Qin Ming observed Xue Na before him. This child had a steady aura with a hint of sharpness—truly promising talent!
"Thunderclap Spirits have always been rare. To achieve such cultivation at this age is truly remarkable."
"Among my students, there's also a child whose Martial Soul relates to thunder. You two should spar sometime!"
Flender proceeded to introduce Zhu Zhuqing, Xiao Wu, and Dai Mubai to Qin Ming.
"Dean Flender, seeing the academy in such a thriving state truly warms my heart."
Qin Ming gazed at the vibrant young men and women in the square, his tone filled with emotion.
"The talents of these juniors already surpass what our generation had. Given time, they're bound to achieve even greater fame."
"You've learned to be humble, kid."
Flender patted his shoulder, his eyes showing an elder's pride in his junior.
"Back when you were at the academy, you were quite the troublemaker yourself, and your Soul Power advancement wasn't any slower than theirs."
"Besides, with your current strength as a sixty-fifth rank Soul Emperor, in a couple of years you'll probably surpass us old folks."
Qin Ming quickly shook his head, his expression turning serious. "You flatter me, Dean."
"Without Shrek Academy, without your guidance and Teacher Zhao's, there would be no Qin Ming as I am today."
"This debt of gratitude is something I'll never forget in this lifetime."
His gaze swept over Flender and Zhao Wuji in the distance, his voice filled with respect.
"If the academy hadn't taken in this orphan with nowhere to go back then, teaching me the way of the Soul Master, I would have likely been lost among the masses long ago."
Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, Flender felt warmth in his heart and waved his hand.
"Let's not dwell on the past. Your achievements today are all the result of your own hard work."
"Come, let me show you around the academy. It's been so long since you've been back—this should count as revisiting old haunts!"
Qin Ming agreed with a smile, his eyes once again sweeping over those energetic juniors.
Soon it was noon, and Shrek Academy's cafeteria unusually featured a table laden with dishes.
Glossy roasted beast meat, fresh green vegetables, and jars of aged fine wine—all prepared at Flender's personal expense.
He looked at Qin Ming sitting across from him. That youth from back then had now grown into a stalwart Soul Emperor.
The youthful immaturity was gone from his brows, replaced entirely by steadiness, and Flender's pride nearly overflowed.
After several rounds of drinks, Flender paused while picking up food and suddenly looked at Qin Ming.
"By the way, where are your students? Why didn't they come with you?"
Flender's eyes held curiosity—whoever caught Qin Ming's eye probably wasn't ordinary either.
Qin Ming set down his wine cup, a confident smile appearing on his face as he spoke calmly.
"Dean, the method I use to train them is still what you taught me back then."
"I usually take them to the Combat Arena for experience. Like you, I believe skills honed in actual combat are the most solid."
He paused, his tone carrying some approval for his students.
"For this training trip, we've traveled all the way from Gengxin City to Soto City."
"Those kids have fought no less than twenty Soul Duels, big and small, and their progress has been rapid."
"So as soon as we reached Soto City, they couldn't restrain themselves and headed straight for the Combat Arena, saying they wanted to test the waters here."
Qin Ming spoke, a trace of relief flashing in his eyes, "These kids are all full of energy, eager to challenge strong opponents."
Flender stroked his beard and nodded repeatedly upon hearing this, the admiration in his eyes unconcealed:
"That's the right path! A Soul Master's growth never comes from solitary cultivation alone—it must be proven on the arena."
Qin Ming nodded and continued, "Dean, my students are all very hardworking and have great potential."
"After this period of training, their strength has improved significantly."
"That's good. I believe under your guidance, they will become outstanding Soul Masters," Flender said with a smile.
"Thank you for the encouragement, Dean. I also believe Shrek Academy will only get better and better!"
Their wine cups clinked lightly, producing a crisp sound. The wine went down their throats, bringing a slightly fiery warmth.
As Soul Masters, they quietly circulated their Soul Power a few times, dispersing most of the alcohol's effects and clearing their minds further.
Just then, Qin Ming noticed that Yu Tianheng and the others had sent him a message. He stood up and said to Flender:
"Dean, my students have finished their Soul Duel. I'll go bring them over now."
"Go ahead."
Flender waved his hand, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.
Qin Ming quickly left the academy and soon returned leading a team of young men and women.
The Soul Masters in this team all looked extremely young—the oldest appeared no more than eighteen, while the youngest seemed around fifteen or sixteen.
Each stood as straight as a pine tree, their faces bearing just the right amount of confidence—neither arrogant nor timid.
They wore matching uniforms with pure white as the base, their cuffs and hems embroidered with intricate cloud patterns in golden thread.
The words "Heavenly Dou" were prominently embroidered on their chests, the golden thread gleaming brilliantly in the sunlight, exuding the orderly and imposing aura unique to a royal academy.
The youth at the front was tall and carried a hint of pride between his brows.
"Dean Flender, these are my students," Qin Ming introduced, stepping aside.
The students of the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy immediately bowed in unison, their voices clear and bright:
"Greetings, Dean Flender, and all teachers present."
Flender's gaze swept over them, discerning their solid foundations from their steady Soul Power fluctuations.
He nodded inwardly—Qin Ming had indeed taught them well—and declared loudly:
"All promising talents! Since you're here, don't stand on ceremony. This is a perfect chance to get acquainted with my Little Monsters. Later, you can spar and learn from each other!"
Hearing this, the group perked up, their eyes burning as they looked at Ning Rongrong and the others. The air seemed to crackle with invisible sparks.
Su Yu also glanced at the Royal Battle Team. In the original storyline, Dugu Yan had joined the Royal Battle Team.
But now, Dugu Yan was still studying at the Martial Soul Academy. He wondered who had filled Dugu Yan's vacant spot.
Flender warmly invited the Royal Academy members to take their seats.
However, Su Yu's gaze inadvertently lingered on a girl in the team wearing a black veil.
The veil covered most of her face, revealing only her smooth forehead and a pair of eyes.
She had blue hair as soft as seaweed, cascading loosely over her shoulders with slightly curled ends, giving off a naturally lazy charm.
Most striking were her eyes—a pure sapphire blue, so clear they seemed to reflect everything around them.
Her gaze held a spirited innocence untouched by worldly cares, like a fawn startled in the forest depths.
The girl's slender frame resembled fresh bamboo shoots stretching skyward in early spring—not yet full-grown, yet already tracing graceful, fluid lines.
Her waist was so slender it seemed one could encircle it with a gentle grasp, radiating the vibrant energy unique to youth.
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