush to all three of their faces.

"Shameless scoundrel!"

"Tsk!"

"..."

Their reactions varied, but none of them seemed genuinely upset. In fact, their eyes betrayed a hint of anticipation.

Seeing this, Yun Feng felt a bit helpless. Though he could sense their interest, he knew better than to invite them all to stay—it would only make things more complicated later.

"Alright, alright. Do whatever you want."

According to Yu Xiaogang and Qin Ming's plan, the Shrek students would transfer to Heaven Dou Royal Academy as exchange students in two months.

In the meantime, Qin Ming would handle the arrangements on the academy's end, while the Shrek team prepared and wrapped up their affairs.

Yu Xiaogang, in no hurry to begin the third phase of training, assigned a simple task: reflect on their combat experiences from the past month, absorb the lessons learned, and focus on cultivating their spirit power.

These two months would serve as an intensive training period, ensuring everyone was ready for the challenges ahead.

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