Faced with Yu Xiaogang's question, Flender did not know where to begin for a moment. After all, judging from Liu Erlong's behavior, she should not have forgotten Yu Xiaogang.
But after that incident back then, Flender and Yu Xiaogang had never contacted each other again, because that matter had completely exposed Yu Xiaogang's character and the somewhat dark thoughts in his heart.
Liu Erlong noticed the expression on Flender's face and realized something. After a long time, she asked, "You two… could it be that you never contacted each other again because of that matter back then?"
When faced with Liu Erlong's question, Flender naturally knew what she was referring to. Back then, both he and Yu Xiaogang had expressed their affection for Liu Erlong, but Liu Erlong chose Yu Xiaogang.
Hearing Liu Erlong's words, Flender gave a self-deprecating smile. "Erlong, do you really think your Brother Flender is that petty? Although… my heart is not that small."
"Since you chose him back then, I naturally respected your decision. Whatever happened between him and me has nothing to do with that."
Hearing Flender's words, Liu Erlong secretly let out a sigh of relief. This was actually the answer she had most wanted.
Because Flender was equally important in her heart. Liu Erlong had grown up living only with her mother, almost never receiving fatherly love. Though her father held high status and great prestige, when her mother died, her father never even appeared. So in her youth, Liu Erlong had already become disappointed in her father.
Later, when she traveled the continent alone, the first person she met was Flender. Flender gave her the care and affection she had never received since childhood. Because of this, she regarded Flender as an elder brother.
Later, their little group added Yu Xiaogang, and the three of them somehow traveled together and even created the tri-spirited fusion technique.
However, as time went on, both Flender and Yu Xiaogang inevitably developed feelings for their younger "sister" Liu Erlong, but in the end Liu Erlong chose Yu Xiaogang.
In truth, Liu Erlong's choice of Yu Xiaogang was influenced by her own upbringing.
First, she had already considered Flender an elder brother. Then when she met Yu Xiaogang, she found that although his cultivation talent was average, he was extremely diligent. Since he could not succeed in cultivation, he sought another path.
Moreover, Yu Xiaogang's experiences were very similar to hers. Yu Xiaogang had been shunned because of his poor talent, and eventually set out into the world alone.
What no one expected was that when she chose Yu Xiaogang, fate played a cruel joke on her. The man she loved was actually her cousin.
Flender noticed Liu Erlong's expression. After sighing, he recounted everything that had happened back then.
Flender did not exaggerate, only described the events truthfully.
After Liu Erlong listened to the whole story, her brows furrowed tightly. "How could Xiaogang be such a person?"
Flender shook his head helplessly. "Perhaps he really was good in the past, but as time has changed, I hardly recognize him anymore."
"For the sake of his own reputation, he wasted his disciple's talent. If his theories could not compare to a child's, he would deny others' growth with words. He and I are no longer walking the same path."
After saying this, Flender looked at Liu Erlong. "Erlong, I don't know how you think about this, but I won't interfere with your decision."
Hearing this, Liu Erlong sighed. She had not seen Yu Xiaogang for over ten years, and she herself was not clear what she truly felt about that man anymore.
But Yu Xiaogang was the first man she had ever loved. For a child who grew up in an environment like hers, once she gave her heart to someone, it was hard to change.
Yet fate made a fool of her. This man was her cousin, and they were destined to have no outcome.
In the end, the two stopped discussing this topic and shifted their focus back to strengthening the academy.
No matter what happened between Flender and Yu Xiaogang, it would not affect the bond between Flender and Liu Erlong.
Compared with Yu Xiaogang, Liu Erlong and Flender were like family. If Liu Erlong had really married Yu Xiaogang back then, Flender's role would have been like the elder brother from her mother's family.
...
Three months was not very long nor very short, and many things could be accomplished in that time.
One week after Flender and Zhao Wuji arrived at Blue Tyrant Academy, the academy's senior staff held a full teachers' meeting. The meeting had only one topic: Blue Tyrant Academy would be renamed Shrek Academy, Flender would serve as the dean, and Liu Erlong and Zhao Wuji as vice-deans.
For Liu Erlong's decision, none of the teachers objected. First, because Liu Erlong held absolute authority, and second, because these parachuted leaders turned out to be Contras, top-level powerhouses.
Not only that, these new leaders also promised everyone that in three months they would bring in a group of super-genius students to establish the academy's name.
Aside from wholeheartedly teaching students, the only thing that could excite the teachers was the academy's reputation improving.
If the academy's fame grew, it would attract more talented students. And as teachers, what could be more fulfilling than teaching gifted students?
After taking over, Flender also did a deep assessment of the academy. At that time, the academy had more than two hundred students, ninety percent of whom were commoner spirit masters since the academy had few restrictions.
Most noble children studied at Heaven Dou Academy, so nobles were few here, and naturally the student quality was average.
Among the few decent students, the strongest was Tailong, seventeen years old with rank 35 spirit power, already considered the most talented in the academy.
Seeing this level of students, Flender decided to make reforms. The academy would still admit all spirit master children, but on top of that would create a special Genius Class.
The requirement for this Genius Class was the same as the old Shrek Academy: before the age of twelve, spirit power must reach at least rank 20, with two hundred-year spirit rings.
Flender named this Genius Class "Shrek Class One," directly using the academy's name to show its special status.
Students who entered Class One would not only have free tuition, but their food, clothing, and housing would also be fully covered by the academy. A series of reward systems would also be set up. But those who did not meet the requirements would still need to pay their own expenses.
For such reforms, Liu Erlong fully supported Flender. He had also told her about several prodigies. Though she found it unbelievable that such geniuses could exist, she knew Flender would not joke about such things.
In three months, the former Blue Tyrant Academy had been renamed Shrek Academy, and through these reforms it had become more prosperous.
After all, Blue Tyrant Academy's teaching staff had always been somewhat lacking. The admissions director had only been a rank 50 Spirit King. Aside from Liu Erlong, the strongest of the teachers had only been at the Spirit Emperor level.
Now, with two Contras, one Spirit Sage, and two Spirit Emperors added, Shrek Academy could now rank among the top advanced spirit master academies.
Three months later, all members of Shrek Academy arrived at the new campus. The old site outside Suotuo City was given by Flender to the villagers as thanks for their years of support.
After years of renovation, that place's environment was decent, so it counted as repayment.
The new Shrek Academy was located within Heaven Dou City, occupying a vast area with forests and rivers inside. Situated in a quiet district, it would not normally be disturbed.
Thus Shrek Academy now enjoyed both the prosperity of the capital and the tranquility needed for teaching.
At the academy gates, five young men and women held posters in their hands, gazing at the grand and vigorous new campus, feeling a little dazed.
A handsome young man with short red hair said incredulously, "This is the new campus the teacher mentioned? It really is… quite imposing."
The golden-haired youth beside him also sighed, "In just three months, the dean and the others managed this. Could it be they were hiding some identity all along?"
A black-haired youth with ordinary looks said, "Maybe it was sponsored by senior?"
Hearing this, the others raised their brows, since it was indeed possible.
These five were Ma Hongjun, Dai Mubai, Tang San, Zhu Zhuqing, and Xiao Wu.
Hearing the boys' words, Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu had been studying the academy. Above the gate hung the bold characters "Shrek Academy," a sharp contrast to before.
Ma Hongjun waved his hand. "Stop guessing. We'll just ask the teachers later."
At this moment, Oscar's clone walked out from inside the gate. "You are all here? Come in quickly, this will be your place of study from now on."
Seeing Oscar, Ma Hongjun grinned. "Boss, where's Rongrong? Has she arrived?"
Oscar rolled his eyes. "She should be here soon. You're that eager to see her? Don't even want to eat first?"
Hearing this, Ma Hongjun laughed. "It's just that we haven't seen each other for three months…"
Dai Mubai and Tang San chuckled at his expression but said nothing.
Oscar spoke again. "I'll take you to the dorms first. These past few months I've been worn out preparing for you guys."
Hearing this, the group smiled and followed him.
Oscar's clone had come here with the teachers two months earlier, leaving only Ma Hongjun and the others at the old academy to handle the remaining affairs.
Shrek Class One was separate from the ordinary students. They had their own villas, training grounds, and the best resources, with personalized simulation training fields for each.
After seeing their future living conditions, even Prince Dai Mubai could not help but sigh. "This is what real geniuses deserve. If we had these resources earlier, I'd definitely be stronger."
Oscar glared at him. "Don't joke. To enjoy these resources, you need to exchange them with strength and talent. The academy won't waste resources for free."
Hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing's eyes shone with determination. "Senior, don't worry. No matter the task, I'll give everything to complete it. I won't let the academy's training go to waste."
Oscar smiled. "All of you should learn from Zhuqing. No matter what achievements you reach, never forget your original intent."
The group nodded and followed Oscar toward the cafeteria.
The new Shrek Academy had three cafeterias. Two were three stories high and open to all teachers and students. The third had only one floor but was reserved exclusively for Shrek Class One and their teachers, a special privilege for geniuses.
At first, some students were dissatisfied. After all, they were the same age. How much stronger could others be just because of talent?
Especially the current top student, Tailong. Being straightforward, he immediately applied to join the Genius Class when he heard about it. But the requirements were strict. To join, one had to be recognized by Oscar, the class monitor of Shrek Class One.
Tailong, as the top student, naturally applied. But the result was shocking. Oscar defeated Tailong, heir of the Strength Clan with rank 35 spirit power, without even using his martial spirit.
To beat him without even using a martial spirit meant Oscar was at least a Spirit King. That level of power would qualify someone to be a teacher, yet Oscar was a student. How could that be?
Then Liu Erlong revealed the truth. Oscar, the monitor of Shrek Class One, was not only a Spirit King but already rank 55.
Hearing this, the entire academy was shaken. Oscar looked about the same age as Tailong. How could someone so young have such shocking spirit power?
Everyone assumed Oscar must be older than 25. Though called a class monitor, he must actually be the teacher.
After all, even a 25-year-old Spirit King at rank 55 would already be among the continent's top talents, likely already graduated.
But Liu Erlong told them Oscar was still young enough to participate in the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament next year.
This was like a stone thrown into water, stirring waves. That meant Oscar was at most 24, since the tournament had an age limit of 25.
Because of Oscar's talent and strength, everyone in the academy understood how strict the Genius Class requirements were. Tailong, the former top student, seemed like a child before Oscar. He had fought with all his strength, but Oscar had not even used his martial spirit.
Not only students but teachers were shocked. When they first learned Oscar's age and spirit power, they were even more astonished than the students, since they had no idea what his real age was.
When Liu Erlong learned that Oscar was only 15 years old, she had been stunned. It was then she understood why Flender supported Oscar over his former friend.
And now, if Oscar alone was like this, what about the other prodigies?
Flender had told her there would be several geniuses beyond her imagination, but she had never expected one on Oscar's level.
Across the entire continent, there might not be a second Oscar.
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