Chapter 49: The Greedy Flender

At Shrek Academy, Principal Flender fell into a long silence after reading the letter Ning Fengzhi had sent.

The enrollment of two disciples from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, along with a substantial sponsorship fee, was indeed a boon for the academy.

However, these two disciples were no ordinary students. Ning Rongrong was Ning Fengzhi's only daughter, and she absolutely could not suffer any harm. Although Ning Fengzhi's letter said they could focus on training without worry, Flender understood all too well that such individuals must not sustain any injuries at Shrek Academy.

As for the other student, Yang Xiong, Ning Fengzhi had instructed that he be treated like any normal student. However, due to his unusual martial soul and unique cultivation methods, his privacy should not be interfered with.

Flender was an old hand in the soul master world and immediately grasped the implications of Ning Fengzhi's words. He had also inquired about Yang Xiong's performance during Zhao Wuji's assessment. Not only was Yang Xiong's martial soul strange, but even his physical condition seemed abnormal, likely tied to some secrets of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.

Moreover, among the many disciples of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, only these two children—one boy and one girl—had been sent to study here, and without any accompanying personnel. The intent behind this decision was clear.

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On the playground, after running more than ten laps around the village, Yang Xiong finally felt he was getting some results from his exercise.

However, as he approached, he noticed someone fighting. Upon closer inspection, he saw a fat boy lying on the ground, looking rather pitiful, while Xiao Wu, who had arrived the day before, stood nearby.

Yang Xiong was momentarily speechless. Ma Hongjun had already been disciplined on his very first day—and by Xiao Wu, no less. It was truly disappointing.

Among the members of the original Shrek Seven Monsters, Yang Xiong held Ma Hongjun in the lowest regard.

Ma Hongjun possessed the top-tier beast martial soul, the Fire Phoenix, and his innate soul power was exceptionally high, making him incredibly gifted. In terms of explosive power, he was theoretically the strongest in Shrek Academy.

Unfortunately, he had been led astray from a young age. Though the "demonic fire" of the Fire Phoenix wasn't impossible to control, Ma Hongjun chose to relieve it through promiscuity, completely derailing his path.

If Ma Hongjun had possessed stronger willpower and dedicated himself to rigorous physical training from a young age, he could have controlled the demonic fire and potentially become even stronger.

Regrettably, Ma Hongjun's mindset was the worst among the Shrek Seven. If not for using the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, he might have become the first ancestor of an evil soul master.

After some playful banter, everyone headed to Shrek Academy's cafeteria. Seeing the simple food, Yang Xiong was once again exasperated. Soul masters required significant energy intake during cultivation, and such plain meals were unsuitable for their growth, especially for twelve-year-olds who were still developing physically.

In the cafeteria, all eight members of the Shrek group were present, including Oscar, who had woken up late. However, judging by the looks Oscar and Ma Hongjun were giving the girls, their attention was clearly elsewhere.

Soon, it was time for the first class. Everyone gathered on the playground, where a fifty-year-old man with a somewhat sinister appearance stood. His face was flat, his chin protruded slightly forward, and he wore square crystal glasses, making him look less like a teacher and more like a shrewd businessman.

Tang San and Xiao Wu were surprised, but after Dai Mubai introduced him, they learned this was Flender, the principal of Shrek Academy. His martial soul was the Owl, and he was a top-tier Soul Sage at level seventy-eight.

After everyone lined up neatly, Flender nodded. "This year has been excellent. We've gained five new prodigies. I am Flender, the principal of Shrek Academy, and I welcome you all. Later, each of you must pay one hundred gold spirit coins as tuition."

"Mubai, explain the academy's rules to them, then return to rest and adjust your bodies to peak condition. Your first lesson will take place tonight."

"Oscar, Ning Rongrong, step forward. You two are auxiliary-type soul masters. Tell me, do you know what is most important for auxiliary-type soul masters?"

Oscar and Ning Rongrong exchanged puzzled glances, clearly unsure of what Flender meant.

Flender continued, "On the battlefield, auxiliary-type soul masters are the first targets. You must protect your own lives in order to assist your teammates. Survival is your top priority. Run twenty laps around the village, and you must complete them before noon. Otherwise, you won't eat lunch."

Oscar reluctantly began running, and after glancing at the others, Ning Rongrong followed suit.

At this moment, Yang Xiong spoke up. "Principal, may I build a separate dormitory within the academy? My cultivation methods may inconvenience others."

Flender's lips curled coldly. "Living together is meant to foster camaraderie and teach you the hardships of being a soul master. There can be no special treatment."

Recalling Flender's personality, Yang Xiong quickly added, "Principal, my intention is to sponsor the academy with ten thousand gold spirit coins to expand the dormitories, allowing everyone to have their own space."

Flender's eyes lit up, though he quickly coughed. "That's acceptable. Soul masters do need independent cultivation environments. However, in addition to the ten thousand gold spirit coins for the academy, you'll need to hire builders to construct individual rooms for everyone. Go to the finance office immediately to pay the sponsorship fee."

Yang Xiong nodded quickly. "Understood, Principal. I'll go to the village to arrange for construction right away."

Yang Xiong had always found it odd that Tang San's cultivation style clashed with the others. Aside from meditation, Tang San practiced the techniques of the Tang Sect. Wouldn't living together raise suspicion? Wouldn't others be curious?

Yang Xiong went directly to Teacher Li in the finance office and handed over ten thousand gold coins. He also gave five hundred gold spirit coins to Teacher Li to arrange the construction, trusting that the financial staff would know better how to handle it.

Teacher Li was none other than Li Yusong, the elder with the Dragon Pattern Staff martial soul who had handled admissions—a Soul Emperor-level powerhouse.

The strength of Shrek Academy's faculty was indeed impressive: Principal Flender, a level seventy-eight Soul Sage; Vice Principal Zhao Wuji, a level seventy-six Soul Sage.

There were also three other teachers:

- Shao Xing, a level seventy-one Food System Soul Sage with the Candy Bean martial soul.

- Li Yusong, a level sixty-three Power-Type Soul Emperor with the Dragon Pattern Staff martial soul.

- Lu Qibin, a level sixty-six Control-Type Soul Emperor with the Star Chess Board martial soul.

These four teachers were the same individuals who had overseen the four stages of the entrance examination. Flender certainly knew how to utilize people effectively, ensuring everyone's talents were put to good use.

After settling matters with the finance office, Yang Xiong immediately sought out Zhao Wuji. As the combat instructor, Zhao Wuji possessed extensive battle experience, and only these teachers could provide the kind of pressure needed to truly hone Yang Xiong's skills.

Constant combat and refinement were essential for Body Martial Souls to grow stronger. This was one of the reasons Yang Xiong had chosen to come to Shrek Academy.

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