Chapter 44: Leaving Shrek Academy

As the night faded with time, the first glimmers of dawn stretched across the distant sky, marking the arrival of a new day—a fresh beginning.

Within the quiet morning of Shrek Academy, the early risers had already begun their daily routines, bringing life and energy to the awakening campus.

The sound of a door creaking open broke the morning stillness. Taking in a deep breath of the crisp air, Chen Xiaoming stretched contentedly, the familiar chime of accumulated experience points ringing in his ears.

The academy wasn't large, so by the time Chen Xiaoming arrived at the cafeteria, he found that two people had already beaten him there.

Upon seeing him enter, the two men greeted him with warm smiles. Chen Xiaoming, however, felt somewhat awkward—it was none other than Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo, the two individuals he had thoroughly thrashed the day before.

Avoiding eye contact, he casually turned aside and glanced over the breakfast selection. But after just one look, he froze in place.

The usual plain rice porridge and white mantou buns were nowhere to be seen. Instead, the menu had been upgraded to a rich, fragrant meat porridge, complemented by grains and whole foods. Alongside it were fresh fruits, eggs, milk, and even an assortment of meats.

The sheer luxury of the breakfast spread left Chen Xiaoming momentarily stunned.

Is Flender finally giving up on frugality? Or did yesterday's beatdown make him loosen up his purse strings?

As he stood there processing the change, Zhao Wuji walked in from outside, followed closely by Dai Mubai and the ever-hungry Ma Hongjun.

"Morning."

"Morning, Teacher Chen."

Zhao Wuji, along with Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun, greeted him, but when they received no response, they exchanged puzzled looks.

What's there to be so shocked about? It's just porridge and buns, right?

Curious, Zhao Wuji stepped forward. The next moment, just like Chen Xiaoming, he froze in place. His eyes widened, and his mouth dropped open in disbelief.

"The hell?! Did Flender hit his head or something?"

His sudden outburst drew the attention of Dai Mubai and the others. As they approached and took in the extravagant breakfast, they too were left speechless.

Everyone here knew Flender's stingy ways—he would rather bleed dry than spend a coin unnecessarily. So how could he possibly have allowed such an opulent meal?

Exchanging glances, Chen Xiaoming, Zhao Wuji, Dai Mubai, and Ma Hongjun all shared the same thought.

Something is definitely up.

And just as they were lost in speculation, the culprit himself waltzed through the doorway.

"Ah, you're all here early today!"

Right on cue, Flender appeared, beaming with a smug, self-satisfied grin. He exuded a carefree air, a stark contrast to the miserable look he had worn the previous day when his office was wrecked. That sly smile alone was enough to send chills down their spines.

Not just a problem—this is a big problem!

After all, an angry Flender was one thing. But a scheming, grinning Flender? That was far more terrifying.

"Hmm? You all don't like the breakfast?"

Picking out his food, Flender raised an eyebrow at their silence before leisurely making his way over to Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo.

"Ha! I knew it! No way that old miser would spend his own money!"

Zhao Wuji finally pieced things together. At this realization, his hesitation vanished. If someone else was footing the bill, then he sure as hell wasn't going to hold back.

Day after day of bland porridge and mantou buns had been a struggle. Now that a benefactor had arrived, it was time to feast.

Ma Hongjun came to the same conclusion and immediately started devouring the food.

Chen Xiaoming and Dai Mubai exchanged knowing smiles, picked their breakfast, and quietly walked away.

Still, one question lingered in their minds—just how much had Flender wrung out of Ning Fengzhi to afford such extravagance?

Before long, Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing arrived. At Zhao Wuji's signal, Ma Hongjun hesitantly posed the question.

"Oh, that? My father said that from now on, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will be sponsoring the academy's breakfast. Since I'm studying here, it's only natural to provide some support. Flender didn't refuse, so here we are," Ning Rongrong replied casually.

"As for the office that got destroyed yesterday during the… 'sparring' match, my father agreed to cover the repair costs. But I don't know the exact amount."

At the mention of "sparring," Ning Rongrong shot a glance at Chen Xiaoming. But he remained focused on his meal, acting as though it had nothing to do with him.

"Hah, finally full. Thought I'd have to go hungry before leaving."

Satisfied, Chen Xiaoming patted his stomach. His words caught the attention of everyone at the table.

"Teacher Chen, you're leaving?"

Dai Mubai blurted out, turning to him in surprise.

Even Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, and those across the hall—Flender and Ning Fengzhi—looked over in curiosity.

"Mhm. I have some things I want to explore. This continent is far vaster than you can imagine. As Soul Masters, we must forge our own paths, pushing forward to surpass the hundredth rank limit."

Chen Xiaoming stood tall, his gaze shimmering with determination. His battle with Sword Douluo had solidified his understanding—he had met the Shrek Seven Devils, but lingering here any longer served no purpose.

Coming to Shrek Academy and meeting them had been a small dream from his past life. Now that he had experienced it, there was no need to stay.

His road had never been here—it stretched beyond, toward the stars and the endless sea.

"Teacher Chen, will you return?"

Ma Hongjun hesitated before asking. He still remembered Chen Xiaoming's promise to take them to a special place once they reached the Soul Emperor level. If Chen Xiaoming never came back, where would they find a hundred-thousand-year soul ring?

Chen Xiaoming instantly understood Ma Hongjun's thoughts. Considering that it would take them at least six years to reach the Soul Emperor level, he pondered for a moment before nodding.

"Don't worry. I'll return after visiting a few places. You'll have your soul ring when the time comes."

Ma Hongjun, slightly embarrassed at being seen through, chuckled but said no more.

As Chen Xiaoming's gaze swept across the group, he paused when he saw Xiao Wu. She, too, had a reluctant look in her eyes—one that only fellow kindred spirits could understand.

She didn't want him to leave. But at the same time, she wouldn't ask him to stay.

"When do you plan to leave, Teacher Chen?"

Tang San inquired. He had many questions he still wanted to ask.

"In three days. Once Xiao Wu breaks through, I'll take her to the Star Dou Forest, and then I'll be off."

Seeing the reluctant expressions around him, Chen Xiaoming felt a warmth in his heart. Though their time together had been short, there was an undeniable sincerity among the people of Shrek Academy.

Since his decision was firm, there was little more to be said. After breakfast, Chen Xiaoming took Xiao Wu to the Star Dou Forest—though it was less about exploring and more about helping her condense a soul ring before looping back.

On the night before his departure, Shrek Academy threw a farewell party for him. Amidst the clinking of cups, even the formidable Tang San and Dai Mubai ended up getting completely knocked out by Ning Rongrong.

Fortunately, Chen Xiaoming had slipped away in advance. Otherwise, he might not have been able to leave the next morning.

At dawn, standing alone before the academy gates, he took one last look at the emblem of Shrek Academy.

A smile crossed his lips.

"See you, Shrek. I'll be back."

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