Dropping Out, A Déjà Vu Encounter

Wang Dong'er was deeply disappointed.

Although she had grown up in Haotian Fort within the secluded Cloud Recesses, she had still heard many stories about the outside world from members of the Haotian Sect—especially tales of Shrek Academy, the top academy on the continent.

Even after discovering she had lived her whole life under Tang San's manipulations and deciding to escape to the Sun Moon Empire, she still chose to linger here for two extra days—just to personally experience Shrek Academy's education.

But now, witnessing the actions of this so-called homeroom teacher named Zhou Yi, Wang Dong'er was utterly let down!

Every time Wang Dong'er said something, Zhou Yi's face darkened further. When Wang Dong'er finally questioned the integrity of Shrek Academy, Zhou Yi couldn't hold back and glared at her furiously.

"Are you questioning Shrek Academy? The number one academy on the continent with a legacy spanning ten thousand years?"

The pressure of a six-ring Soul Emperor's aura was overwhelming, but Wang Dong'er stood tall, choosing to go head-to-head with this so-called teacher.

"Don't try using cheap rhetorical traps on me. What I'm questioning is you—the 'top graduate rate' teacher! But if all of Shrek's teachers are like you, then I won't hesitate to question the whole damn academy!"

Since she had already decided to leave Shrek, why would Wang Dong'er fear Zhou Yi, a mere outer court teacher with only six rings?

She didn't believe for a second that anyone would dare touch her. After all, she still held the title of Haotian Sect's young sect leader. What could a lowly teacher do—besides threaten expulsion? What else could she do? What else would she dare to do?

Furious, Zhou Yi's chest heaved, her eyes cold and fixed on the defiant Wang Dong'er.

Though Zhou Yi's pressure was mostly targeted at Wang Dong'er, the rest of the new students in the classroom still felt an intense sense of oppression.

Just as Zhou Yi was about to speak again, Xiao Xiao stood up as well, shoulder to shoulder with Wang Dong'er. Though petite, her presence radiated an immense strength.

"Wang Dong is right. If all of Shrek Academy's teachers are like you—treating students not as people but as trash, waste, or even slaves—then this Shrek Academy isn't worth staying at!"

Zhou Yi's icy glare shifted between Wang Dong'er and Xiao Xiao. She glanced at the roster on her desk, then said coldly:

"You two—Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao, right? Just two little two-ring Soul Grandmasters—do you really think you're something special? Let me tell you, people like you are a dime a dozen in Shrek!"

"You dare question Shrek, a school with ten thousand years of glory? One day, you'll realize just how foolish your actions are today. As of now, I declare: you're both expelled!"

Although Wang Dong'er and Xiao Xiao were among the most talented in Class One, Zhou Yi expelled them without a hint of mercy.

On the contrary, to Zhou Yi, they were the chickens to kill as a warning to the monkeys.

By expelling them, she would ensure no one else would dare question her decisions again. Her future orders would be followed without resistance.

So what if Wang Dong'er was from the Haotian Sect? With the excuse of protecting Shrek's glorious legacy and the backing of her high-ranking husband from the Soul Tool Department, Fan Yu, expelling Wang Dong'er wouldn't cause any real trouble!

Wang Dong'er looked at the domineering Zhou Yi on the podium and said word by word:

"Don't get it twisted. We're not being expelled—we're dropping out! If Shrek has teachers like you, I have zero interest in staying!"

Seeing Wang Dong'er hold her head high, Zhou Yi burned with rage. Though Wang Dong'er was no longer her student, she didn't mind continuing to suppress her. She sneered:

"Still playing tough at this point? Whether you're expelled or dropping out won't impact Shrek's glory in the slightest."

"Your classmates here will shine in future Continental Soul Master Tournaments and inherit the title of the Shrek Seven Devils. And you? You'll just be a spectator—an outsider!"

Xiao Xiao looked at Zhou Yi strangely. This so-called "top-tier" teacher was clearly a master of manipulation.

After noticing how Wang Dong'er's words had shaken the other students' faith in Shrek's educational methods, she immediately pulled out the big guns—the Soul Master Tournament and the Shrek Seven Devils title—to divide and conquer.

Even if some students didn't like her, they'd swallow their pride just to chase that glory she dangled in front of them.

"All this talk about 'ten thousand years of glory,' yet she acts like a tyrant and leaves no room for questions. Shrek Academy really isn't as noble as the rumors say…"

Xiao Xiao shook her head silently, confident that dropping out with Wang Dong'er was the right choice.

But Wang Dong'er, proud as ever, didn't shrink from Zhou Yi's scorn. She fired back, completely unflinching:

"Funny, I've never heard of a single generation of the Shrek Seven Devils that included a 'Zhou Yi.' Shrek's glory was earned by others—you've done nothing but expel students who don't kiss your ass!"

"You—!"

Zhou Yi was so enraged that her body trembled. She wanted nothing more than to teach Wang Dong'er a brutal lesson right then and there. But the moment she remembered Wang Dong'er's background, reason returned.

At over thirty and still only a six-ring Soul Emperor, she clearly wasn't worthy of ever being one of the Shrek Seven Devils—a sore spot Wang Dong'er had just ruthlessly exposed.

"Sharp-tongued little brat! Given your age, you could qualify for the next two Soul Master Tournaments. And I'll be applying to join both tournaments as part of Shrek's delegation. I will see whether you have the guts to run your mouth then!"

"Just so you know—if you're too weak and end up getting killed in the tournament, don't expect anyone to feel sorry for you!"

But instead of scaring her, Zhou Yi's threat made Wang Dong'er grin.

"You'll see!"

With that, Wang Dong'er and Xiao Xiao turned and walked out of Class One without looking back.

Burning with fury, Zhou Yi could only vent her anger on the remaining students. She roared:

"Why are you still standing there?! Get out and run laps around Shrek Square! Unless you want to be expelled too!"

Meanwhile, at the Sun Moon Empire's border, completely unaware of the chaos at Shrek Academy, Huo Yuhao was happily roasting and eating fish.

As he munched contentedly, he couldn't help but praise himself.

"No wonder they call me 'Huo BBQ.' I didn't even use special spices, and it still tastes outrageously good!"

Just then, a joyful, clear female voice rang out, startling him:

"Smells amazing!"

Turning his head, Huo Yuhao saw two white-haired teens—one male, one female, both attractive—walking toward him. The whole scene felt oddly familiar.

If he remembered correctly, wasn't it just like this the first time he met Bei Bei and Tang Ya in the Star Dou Forest?

The girl walking ahead had a mischievous glint in her eyes. Practically skipping over, she looked at him hungrily and said:

"Little brother, are you selling this grilled fish? It smells sooo good! How did you make it?"

Before Huo Yuhao could reply, the white-haired boy walked up and scolded her:

"Meng! Can you act a little more dignified?"

Even as he spoke, his gaze never left the grilled fish. As the grandson of the president of the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Tool Academy, Xiao Hongchen had eaten the finest foods. Yet even he was completely captivated by this scent.

"Ahem, bro—could you sell us two fish? Name your price."

Huo Yuhao felt something was off but still handed over two grilled fish after a pause.

"Forget it. I'll treat you guys."

Xiao Hongchen's eyes sparkled with joy. As he took the fish, he gave Huo Yuhao a thumbs-up.

"You're generous! What's your name, bro? I'm Xiao Hongchen, and this is my sister, Meng Hongchen."

Whoosh! White-haired Miss Meng has entered the stage! Brothers, time to toss those tickets!

(End of Chapter)