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Chapter 118: Shrek Arrives at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy
🕑 Added 2024-12-25 17:50:12 +0000 UTCYang Podi also heard about Xue Beng and his group being poisoned by Dugu Yan but only laughed it off, not taking it seriously at all.
In the original story, Xue Beng is dubbed the ultimate freeloader. Early on, he ran rampant at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, bullying ordinary people.
After Qian Renxue's palace coup failed, Xue Beng became the only heir to the Heaven Dou Empire and the new crown prince.
His previous debauchery was reframed as "endurance" and as measures taken to avoid persecution by Qian Renxue. However, rumors about Xue Beng's misdeeds over the years—bullying and harming innocent girls—were not uncommon.
His behavior didn't resemble someone "hiding their strength," but instead seemed to reflect his true nature—an utterly despicable scoundrel.
Yet in the end, with a simple kneel, all his wrongdoings were forgiven. But were those he harmed ever compensated? Did he show even the slightest remorse?
Perhaps this reflects the tragedy of imperial systems, where nobles stand above all, while commoners are mere objects of oppression.
Yang Podi didn't care about Xue Beng or anything related to him. If Xue Beng dared to provoke him, he'd sooner or later finish him off.
Meanwhile, a major event occurred—Shrek Academy's group had arrived at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy.
Just like in the original story, Shrek's group entered Heaven Dou Imperial Academy through Qin Ming's connections.
But conflicts arose as well. At the gates of the academy, the Shrek Academy students clashed with Xue Beng, leaving the prince beaten to a pulp, his face swollen like a pig.
The three Education Committee members of the academy personally received the Shrek group, showing great respect.
However, during the discussions, problems surfaced.
Meng Shenji, the head of the Education Committee, looked at the Shrek teachers and students with great admiration. After all, these students were only 13 years old and mostly Spirit Elders. By the next Spirit Master Tournament, it was likely that all of them would reach the Spirit Ancestor rank.
"Teachers and students of Shrek Academy, I am Meng Shenji, the head of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy's Education Committee. Welcome to our academy."
"Beside me are the deputy heads of the committee: the second seat, Bai Baoshan, an 85th-level Spirit Douluo with the defensive martial soul Heavenly Star Furnace; and the third seat, Zhi Lin, an 83rd-level Spirit Douluo with the control martial soul Sky Blue Vine."
The Shrek group quickly bowed in respect. Regardless of the situation, Spirit Douluo-level experts deserved such courtesy, especially given their high reputation in the education field, making them giants in the Heaven Dou Empire's academic world.
Bai Baoshan and Zhi Lin nodded slightly, signaling their welcome to the Shrek group.
However, an interruption occurred as Xue Beng and Prince Xue Xing entered the scene, with Xue Beng's face still visibly bruised from his injuries.
"Stop right there! These people must not be allowed into our Heaven Dou Imperial Academy," Xue Xing said sternly.
The three Education Committee members quickly bowed, "Your Highness, what brings you here?"
Prince Xue Xing replied with a smirk, "Oh? It seems you have guests. Won't you introduce them to me?"
Meng Shenji said, "Your Highness, let me introduce you. This is the headmaster of Shrek Academy, Flender. They have come to discuss cooperation with us. Headmaster Flender, this is His Highness Prince Xue Xing of the Heaven Dou Empire."
Before Flender could speak, Xue Xing interrupted, "Meng Shenji, the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy is a place to train talent for our empire. Those who disrespect the royal family cannot be allowed to join."
The three committee members were confused and looked to Qin Ming and the Shrek group for clarification. Qin Ming quickly explained the altercation between Xue Beng and the Shrek students.
The committee members were well aware of Xue Beng's conduct in the academy. If he weren't a prince, he would have been expelled long ago.
Meng Shenji firmly responded, "Your Highness, I believe the Shrek students have done nothing wrong. Xue Beng's behavior in the academy is well known, especially his recent poisoning incident."
Xue Xing's face darkened at the mention of the poisoning. "These people openly assaulted a prince. It's a direct affront to the royal family!"
"Your Highness can rest assured that I will report this to the crown prince and His Majesty. They will decide on the matter," Meng Shenji replied.
Frustrated, Xue Beng and Xue Xing left in a fury.
Meng Shenji turned back to the Shrek group and reassured them, "Please don't mind them. Xue Beng has always been a scoundrel. As long as you follow the academy's rules, you don't need to worry about him."
The Shrek group thanked the committee for their support. After all, they had effectively stood up for them.
Flender then proposed, "Committee members, our primary goal in joining the academy is to allow our students to participate in the Spirit Master Tournament. We hope you can help make this happen."
Meng Shenji nodded, "That won't be a problem. With the talent of your students, they'll surely perform excellently in the next tournament."
Yu Xiaogang interjected anxiously, "Why the next tournament? I've heard that the academy has two spots for the tournament. We only need the second team's spot."
The committee members exchanged puzzled glances before asking Qin Ming, "Qin Ming, who is this?"
Qin Ming quickly explained, "This is Yu Xiaogang, a leader from Shrek Academy. His disciple, Tang San, is an exceptional control-type Spirit Master."
Meng Shenji acknowledged him. "Teacher Yu, the second team's spot was decided six years ago. Only the first team's spot remains."
"Does that mean we can't participate in this tournament?" Yu Xiaogang asked, growing more anxious.
Meng Shenji clarified, "Your students are still young, around 13 years old. They can train here and participate in the next tournament."
The Shrek group exchanged worried glances. Waiting six years was hardly ideal.
Yu Xiaogang pressed further, "Couldn't we compete with the second team for their spot? I believe our students are capable of great results."
Meng Shenji smiled politely but declined. "The second team has been training for six years and includes multiple Spirit Ancestors. Their overall strength surpasses even the first team."
Meng Shenji's meaning was very tactful. In terms of strength, Team Two was stronger than Team One, far surpassing the Shrek team, whose highest level was only Soul Elder.
The three Education Committee members knew the actual strength of Team Two very well. Teacher Li Xiang provided regular reports to them. However, to the outside world, this remained a secret; even Qin Ming was unaware of all their exact abilities.
The atmosphere at the scene became a bit awkward. The main reason Shrek's group came to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy was to obtain Team Two's spot. Now that the spot was gone, it was difficult for them to proceed.
Meng Shenji and the other two had already heard about the Shrek Seven Devils defeating Heaven Dou Imperial Academy's Team One. They understood the group's exceptional strength, assuming their intent was to compete in the upcoming Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament.
Ultimately, both parties reached an agreement. The Shrek Seven would join Heaven Dou Imperial Academy and compete with Team One for the final slot to represent the academy in the tournament. Qin Ming would continue to serve as the team's leader.
This arrangement was acceptable to both sides. The Shrek team was confident they could win the competition. On the other hand, Meng Shenji and the others believed this would significantly enhance Team One's overall strength.
The only one feeling awkward was Yu Xiaogang. According to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy's rules, teachers of the Heaven Dou Elite Class had to be at least of the Spirit Emperor rank. The requirements for a team leader were even higher. Qin Ming had only secured his position as the leader of Team One after strong support from the three Education Committee members.
Yu Xiaogang, being only a Grandmaster, theoretically couldn't even qualify as a teacher at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. However, due to his connections with Qin Ming and the other Shrek teachers, he was allowed to assist Qin Ming in managing the team.
All the Shrek teachers were temporarily relieved of other responsibilities and focused on managing Heaven Dou Imperial Academy's Team One.
Thus, Team One suddenly had 14 members and an expanded teaching staff. The teacher lineup was indeed impressive, including two Spirit Saints—Flender and Zhao Wuji—and several Spirit Emperors.
Yu Xiaogang, however, lagged behind. If not for his status as Tang San's teacher and his friendship with Flender, no one would have paid attention to him. Tang San himself was introduced by Qin Ming as a rare talent among control-system spirit masters.
Clearly, Meng Shenji and the other two highly valued the Shrek group. All matters, including accommodations and training facilities, were personally arranged by Qin Ming. The Shrek Seven were even given a separate training ground to practice in peace, ensuring they could fully focus on their cultivation and prepare for the next Spirit Master Tournament.
After settling into their accommodations, the group gathered at the training ground to plan their future practice sessions.
Meanwhile, Ning Rongrong planned to visit Team Two, as she had a good relationship with Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling from Team Two, often shopping with them in the past.
The other six members of the Shrek Seven were also curious about Team Two and wanted to join Ning Rongrong in visiting them. However, Qin Ming's expression turned awkward. In the past, when he tried recruiting members from Team Two, he was directly rejected.
"Teachers and fellow students, I'm afraid it's not convenient. Team Two's training has always been conducted under strict confidentiality, so we might not be allowed to observe," he said.
Everyone was confused, looking at Ning Rongrong. However, she casually replied, "I used to visit Team Two often. They train every afternoon in Training Ground No. 3, right next door."
With that, the group enthusiastically headed toward Training Ground No. 3, curious to see how the highly regarded Team Two trained. Even Qin Ming, who was also intrigued by their methods, joined the group.
