Duolou: After taking advice, I became Supreme!

Yunfeng looked at Flander, who had blocked their path, and asked casually, "Oh, Dean Flander, do you need something else?"

Flander felt a bit of relief at this. If they were willing to talk, then there was still room for negotiation. Knowing Yunfeng was the key figure among them, Flander aimed to get him on board first.

"Look, that wasn't my intention. You all know that, right? I only said those things because I want you to improve. I didn't mean to follow you around!"

Hearing this, Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun were dumbfounded. Was this really their dean? Something felt off.

But Ning Rongrong, never one to let things slide, tilted her head with a smirk. "Flander, didn't you give us two choices? Either I leave or I follow the rules?"

"I could do both, but have you considered that you gave us a task to run twenty laps around Shrek before dark? You wanted to push us, but if you set impossible goals, isn't that a bit much?"

Flander's face darkened, and he finally lowered his head, admitting, "You're right. That was wrong of me. I only wanted to maintain some respect while teaching you, but I went about it poorly. I apologize."

Dai Mubai, who knew the power of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan on the continent, had originally admired Flander's courage for standing up to Ning Rongrong, the clan's beloved princess. But seeing Flander apologize, that admiration quickly faded.

Ning Rongrong, not one to hold a grudge, felt less angry after Flander's apology. She asked him, "So, are you hoping we'll stay?"

Flander hesitated, then nodded. Ning Rongrong turned to the others, who all looked at Yunfeng. Sighing, Yunfeng finally addressed Flander, "Dean, I understand you want the best for us, and we'll follow any training to improve our strength. But don't interfere in our personal lives. We're individuals, not objects you own."

Flander sighed deeply and nodded. "Understood."

Seeing his acceptance, Yunfeng and the others smiled. "Well, in that case, we have no problem. It was a small matter, really; the punishment was just too harsh."

"Oh, what class are we having tonight?"

Grateful for the change in topic, Flander quickly responded, "It's a surprise. I admit I handled things poorly, but as for training, you must follow my lead. This is for your own good."

"Tonight, you'll experience your first lesson at Shrek. Each of you will complete your own course. Don't say I didn't warn you—if you don't perform well, you'll be exhausted."

Eager to move past the awkward moment, Flander motioned for them to follow and took off toward the outskirts of the academy. The group hurried after him, his pace allowing them to see each other's strengths.

Unsurprisingly, Yunfeng was right behind Flander, thanks to his ability to fly. Following Yunfeng was Zhu Zhuqing, whose agility as an attack-type spirit master gave her an advantage in straight-line speed over Tang San's Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track. Tang San and Dai Mubai came next, with Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Ma Hongjun trailing slightly behind.

The entire way, Flander said nothing more, nor did Yunfeng and the others speak up, still processing the conversation they'd just had.

Soon, they saw Flander's destination—Soto City.

Shrek Academy was close to Soto City, and it didn't take long to reach the south gate. Soto City, located in the Barak Kingdom, had no need for heavy security and kept its gates open 24/7.

The group of eight entered the lively city. Although it was nighttime, Soto City was as bustling as ever, even livelier than during the day. The streets were illuminated, and vendors who only operated at night filled the sidewalks with snacks and trinkets.

Yunfeng, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Tang San had stayed in Soto City for a couple of days before, but this was their first time out at night. Yunfeng and Tang San took it in stride, while Xiao Wu's excitement was palpable as she glanced around, fascinated by the sights.

Only Zhu Zhuqing seemed unfazed by the city's vibrancy. She kept her cold expression, her gaze fixed solely on Yunfeng, unaffected by her surroundings.

Chapter 84: Misleading Concepts

Zhu Zhuqing's demeanor gives the impression that, to her, no one else matters aside from Yun Feng. This isn't surprising, given Zhu Zhuqing's relentless drive; she's practically the epitome of hard work.

In contrast, Ma Hongjun's eyes seem almost overworked, darting all around at the sights on the streets. Though he's not as curious as Xiao Wu about everything, his gaze constantly flits toward women with prominent figures, regardless of age. Fortunately, he's positioned at the back of the group, so his behavior goes unnoticed by the others.

Flender suddenly pauses, observing the sky, and mutters, "There's still time. Follow me." He leads them into an unassuming teahouse on the side of the street, where they sit around a round table. Flender orders eight cups of the cheapest tea. Xiao Wu frowns at the sight of the tea, full of leaf fragments, and asks if their first class will be held there. Ning Rongrong, displeased with the tea, immediately pays to have it upgraded, demanding the finest tea instead.

Flender, seemingly delighted, sips the tea and finally says, "Of course not. Your classroom is over there." He gestures outside. Following his direction, Tang San and the others see a towering building in the distance. At nearly 100 meters tall, it looms large and ominous against the night sky, its lights flickering faintly. Dai Mubai, recognizing the place, anxiously questions Flender, hinting at the extreme nature of their training.

Maintaining his serious tone, Flender explains that as monsters, they require a training approach that matches. He emphasizes that while each of them has unique spirits and training methods, the academy can only guide them in effectively using their martial souls, obtaining better soul rings, and gaining practical experience. However, the key to developing their potential lies in real combat.

Yun Feng finds Flender's reasoning almost laughable, as it seems to imply that the academy provides little more than a space for battles, leaving the students to fend for themselves. No wonder Shrek's graduation rate is so low; few students could endure this rigorous approach.

Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun exchange a resigned glance, understanding what's in store. Ning Rongrong, Tang San, Xiao Wu, and the ever-cool Zhu Zhuqing all display curious, questioning expressions. Flender further clarifies that this enormous building is the city's Great Spirit Arena, a significant landmark and an indicator of a city's or nation's strength. He explains that it's a place for soul masters to test their skills in battle, revered as a neutral power established by seven major soul master families and unaffiliated with either the Heaven Dou Empire or Spirit Hall.

Tang San, frowning, asks why such a prestigious profession as soul mastering would need a venue like this, where they perform in front of audiences. Flender admits he doesn't personally enjoy the Great Spirit Arena's atmosphere but acknowledges it as a critical venue to display a soul master's value and prestige.

He continues by explaining that the Great Spirit Arena has its own ranking system. Each soul master, upon victory in their first match, earns a badge, which upgrades as they accumulate points. The badge ranks are named according to mineral types, from Iron at the lowest, followed by Copper, Silver, Gold, Amethyst, Sapphire, Ruby, and Diamond.

Flender's eyes gleam as he informs the group that each of them must earn a Silver Spirit Badge before graduating. He emphasizes that this goal is not easily achieved, asking Dai Mubai to explain the requirements and their records after participating in combat here for over a year.

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