Chapter 78: Joining the Heaven Dou Royal Academy

Time flew by; with Oscar and Ning Rongrong's assistance, everyone's combat power rose dramatically, and they need not worry about consumption, while the Imperial Fighting Team lost its sole support and its original advantage vanished.

After continuous fierce battles, members of the Imperial Fighting Team were gradually eliminated one by one, starting with the slower-moving Shi Brothers, whose martial souls were both Xuanwu Turtles; with Yang Xiong's successive attacks plus Dai Mubai's help, they quickly knocked out and eliminated the Shi Brothers.

As the fight progressed, the Imperial Fighting Team began to collapse, and finally Yu Tianheng, surrounded by everyone, beat the Imperial Fighting Team out of the competition, while Shrek Academy achieved a complete victory.

Yu Xiaogang, watching the scene on the Arena, wore a rather stern expression; he hadn't expected that facing such formidable opponents could still result in victory, and it seemed relatively easy.

Especially in this Soul Fighting Competition, Yang Xiong led the elimination of many, delivering the best performance among everyone, essentially outshining all present.

Director Flanders, on the other hand, seemed rather excited; it appeared this Soul Fighting Competition had made him a lot of money, especially since the Soul Fighting Arena set the Shrek Academy team's win rate extremely low, resulting in the highest payout ratio, plus the costly entry fee for the competition.

At that moment, a young man walked over, looking like the Imperial Academy's team leader Qin Ming.

Qin Ming bowed to Flanders and said, "Director Flanders, I'm back."

Flanders was unusually delighted: "You're Xiao Ming? I didn't expect you to become the Imperial Fighting Team's leader so quickly. Seeing the juniors' performance, you truly are a student I taught, truly a student of Shrek Academy."

……

After the two exchanged some business flattery, Qin Ming also stated the purpose of his visit.

"Director, I think these juniors have very good talent, but given Shrek Academy's resources, I'm afraid they can't be properly cultivated. I have an idea: could we make them exchange students between Heaven Dou Royal Academy and Shrek Academy? Then you could lead them to Heaven Dou Royal Academy, perhaps obtaining better resources."

Flanders' face darkened at the words: "Xiao Ming, you should know Shrek Academy is my life's work; I could never betray my students, nor go to Heaven Dou Royal Academy for the sake of advancement."

Qin Ming then had to elaborate on the exchange‑student plans, especially how they could use Heaven Dou Royal Academy's resources to further cultivate the juniors.

Just as Flanders hesitated, Yu Xiaogang spoke from beside him: "Flanders, I think this idea is good; perhaps we should consider the children?"

Flanders was a bit puzzled: "Xiaogang, even you support me taking the students to Heaven Dou Royal Academy? I'm afraid the students might not return, and I want every student to be realistic, to train diligently, so they can become true High-level Soul Masters and not waste their talent."

Yu Xiaogang shook his head: "Flanders, you should understand that these children's destination isn't the Shrek Academy in the Village, nor Suotuo City; only by truly going out can they have a broader sky."

"Moreover, Shrek Academy's resources are limited; it doesn't even have any Simulated Environment, let alone the Gold Soul Coins are nearly exhausted. How do you think the children should train next?"

Flanders fell silent at this; the very purpose of founding the academy was to cultivate students, yet the academy's facilities had clearly become shackles to their growth.

Finally, Flanders sighed: "Xiaogang, I know your little thoughts; have you considered what situation the children would face at Heaven Dou Royal Academy?"

"Qin Ming, you came out of Heaven Dou Royal Academy; you should know it only accepts noble disciples, and you know what kind of character those nobles have; you should be clearer than I am."

Qin Ming nodded: "Director, you still think of the students. The Heaven Dou Imperial Family has indeed poured massive resources into Heaven Dou Royal Academy, which also claims to be the Heaven Dou Empire's top academy, yet in recent years the students' qualifications haven't been high, and no true geniuses or strong individuals have been cultivated, so several leaders are indeed eager for talent."

"But the academy's atmosphere is indeed hard to describe; I'm afraid the juniors will be courted in various ways after enrollment, and I can't guarantee I won't be poached."

Flanders gave a wry smile: "It's rare that Xiao Ming still thinks of the academy. Xiaogang, tell us your purpose as well."

Yu Xiaogang nodded: "Teacher Qin Ming, I recall that according to Soul Master World rules, the Soul Master Grand Gathering in a year and a half should allocate two slots for Heaven Dou Royal Academy. If you can secure one slot for Shrek Academy's juniors, I think going to Heaven Dou Royal Academy is worthwhile."

"Of course I have another condition: Heaven Dou Royal Academy must accept all teachers as well as all students, since these students have been trained alongside the teachers for some time."

Flanders was a bit puzzled: "Xiaogang, you're doing this just to join that Soul Master Competition? Is it really worth it? Perhaps Shrek Academy might cease to exist."

Yu Xiaogang said: "Flanders, you forgot one issue. After we train students, they also need a platform to showcase their strength and talent. They can't all stay at the academy as teachers, nor become obscure free cultivators; the Soul Master Competition might be their biggest springboard."

"Moreover, on what basis do you think that once they go to Heaven Dou Royal Academy they cease to be Shrek Academy students? These children aren't ungrateful; they won't forget Shrek Academy's training."

……

The three then communicated, basically confirming Shrek Academy's future direction.

In the following days, Yang Xiong walked hand in hand with Ning Rongrong around the whole Suotuo City, a rare occasion in many years where Yang Xiong truly set aside all cultivation thoughts to stroll.

He had always placed cultivation above everything; he was either training his body or meditating, never considering any emotional matters, and even grew somewhat estranged from his own family.

After this confession, Yang Xiong felt a breath of life, at least he wouldn't be obsessively fixated on cultivation.

Back at the academy, when Flanders announced that Shrek Academy would merge into Heaven Dou Royal Academy, everyone showed varied expressions.

Yang Xiong was also unusually puzzled; if this happened, Heaven Dou Royal Academy would gather the direct disciples of the top three sects, making it truly interesting.

As for Lan Ba Academy, the Xue Beng Prince, and the like, Yang Xiong no longer gave them much thought; rather than go to Lan Ba Academy, it's better to truly stay at Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

Moreover, Yang Xiong understood the nature of this Royal Academy better than anyone; once at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, it would essentially be the time for the Shrek members to fragment, and at least Ma Hongjun wouldn't escape the myriad temptations.

Besides, returning to Heaven Dou City means being closer to home; he should start considering his family, not remain merely a monster who only cultivates.

Of course, Yang Xiong also knew what the biggest hidden danger of Heaven Dou City was, and even what the greatest hidden danger of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was. He had never dared to reveal it, fearing his Reincarnator secret would be exposed, possibly bringing unnecessary trouble.

However, if he reaches Heaven Dou Royal Academy, perhaps he could gradually guide others, possibly averting a disaster, ensuring his family's safety.

The other Shrek members didn't mind; they were merely going out to study, and the location didn't really matter.

Ning Rongrong made a snide comment, saying she had only been out playing for half a year, and couldn't believe that in a blink she was back in Heaven Dou City—what's the difference from going home?

The Shrek group moved extremely fast; within a few days they had prepared everything, even the broken sign was collected by Flanders, who seemed genuinely attached to Shrek Academy.

Soon the party left Suotuo City, heading for Heaven Dou City.

As for the future enrollment arrangements in Heaven Dou City, Qin Ming should have already returned to Heaven Dou Royal Academy in advance to handle them.

After a full fifteen days, the group finally arrived at Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

Heaven Dou Royal Academy sits on a mountain dozens of kilometers outside Heaven Dou City; the entire mountain is its domain, covering an extensive area, and its scale and trajectory alone are remarkable.

Originally, Ning Rongrong wanted to go home first, but Yang Xiong stopped her, saying that in their current situation it's not suitable to return to the sect, and it's better to go with everyone to Heaven Dou Royal Academy. (Fear of being beaten)

Sure enough, as Yang Xiong expected, perhaps due to the news leaked by Qin Ming's return to school, they "randomly encountered" the Xue Beng Prince in the plaza.

The Xue Beng Prince, accompanied by over ten people as if prearranged, mocked the Shrek group, even saying they were like land turtles unfit for Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

After more than ten days of travel, they were indeed a bit dusty and weary, but far from the wretched state the Xue Beng Prince described; especially since Dai Mubai himself is a prince—though his attire is modest, he bears no resemblance to a land turtle.

Dai Mubai, ever unruly, couldn't tolerate the Xue Beng Prince's words and immediately gave the prince's party a good beating, leaving the Xue Beng Prince battered and bruised.

Seeing the Xue Beng Prince's demeanor, he seemed to be deliberately stirring trouble to provoke Shrek Academy students into fighting, so he could pressure the academy to expel them.

But contrary to the Xue Beng Prince's expectations, Heaven Dou Royal Academy had already arranged for Teacher Sun to welcome them; evidently Teacher Sun was well aware of the prince's character and instead scolded him.

Yang Xiong observed the Xue Beng Prince closely, feeling the guy was no good; he was originally a prodigal son, and because his brothers perished, he became the sole heir of the Heaven Dou Empire, especially after the kneeling incident with Tang San, instantly becoming the first to win in Douluo World without effort.

Such prodigal, foolish scions are inherently villains; could they ever become wise and heroic? Moreover, he later claimed his past actions were merely a disguise for survival, so what of those he harmed?

Seeing the Xue Beng Prince seem to be pondering something, he was probably thinking about revenge.

Yang Xiong walked straight to the Xue Beng Prince, pressing his right hand hard onto the prince's shoulder; the Xue Beng Prince felt a massive force from his shoulder, powerless to resist.

"What are you trying to do? Teacher Sun provoked me without cause."

Yang Xiong smiled and said, "Teacher Sun, I have something I want to discuss with this classmate; I absolutely won't hurt him."

Immediately after, Yang Xiong, pressing the Xue Beng Prince, looked at Ning Rongrong: "Just now that classmate seemed to call our whole group earth turtles; you may have gotten yourself into a rather big trouble. That person is the Little Princess of our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, and you are now baselessly defaming her—I'm afraid this won't be so easy to resolve."

The Xue Beng Prince's face instantly showed extreme terror; he naturally knew who shouldn't be provoked: "I had no idea he was from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Besides, I only said something casually, and you beat me up already; do you still intend to keep beating me?"

Yang Xiong smiled: "Not quite. However, Miss Rong Rong is greatly favored by the senior elders Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo. If they learn of your baseless provocation, do you think they'd chop off your tongue?"

The Xue Beng Prince trembled and said, "What more do you want? I've already been beaten like this."

Yang Xiong leaned close to his ear, voice very low: "I know you have a backer, but your backer can't afford to offend me and my group. If today's matter gets even half a word out, and you still want to save face, I'm afraid you won't want your tongue any longer. Also, from now on, when you see us in the academy, take a detour."

After finishing, Yang Xiong deliberately patted the Xue Beng Prince's shoulder; the Xue Beng Prince, now extremely terrified, fled the place at a rapid pace.

(End of chapter)