Qian Ran chose not to intervene, letting the others explore and adapt to the environment inside the Xu Mi Ring on their own.
When they discovered that time inside the Xu Mi Ring flowed three times faster than outside, everyone realized the ring's unparalleled significance and uniqueness. It had evolved far beyond being just a massive storage space—it was now a divine artifact for cultivation.
After relocating the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well into the Xu Mi Ring, the energy within became incredibly rich. Even ignoring the triple time acceleration, the sheer abundance of natural energy alone was enough to captivate anyone.
The last time Juzi visited, Qian Ran had not yet placed the Hourglass of Timeflow inside. Now, even Juzi was reluctant to leave. Both she and Keke wanted to build a large laboratory within the space.
Qian Ran was supportive of their plans.
He also entertained the idea of forming a modernized soul engineer maid corps, entrusting the task of its formation to Nana. Meanwhile, the soul master maid corps, led by Huo Yuner, was nearly complete, with about fifteen members so far—a small squad rather than a full team.
Qian Ran's grand vision was to expand both the soul engineer and soul master maid corps to scales of over a hundred members. If he eventually became a god, they could serve as the maiden guards of his divine palace.
The maids were all stunningly beautiful. While they might not surpass Juzi in looks, they were undeniably first-class beauties by mainland standards.
Living long-term in the Xu Mi Ring, enriched by the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, they exuded a unique spiritual aura and refinement far beyond that of ordinary people.
The most critical point was their absolute loyalty to Qian Ran.
Initially, Qian Ran felt Huo Yuner was overly strict with her maids, but over time, he came to appreciate it. Watching them bow to him in unison, maintaining elegance while exuding their unique charm, he found the sight irresistibly alluring.
If Keke and Juzi succeeded in building their lab, the Xu Mi Ring would become fully equipped.
In this space, Qian Ran was the only man, and all the women belonged to him.
Surely, such an extraordinary secret realm was every man's dream.
Human desires are insatiable, Qian Ran mused. No wonder so many fall prey to their cravings.
If he were still living in his past life, he would have been satisfied with finding a woman with a curvy figure, not daring to ask for much in terms of looks. For his friends, any female companion would suffice.
But since his reincarnation, his desires had grown more intense, and the things he wanted multiplied endlessly.
No wonder ancient emperors loved building palaces and hoarding beauties from across the land. It was a joy like no other.
Finally, two days later, Qian Ran returned to Shrek City.
Seeing the familiar surroundings of Shrek City gave Qian Ran a sense of home.
Since his reincarnation, he had spent most of his time at Shrek Academy. At Shrek, he cherished relationships across all levels—from the headmasters to the teachers, to the beautiful students.
The significance of Shrek Academy in Qian Ran's heart far surpassed that of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy. Even the Sun Moon Empire itself couldn't compare.
Cai Meier and Xian Liner, the two deans of the Martial Soul and Soul Engineering faculties, respectively, were his lovers.
Zhou Yi and Mu Jin, two of the most admired teachers in the outer academy, were his treasures.
Not to mention Dong'er and the others.
In truth, the entire Shrek Academy was practically Qian Ran's personal domain now. Once Elder Xuan stepped down, Shrek Academy would become his paradise.
Qian Ran had no particular grudge against Elder Xuan. In the original story, Elder Xuan was portrayed as a good-natured character, though prone to carelessness that caused trouble occasionally.
However, Elder Xuan stood in his way.
Qian Ran wanted either Cai Meier or Xian Liner to become the head of the Sea God Pavilion. But to do so, they first had to get past Elder Xuan. As long as Elder Xuan remained in his position, it would be difficult for the two women to rise.
Even if Cai Meier and Xian Liner reached Level 98, Elder Xuan's seniority still eclipsed theirs.
Helping Cai Meier and Xian Liner achieve Level 99 was no easy feat. Both had only recently broken through to Level 97, and further progress in the short term was unlikely.
"Qian Ran, who are these young ladies?"
Upon his return, Cai Meier, Xian Liner, and the two other Shrek Academy core figures—Qian Duoduo and Yan Shaozhe—gathered around him, showcasing Qian Ran's importance to Shrek.
"I'm Keke, a sixth-year student at the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy," Keke introduced herself.
"I'm Juzi, also a sixth-year student."
"Nana, specializing in practical soul engineering."
"Dream Red Dust. I once represented the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy in the Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament."
The women were visibly nervous, knowing that these figures before them were all Super Douluos. Back at the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy, even Jing Hongchen was merely a regular Titled Douluo.
Could it be that Qian Ran's return to the academy warranted such a grand reception?
What they didn't know was that among these four Shrek leaders, two were Qian Ran's lovers, while the other two were nominally their husbands. Naturally, Cai Meier and Xian Liner were deeply concerned whenever Qian Ran returned.
"Impressive," Yan Shaozhe and Qian Duoduo exchanged glances, dumbfounded.
Qian Ran had only visited the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy, yet he returned with four exceptional young women? How generous was the Sun Moon Academy?
And wasn't Dream Red Dust Jing Hongchen's granddaughter?
Had the old man lost his mind?
"Welcome to Shrek Academy. From now on, this is your home. You're free to study in the Soul Engineering faculty or attend lectures in the Martial Soul faculty. Shrek Academy's courses will be fully open to you," Cai Meier said with a warm smile.
Every time Qian Ran returned with more women, Cai Meier and Xian Liner were hardly surprised anymore.
"Thank you, Headmaster. We'll do our best," Dream Red Dust replied, overwhelmed by the hospitality.
Dream Red Dust had heard rumors that even her brother faced restrictions while studying at Shrek Academy, as Shrek kept its most important knowledge under tight control.
Yet here she was, receiving an open invitation from the academy's dean. And judging by her tone, she wasn't joking.
Was Qian Ran's influence at Shrek really this immense?
Yan Shaozhe and Qian Duoduo remained silent as Cai Meier made the decision. Both were infatuated with Cai Meier and Xian Liner, still clinging to dreams of winning back their hearts. Opposing the two women's decisions was out of the question.
(End of Chapter)
Notes-You can read advanced chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X