Chapter 35: Grand Soul Arena

When Han Feng and Ning Rongrong returned, Flender was already waiting with Dai Mubai and the others.

Noticing the still-embarrassed look on Ning Rongrong's face, Flender glanced at Han Feng with mixed feelings. Perhaps only someone like Han Feng—the prince's confidant—could so boldly point out her faults without fear.

Even Flender himself hadn't dared go that far until the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had sent their letter. Without their assurance, he wouldn't have dared speak to Ning Rongrong so harshly. But overall, the outcome was ideal. Han Feng's bluntness, though lacking in emotional tact, had helped snap Ning Rongrong out of her spoiled mindset without souring her relationship with the other students. For Flender, this was the best-case scenario.

After all… just a brick from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's estate could fund Shrek Academy for half a year.

"Ahem! Now that everyone's here, let's begin your first class," Flender announced with a cough.

Seeing Ning Rongrong's red eyes, Xiao Wu, who had been ready to confront Han Feng, merely huffed and grabbed Ning Rongrong's arm, glaring at Han Feng in silent protest.

Han Feng ignored her and joined Dai Mubai, muttering in his head, "Girls… they've all got issues."

"This class won't be held at the academy. We're going to Soto City," Flender continued.

Han Feng rolled his eyes. Again? I just got back!

Flender paid no attention to the reactions and unfurled his wings, taking flight toward Soto City, leaving one final instruction: "You've got one hour to meet me there. Anyone late will run ten laps around the city! "

With that, Flender vanished into the sky.

Watching him go, Han Feng scoffed, "Those wings… big, black, and ugly. Not even half as elegant as Sister Qianqian's."

Dai Mubai chuckled awkwardly, curious about this mysterious "Sister Qianqian," but quickly nudged Han Feng. "Come on, let's get moving. One hour isn't long. If we're late, Flender will make us run."

"Yeah." Han Feng nodded and shot off using his soul power.

Dai Mubai tried getting Zhu Zhuqing to go with him but was coldly rejected, so he sighed and took off alone after Han Feng.

"Wait for me, Boss Dai! "Oscar, with his scruffy face, called out. Dai Mubai grabbed him like luggage and sprinted away.

Ma Hongjun soared through the air using his flame wings—though given his rotund figure, the sight was more comical than cool.

"Hmph! That guy has no idea how to treat a girl right. Did he bully you again, Rongrong? Just say the word and I'll have San-ge teach him a lesson! "Xiao Wu fumed while hugging Ning Rongrong.

Han Feng, already far ahead, didn't hear her, but Tang San heard and gave a sheepish smile.

Ning Rongrong shook her head. "No, he didn't bully me."

Xiao Wu huffed. "Rongrong, don't let him off so easily! Han Feng's just dense. He probably doesn't even realize why you're mad. I don't get what you see in him."

Ning Rongrong blushed fiercely. "I do not like him! "

Xiao Wu chuckled knowingly but didn't press it. "Okay, okay. Let's go. Hold my hand and Zhuqing's—we'll get you there."

Ning Rongrong didn't refuse and even summoned her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda to boost the others' speed and strength. She had just finished running ten laps and didn't have the energy to make it on her own in an hour.

Of course, asking Han Feng for help was pointless—he was already long gone.

Over half an hour later, the girls arrived at Soto City. Tang San naturally stayed by Xiao Wu's side. Meanwhile, Han Feng and the boys had been waiting for a while.

Seeing them arrive, Han Feng frowned, "Took you long enough! "

Ning Rongrong wisely ignored him. Zhu Zhuqing, true to her nature, said nothing. Xiao Wu, however, shot back, "Not everyone's as eager as you were at birth! "

Han Feng retorted, "Useless in everything but eating—classic you. No wonder your cultivation's lagging."

Had anyone else said that, it might've been out of line. But compared to Han Feng's level 32 at age twelve, Xiao Wu's level 29 didn't look quite as amazing. And he wasn't shy about his 'cheat' either—he'd earned it fair and square.

"Good! You all arrived on time," Flender's voice rang out as he reappeared and led them into the city.

Though night had nearly fallen, Soto City was alight with energy—lanterns, fireworks, bustling streets. Han Feng had seen it before. Zhu Zhuqing looked on indifferently. Ning Rongrong seemed unimpressed. Xiao Wu, however, was thrilled, looking everywhere in excitement. Oscar and Ma Hongjun ogled passing girls, drawing disdainful glances from the three girls.

Dai Mubai acted like a gentleman—eyes forward, not reacting even to flirtatious women. When he saw old flames, he actually looked panicked, afraid they'd spot him. Han Feng couldn't help but think, Love really does make people stupid. Better stay out of it.

Flender didn't care about their reactions. He brought them to the most imposing building in the city: the Grand Soul Arena.

"This is where you'll be having your lesson today," Flender declared. "The Grand Soul Arena—where combat-type soul masters gather, the symbol of a city's strength. Your class today is Soul Dueling! "

Though he'd expected something harsh, Dai Mubai couldn't help but object, "Dean, isn't this too much? It's their first day…"

Flender cut him off. "Monsters need to be trained like monsters."

He then explained the rules of the Soul Arena and Shrek Academy's graduation requirements before telling them to register on their own.

"Remember, you're here to train, to gain real combat experience—not just to win," Flender emphasized, casting a meaningful glance at Tang San. With his hidden weapons, Tang San could likely reach the Silver Soul Badge in just a few days—but that wasn't the point.

"And if you have questions, ask Dai Mubai." With that, Flender vanished—well, to go place bets on his students. With monsters like Han Feng, a level 30 powerhouse who could go toe-to-toe with Zhao Wuji, how could he lose?

"Ugh…" Dai Mubai sighed.

Han Feng asked, "What now? "

"Flender's too harsh. Making you duel on day one…" Dai Mubai shrugged.

Xiao Wu scoffed. "It's just a silver soul badge. How hard can it be? "

Dai Mubai gestured to himself. "I've only got three points on my copper badge. Fatty's still stuck at iron."

Tang San was shocked. "How? "

Dai Mubai explained, "You heard the dean. This is about training, not winning. Sure, you and Xiao Wu can win a lot now, but once you hit Soul Elder rank, you'll be fighting level 38 or 39 opponents. Then what? How long will it take you to beat them? "

"I almost had my silver badge before reaching Soul Elder, but after my breakthrough, I lost so many matches I nearly developed a trauma! "

Tang San understood. His own breakthrough was close.

"Isn't there any faster way to earn points? "Xiao Wu asked.

"Of course," Han Feng answered instead of Dai Mubai. As someone familiar with the Soul Arena, it was practically his backyard.

"There's one-on-one duels, two-on-two, and team battles. If you're skilled, you can team up with a strong Soul Elder to climb ranks faster. But whether Flender will approve is another matter."

Xiao Wu lit up. With her synergy with Tang San, two-on-two would be a breeze!

But Han Feng sneered, walking to a nearby stone pillar. "Don't get cocky. See this? Every name carved here is a soul master who died in the Grand Arena."

"The Grand Soul Arena… isn't a playground."