'These words made it sound as if we had shamelessly clung our way in.' Flender's face flushed, fists clenched tight. After so many years in the Soul Master world, and as an academy dean for so long, he had always been the one to scold others—when had he ever been lectured like this?
Although he knew the other party was just making a pretext, the suffocation was real!
If not for the need to avoid raising Xiaogang's suspicions, he would never have come. He had already planned their destination before this trip.
Around him, the Shrek group all wore looks of displeasure, with only Ning Rongrong lowering her head in silence.
"Prince Xue Xing, these words of yours are somewhat taken out of context," Elder Meng Shenji frowned deeply, his voice heavy.
"Enough." Yu Xiaogang stepped forward. "Prince Xue Xing's meaning, I already understand."
Turning to the three education committee members, he cupped his hands slightly. "Three elders, let's leave it at that. But the hospitality you've shown Shrek will never be forgotten."
"Three elders, until we meet again."
With that, he turned directly. "Flender, since we are not welcome here, let's go."
Without hesitation, he strode toward the door.
"Good!" Feeling his face had been trampled on, Flender said no more. He saluted the three elders and quickly followed.
The Shrek group followed step by step.
"Please wait a moment!" Meng Shenji grew anxious, glaring at Prince Xue Xing. "Your Highness, don't go too far!"
'What a neat ploy, retreating to advance.' Glancing at Yu Xiaogang, who had stopped ahead, Xue Xing sneered inwardly, but his tone remained calm. "How am I going too far? Elder Meng, do not forget that the academy belongs to the royal family. As one of its managers, I have direct authority over appointments. From my position, I find these people lacking in conduct, unfit for enrollment in our academy."
"If Elder Meng has objections, you may go appeal directly to His Majesty. But until His Majesty strips me of this role, my word stands. Also, let me remind you of one more thing."
His gaze slid toward Dai Mubai.
"The Heaven Dou Imperial Academy is a vital institution of the Empire. Be cautious not to admit just anyone."
White Tiger Martial Soul—outside of the Star Luo royal family, he had never heard of another clan possessing it.
'I must find a chance to investigate this Shrek Academy carefully,' he thought.
Feeling Xue Xing's gaze, Dai Mubai's body tensed, a chill seeping into his heart, and his anger evaporated. He had fled in secret, not entered Heaven Dou under official capacity. If Xue Xing already knew his identity, he could have him arrested as a spy on the spot. Even if not executed, he could be deported back to Star Luo, and that would be walking straight into a tiger's jaws.
Dai Weisi would never let him go.
On the other side, Elder Meng Shenji's fury faded as well. He already knew about Shrek's students from Qin Ming.
Dai Mubai, White Tiger Martial Soul—his identity was obvious.
Seeing Meng Shenji hesitate, Flender felt doubts, but he knew they could no longer stay. Even if they forced it, they would face a prince's open hostility, life here would be unbearable. Though the three elders were good people, the academy belonged to the Heaven Dou royal family. Many matters would always be restrained.
This was no good for Yu Xiaogang's plans. Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, however fine, was never meant as a long-term haven, nor a place for Xiaogang to realize his ambitions.
'Better to use this chance to push away and take Xiaogang to Erlong.' He sighed, bowed to the three elders, and said, "I didn't expect that our visit would trouble the three of you so. I feel ashamed."
"Things have come to this, how could we force it? Even if we did, we would never find peace here."
"Three elders, we must take our leave. If there is another chance, I will personally come to pay respects."
With that, he turned and left. The Shrek group quickly followed.
"Dean Flender." Elder Meng Shenji called out urgently, but they walked right out the door.
"Hmph!" Xue Beng snorted coldly, lifting his chin with a smug face.
"Sigh…" Qin Ming, left standing there, glanced at Xue Beng. A deep helplessness and bitterness welled in his heart. He cupped his hands to the three elders.
"Three elders, I apologize. All banquets come to an end—perhaps it is time I leave the academy as well."
The three elders were stunned. Even Prince Xue Xing was caught off guard.
"Teacher Qin, that won't do!" Meng Shenji quickly stepped forward to stop him. "Let's discuss this. I'll enter the palace today and report this to His Majesty. His Majesty will give justice."
Qin Ming shook his head, his expression resolute, voice calm. "The Heaven Dou Royal Academy belongs to the royal family. Since the royal family despises those of Shrek, what face have I to remain? The elders' kindness, Qin Ming will remember…"
Finishing, he gave no chance for persuasion. Soul power surged, his figure flashed, and he quickly pursued out the gates.
By evening, news spread—Qin Ming had resigned and left the academy alongside Shrek.
"What, Shrek Academy came? Teacher Qin resigned and left?"
Learning the news from teammates just back from the simulation training grounds, Yu Tianheng was stunned.
'Uncle joined the Royal Academy to shield me from the clan's punishment, to teach me at ease…' His heart stirred.
Meanwhile, the Heaven Dou first team gathered at their dormitory table, all faces heavy.
"Teacher Qin resigned. What about our training now?" Yu Feng finally asked.
"For now, train on your own. Wait until Captain and Sister Yan return." Ye Lingling swept her gaze around, her tone calm.
After Yu Tianheng left, Yang Yunhai had taken over as captain.
Hearing this, everyone's worries eased somewhat. They trusted Yang Yunhai from the bottom of their hearts.
At Blue Tyrant Academy, at another dinner table—
Under Liu Erlong's burning gaze, Yu Xiaogang finished his meal in silence. Pushing the table aside, he stood.
"Xiao San, walk with me." Without daring to meet Liu Erlong's eyes, he turned and walked out.
"Oh." Tang San quickly nodded and followed.
Soon, the two arrived at a forested path.
Yu Xiaogang stood quietly for a while, then turned. "Xiao San, aren't you curious about what exactly is between your teacher and Erlong, why it became like this, why I've avoided her for nearly twenty years?"
Tang San nodded slightly.
"Then I'll tell you a story." Yu Xiaogang sighed.
"…"
After listening, Tang San fell silent, then lifted his head. "Teacher, do worldly opinions really matter so much? Who calls you a waste? In my heart, you are the strongest Soul Master."
"If you keep running away, you'll only bring pain to both you and Aunt Erlong. Teacher, if you really care about what people think, you could just take Aunt Erlong far away."
"No, that would be too unfair to her…" Yu Xiaogang shook his head bitterly.
"Teacher, does escaping like this bring Aunt Erlong happiness?" Tang San pressed, his tone firm. "Teacher, it's your heart that is weak. So what of worldly opinions? Aunt Erlong, a woman, isn't afraid. What do you have to fear? You should be with her, face it together, break through all obstacles, prove to your clan and the world that you are not wrong! Yes, your bloodline is close, but are there really no such unions in this world?"
"…You are just lacking confidence!"
His words left Yu Xiaogang frozen on the spot.
Seeing his hesitation, Tang San lowered his voice. "Teacher, I've heard there is a kind of union called spiritual companionship. It doesn't focus on physical bonds, but on the communication of hearts and minds. A pure and noble form of love."
"Teacher, if you truly love Aunt Erlong, and still care about worldly eyes, then why not be spiritual companions?"
At that moment, light footsteps sounded from nearby.
Tang San turned and quietly stepped back.
"Xiaogang…" Liu Erlong's eyes were wet as she slowly walked up, softly calling his name.
Yu Xiaogang's body stiffened, then after a moment he forced himself to look into her eyes.
'Yes! Erlong and I truly love each other. Our feelings are pure and untainted. Even if our bloodline is close, as long as we do not cross that final line, it does not go against the world.'
'To be spiritual companions—why not?'
His heart opened, his gaze softened, and he whispered, "Erlong."
'Xiao San, thank you.'
As she embraced him, Liu Erlong's gaze flicked toward Tang San's retreating figure, her heart surging with emotions.
Two decades of loneliness, spiritual companionship was not what she truly wanted. But she was not in a rush. As long as he stayed by her side, time would grant her all the chances she needed.
With her strength, Yu Xiaogang had no way to resist.
(End of Chapter)
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