He turned to Xue Na, his gaze falling on her slightly flushed cheeks:
"Xue Na and Zhu Zhuqing coordinated seamlessly, and your timing in eliminating the opponents was precise. Well done."
Xue Na's cheeks reddened further as she softly murmured "Mm," subtly tightening her arm around his while barely containing the smile spilling from her eyes.
Su Yu looked toward Zhu Zhuqing and nodded with a smile:
"Zhu Zhuqing's speed and timing control remain perfect, and your containment was executed excellently."
Zhu Zhuqing gave a slight nod, a touch of warmth coloring her typically cool expression.
With this Soul Duel concluded, Su Yu led Ning Rongrong and the others away from the Combat Arena.
Along the way, Ning Rongrong continued chattering about the match details, with Xue Na occasionally interjecting a comment or two.
Su Yu and Zhu Zhuqing listened patiently, occasionally responding, creating a particularly harmonious scene.
Meanwhile, Flender stood in a corner of the Combat Arena, twirling his signature mustache.
Watching the Little Monsters on the arena displaying increasingly seamless coordination, his face was filled with surprise.
He had originally thought that although these youngsters were highly talented, their differing personalities would inevitably lead to friction when brought together.
He had intended to use the Soul Duels to let them suffer some setbacks, after which he could step in to teach them the intricacies of teamwork.
But he never expected their coordination to be quite decent, with an indescribable fluidity in their transitions between offense and defense.
"Heh, these Little Monsters have saved me quite some trouble."
Flender muttered to himself, though the corners of his mouth inevitably lifted, unable to conceal the gratification in his eyes.
Over the following week, with Flender's tacit approval, they practically lived in the Combat Arena, participating in team Soul Duels one after another.
Though their coordination had initially been somewhat awkward, as they accumulated more battles, their teamwork steadily improved.
At Shrek Academy's plaza—
Flender looked down at the Little Monsters below, a slight smile gracing his lips. Each of these Little Monsters was a first-class genius.
"That's all for today. You're free to arrange your own time for the remainder!"
He waved his hand, his voice carrying its usual casual tone, though unable to fully mask his satisfaction.
Hearing Flender's words, Dai Mubai happily clenched his fist.
His face instantly broke into a brilliant smile as he secretly calculated:
It's been so long since I've gone out to have fun. Tonight, I must enjoy myself properly!
Seeing Dai Mubai's excited expression, Oscar teased from the side:
"Boss Dai, looking at how thrilled you are, are you planning to go out and enjoy yourself again tonight?"
Dai Mubai shot him a glare: "Go on, get out of here. What do you know? This young master is just relaxing a bit."
Ma Hongjun sidled over: "Boss Dai, take me with you!"
Dai Mubai patted his shoulder: "Alright, let's go together!"
He then glanced at the dazed Tang San beside them and patted his shoulder:
"So, Tang San, are you coming? My treat tonight!" Dai Mubai's face wore an enthusiastic smile.
Tang San looked up, his dark eyes still carrying a trace of bewilderment, then smiled faintly:
"No, Boss Dai. I want to cultivate a bit more." He paused before adding, "Have fun, you guys."
Dai Mubai didn't press him, waving his hand: "Alright then, we're off!"
With that, he slung an arm around Ma Hongjun's neck and headed toward the academy gates with Oscar, chatting and laughing along the way.
Flender watched the barely contained excitement on Dai Mubai and the others' faces, then suddenly cleared his throat. His voice wasn't loud, but it landed like a stone thrown into lively waters.
"Don't celebrate too soon."
He spoke leisurely, his gaze sweeping over the group. "Tomorrow, one of your seniors is returning to the academy."
The relaxed atmosphere instantly tightened at these words. The smiles on Dai Mubai and the others' faces faded.
They exchanged glances, each seeing curiosity and seriousness in the others' eyes.
"He'll be bringing his own students with him."
Flender's tone grew heavier, his expression turning stern. His eyes, sharp as ice, scanned each of them one by one.
"When it comes time for the exchange spar, if any of you dare to embarrass me, you'll answer for it!"
Dai Mubai stepped forward, his chest puffed out and not a trace of fear on his face. Instead, a fighting spirit ignited within him.
"Dean, don't worry! We would never bring shame to Shrek! But... who is this senior?"
His eyes were full of determination, his fists already subtly clenched, clearly treating this "exchange" as a tough battle.
Flender adjusted his presbyopia glasses on the bridge of his nose. A hint of mischief flashed in his eyes behind the lenses, and a somewhat peculiar smile curled at the corner of his mouth.
"His name is Qin Ming. He's currently a teacher at the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy."
He paused, deliberately emphasizing his next words. "Don't assume his students will be easy to handle."
"Those he keeps by his side are all top talents selected from the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy. In terms of innate talent and strength, they might not be inferior to you."
His words were like a bucket of cold water, yet also like a flame—dousing any lingering complacency in their hearts while igniting an even fiercer competitive spirit.
Ma Hongjun couldn't help clicking his tongue. "Top talents from the Royal Academy? I'd like to see what they're made of!"
Oscar also set aside his usual joking demeanor and listened seriously.
Tang San lowered his gaze in thought, his fingertips lightly tapping against his palm—what kind of opponents would students from the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy be?
Flender observed their varied expressions, nodding inwardly with satisfaction, though his face remained stern.
"Alright, all of you go back and prepare. Tomorrow, I want you to bring your absolute best!"
With that, he turned and walked away with his hands clasped behind his back, leaving behind a group of eager young men and women.
Meanwhile, Su Yu took Ning Rongrong, Xue Na, and Zhu Zhuqing for a stroll around Heaven Dou City.
With the Flying Thunder God Technique, the round trip took no more than the blink of an eye.
Elsewhere, Dai Mubai brought Ma Hongjun and Oscar to his usual club.
Dai Mubai led the way with familiarity, passing through a corridor adorned with crystal lamps. Oscar and Ma Hongjun followed behind, curiously taking in their surroundings.
Carved wooden windows reflected warm, yellow light, and the air carried a faint scent of incense—a stark contrast to the academy's simplicity.
Before long, Dai Mubai pushed open a carved wooden door and ushered the two into a private room.
The room was elegantly furnished with soft carpets. A charcoal fire burned in the corner, dispelling the night's chill.
No sooner had they sat down than three waitresses in simple, clean dresses entered with tea and snacks, wearing gentle smiles.
"Young Master Dai is here. The usual, then?"
Dai Mubai waved a hand casually. "Yes, and bring over a few more pretty ones."
With that, he leaned back into the soft couch and gestured with his chin toward the other two. "Sit, make yourselves at home."
Oscar studied the ink-wash painting on the wall with interest, while Ma Hongjun looked at Dai Mubai and said:
"Boss Dai, from the tone of your voice, it sounds like you come here often?"
"Just occasionally to unwind."
Dai Mubai picked up the already poured wine glass beside him, tilting his head back to drain it in one go:
"Staying cooped up in the academy training all the time—you've got to give your mind a break too."
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