Just as the Heaven Dou Royal Team was preparing to leave, Yu Tianheng—who had been silent the whole time—suddenly stepped forward.
He stood before Qin Ming and said:
"Teacher Qin Ming, I want to drop out."
The Heavenly Dou Battle Team had been defeated, yet Yu Tianheng didn't feel the slightest guilt or pain over it. After experiencing spirit fusion with Xiao Wu, he became deeply enamored with that moment of fusion. Right now, he wasn't thinking about anything else—he just wanted to stay by Xiao Wu's side forever.
All that talk about the rise and fall of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, the honor of the Heavenly Dou Battle Team, and even Ye Lingling—Yu Tianheng had long cast them aside. At this point, his world was completely filled with Xiao Wu.
His withdrawal from the academy wasn't a request—it was simply a notification. Even if the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect had fallen from the ranks of the top three clans, as a direct disciple of the sect, his status was still not inferior to that of the Heaven Dou Empire. Since Yu Tianheng had made up his mind to leave, even Heaven Dou Imperial Academy couldn't stop him.
"You want to join Shrek Academy?" Qin Ming asked.
"Yes." Yu Tianheng nodded. "Teacher Qin Ming, I—"
"I know." Qin Ming patted his shoulder. "Training with a girl you have a spirit fusion technique with will help you grow. And choosing Shrek shows your good judgment. I support you."
Under normal circumstances, when a spirit fusion technique developed between two students from different academies, each school would try to poach the other party. But Qin Ming thought differently.
As someone nurtured by Shrek Academy, he owed a debt of gratitude to his alma mater. How could he act like an ungrateful traitor, trying to steal Shrek's talented seeds? Allowing Yu Tianheng to join Shrek could be seen as a form of repayment to his old school—at least that's how Qin Ming saw it.
Before leaving, Qin Ming personally visited Flender to say his final goodbye.
"Teacher, I have a suggestion... but I'm not sure if I should say it," Qin Ming said.
"Go ahead," said Flender.
With humility, Qin Ming said,
"In my opinion, Shrek Academy has outstanding students and top-tier teachers, but lacks one crucial thing: resources for nurturing. Right now, the three academies with the most cultivation resources are: Spirit Hall's Advanced Academy, Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, and Star Luo Imperial Academy. I'd like to sincerely invite you to affiliate with Heaven Dou Imperial Academy to share in their rich educational resources."
Flender frowned and responded unhappily,
"Oh? So your wings have hardened now that you've joined the Royal Academy, and now you want to help them absorb Shrek Academy? Let me tell you, Shrek is my life! If you think you can merge Shrek into Heaven Dou, you've got another thing coming!"
Qin Ming quickly explained,
"Teacher, I didn't mean that. Shrek is my alma mater. I would never just stand by and watch it get swallowed up."
"Then what do you mean?" Flender asked.
"You could lead Shrek Academy to affiliate with Heaven Dou Royal Academy. Shrek would remain Shrek, and the Royal Academy would remain the Royal Academy. That way, you could utilize their resources to cultivate the younger students while still maintaining relative independence. Plus, the students could use the Royal Academy's competition slot to enter the Soul Master Tournament. If they achieve a good ranking, it would greatly raise Shrek's reputation."
Flender stroked his chin and said,
"That's actually a pretty good idea."
He patted Qin Ming's shoulder.
"You're not bad at all—you haven't forgotten where you came from."
Qin Ming bowed and said respectfully,
"It's the least I could do."
Flender nodded.
"Alright, let's do as you said. But convincing the Royal Academy to let us keep our independence while accessing their resources—and securing a competition slot—will be your job."
"Leave it to me!" Qin Ming patted his chest. "I will do everything I can to accomplish this task for the Academy!"
With that, he said farewell to Flender and left, taking the Heavenly Dou Team with him.
After Qin Ming's departure, Flender gathered the teachers of Shrek Academy and solemnly announced:
"Once tonight is over and we return to Shrek Academy… we will close the school."
"Principal, why?!" asked Zhao Wuji. "Building a Monster Team to make Shrek famous and rake in the profits—wasn't that your lifelong goal? That's why we all followed you! And now our Monster Team is already taking shape. Just give us two years—no, seven—and I guarantee we'll get great results! Why shut the school now?"
Flender replied,
"Because we need to give our little monsters a new environment. If we want the best for them, we must provide the best possible training conditions."
Then, Flender explained Qin Ming's proposal to the other teachers, and they all agreed to the plan.
They then began discussing the mysterious team that would appear in tonight's match at Soto City.
"After fighting the Heavenly Dou team, we can confidently say that our little monsters are already on par with the favorites to win the tournament two years from now.
Currently, there are three powerhouse teams in contention: Star Luo Imperial Team, Spirit Hall's Team, and now this mysterious team. If this mystery team is only around the Soul Elder level, our kids have nothing to fear. It's not like Soto Arena could've actually invited the other two teams," Zhao Wuji scoffed.
But Yu Xiaogang stood with his hands behind his back and said,
"We shouldn't underestimate the top-level soul masters of the Douluo Continent.
Yes, those three teams are traditional favorites, but every tournament has seen dark horses rise up—like the Elemental City team. We know nothing about this mysterious team, yet they know everything about us. That's what we need to be careful about."
Flender nodded.
"I trust in the adaptability of our little monsters. Besides, what we've shown so far is not their limit. Don't forget—they still have a trump card."
Trump card.
Yu Xiaogang immediately thought of Xiao Wu and Er Ming's spirit fusion technique. His expression turned slightly uncomfortable.
If possible, he didn't want them to use that fusion move.
What he wanted to see was Tang San leading the Shrek Seven Devils to victory, so that everyone would remember Tang San, and thus remember him, the man who trained Tang San.
Still, victory was their shared goal.
Just as the teachers were discussing the strategy for the upcoming fight, a voice came from behind Yu Xiaogang:
"Uncle!"
Yu Xiaogang turned around.
"Tianheng?"
"Anyway, that's how it is. Yu Tianheng has officially withdrawn from the Royal Fighting Team and joined our Shrek Academy. Starting tonight, he's your teammate—Shrek's eighth little monster."
Flender's face was glowing with pride as he introduced Yu Tianheng to the Shrek Seven Devils.
Beside him, Yu Tianheng was gazing dazedly at Xiao Wu, while Xiao Wu sent him a flirtatious glance in return.
Yu Tianheng's decision to join came as a great surprise to Flender. But then he figured it must be a final parting gift left behind by that excellent disciple of his.
Good, good, very good.
To gift Shrek Academy the strongest student from the Royal Fighting Team—
Qin Ming, you really are your teacher's favorite disciple!
Yu Tianheng's arrival meant far more than just adding another powerful beast spirit user to the Shrek team. He could also form a Spirit Fusion Technique with Xiao Wu.
Their fusion combined the dominance of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon and the teleporting agility of the Soft Bone Rabbit, making them a true killing machine in the Soul Arena.
His addition greatly boosted Shrek's chances of winning the upcoming Continental Soul Master Tournament.
"What?! Yu Tianheng is joining Shrek Academy?! I refuse to accept this!"
Tang San exploded immediately. His eyes turned red, and he was panting like an enraged bull.
He could tolerate Er Ming and Xiao Wu having a fusion technique—after all, they were siblings.
But Yu Tianheng joining Shrek? That, Tang San absolutely could not accept.
Xiao Wu was his—Tang San's personal treasure, his wife, the mother of his future children, his sword sheath, his Star Fury.
How could he allow his woman to cultivate long-term with another man?
Even if Yu Tianheng played the secondary role in the fusion, who knew what might happen over time?!
"Xiao San, Xiao Wu and Yu Tianheng having a fusion technique… isn't that a good thing? They can train together," Flender asked in confusion.
(Still unaware of the "sibling" weirdness between Tang San and Xiao Wu.)
"I'm Xiao Wu's big brother. I will never stand by and watch someone with ulterior motives get close to her. I absolutely won't allow it!"
Tang San's eyes burned redder, and his breathing grew heavier.
"Who are you calling 'someone with ulterior motives,' Tang San?"
Yu Tianheng had had enough. He jabbed a finger in Tang San's face.
"You say I'm the one with bad intentions? I have a Spirit Fusion with Xiao Wu. We train together—what's the problem?
But you, Tang San—remember your identity. You're just her 'brother.' What right do you have to decide anything for her?"
"I am her brother, so of course I have the right to make decisions for her!"
Tang San roared, neck stiff, eyes glaring.
Yu Tianheng sneered.
"Fine, I'll admit it—I love Xiao Wu. I'll pursue her openly and with honor.
'A fair lady is meant for a gentleman to chase.' I, Yu Tianheng, walk a righteous path.
Yes, I'm going to chase Xiao Wu, and there's nothing shady about it."
"But you—Tang San—you're 'Tang,' and she's 'Xiao.'
Tell me: are you two really siblings?
If not… am I to believe you're using the cover of being her brother to secretly covet her for yourself?"
Yu Tianheng's bold accusation left Tang San's mind blank.
His brain nearly overheated.
All these years…
You're the first person to ever stand before me—Tang San, the God King—
And declare that you're going to pursue Xiao Wu?!
Very well, Yu Tianheng. You've chosen death.
Not just you—the entire Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
When I return to the divine realm, I'll see to it that none of you ever find peace again!
Tang San, seething with rage, turned and roared at Flender:
"Dean Flender! It's either me or Yu Tianheng—choose!
If you accept him into Shrek, then I will take Xiao Wu and leave the academy!"
"Ah… this is awkward…"
Flender hadn't expected such a simple decision to go so wildly off track. He felt a headache coming on.
He looked at Tang San, then at Xiao Wu.
Only now did he realize…
Tang San had always posed as Xiao Wu's 'brother,'
but in reality, he wasn't interested in playing big brother—
He just wanted to take advantage of his position to get closer to her.
Well damn, thought Flender.
Now I really don't know what to do.
Just then, Xiao Wu finally spoke:
"Ah San~ gege, I think staying at Shrek Academy is actually kinda nice.
If you want to leave, could you maybe… not take me with you?"
Tang San was floored.
Of all people, he didn't expect Xiao Wu to be the first one to shoot him down.
He turned to her, face full of pain.
"Xiao Wu… why? You…"
"I think Yu Tianheng has a point," Er Ming interrupted, stepping in front of Xiao Wu to shield her.
"You're just her gege. What right do you have to decide things for her?"
Er Ming didn't like Yu Tianheng either.
But if he had to choose, he'd pick Yu Tianheng over this hypocrite who used the title "gege" to mask his lust.
"You… You—!!"
At that moment, Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang stepped forward, hands clasped behind his back.
He spoke in the name of Master:
"This matter concerns the entire Shrek Seven Devils and their collective interests.
Yu Tianheng's addition gives us a new trump card—a powerful Spirit Fusion technique.
That will be critical in the Soul Master Tournament two years from now.
Xiao San, you cannot act on emotion.
Listen to your teacher: stop this nonsense.
I've decided for you—I welcome Yu Tianheng into Shrek Academy."
"Teacher, you—"
Tang San didn't say what he really wanted to say:
"Xiaogang, who gave you the right to decide my life?"
Yu Xiaogang looked at Tang San earnestly.
"Xiao San, you once said: 'A teacher for a day, a father for life.'
I have nothing in this life—no offspring.
To me, you are not just a disciple. You're more than my own child.
How could I ever harm you?
You need to focus your heart and walk the righteous path.
This is all for your own good—listen to your teacher."
"That's right, Xiao San." Flender joined in.
"The Master is your teacher—he won't harm you.
A teacher for a day, a father for life.
You really should listen to him and stop making a fuss."
In truth, Yu Xiaogang had his own reasons for welcoming Yu Tianheng into Shrek Academy.
Back in Nuoding City, he had noticed how much Xiao Wu meant to Tang San.
To the point that it interfered with his cultivation.
Sometimes Tang San even lashed out at his teacher for her sake.
This pained Yu Xiaogang deeply.
If only he meant half as much to Tang San as Xiao Wu did…
He wouldn't have to suffer so much.
And so, Yu Xiaogang had a plan:
Bring Yu Tianheng in.
Pair him with Xiao Wu.
Use that to distract Tang San,
so he'd focus on training hard again and
finally show proper filial piety—
all for the sake of bringing honor to his Master.
Of course, Gangzi (Yu Xiaogang) had another reason for what he did—he made the decision on Tang San's behalf. If it happened once and again, then it could happen a third time. From now on, as long as he used the excuse of "doing it for your own good as your teacher," he could keep making decisions for Tang San and thus control him for his own purposes.
(That's right. In this life, since he couldn't obtain the promise of "one day as a teacher, a lifetime as a father" from Tang San, and with Tang San subtly showing disregard for Yu Xiaogang, Gangzi became extremely insecure. This insecurity eventually morphed into a pathological desire for control.)
Screw you!
At that moment, Tang San could barely restrain his rage. He wanted to tear off Yu Xiaogang's hypocritical mask right then and there, regardless of their so-called master-disciple bond.
But just as he was on the verge of erupting, Xiao Wu looked at him with a fragile expression and said softly:
"Exactly, San-gege… one day as a teacher, a lifetime as a father. There are no wrong parents in this world. Your teacher is saying all this for your own good. He's your elder—you should listen to him more."
Her words immediately drained half of Tang San's fury.
Seeing their chance, Dai Mubai, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun also stepped up and placed their hands on Tang San's shoulders.
"Calm down, San-gege."
Dai Mubai leaned close and whispered in Tang San's ear:
"Have you forgotten? Xiao Wu isn't a reincarnator. Don't do anything that'll make her upset. You wouldn't want her to hate you, would you?"
That took away another quarter of his rage.
Then Ma Hongjun leaned into his other ear and whispered:
"San-ge, what's done is done. We'll have to take another path now. So what if Yu Tianheng joins? Don't forget—you're the Child of Fate, destined to become a god.
Once you've ascended, what will Yu Tianheng be able to do? He'll have to back off anyway.
You can deal with him however you want then. There's no need to get into a fight now."
Hearing Ma Hongjun's words, Tang San came to his senses. Yes, he was the Child of Fate, chosen by the God of Shura. Time was on his side. Right now, Yu Tianheng was just a jumping clown.
Oscar also whispered:
"Tang San, the Three Shrek Brothers will always stand behind you. In our hearts, Xiao Wu will always be our sister-in-law.
We'll never let Yu Tianheng lay a finger on her. As long as we're around, you can rest assured."
"You guys…"
Tang San was moved to tears. He replied:
"Mubai, Fatty, Oscar—you truly are my brothers. The Shrek Seven Devils of this life will always be the same seven from our past lives.
We will never allow anyone else to join. Daming, Yu Tianheng, whoever it is—
I won't give them the chance to become gods.
And as long as I live, you're all destined to ascend."
And so, to avoid upsetting Xiao Wu, Yu Tianheng successfully joined Shrek Academy.
Yu Xiaogang also got his way once again, making decisions for Tang San.
Flander was delighted, having recruited yet another "little monster", expanding the Shrek Seven Devils into Shrek Eight Devils!
Under the "rational analysis" of the Three Shrek Brothers, Tang San, in order to avoid being hated by Xiao Wu, had no choice but to accept the fact that Yu Tianheng had joined.
But deep in his heart, the flames of rage still burned fiercely.
Tang San swore—he would train harder than anyone else.
Not just double the effort—two hundred times harder.
He would crush Yu Tianheng in every way.
He would make Xiao Wu see—who really was the man who loved her the most.