Just as the three elders were silently weighing their next words, Duke Xue Xing's voice rang out once more, sharp and overbearing.
"Lord Poison Douluo," he said, turning slightly, "they openly beat Prince Xue Beng. Why don't you teach them a lesson on behalf of the Empire?"
The moment those words fell, the atmosphere in the hall froze.
Every teacher and student present felt their hearts sink. Ning Rongrong felt that she needed to show her identity , but was pulled back by Tang San.
If Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo truly made a move, no one here—elders included—could stop him. Even the combined strength of the academy would be meaningless before a Titled Douluo who commanded poison capable of exterminating cities.
Cold sweat appeared on Meng Shenji's back.
Zhi Lin and Bai Baoshan unconsciously took half a step forward, their soul power circulating defensively, though even they knew it was futile.
Yet—Dugu Bo merely snorted.
The sound was soft, but it carried a sense of deep disdain.
He had followed and assisted Xue Xing all these years for nothing more than an old favor. One that, by now, had already been repaid several times over. To him, this so-called "imperial dignity" was laughable.
More importantly—He was no longer merely an enshrined elder of the Heaven Dou Empire, he was already a secret elder of Spirit Hall.
Today, he was here only to act. Thus, he did not release his spirit power.
He did not summon his martial soul. Instead, he spoke calmly, his voice hoarse yet steady.
"Is there really a need for me to make a move?"
His gaze swept across the hall, lingering briefly on the Shrek students before turning back to Xue Xing.
"No," Dugu Bo continued indifferently.
"The real question is—after this level of humiliation, would Shrek Academy even be willing to stay?"
The words landed like a heavy hammer.
Meng Shenji and the others instinctively exhaled in relief— Only for their hearts to clench again in the very next moment.
Because Flender had already spoken.
"We are leaving."
His voice was firm, decisive, leaving no room for discussion.
In the absence of Yu Xiaogang, the Shrek teachers had no intention of swallowing such humiliation. Pride was the one thing Shrek Academy had never lacked.
"What Lord Poison Douluo said is correct," Flender continued coldly.
"We will not remain here after being disrespected to this extent."
Behind him, the Shrek students stepped forward one after another.
Their stance was clear, they would leave together.
Meng Shengji hurriedly stepped forward.
"Dean Flender, please don't take this to heart," he said anxiously. "This misunderstanding can still be resolved—"
"I'm leaving."
Flender raised a hand, cutting him off. His meaning was unmistakable.
He would not listen anymore. Turning around, he took a step toward the exit.
And then—
A calm, composed voice sounded behind him.
"Dean Flender, please reconsider our proposal."
The voice was gentle, yet carried an authority that made everyone pause. Flender turned back.
A blond youth of medium build stood at the entrance of the hall. He wore ornate robes of red and gold, embroidered with the emblem of the Heaven Dou royal family. His posture was upright, his expression sincere.
There was no trace of arrogance in his bearing.
It was Xue Qinghe, the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire.
He had rushed over the moment he received news that Xue Xing was stirring trouble within the academy.
Walking forward, Xue Qinghe bowed slightly—an action that instantly shocked many present.
"My dear uncle," he said calmly, glancing briefly at Xue Xing, "does not possess authority over the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy."
His gaze returned to Flender.
"I can assure you of this."
"The academy's affairs," he continued gently, "are managed by me."
His tone was sincere, neither servile nor commanding—perfectly balanced.
That gentle yet resolute approach caused Flender's steps to slow.
For the first time, hesitation flickered across the owl-eyed dean's face.
While Tang San appeared outwardly calm, his thoughts churned violently the instant Xue Qinghe stepped into the room.
'Qian Renxue… ah… Qian Renxue. Enemies truly do meet on a narrow road.'
His gaze lingered for only a fleeting moment, yet within that instant, countless calculations flashed through his mind.
'If I expose your undercover identity right here… what would happen?'
Yet—
Tang San quickly suppressed the thought.
'Not now.'
Xue Xing's constant provocations had already pushed matters close to the edge. If he revealed Xue Qinghe's true identity at this moment, the situation would spiral out of control—and would draw attention he was not yet prepared to confront.
'There will be time later', Tang San decided coldly.
Before anyone could speak further, Xue Xing's grating voice cut through the hall once more.
"Is he shameless enough to stay here?"
The words were sharp, deliberately humiliating.
Xue Qinghe's expression darkened subtly. His brows knit together, displeasure flashing briefly across his eyes before being carefully concealed.
'This uncle…'
He clenched his fists inside his sleeves.
'Looks like I'll have to make today's events known to Father. I have to ask Eve for a plan to get him out of the way ....like my other brothers.'
But even as Crown Prince, he could not openly rebuke Xue Xing in front of so many people without escalating the conflict further.
The silence stretched.
Then—Flender made his decision.
Without another word, he turned and walked out decisively.
There was no hesitation this time.
Qin Ming stood frozen for a moment, then slowly exhaled, his face filled with what looked like deep disappointment.
Turning toward Meng Shengji and the other elders, he said solemnly,
"You have disrespected my alma mater to this extent. I will not stay here either."
After saying that, he followed after Flender without a second glance.
The three elders were left standing there, stunned.
For a moment, none of them spoke. Qin Ming's behavior left them deeply conflicted.
In truth, the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy had provided Qin Ming with vast resources, guidance, and political backing—support that allowed him to break through to Soul Emperor rank. Yet now, he had cast all of that aside without hesitation.
To them, it felt irrational almost… fanatical. Like someone who had been thoroughly "brainwashed" by loyalty.
Soon, Flender led the Shrek teachers and students out of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy gates.
The grand buildings behind them stood tall and imposing, yet for Shrek, they had already lost all meaning.
As they walked along the wide stone road outside the academy, silence hung heavy in the air.
Then— They stopped.
Standing at the side of the road was a man whose appearance was so miserable that it was almost unrecognizable.
His clothes were ragged and dirty, hanging loosely from his thin frame. His hair was unkempt, his face pale and hollow. His posture was hunched, as if the weight of the world had pressed him down until he nearly broke.
He looked—Like a homeless beggar.
Flender's pupils shrank.
"Xiaogang…?"
The once proud master, the man who spoke endlessly of theories, now stood there like a discarded shadow of his former self.
Fate, it seemed, had a cruel sense of timing.
And from afar— A pair of unseen eyes observed quietly, lips curling into a faint, knowing smile.
(Author Notes : The main actor of our First Act has appeared)