Night fell over Suotuo City, and lights began to flicker on. Laughter echoed atop the best-decorated hotel in town, in a private box on the top floor, where a group of young people gathered around a long table set with exquisite dishes and fragrant wine. The atmosphere was warm and relaxed, and the faces of the youths around the table could not conceal their pride and excitement.
Today, at the Grand Soul Arena of Suotuo, the members of the Shrek Team had made a name for themselves by defeating the Emperor Battle Team and showcasing their group spirit.
"Hah! Enjoy it!" Ma Hongjun, short, chubby, and with a crude face, took a deep gulp of ale, wiped his mouth, his face flushed as he shouted, "I always heard that anyone who could represent the Heaven Dou Royal Academy in the Soul Master Tournament was an elite of the empire... Today, that's how it felt. Our Third Brother didn't just take them down with two or three moves, either."
"What's with that Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon bluff? What happened in the end?" Dai Mubai laughed loudly at this, slapping Ma Hongjun on the shoulder. "The fatty's right! No matter what Emperor Battle Team stands before Tang Yin, it's not enough!"
At the center of their conversation was Tang San—commonly known as Third Brother, but using the alias Tang Yin—sitting alone on the sofa by the window, twirling an empty wine glass in his hand. Hearing his companions' praise, he looked up, but there was little joy on his face; instead, he wore a calmness beyond his years.
"The Emperor Battle Team's strength is still considerable," Tang San said, his voice not loud, but enough to suppress the fat man's ruckus. "Their average spirit power is above ours, and their teamwork is quite tacit."
Then, his gaze turned to Zhu Zhuqing, sitting beside Dai Mubai. "If Mubai and Zhuqing hadn't used the 'Netherworld White Tiger' at the critical moment to forcibly break their formation, it wouldn't have been so easy to win so quickly."
Oscar, adjusting his glasses, chimed in swiftly, "Tang Yin is right; the Emperor Battle Team is indeed strong. But our Shrek is stronger!"
In another section of the box, a few people who appeared to be division commanders were speaking quietly. Zhao Wuji, as burly as a bear, held a large wine glass and smiled at the young man across from him. "Xiao Ming, these little rabbits are still young. When they win, they just want the whole world to know. And since there's no one to stop them, don't pay too much attention to what they say."
Qin Ming's face showed neither irritation nor dissatisfaction at Zhao Wuji's words; instead, he smiled sincerely and proudly. "Teacher Zhao, you're serious. What the juniors said... isn't it true? A win is a win, and a loss is a loss."
"If Emperor Battle Team lost this time, it means their strength wasn't enough and their tactics failed. There's no reason to justify it. But seeing my alma mater nurture such excellent juniors—I'm truly happy!"
"This proves that Dean Flender and the teachers' educational philosophy is correct, that they can truly cultivate talent!"
Qin Ming's words showed no regret over the Emperor Battle Team's defeat, nor any jealousy toward Shrek, only pure pride for his alma mater and gratitude for his juniors.
"By the way—" Qin Ming suddenly seemed to remember something, turning toward his friend with a look of curiosity and respect. "Dean, I don't know if we'll be lucky enough to meet the Blue Lightning Marquis today. My students have long admired the Grandmaster's name and want to seek his guidance directly."
When Flender heard this, a flicker of complexity flashed across his eyes, but his smile remained as he pushed his crystal glasses up. "You mean Xiao Gang? He just said he'd be back soon after visiting his nephew. By the way, the opposing team's captain today is his nephew."
As they spoke, the door to the box gently opened. Two people entered, and in front stood Yu Xiaogang, his face stiff and his eyes gloomy. Unlike the fallen man from years ago, now, despite his still rigid expression, there was a faint spark in his brow, and his walk seemed more confident. This change was inseparable from his current status as the Blue Lightning Marquis and the growing fame of Shrek Academy.
Behind him was the tall youth Yu Tianheng, captain of the Emperor Battle Team that lost to Shrek today.
Yu Xiaogang walked straight to the empty seat beside the main seat, sat down, and nodded lightly to Flender and Zhao Wuji—a gesture considered a greeting.
Soon, his gaze fell upon Qin Ming.
Qin Ming immediately stood, bowed respectfully, and lowered his posture. "Qin Ming greets Blue Lightning Marquis."
This title, "Blue Lightning Marquis," caused the corners of Yu Xiaogang's stiff mouth to lift imperceptibly, a helpful gleam flashing in his eyes. But he quickly returned to a serious and old-fashioned look, raising his hand to help. "No need to be so formal. Teacher Qin is an elite instructor of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy and a proud disciple of my friend—I can only be considered your elder."
"This Blue Lightning Marquis is just an alias. You can call me Grandmaster."
"Yes, Grandmaster." Qin Ming remained respectful. He knew that this seemingly ordinary, middle-aged man before him not only had profound theoretical knowledge, but was also the youngest son of Yu Yuanzhen, the current head of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, and now a Marquis of the Empire. No matter how you looked at it, he deserved such caution.
Yu Xiaogang was clearly satisfied with Qin Ming's attitude. As a genius Spirit Emperor aspiring to the Douluo title, Qin Ming's respect greatly satisfied Yu Xiaogang's inner desire for recognition.
The banquet continued, and the atmosphere grew even warmer. As they exchanged toasts, everyone discussed the details of today's battle, anecdotes from the spirit master world, and rumors from the continent. After three rounds of wine, the five flavors of the dishes became clear.
Yu Tianheng, who had been silent and quietly eating, suddenly put down his chopsticks, looked up at Qin Ming, and said, "Teacher Qin, there's something... I want to tell you first."
Everyone's eyes focused on him. Yu Tianheng took a deep breath, as if making a decision. "I intend to... soon begin withdrawal procedures from Heaven Dou Royal Academy. Then... I'll transfer to Shrek Academy and learn from my uncle."
"What?!" The direct genius of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was actually planning to give up Heaven Dou Royal Academy and transfer to Shrek Academy, which was far inferior in size and resources. Qin Ming's eyes shone, his smile deepening, and he glanced at Yu Xiaogang—who sat beside him, unfazed, as if he had expected it.
Qin Ming was stunned at first, but quickly recovered, a smile breaking out—not one of disappointment, but of joy. "Tianheng, this is your decision to make. If you've thought it through, and truly come to Shrek Academy, I'd be happy to welcome you as both a teacher and a senior."
"I've personally experienced Dean Flender's teaching, and now, under the master's guidance, you may be able to break free from some restraints and embark on a broader path."
Qin Ming said this sincerely, and he truly believed that Yu Tianheng would grow more at Shrek than at Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
Yu Tianheng nodded, saying nothing more, sitting quietly.
While everyone digested this news, a rhythmic knock sounded at the door.
"Please come in," Flender called.
The door opened, and a middle-aged man in a neat black formal suit entered, his face displaying a professional and enthusiastic smile. His gaze swept quickly around the room, finally resting on Flender in the main seat and Yu Xiaogang beside him.
It was the general manager of the Suotuo Soul Arena.
"Dean Flender, honored guests, good evening. I apologize for interrupting," the official said humbly, pulling out a beautifully crafted soul guidance card and offering it with both hands to Flender. "This is per our agreement—all the rewards for today's team match and victory, as well as a bonus for breaking the attendance record, have been credited to this gold card."
Flender's eyes flashed instantly. He took the card as if grasping treasure, rubbing his fingers over its surface as if the golden soul coin's glow had already reflected in his eyes. Today, Shrek Academy received a fixed allocation from the imperial treasury and was no longer as poor as before, but Flender's "greed for gold" had become second nature. Who would ever think it was too much?
"Much appreciated! Your arena is truly reliable!" Flender grinned widely, storing the card with great care.
But after delivering the reward, the manager did not leave immediately. His smile took on a subtle shape, and he turned to Yu Xiaogang.
"If I may ask... Is this Blue Lightning Marquis, Lord Yu Xiaogang, who was conferred by His Majesty?"
Yu Xiaogang frowned slightly, a little displeased that the other addressed him by title rather than as "Grandmaster," but still nodded modestly. "That's correct. But I prefer to be called 'Grandmaster.'"
"Of course, Grandmaster, my apologies," the manager smiled. "There's one more thing: Is the young soul master from your courtyard team, registered in the Soul Arena as 'Thousand-Hand Asura,' the invincible genius Tang Yin? Has he recently ranked third on the Hidden Dragon List?"
As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the box instantly became a bit tense. Yu Xiaogang frowned deeper, sensing that the manager's question was about more than just confirming Tang Yin's identity.
"So what if he is?" Yu Xiaogang's voice lowered, tinged with irritation and wariness. "Why do you ask?"
…