Qin Ming looked at Qi Lin with a puzzled expression, then turned to Flender.
As a former student of Shrek Academy, he was well aware of how strong the teachers there were.
But… letting a child serve as a teacher? That didn't make any sense.
Still, when he considered Shrek Academy's notoriously terrible financial situation, and remembered how greedy the headmaster was, a thought suddenly occurred to him—
Could it be...
Was Qi Lin from a wealthy family?
Otherwise, how could the headmaster possibly agree to let him become a teacher at Shrek Academy?
Before Qin Ming could let his imagination run wild, Flender started to introduce Qi Lin to everyone.
With a sigh, he said, "You all probably think Xiao Wu is the most terrifyingly talented one in Shrek Academy."
"But what you don't know is—Qi Lin's talent far surpasses even hers."
"What!?" As soon as Flender said that, Qin Ming and the entire Heaven Dou Imperial Battle Team stared at Qi Lin in disbelief.
More talented than Xiao Wu?
Impossible!
Xiao Wu was only twelve or thirteen and already at Rank 38—a level they could only look up to in awe.
And now Flender was saying that Qi Lin's talent exceeded hers?
Was there really such a heaven-defying genius in this world?
Still, Qin Ming voiced his doubts: "Even if Teacher Qi Lin is incredibly talented, isn't he a little too young to be teaching?"
Just as Xiao Wu was about to lash out, Flender hurriedly explained, "That's not the case. Xiao Wu, Zhu Qing, and Rong Rong were all taught by Qi Lin. When it comes to teaching ability, even I can't compare to him."
That statement left Qin Ming and the Heaven Dou team completely stunned.
Qi Lin wasn't just monstrously gifted himself—he'd actually taught Xiao Wu?
Dugu Yan's eyes flickered with a strange light as she looked at Qi Lin.
She still vividly remembered how terrifying Xiao Wu's strength had been.
And now she learned that Xiao Wu had been taught by Qi Lin?
Not far away, Qin Ming, having regained his composure, turned his gaze toward Gu Yuena.
"This lady must be one of your academy's teachers as well, right?" he asked.
But Flender's mouth twitched slightly, and he shook his head. "Miss Gu Yuena is a friend of Qi Lin. She's just temporarily staying at our Shrek Academy."
Qin Ming: Alright… guessed wrong again.
Still, this friend of Qi Lin's was really something. Her beauty and grace left an unforgettable impression on nearly everyone who saw her.
Yet beneath that stunning appearance was an aura of nobility so subtle yet overwhelming that most people couldn't help but feel as if they were looking up at a mountain peak—distant and unattainable.
Qin Ming was no exception.
Afterward, he and the Shrek teachers chatted and caught up. While doing so, he comforted the Heaven Dou team, telling them that even he had once been a student at Shrek Academy and that losing to these monsters wasn't shameful.
Still, there was no denying that the Shrek students' talent far outshone that of the Heaven Dou team.
Though their average spirit power levels were lower, the Shrek students were several years younger—the Heaven Dou team was mostly around nineteen or twenty.
So after a brief period of dejection, the team members pulled themselves back together.
Meanwhile, somewhere during the conversation, Yu Tianheng and Yu Xiaogang left the VIP room.
When they returned, no one knew what was said between uncle and nephew, but Yu Tianheng's face now radiated excitement, his brow regaining the pride and confidence it once held.
The Heaven Dou team and Qin Ming exchanged curious glances. What could have happened to cause such a dramatic change in such a short time?
Yu Tianheng ignored their looks, his mind replaying what his uncle had just told him.
"Your complete defeat earlier wasn't just because of Xiao Wu's incredible talent," Yu Xiaogang had said. "It's because she used a special technique—one that amplifies spirit power to an incredible degree."
And Yu Xiaogang had promised to personally teach this technique to Yu Tianheng soon.
Just thinking about it made Yu Tianheng excited.
So that was it! Xiao Wu, a Soft Bone Rabbit Spirit Master, had completely crushed him not through raw power, but with technique.
With this technique in hand, he might not necessarily defeat her, but at the very least, he wouldn't lose so miserably again.
On the other side of the room, Yu Xiaogang sat down again, eyes resting on Qin Ming, who was happily chatting with Flender and the others.
Then, as if casually, he said, "Teacher Qin, if I remember correctly, the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy holds two team slots for the All-Continent Advanced Spirit Master Academy Tournament, right?"
Qin Ming was slightly taken aback but nodded. "That's correct. The team I lead is the first official team of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy."
Yu Xiaogang's stiff face curved slightly into a smile.
And that smile made Flender suddenly feel a sense of foreboding.
Sure enough, Yu Xiaogang continued, "Teacher Qin, do you think these children could join Heaven Dou Imperial Academy and replace the second team?"
The moment those words were spoken, the entire VIP room fell silent—except for the sound of Qi Lin cracking melon seeds.
Flender slammed the table and stood up abruptly, eyes locked onto Yu Xiaogang. "Xiaogang, what's that supposed to mean?"
Qin Ming quickly chimed in, "Yes, Grandmaster, what do you mean? I admit the younger generation at Shrek has truly exceeded my expectations, but Shrek Academy is still the blood, sweat, and tears of the headmaster and all the teachers here."
Yu Xiaogang waved his hand calmly, though a burning light flickered deep in his eyes.
He said solemnly, "Flender, I know Shrek Academy is your life's work. But don't forget—Shrek Academy has no right to participate in the All-Continent Advanced Spirit Master Academy Tournament."
"These children are all geniuses. That tournament is the perfect stage for them to shine, to temper themselves."
"Can you really be so selfish—so blinded by your own pride—that you'd let them miss out on such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?"
Every word struck like a hammer, and Flender was left speechless.
Seeing the opportunity, Yu Xiaogang pressed the advantage. "Besides, aside from us teachers, Shrek Academy doesn't even have a mimicry training environment. Keeping them here would only delay their growth."
Then, with deep emotion, he added, "Boss Fu, you've dedicated so many years to Shrek Academy. Isn't it time to let go—not just for the kids, but for your own sake too?"
As Qi Lin cracked more melon seeds, he watched the scene unfold with great interest.
Watching Yu Xiaogang's passionate performance, Qi Lin had to admit—his acting was top-notch.
But was this really all for the children's development?
Though Yu Xiaogang's words were inspiring, all Qi Lin saw in his eyes was selfish ambition.
He didn't care about the students' growth.
What he truly desired—was his own future glory.
Flender… was being morally coerced!