Chapter 33: Zhexian Returns, Letting the Imperial Fighting Team Battle Shrek Once More

Zhexian walked slowly into the Education Committee Hall, his gaze as calm as water; he was dressed in white as pristine as snow, and petals drifted lightly with the wind.

"Teacher Zhexian!" the three Committee Members shouted in unison, their faces full of surprise and respect.

Meng Shenji, Bai Baoshan, and Zhilin stepped forward in a hurry, not caring in the slightest about the livid face of Prince Xuexing standing to the side.

Zhexian nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the crowd before finally resting on Prince Xuexing, and he said indifferently, "Does that fellow Dugu Bo know you are slandering me behind my back?"

Prince Xuexing's complexion turned livid in an instant, a flash of panic crossing his eyes, but he quickly masked it.

He gave a cold snort and, forcing himself to remain calm, said, "Zhexian, you have certainly arrived at a convenient time. I was merely speaking the truth; you abandoned the Imperial Fighting Team and have been nowhere to be seen for years, yet you would forbid this Prince from discussing it?"

Upon hearing this, the corners of Zhexian's mouth lifted slightly, revealing a faint, indifferent smile.

"Yu Tianheng and the others do not need excessive guidance from me; aside from some combat techniques, the other academy teachers will naturally make the arrangements."

Prince Xuexing gave a cold laugh, his tone carrying a hint of mockery: "Zhexian, are you aware that a few days ago, the Imperial Fighting Team was defeated by Shrek Academy at the Great Soul Arena? The dignified strongest team of Tiandou Royal Academy actually lost to a little-known, obscure academy—it is truly a total loss of face!"

Once these words were spoken, the atmosphere inside the Education Committee Hall suddenly stalled. The expressions of the three Committee Members changed slightly, clearly dissatisfied with Prince Xuexing for exposing their shortcomings so bluntly.

Meanwhile, the members of Shrek Academy were secretly smug, appearing quite satisfied with this victory.

Especially that fat man in red clothes and a lecherous-looking uncle wearing goggles; the two leaned against each other, looking around with triumphant expressions.

Zhexian raised an eyebrow upon hearing this, a flash of surprise in his eyes. He turned to look at the members of Shrek Academy, his gaze sweeping over Tang San, Dai Mubai, Ning Rongrong, and the others, before revealing a faint smile: "Oh? Such a thing happened? It seems the strength of Shrek Academy is indeed extraordinary."

His tone was calm, yet carried a hint of appreciation.

Clearly, he was surprised that Shrek Academy could defeat the Imperial Fighting Team, but he also quickly understood the reason behind it.

"That kid Yu Tianheng must have underestimated the enemy," Zhexian said softly, his tone carrying a hint of understanding. He knew the strength of the Imperial Fighting Team all too well; if not for underestimating the enemy, given their strength, they would never have easily lost to such an academy.

However, this Shrek Academy still had some ability.

Seeing that Zhexian was not enraged as he had expected, but instead showed appreciation for Shrek Academy, Prince Xuexing became even more displeased and said coldly, "Zhexian, do you not feel that this matter damages the reputation of Tiandou Royal Academy? If word gets out, where will our academy's face be left?"

Zhexian smiled indifferently, his gaze resting calmly on Prince Xuexing: "Victory and defeat are common occurrences for soldiers. The Imperial Fighting Team lost, which only shows they still have shortcomings. As for you, Prince Xuexing, as an administrator of the academy, you do not think about how to improve the students' strength, but instead quibble over face here—this is putting the cart before the horse."

Prince Xuexing was rendered speechless by Zhexian's words; his face was livid, yet he could not refute them. He gave a cold snort, flicked his sleeves, and said, "Fine, since you are so protective of Shrek Academy, then I shall see how you handle this matter!"

Zhexian ignored Prince Xuexing further and turned to the three Committee Members, saying indifferently, "Since Shrek Academy could defeat the Imperial Fighting Team, why don't we hold another exchange match? If Shrek Academy can win against the Imperial Fighting Team again, it will prove their strength is indeed qualified to remain at Tiandou Royal Academy. How about that?"

The three Committee Members looked at each other upon hearing this, then nodded in agreement.

Meng Shenji stepped forward and said with a smile, "Teacher Zhexian's suggestion is excellent; we can take this opportunity to let the students of both academies spar with each other and progress together."

Flender also smiled slightly, cupped his hands, and said, "Many thanks to Senior Zhexian for giving us this opportunity; Shrek Academy will certainly give it our all."

Zhexian nodded, his gaze sweeping over the members of Shrek Academy once more, his tone carrying a hint of anticipation: "I look forward to seeing your performance."

Upon hearing this, a flash of confidence appeared in the eyes of the Shrek Academy members.

After all, they had already beaten the Imperial Fighting Team once!

Tang San stepped forward and said respectfully, "Rest assured, Senior, we will definitely give it our all and not live up to your expectations."

Zhexian smiled slightly and said nothing.

Seeing that things had reached this point and knowing that staying any longer would only be asking for humiliation, Prince Xuexing swept a cold glance over the crowd and turned to leave the Education Committee Hall.

With the departure of Prince Xuexing, the atmosphere inside the hall suddenly became much more relaxed.

Zhexian's arrival not only resolved the tense situation just now but also added a sense of anticipation to the exchange between Shrek Academy and Tiandou Royal Academy.

However, just at this moment, Ning Rongrong suddenly walked out from the Shrek Academy group.

Her steps were somewhat hesitant, but her gaze was exceptionally firm.

She walked up to Zhexian, lowered her head slightly, her eyes slightly moist, and her voice trembled: "Long time no see, Senior Zhexian... I... I have something I want to tell you."

Zhexian looked at her indifferently, then asked softly in a gentle tone, though his gaze carried a hint of faint detachment.

"Ning Rongrong? What do you want to say?"

Ning Rongrong nodded, took a deep breath, and looked up directly into Zhexian's eyes; although her voice was somewhat choked, she still said it: "Can we go outside to talk?"

Once these words were spoken, the entire Education Committee Hall fell into silence.

Everyone looked at Ning Rongrong in surprise, and even the members of Shrek Academy revealed expressions of confusion. They had never heard that Ning Rongrong knew a teacher from Tiandou Royal Academy.

Zhexian nodded slightly, his gaze remaining as calm as water, as if he were not surprised by Ning Rongrong's request.

He turned and walked slowly toward the outside of the Education Committee Hall, with Ning Rongrong following closely behind; her steps were light, yet carried a hint of nervousness that was difficult to hide.

The two figures disappeared at the doorway, and the atmosphere inside the Education Committee Hall suddenly became subtle.

Oscar stood in the Shrek Academy group, his brows locked in a frown, his eyes revealing a hint of unease and jealousy.

He stared fixedly at the doorway, his fists clenching unconsciously, and an indescribable emotion surged in his heart.

"Rongrong... how could she know this teacher? And this teacher is so handsome..." Oscar muttered to himself, his tone carrying a hint of disappointment and confusion.

Dai Mubai patted Oscar on the shoulder and comforted him: "Little Ao, don't overthink it; Rongrong might just have some private matters to discuss with this teacher."

Ma Hongjun also leaned over and said with a grin, "That's right, Little Ao, don't let your imagination run wild. Rongrong is one of our Shrek people; nothing will happen."

(End of chapter)