He paused, gazing at the youthful and energetic figures outside the window, his tone tinged with longing:
"If they were to join, perhaps..."
Before Qin Ming could finish his sentence, a steady and familiar voice interrupted him from the office doorway:
"Even if they are from Shrek Academy, you still have a chance to bring them to Heavenly Dou Royal Academy."
The voice wasn't loud, yet carried an undeniable certainty.
Everyone in the office was startled by the sound, several people looking up simultaneously toward the source.
The newcomer was Yu Xiaogang.
He walked directly to a chair and sat down, his back ramrod straight, his face expressionless.
Only his eyes were deep as pools, making it impossible to guess what he was thinking.
Qin Ming watched him, his brow slightly furrowed.
This person looked unfamiliar—he had never seen him during his time studying at Shrek Academy.
Full of puzzlement, his eyes scanned Yu Xiaogang repeatedly, privately speculating about the other's identity.
Seeing Qin Ming's confusion, Flender, though somewhat dismissive of Yu Xiaogang's earlier words, still introduced him:
"Qin Ming, this is my old friend, known in the martial world as 'Grandmaster.' He currently teaches at our Shrek Academy."
"Grandmaster?"
Qin Ming's heart stirred, instantly understanding. Throughout the entire Soul Master World, the only one worthy of the title "Grandmaster" was the Yu Xiaogang famous for his theories.
Qin Ming's expression quickly shifted to one of respect, though deep down he thought the man's theories weren't particularly impressive.
But he still had to maintain appearances.
Qin Ming stepped forward, slightly bowing as he said, "I've long admired Grandmaster's reputation. Meeting you today is truly an honor for Qin Ming."
Yu Xiaogang merely gave a slight nod without saying more, his demeanor still calm.
Qin Ming didn't feel awkward, his smile unwavering as he continued:
"For Grandmaster to condescend to teach at Shrek Academy is truly the academy's fortune. With your guidance, the students are sure to benefit greatly."
Hearing these obviously flattering words, the corner of Yu Xiaogang's mouth lifted almost imperceptibly, a faint trace of pride flashing in his eyes.
That fleeting expression was as quick as a shooting star, yet it was still caught by Flender and the others present.
Seeing Yu Xiaogang's calm expression, Qin Ming couldn't resist probing further:
"Grandmaster, what did you mean by your earlier words?"
His eyes were full of curiosity, even carrying a hint of barely concealed anticipation, clearly very interested in Yu Xiaogang's thoughts.
Before Yu Xiaogang could speak, Flender exploded.
He slammed the table and stood up, pointing angrily at Yu Xiaogang as he shouted:
"Xiaogang, did you come here specifically to undermine me?"
His voice rose sharply, his tone filled with obvious fury.
He glared fiercely at Yu Xiaogang, his eyes seeming to spit fire, as if trying to force the other to retract his words with his intense gaze.
"These children belong to Shrek! Now and forever!"
Flender's tone was resolute, every word dripping with unwavering determination.
His hands were clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white, his entire body trembling slightly with emotion, his chest heaving violently.
"Can't we provide them with a good education at Shrek Academy?"
He questioned once more, his voice echoing through the modest office.
One must understand—for these children, Flender had nearly exhausted all his resources.
Though Shrek was humble, it embodied their collective life's work—how could he allow others to covet it so easily?
Yu Xiaogang lifted his gaze to the agitated Flender, his expression remaining unperturbed as he spoke calmly:
"I'm not here to undermine you."
He paused, his eyes sweeping over the students training outside the window.
"The Royal Academy has its resources, Shrek has its trials—the two aren't necessarily incompatible."
"Compatible? How?"
Flender retorted, his neck stiff with obvious disbelief.
Yu Xiaogang didn't look at Flender. Instead, his gaze settled on Qin Ming, his tone even yet resolute:
"Qin Ming, if I recall correctly, the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy conducts student exchanges with other institutions."
Qin Ming was taken aback, then nodded. "Master is correct. The academy does have such arrangements. Are you suggesting..."
"My suggestion is to have Shrek's students study at the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy as exchange students for a period."
Yu Xiaogang stated plainly, his eyes once again drifting to the children training outside.
"The Royal Academy's resources—particularly its theoretical texts on Soul Masters and Simulated Training Fields—would benefit their growth at this stage."
Qin Ming glanced at Flender's livid expression, then at Yu Xiaogang's calm demeanor, his face clouded with hesitation:
"It would be an honor for the Royal Academy to exchange with our juniors, but..."
He trailed off, swallowing his words, his brow furrowed.
Yu Xiaogang had already guessed what Qin Ming left unsaid and continued:
"You're worried these children are too outstanding—that once they enter the Royal Academy, they'll be detained and unable to return, correct?"
Qin Ming nodded with a bitter smile, his tone laden with concern. "Master sees clearly."
"Although the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy is Heaven Dou City's premier institution on the surface, the quality of students they've recruited in recent years has declined severely!"
"The Heaven Dou Emperor has grown dissatisfied with the academy, and its higher-ups have become nearly obsessive in their craving for talented students."
He paused, lowering his voice further. "Our juniors' talents are among the finest across the entire continent."
"I truly fear that once they go, the academy will stop at nothing to retain them. The situation could become... difficult to manage."
Qin Ming's frown deepened, his tone growing graver:
"Moreover, the internal power struggles within the academy are deeply entangled. Various factions are constantly scheming for their own interests."
"Our juniors are pure-hearted and wholly dedicated to cultivation. If they accidentally become embroiled in those conflicts, it could severely hinder their mental state and growth."
As he spoke, he unconsciously shook his head, clearly well-acquainted with the chaos within the Royal Academy.
"As a teacher at the academy, I naturally hope it can attract more outstanding talents and restore its former glory."
"But I'm even more unwilling to see these exceptionally gifted children have their futures disrupted by external turmoil."
Qin Ming let out a long sigh, his gaze shifting between Flender and Yu Xiaogang, full of apprehension.
Yu Xiaogang, however, seemed to have anticipated this all along. Only after Qin Ming finished speaking did he slowly begin to respond.
"Qin Ming, you should know that in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament one year from now, the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy is qualified to send two teams to compete."
"One of them will undoubtedly be the Heaven Dou Royal Team One that you currently lead."
"But I presume the selection for the second competing team has yet to be finalized, am I right?"
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