Qin Ming's heart jolted, and he abruptly looked up at Yu Xiaogang, a flicker of surprise flashing in his eyes.
This matter was still an undisclosed secret within the Royal Academy. Apart from a few high-ranking officials and core instructors, very few knew about it. How did this Master know?
Seeing the change in Qin Ming's expression, Yu Xiaogang knew he had guessed correctly. The corner of his mouth lifted in a barely noticeable arc.
"What if Shrek's students were to join as exchange students, forming a second team to represent the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy in the competition? What do you think?"
"This…"
Qin Ming was completely stunned. He had never considered such a possibility.
Letting Shrek's students represent the Royal Academy in the competition?
If this succeeded, it would solve the problem of selecting a second team while also preventing them from being forcibly retained.
Once the tournament ended and the exchange period concluded, they could naturally return to Shrek.
Flender also stopped glaring and frowned as he looked at Yu Xiaogang, clearly intrigued by the proposal.
"This way, our Shrek students can use the Royal Academy's resources to improve their strength!"
"And as participants, they can avoid unnecessary power struggles and focus on preparing for the competition."
"After the tournament, everyone returns to their rightful places. It's beneficial for both sides, don't you think?"
Qin Ming's gaze flickered, and the scales in his heart began to tip.
This proposal seemed to genuinely address all concerns…
As Qin Ming's former teacher, Flender naturally sensed that Qin Ming wanted to speak.
"Alright, Qin Ming, speak your mind! We old bones can still handle it!"
Qin Ming glanced at Flender and began to speak.
"Although the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy's regulations state that exchange students can also compete for that spot…"
Qin Ming's voice was slightly low, as if preparing for what he was about to say next.
"Under normal circumstances, exchange students rarely manage to secure that spot!"
"And there's another point: once the juniors achieve good results, the academy will undoubtedly announce to the public that they are students of the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy."
"At that point, any achievements the juniors earn will belong to the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy and will have no connection to Shrek Academy."
Flender's expression, already grim, darkened further upon hearing Qin Ming's words, as if water could drip from it.
He clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles turning white. "That's absolutely unacceptable!"
"The children's achievements must belong to Shrek! Why should they pave the way for the Royal Academy?"
Just as he was about to continue his outburst, Yu Xiaogang raised a hand to stop him. His tone was calm but carried an undeniable force.
"Flender, calm down first. Achievements are ultimately earned by the students themselves. Which academy's name they are attached to doesn't change their own strength or glory."
Seeing Flender's chest heaving violently, clearly still furious, Yu Xiaogang looked directly at him and asked word by word:
"Let me ask you a few questions. If you can answer them, I will never mention the children going to the Royal Academy again."
"First, can you provide the children with a simulated cultivation environment?"
"The kind of specialized facility that can enhance Martial Soul fusion and accelerate Soul Power circulation—does Shrek have that?"
"Second, can you guarantee they will qualify for the Continental Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament a year from now?"
"You and I both know that only officially registered regular academies are eligible to sign up. Is Shrek's current reputation sufficient?"
Yu Xiaogang's voice gradually rose, tinged with a hint of anguish:
"You should also understand the importance of a simulated cultivation environment for a Soul Master—these are things Shrek lacks!"
"We cannot let our own stubbornness and so-called emotions and ideals hinder the children's futures."
"They have talent and potential; they deserve better training and opportunities."
"Are you going to let them miss these life-changing possibilities because of your insistence?"
Yu Xiaogang grew more agitated as he spoke, his voice trembling slightly.
Flender remained silent, but his expression grew extremely complex, as if an intense struggle was raging within him.
He looked up at Yu Xiaogang, then glanced out the window at the students training outside.
His throat seemed clogged with cotton, all his words stuck there.
The muscles in his face twitched, complex emotions churning in his eyes, ultimately dissolving into a heavy sigh as his shoulders slumped in defeat.
Flender closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and when he opened them again, the struggle in his gaze had been replaced by a heavy sense of resignation.
He realized that the pride he had clung to might indeed be too insignificant in the face of the children's futures.
"Alright, Xiaogang, you're right."
He spoke, his voice laden with unshakeable weariness and helplessness, as if all his strength had been drained in an instant.
"Let's do as you say."
As the words fell, his once-straight spine bent slightly, and he seemed to age several years in that moment.
Flender sat in his chair, gazing out the window with empty eyes, the sharpness and vigor of the past completely gone.
Qin Ming watched his usually stubborn and competitive mentor reduced to this state, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He opened his mouth to speak but found any words of comfort would ring hollow.
He knew how deeply Flender felt about Shrek—it was a home he had built with half a lifetime of effort.
Now, for the sake of the children, he had to choose to "let go," at least for now. The bitterness of that decision was something only he could truly understand.
Seeing Flender's dejected state, Yu Xiaogang's expression softened slightly, and he spoke in a gentler tone:
"Flender, this isn't a compromise; it's to help them soar higher."
"Once the tournament is over, they'll return to Shrek. By then, they'll come back with even greater strength."
Flender didn't turn around, only letting out a soft "Mm," his voice as light as a breeze.
Silence once again filled the office. Sunlight streamed through the window lattice, casting the shadows of three figures, each lost in their own thoughts.
Qin Ming stood up and bowed slightly to Flender and Yu Xiaogang:
"Since both teachers have made the decision, I'll return now to report to the academy's higher-ups and finalize the exchange details as soon as possible."
He paused, looking at Flender, and added softly, "Teacher, please don't worry too much. The juniors won't forget Shrek."
Flender still didn't turn around, merely waving his hand to indicate Qin Ming could leave.
Qin Ming sighed and turned to leave the office.
The door closed softly, sealing away the silence and complex emotions within.
Seeing this, Yu Xiaogang also rose and left, giving Flender the space to process everything on his own.
Outside, Yu Tianheng saw Yu Xiaogang and quickly caught up with his steps.
Hearing the footsteps behind him, Yu Xiaogang did not turn around, his tone calm as he said:
"Tianheng, you've come. I wonder if you still recognize me?"
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