Among the three, only Qi Lin looked at Flender with a half-smile.
"This teacher, you should know that recruiting monsters isn't impressive—producing them is where true skill lies."
"But since you claim your school only recruits monsters, then your teachers must be very capable, right?"
"I wonder, what kind of knowledge do you usually teach your students?"
Upon hearing Qi Lin's question, Flender's expression stiffened slightly but quickly returned to his confident self.
"That's a great question!"
"As an open-minded academy, our Shrek Academy respects every student's individuality and freedom, encouraging them to explore and grow independently."
"Besides that, our teachers also pass on valuable combat experience and life lessons."
Listening to Flender's spirited explanation, Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu listened with great interest.
When Flender finished and looked at Qi Lin proudly—
Qi Lin still smiled as he said, "Teacher, if what you say is true—that you respect individuality and encourage self-growth—then can I understand it as simply letting students do as they please?"
"Students attend academies to learn. If teachers just let them roam freely, what's the point of coming to the academy at all?"
"Moreover, your school doesn't seem to have a mimetic cultivation environment, so it lacks any advantage in training resources."
"If it's just for some combat experience and moral teachings, then why not simply hire a private tutor or go to another academy?"
"After all, based on Shrek Academy's admission standards, any student who gets in could easily be recruited by other top academies as well."
"To put it bluntly, your teaching don't seem that necessary. I feel like I could do the job myself."
Flender frowned deeply at first, but after thinking it through, he realized... damn, the kid made some sense.
After a moment, Flender returned his gaze to Qi Lin.
Damn it, kid, are you here to stir up trouble?
But hearing Qi Lin's final sentence, Flender suddenly laughed and looked at Qi Lin with mock annoyance.
"Whether there's a problem with our academy is beside the point—but you're one arrogant brat!"
"Do you even know that our Shrek Academy's teachers are at least Soul Emperors? They've eaten more salt than you've eaten rice."
"So, you still think you're qualified to be one of them?"
With that, Flender smirked at Qi Lin.
However, before Qi Lin could reply, Xiao Wu spoke up proudly, "If Brother Lin says he can be a teacher at your academy, then he definitely can!"
Flender looked at Xiao Wu, speechless.
Girl, are you serious?
Did you not hear me just now? Our teachers are all at least Soul Emperors!
Even if you're blinded by love, use your brain before speaking!
A kid around twelve or thirteen years old—even if he started cultivating in the womb—there's no way he could reach Rank 60 at this age.
On the other side, Zhu Zhuqing looked thoughtful.
She hadn't expected such a rundown-looking academy to be hiding so many elites—even the weakest teacher was a Soul Emperor.
In that case, maybe it wasn't entirely without merit.
However…
Her gaze shifted to Qi Lin. Although they had only met a day ago, she knew very little about him—only that he was an auxiliary-type soul master.
But judging by Xiao Wu's trust in him, his soul power shouldn't be too low. He was likely at least a Soul Elder.
Facing Flender's doubt, Qi Lin smiled.
"My soul power is indeed not on par with your teachers. However..."
"Teaching a few students is more than within my capabilities."
As he spoke, Qi Lin snapped his fingers.
In the next second, four soul rings rose slowly beneath his feet.
White, Gold, Crimson, Green!
At first, when Flender saw Qi Lin's first ring, he was unimpressed—he even showed a hint of disdain.
Ten-year soul ring?
Is that it?
But as he looked further, he couldn't stay calm.
Gold, Crimson, Green?!
What the hell—are you trying to get every ring a different color?
And... a four-ring Soul Ancestor?
How old are you, kid?
Even Zhu Zhuqing stood there stunned in disbelief.
Then Qi Lin cheerfully said, "Let me introduce myself. I'm Qi Lin, twelve years old, a Rank 48 auxiliary-type Soul Ancestor."
"Is that not enough to teach a few students?"
Gulp—Flender audibly swallowed.
At that moment, he looked at Qi Lin like a starving wolf staring at prey.
Without hesitation, Flender declared, "I am Flender, principal of Shrek Academy. Today, it's my honor to witness your talent. Therefore, I sincerely invite you to join Shrek Academy as a teacher. Please accept!"
Flender was deadly serious—his tone filled with sincerity.
Though Qi Lin was only twelve, and his soul power still fell short of the other teachers, Flender had no doubt—
If they could recruit Qi Lin, it would be a win-win for the academy.
A twelve-year-old Rank 48 auxiliary soul master!
What kind of concept was that?
Put it this way—since auxiliary soul masters progress slower than combat types, no one on the continent had ever heard of an auxiliary-type Titled Douluo.
But Qi Lin...
With the talent he had already shown, as long as he didn't die young, he was destined to become an auxiliary Titled Douluo—
Possibly even a Rank 95 Super Douluo!
Flender didn't need a second glance—he could already tell Qi Lin was a genius far beyond even Oscar.
As a shrewd man, how could Flender not take this chance to get close to a future powerhouse?
He didn't care about anything else—just that bit of future gratitude.
His bold move left Zhu Zhuqing dumbfounded.
It was hard for her to imagine a powerhouse like Flender, at least Soul Emperor level, treating Qi Lin with such respect.
But thinking deeper, Qi Lin's talent was worth it.
He was clearly destined for Titled Douluo status!
If only her fiancé weren't Dai Mubai, but instead...
Thinking back to Dai Mubai's arrogant playboy attitude, then comparing him with the calm and composed Qi Lin, Zhu Zhuqing couldn't help but sigh and cast a slightly envious look at Xiao Wu.
Qi Lin, on the other hand, was briefly stunned by Flender's invitation.
But soon after, a thought arose in his mind.
He recalled helping Xiao Wu cultivate over the past two years—that nurturing feeling was far more enjoyable than being a student.
Especially when he managed to teach that silly girl something—the sense of accomplishment was through the roof.
So, maybe joining Shrek Academy for now wasn't a bad idea.
He could follow them to the capital and then decide what to do next.
Flender, seeing the flicker of interest on Qi Lin's face, quickly pressed his advantage.
"Well, my young friend, have you made up your mind?"
Qi Lin smiled and said, "Principal Flender, since you're so sincere, of course I'm willing to become a teacher at Shrek Academy."
"But I'll say this first—I have very high expectations when it comes to salary!"
He even rubbed his fingers together as he spoke.
Flender saw him getting ready to raise the price, and a suffocating feeling swept over him.
That's money, dammit! Even losing one gold coin hurts me!
But in order to secure Qi Lin as a teacher, Flender made his decision.
No risk, no reward!