"Make the Grandmaster clean the academy's toilets?"
As soon as Dai Mubai said it, the other students couldn't hold back their laughter. Only Dai Mubai would dare to say something so outrageous. He, however, looked completely serious, as if he was making a very earnest suggestion.
In reality, Dai Mubai, who often visited... pleasure establishments, was perhaps the one who could empathize with Tang San the most. After all, Tang San had injured a part of himself that was crucial to a man's future happiness. Dai Mubai felt a strange, shared sense of understanding.
Because of this, even though he held a grudge against Tang San, he was still willing to donate. Of course, it also helped that he was rich.
But he wasn't comfortable with just giving the money away, especially if it meant Yu Xiaogang would be happy. The thought of the Grandmaster getting what he wanted so easily made Dai Mubai's skin crawl. That's why he came up with the idea of making Yu Xiaogang clean the toilets.
"You—!"
Yu Xiaogang was furious. Who does Dai Mubai think I am? Am I, Yu Xiaogang, the kind of person who would do anything for money, with no principles?
When he heard the first half of the offer, he was ready to refuse. But when he heard the second half—that Dai Mubai would pay for all the remaining donations—his heart wavered.
"Grandmaster, you should seriously consider Mubai's suggestion," Flender's voice cut in, a hint of amusement in his tone.
"That's right, Grandmaster!" Zhao Wuji chimed in. "If you miss this chance, who knows when you'll get the money for Tang San's surgery."
After a lot of thought, Yu Xiaogang made a decision that shamed his pride.
For my beloved disciple, Tang San, I'll make an exception just this once! What's so bad about cleaning toilets? It's just... exercise!
With firm eyes and a resolute expression, Yu Xiaogang slowly spoke.
"Alright. I agree."
The moment he said it, the students couldn't hold back their laughter again. They never actually expected Yu Xiaogang to agree.
"What?" Even Dai Mubai was shocked. Where's the Grandmaster's integrity? His principles?
But since the deal was made, he had to agree. A gentleman's word is his bond.
"Good!" Dai Mubai nodded.
He casually tossed a heavy money bag to Yu Xiaogang. "Here are two hundred and fifty gold coins."
What? Two hundred and fifty?
Now it was Yu Xiaogang's turn to be confused. If he had calculated correctly, shouldn't the remaining amount be two hundred and twenty gold coins? Why did Dai Mubai give him two hundred and fifty? Was he... insulting him?
"Are you making fun of me?" Yu Xiaogang muttered.
But he couldn't be bothered with these small details. He clutched the bag, faked a "thank you" to everyone, and then turned and left immediately.
"Wuji!" Flender called out loudly, making sure the departing Grandmaster could hear. "You must supervise him cleaning the toilets! We can't let the students who donated be disappointed."
Flender paused, then added, "The duration... will be until we move to Heaven Dou Royal Academy!"
Yu Xiaogang, who hadn't gone far, heard every word. He staggered and almost fell.
As far as he knew, they weren't moving for at least two more months.
Make him clean toilets for two months? That was too harsh!
He clutched the money bag tightly. He could only endure it for now.
At worst, he thought, when Tang San is recovered enough, I'll let him take my place. After all, as his master, I've exhausted my heart and soul for him. I've endured so much pressure. When Tang San is better, isn't it only right for him to show respect to his master? I've been so busy... can't I enjoy myself a bit?
Time passed quickly, and the two-month rest period was over.
During these two months, Tang San's second surgery was completed. Now, he was... "repaired." If anything else went wrong, his future as a man would be completely ruined.
After he recovered enough, Tang San took over the toilet cleaning for the entire second month.
Yu Xiaogang, of course, was very happy to let him.
Today, the weather was clear. The Shrek Academy group was ready to leave. The old academy, which Flender had bought years ago, had nothing valuable left. The teachers had already agreed to the Grandmaster's proposal to move.
Under Flender's command, everyone packed their bags, ready to depart for Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
Standing at the academy gate, Flender looked at the old, worn-out plaque that read "Shrek Academy." His heart was filled with emotions. Twenty years... so much of his life. He remembered all the little things that had happened here.
"Let's go," Flender said, composing himself and giving the order to depart.
The group of more than ten people began their journey, leaving Shrek behind.
Heaven Dou City was the imperial capital of the Heaven Dou Empire, located in the north-central part of the empire. It was the political core and one of the two largest cities on the Douluo Continent. Only the Star Luo Empire's capital could compare.
The Heaven Dou Empire's three major military regions were all nearby, with a total force of over one million soldiers.
Interestingly, the empire didn't strictly control the kingdoms and duchies under its rule. This was partly because many of these kingdoms were on the borders with the Star Luo Empire. If a war broke out, they would be the first to fight.
Of course, the main reason the continent wasn't unified was the interference from powerful Spirit Master families and, most importantly, Spirit Hall. A single, powerful empire would never allow forces that threatened its rule to exist.
To reach Heaven Dou City, the Shrek Academy group had to leave Balak Kingdom, cross the entire Silves Kingdom, and then enter the capital's territory. The journey was long, nearly two thousand li, showing just how vast the Heaven Dou Empire was.
Before leaving, everyone put their food and water into their spirit tools. They had enough supplies to last for ten days.
"Alright, you've all rested for two months!" Flender yelled. "From now on, we speed up! Everyone, keep up with my pace!"
With that, Flender's figure flickered, and he rushed ahead. The other teachers and students followed right behind him.
In the blink of an eye, only Tang San and Yu Xiaogang were left standing at the gate.
...So fast? Are you kidding?!.
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