After Prince Xue Beng fled in terror, Ning Rongrong looked at Yang Xiong with curious eyes. "Little Xiong, that guy was acting so arrogant just moments ago. How did he suddenly become so frightened? What exactly did you say to him?"
Yang Xiong smiled warmly at her question. "Rongrong, haven't you met him before? That was Xue Beng, the son of Emperor Xue Ye. I simply told him that if he dared to provoke you, I would have your Sword Grandpa cut him down."
Ning Rongrong wrinkled her nose in disgust. "No wonder he looked somewhat familiar. So that was Prince Xue Beng. Crown Prince Brother did introduce me to him once before, but I barely remember someone like that. I've heard he's not only weak in cultivation but also poorly educated. Even Crown Prince Brother doesn't bother trying to discipline him anymore."
Yang Xiong's smile grew slightly. "Rongrong, are you very close with the Crown Prince?"
"Crown Prince Xue Qinghe is my father's disciple," Ning Rongrong replied. "He's refined and generous in manner, and my father holds him in high regard."
Yang Xiong gently pinched Ning Rongrong's soft cheek. "It seems you have quite a favorable impression of this Crown Prince. That makes me a little jealous. Since he's the Sect Master's disciple, haven't your father and Emperor Xue Ye ever considered arranging a match between you two?"
Ning Rongrong rolled her eyes at Yang Xiong. "I only see him as a brother, and he only sees me as a little sister. It's not as complicated as you're making it sound. Besides, he's the heir to the Heaven Dou Empire, and I'm the heir to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. People in our positions simply cannot be together."
Yang Xiong seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. "That's reassuring, otherwise I wouldn't stand a chance. But there's an old saying that you can know a person's face but not their heart. The imperial palace is not a simple place, and these people are probably more complex than they appear."
Ning Rongrong pinched Yang Xiong playfully. "Look at how you're acting. Anyone who didn't know better would think you were some kind of scheming playboy."
Yang Xiong's eyes narrowed slightly as he considered the situation. It seemed that both Ning Fengzhi and Ning Rongrong placed great trust in this Xue Qinghe. He would need to be more careful in the future, or he might truly fall victim to that person's schemes.
In the original Spirit Hunting Operation, neither the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School nor the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan received any advance warning. One must understand that mobilizing tens of thousands of Spirit Masters is definitely not a simple matter, especially within the Heaven Dou Empire's borders. It was likely that this false Xue Qinghe had been providing cover for such operations.
Under Teacher Sun's guidance, the group quickly arrived at the Education Committee Building of Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
Compared to Shrek Academy, this Heaven Dou Royal Academy truly seemed like paradise. Whether examining the buildings, the students, or even the surrounding environment, everything was of exceptional quality.
Dai Mubai looked around with confusion. "The Imperial Fighting Team we faced last time was quite capable, so why do I feel like those people who were provoking us earlier were such weaklings?"
The others shared similar puzzlement. Yang Xiong couldn't help but smile as he explained, "They're just nobles - isn't that how they typically behave? I imagine the Star Luo Royal Academy is probably similar. After all, these aren't true sects, but rather tools for the royal family to win over supporters."
Dai Mubai appeared thoughtful upon hearing this explanation, while the others didn't seem particularly concerned. After all, everyone preferred to study in a luxurious and well-appointed environment.
Qin Ming joined their group along the way, appearing as though he had just finished his duties and rushed over to meet them.
Qin Ming provided a comprehensive introduction to Heaven Dou Royal Academy, covering various aspects such as the treatment provided to both students and faculty members.
According to Qin Ming's explanation, after joining Heaven Dou Royal Academy, all Shrek members would continue to be educated by their original teachers and would not be integrated into the existing class structure.
Upon enrollment at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, all students would enjoy the highest level of student treatment, being trained directly according to battle team standards. Even the teachers would receive compensation equivalent to Heaven Dou-level head instructor standards. The academy would cover all living expenses, and there would be an additional monthly reward of 3,000 gold Spirit coins.
Everyone was amazed upon hearing these details. Not only were tuition and living expenses completely free, but various educational resources would also be provided. Even medicinal bath materials would be supplied by the academy, along with access to various simulated training environments at no cost. In comparison, it truly was like paradise.
Even several of the teachers felt moved by these conditions. They had never imagined that Heaven Dou Royal Academy would offer such an excellent environment and generous treatment. It was far superior to their previous wandering existence.
Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong walked at the back of the group, appearing quite casual about Qin Ming's descriptions. In truth, this model was somewhat similar to that of the great sects, but unfortunately, the binding force was too weak. These teachers could essentially leave whenever they desired, meaning Heaven Dou Royal Academy would likely end up training people for others' benefit.
Upon arriving at the Education Committee Building, it became clear that Heaven Dou Royal Academy placed great importance on the Shrek group. All three members of the Education Committee had come to greet them personally, standing directly at the entrance of the Education Committee Building.
Three elderly men stood at the entrance of the teaching building, each wearing specially crafted black robes with distinctive golden embroidery. Only Spirit Douluos were permitted to wear such clothing, and even ordinary Spirit Masters would only don such attire for important occasions.
Flander appeared stunned by the grandeur of the reception before him, and he quickly stepped forward to bow with the proper etiquette of a junior greeting seniors.
"Flander of Shrek Academy pays respects to the honored seniors."
The central figure laughed heartily. "Excellent, Dean Flander, there's no need for such formality. The Four-Eyed Owl Eagle, one of the legendary Golden Iron Triangle - I have long admired your reputation. We are honored that you have chosen to join our Heaven Dou Royal Academy."
"I am Meng Shenji. My martial soul is the Black Demon, and I am a control-type Level 86 Eight-Ring Battle Spirit Douluo. To my left stands Bai Baoshan, vice chairman of the Academy Education Committee, a defensive-type Level 85 Eight-Ring Battle Spirit Douluo with the Heavenly Star Furnace martial soul. To my right is Zhi Lin, the third member of our Education Committee, a control-type Level 83 Eight-Ring Tool Spirit Douluo with the Heavenly Green Vine martial soul."
Meng Shenji was of medium height and exceptionally thin, appearing as though he had little flesh on his bones. Bai Baoshan's build was the complete opposite of Meng Shenji's - he was not tall but extremely robust, with a body that tended toward corpulence. Zhi Lin's appearance was quite ordinary.
However, all three seemed exceptionally amiable, particularly Meng Shenji, who appeared mentally sharp with a certain warmth in his words. It was clear he was someone who had been engaged in education for many years.
Flander hurriedly introduced the Shrek teachers and students to the three Education Committee members. Meng Shenji and his colleagues were clearly more interested in the students, especially the numerous talented young Spirit Masters.
Obviously, Meng Shenji had already reviewed everyone's information and understood the students' martial souls, Spirit Power levels, and even their backgrounds.
Comparatively, Meng Shenji showed particular interest in Tang San and the other students who came from commoner Spirit Master backgrounds. He also displayed unusual respect toward Ning Rongrong, Yang Xiong, Dai Mubai, and Zhu Zhuqing. His manner of speaking hardly seemed like that of a high-ranking Spirit Douluo addressing ordinary students.
Suddenly, the eight Shrek members felt an invisible pressure descending upon them. This force was entirely emitted by Spirit Douluo Bai Baoshan.
Compared to the original timeline, Tang San had not been as outstanding in the battle against the Royal Fighting Team, and there had been no dramatic tide-turning moment, so Bai Baoshan decided to test everyone. Obviously, this was a simple entrance examination, designed to verify whether the actual performance of Yang Xiong and the others was as remarkable as the rumors suggested.
Flander clearly understood the situation and simply smiled from the sidelines. He was obviously very confident in the Shrek group and hoped even more that the students would gain recognition.
As the pressure gradually increased, when it reached approximately the twenty-eighth level, Ning Rongrong and Oscar were the first to show signs of strain. After all, both were auxiliary-type Spirit Masters, but just as they were about to collapse, the pressure upon them instantly vanished.
As the pressure continued to mount, Ma Hongjun and Zhu Zhuqing also began to falter, while Yang Xiong, Tang San, and Dai Mubai remained standing firm.
Bai Baoshan was genuinely surprised. Compared to Dai Mubai and Tang San, he was even more astonished by Yang Xiong's composure. Yang Xiong appeared remarkably calm, but one must understand that the pressure being exerted had already reached the strength equivalent to a thirty-fourth level Spirit Master, while Yang Xiong was only at the twenty-eighth level.
When the pressure reached nearly the thirty-ninth level, both Dai Mubai and Tang San began to show clear signs of strain. Beads of sweat had begun to form on their foreheads, yet Yang Xiong appeared completely unaffected, his expression remaining exceptionally indifferent.
Generally speaking, the physical constitution of Beast Spirit Masters is stronger than that of Tool Spirit Masters, but the physical endurance displayed by Tang San and Dai Mubai was remarkably similar, demonstrating Tang San's exceptional control over his body. One must remember that Tang San's level was a full six levels lower than Dai Mubai's.
However, Yang Xiong's performance was even more extraordinary. It was extremely rare to see a Spirit Master capable of withstanding pressure exceeding their own level by ten degrees.
Seeing that Tang San and Dai Mubai's bodies seemed unable to endure further strain, the pressure on everyone instantly disappeared, including the force that had been testing Yang Xiong.
Bai Baoshan glanced at Yang Xiong and the others, nodding with evident approval. "Excellent, truly all exceptionally talented individuals with very solid foundations. No wonder they are students of Shrek Academy."
Flander sighed with emotion. "Thank you, honored Education Committee members. These Shrek students are indeed outstanding. I brought them to Heaven Dou Royal Academy for their future development, hoping they will have a superior cultivation environment and perhaps be able to surpass me in the future, possibly even reaching the realm of Titled Douluo. Of course, they also represent the final class of students from my Shrek Academy."
Meng Shenji spoke reassuringly. "Dean Flander, you may rest assured. As long as they remain at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, I can guarantee they will receive the finest education and be provided with the best cultivation environment and facilities. When they reach the peak of Spirit Master cultivation in the future, having Heaven Dou Royal Academy and us old fellows on their record will be more than sufficient."
Flander bowed once again in gratitude. "Thank you, honored seniors."
Without the disruption of Prince Xue Beng, and without any intervention from Dugu Bo, after a series of discussions, the Shrek group successfully joined Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
Just as Meng Shenji had promised, all students were directly assigned to the finest villas. The villa environment was exceptional - not only elegant and tranquil, but also constituting an independent small area that backed onto mountains and faced water.
Unexpectedly, the Royal Fighting Team also resided in this villa area. Obviously, this location had been prepared specifically for both teams.
Only after everyone truly entered Heaven Dou Royal Academy did they understand how excellent the treatment for students really was.
The academy featured multiple dining halls, and the food available was extraordinarily diverse, even including numerous Spirit Beast meat dishes. It seemed that every dish was worth a considerable sum. Even all the teachers ate in these dining halls, including the three Education Committee members.
The Shrek Academy group was provided with a separate training area - a very large square with complete facilities.
Naturally, Heaven Dou Royal Academy occupied an entire mountain, and countless simulated environments had been constructed throughout the mountain, suitable for various types of Spirit Master cultivation. Even Yang Xiong was impressed when he examined the academy map.
Whether due to Yang Xiong's influence on the timeline or other factors, Dugu Bo never appeared from beginning to end, and didn't even come to seek out Tang San privately.
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