Gu Yuena's departure didn't stir up any waves. After all, she was never truly a part of Shrek Academy, and had always come and gone as she pleased.
After a brief round of goodbyes, everyone boarded the carriages that had been prepared in advance.
The horses pulling the carriages were personally selected by Qin Ming. They carried faint traces of powerful soul beast bloodlines, which gave them not only exceptional endurance but also impressive speed.
Naturally, Qi Lin, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong shared one carriage, prompting waves of envy from members of the Heaven Dou Imperial Battle Team, especially Osler and the others.
Watching the carriage disappear into the distance, Ma Hongjun glanced at Yu Tianheng, who was chatting quietly with the Master, his face glowing with smiles. Then he tugged Dai Mubai aside to whisper in private.
"Boss Dai, tell me something…"
"That Imperial Battle Team has two gorgeous girls. With Qi Lin's personality, do you really think he's going to hold back?"
Now that Qi Lin was gone, Ma Hongjun didn't even bother calling him "Teacher" anymore.
Dai Mubai's mind instantly conjured up images of Qi Lin and Zhu Zhuqing acting intimately. A trace of jealousy flashed across his eyes.
He hadn't actually witnessed anything like that with his own eyes, but seeing how Qi Lin had Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong glued to him like conjoined twins, he couldn't believe that Zhu Zhuqing had escaped his charm.
For all he knew, in some corner where he couldn't see, Zhu Zhuqing—who always kept a cold face toward him—might be as docile as a kitten in front of Qi Lin.
Just thinking about it made his blood boil.
As for Qi Lin? Dai Mubai could only grit his teeth in silence.
At first, he'd tried to befriend Qi Lin. After learning about his "preferences," he had even tried to win him over by offering a pair of beautiful twin sisters.
What he hadn't expected was that Qi Lin had suddenly started playing the "righteous gentleman" card, treating Dai Mubai's subtle hints with complete disdain.
Later, Dai Mubai invited him several more times but was coldly rejected each time.
From then on, Dai Mubai gave up on befriending Qi Lin and instead started focusing his energy on getting closer to Tang San.
Thankfully, his efforts weren't in vain—or so Dai Mubai believed. At the very least, Tang San now called him "Boss Dai" with genuine warmth.
"Boss Dai? What are you thinking about?"
Ma Hongjun waved a hand in front of Dai Mubai's face when he didn't respond.
Dai Mubai snapped out of his daze and chuckled, then lowered his voice. "Nothing much. Just thinking... If Yu Tianheng finds out Qi Lin stole his girl after he gets back, he might just drop dead from anger."
"Don't forget—Yu Tianheng is a core member of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. If Qi Lin really did steal his woman, things could get very interesting."
"That clan is famous for being fiercely protective."
Ma Hongjun's beady eyes lit up with glee. "Man, I'd love to see that happen!"
Just as the two were gossiping, Yu Tianheng seemed to sense something. He glanced toward Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun, a faint unease rising in his heart.
—
Meanwhile, three carriages sped down the official road. Despite their speed, the ride inside was surprisingly smooth, without a single jolt.
Inside one of the carriages, Xiao Wu stretched her back lazily. "It's been ages since I last rode a carriage. This one's surprisingly comfy! Way better than the ones we used before."
"This kind of carriage is nothing," Ning Rongrong said with a huff. "If you're willing to call me Big Sis from now on, I'll give you one ten times more luxurious."
"No—make that ten carriages!"
Now that Gu Yuena—their mutual "big threat"—was gone, Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong immediately resumed their fiery rivalry, each trying to outshine the other.
Zhu Zhuqing, however, remained silent. She quietly peeled a fruit and handed it to Qi Lin.
"Hm?" Qi Lin blinked in surprise, then took the fruit and gently patted her head. "Zhuqing is the best."
Hearing his words, a faint smile broke through Zhu Zhuqing's usually cold expression.
Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong exchanged a glance and instantly stopped bickering.
If they kept arguing… someone might really end up taking the throne.
—
Ten days passed in the blink of an eye.
Qi Lin and the members of the Heaven Dou Imperial Battle Team finally arrived at Heaven Dou City.
Over the course of the journey, the carriages occasionally stopped for rest, which gave Qi Lin some time to interact with the others and get a general sense of their personalities.
Osler was a silent type, rarely speaking, but whenever he did, he said something completely unexpected.
Yufeng was the exact opposite—bubbly and eager to befriend Qi Lin, constantly pestering him for tips on how to woo girls.
The twin brothers Shi Mo and Shi Mo were as steady and honest as their martial souls, loyal and simple.
Ye Lingling was introverted and quiet, the type of model student who sat silently and never caused trouble.
As for Dugu Yan—she was straightforward and commanding, the clear "big sister" of the group. She held great authority within the team and looked out for the others with a mature sense of responsibility. Compared to Xiao Wu's brash boldness, Dugu Yan was far more composed.
—
Heaven Dou Imperial Academy wasn't located within the city itself, but nestled in the mountains several dozen miles away. It occupied an expansive area carved into the mountainside.
Once they entered the academy's boundaries, the group disembarked from their carriages and climbed a long staircase of white jade.
The main campus was built halfway up the mountain, while the various simulated training environments were spread across the mountain base, summit, and back slopes.
Because students spent most of their time in these training areas, the main campus appeared rather deserted.
Qin Ming turned to the battle team and said, "You can all head back and rest. I'll take Qi Lin and the others to see the three elders."
Yufeng grinned. "No need! We'd like to see how those three elders react once they learn about Qi Lin's talent."
Qin Ming glanced around. The others clearly shared Yufeng's curiosity.
So he simply nodded. "Very well, let's all go together."
With that, he led the group to the Committee Hall.
As the doors opened, Qin Ming stepped inside first.
Seated within were three elderly men in black robes, all exuding gentle auras.
Seeing him enter, the elder in the center smiled warmly. "Teacher Qin, you've returned."
Qin Ming respectfully bowed. "Thank you for your concern, Elders. The mission was a success, and the students gained valuable experience."
The middle elder nodded. "With you leading them, we had no worries."
"Tell us—anything significant happen on this trip?"
Qin Ming straightened and said solemnly, "Indeed, there's one extremely important matter I must report."
"Go on."
With that, Qin Ming recounted in full detail the events that had occurred in Suotuo City—especially the Heaven Dou Imperial Battle Team's defeat and the abilities of the Shrek Academy students.
At first, the elders didn't seem particularly fazed. But as Qin Ming described the battle and the students, their expressions gradually turned to shock.
And when he finally mentioned Qi Lin, all three elders shot to their feet in unison. Their eyes widened like copper bells as they stared at Qin Ming in disbelief.
"Teacher Qin—is this true?!"
The central elder asked urgently.
Qin Ming chuckled. "Every word is true. Teacher Qi Lin and the others are just outside."
"Quickly—bring them in, bring them in!"