After a short pause, under the watchful eyes of everyone, Flender let out a long sigh, his gaze filled with sorrow.
"I understand."
He then looked at Qin Ming and forced a smile. "Little Ming, let's get to the point. If these kids join the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, will they be able to enter the second team?"
Qin Ming frowned slightly as he glanced at the expression on Flender's face.
"Dean, Shrek Academy is your life's work…"
"No need for all that. Just answer me—can they or can't they?"
Seeing that Flender was determined, Qin Ming could only nod. "Their talent surpasses even Tianheng and Yan Zi's. If they join the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, the three teaching supervisors will definitely value them highly. Getting into the second team will be no problem at all."
Flender nodded slowly.
"Good. In that case…"
"I'll take the little monsters of Shrek Academy and join Heaven Dou Imperial Academy."
Then he turned to Zhao Wuji, Shao Xin, and the others and said in a seemingly relaxed tone, "Old friends, looks like we've found a place to retire!"
Hearing this, the others looked at Flender's expression and showed relieved smiles.
"Yeah… a place to retire isn't so bad."
Ever since Qi Lin and Yu Xiaogang arrived, they hadn't done much teaching, so they didn't really feel opposed to the change. Retirement sounded pretty good.
In truth, when they first founded Shrek Academy alongside Flender, their goal had always leaned more toward settling down anyway.
Flender and Qin Ming soon began discussing the journey to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy.
Originally, the plan was simple: travel straight to the capital. But just then, Yu Xiaogang suddenly jumped in with a new idea.
He wanted to imitate the Emperor Team's path—fighting their way from Suotuo City's Spirit Arena to Heaven Dou City, all under the banner of "training the kids' team coordination skills."
Qi Lin immediately interrupted with a deadpan expression. "Master, how is that even useful?"
"The Emperor Team already did that, but even they aren't a match for Xiao Wu and the others. What's the point of fighting the teams they already beat?"
Yu Xiaogang's expression stiffened, clearly displeased by Qi Lin's lack of support.
Still, he insisted, "How do you know it's pointless? And besides, we don't have to fight the Emperor Team's leftovers. If the Spirit Elder teams aren't strong enough, we can just challenge Spirit Ancestor teams. That'll be more of a test."
Qi Lin was speechless. "Spirit Ancestor teams? With your plan, aside from Xiao Wu, Tang San, and Dai Mubai, the others won't gain anything. There's already a huge strength gap within our team. Team battles aren't even that effective for training in this situation. If we try to challenge stronger opponents on top of that, we're just wasting time—and possibly putting people in danger."
"And if something does happen, will you take responsibility?"
Yu Xiaogang's face turned dark. He wanted to defend himself, but couldn't find the words.
Flender rubbed his forehead, helpless. Even the Emperor Team members could see that Shrek Academy was split between two factions—Qi Lin and Yu Xiaogang clearly had deep differences.
And Qi Lin wasn't done. He stood up and spoke firmly, "If Master insists, I won't stop you. But I definitely won't be joining."
Yu Xiaogang's face turned red with anger. He snapped, "If you won't travel with us, then at least leave Xiao Wu and the others behind!"
At those words, Tang San and Dai Mubai both lit up with hope. Without Qi Lin around, maybe they could finally make their moves.
Dai Mubai: Wait a minute... That doesn't make sense. Zhu Zhuqing and Qi Lin aren't even together. Besides, she's my fiancée...
Just then, Xiao Wu suddenly wrapped herself around Qi Lin's arm.
"Wherever Brother Qi Lin goes, I go."
Ning Rongrong gave a little huff, refusing to be left out. She clung to Qi Lin's other arm.
"I think Brother Qi Lin makes sense."
Only Zhu Zhuqing remained.
Though she said nothing, she quietly stood behind Qi Lin.
Qin Ming looked troubled and glanced at Flender. Flender merely spread his hands, indicating he was helpless.
During Qi Lin's time at the academy, Flender had come to fully acknowledge his ability. But Yu Xiaogang was also his old brother-in-arms, so whenever they disagreed, Flender had no choice but to stay neutral.
The Emperor Team members watching were stunned.
Shrek Academy had clearly split into two factions.
As they looked at the calm and confident Qi Lin, each member of the Emperor Team had their own thoughts.
Yu Tianheng: This guy actually dares to publicly embarrass my uncle? Just as Uncle said—arrogant and prideful, thinking no one is his equal.
Osler: This dude's got some serious presence. Wonder which of those gorgeous girls he's actually involved with?
Yu Feng: Damn it, life isn't fair! We're both men—why does he get to be surrounded by girls, while I'm still single?
Shi Mo and Shi Mo: "So jealous…"
Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling: He's great and all… but he does seem like a bit of a flirt.
Yu Xiaogang finally snorted coldly and declared, "Fine. Since you won't travel with us, we'll go on our own!"
In the end, Qi Lin and Xiao Wu's group traveled alongside the Emperor Team, while the rest of Shrek Academy took a different route.
However, just before they left, Yu Xiaogang called out to Yu Tianheng.
"Tianheng, you come with us."
Yu Tianheng's eyes lit up.
Traveling with his uncle meant he could finally learn that special technique his uncle had promised.
He immediately agreed.
Then he glanced back toward Dugu Yan and hesitated before turning to her. "Yan Zi, why don't you come with us too?"
He'd been pursuing her lately, and figured this trip would be the perfect opportunity to finally win her over.
Of course, he had two reasons for chasing Dugu Yan.
One was her beauty—who wouldn't like a pretty girl?
The other, more important reason, was her grandfather, Dugu Bo, a Titled Douluo.
He might be called the weakest Titled Douluo, but Dugu Bo could still slaughter most Spirit Masters short of the Title level.
In battle, one Dugu Bo was worth a million soldiers.
Dugu Yan giggled. "I don't mind going. But if I go with you, I'm worried Lingling will be lonely. So let's see what she decides."
She turned with a smile and looked at Ye Lingling.
Ye Lingling lifted her head slightly and looked toward Yu Xiaogang's group. Her eyes briefly passed over Ma Hongjun, Dai Mubai, and Oscar.
Seeing her gaze, Tang San remained calm. But the other three all puffed up their chests like peacocks.
Especially Ma Hongjun—his beady little eyes even started darting around.
The sight was so embarrassing that even Flender, standing off to the side, felt ashamed.
Damn it. Have these brats never seen a woman before?
If even Flender couldn't stand it, Ye Lingling certainly wouldn't.
She calmly shook her head. "Sister Yan, I'll travel with Teacher Qin instead."
"Oh…" Dugu Yan frowned slightly and looked at Yu Tianheng with an apologetic smile.
"Tianheng, looks like I can't go with you."
Yu Tianheng looked a little disappointed, but still said like a gentleman, "It's fine. We'll have plenty of time to be together later."
Dugu Yan smiled. "You're right!"