Chapter 79: Rhythmic Changes

After the Xue Beng Prince was scared away, Ning Rongrong said oddly, "Xiao Xiongzi, that guy was so arrogant just now—how did he run off in an instant? What exactly did you say to him?"

Yang Xiong smiled, "Rong Rong, haven't you seen him? This Xue Beng is the Xue Ye Emperor's son. I told him straight away that if he dared to provoke, you could have Jian Yeye cut him down."

Ning Rongrong spat, "I thought that guy looked familiar—turns out he's the Xue Beng Prince. The Crown Prince's older brother once brought me to meet him, but I have no impression of him. It's said his strength is low, he's unlearned, and even the Crown Prince's brother is too lazy to correct him."

Yang Xiong gave a slight smile, "Rong Rong, are you familiar with the Crown Prince?"

Ning Rongrong said, "Crown Prince Xue Qinghe is my father's student; he's refined and generous, and my father values him highly."

Yang Xiong pinched Ning Rongrong's cheek, "Seems you have a good impression of that Crown Prince; it even makes me a bit jealous. Since he's the Sect Leader's disciple, didn't the Sect Leader and the Xue Ye Emperor ever think of pairing you two?"

Ning Rongrong gave Yang Xiong a cold stare, "I just treat him as an older brother, and he only sees me as a little sister; it's not as sleazy as you think. Besides, he's the Heaven Dou Empire's heir, I'm the heir of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect—our statuses can't be together."

Yang Xiong seemed to sigh with relief, "Good, otherwise I'd have no chance. But there's a saying: you can know a person's face but not their heart. The palace isn't a good place; these people are probably not simple."

Ning Rongrong pinched Yang Xiong, "Look at your temperament; someone who doesn't know you would think you're a playboy."

Yang Xiong narrowed his eyes; it seemed both Ning Fengzhi and Ning Rongrong trusted Crown Prince Xue Qinghe a lot, so some extra effort would be needed, or else they'd truly be taken advantage of by him.

In the original Soul Hunting Operation, neither the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect nor the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan received any advance notice; moving tens of thousands of soul masters isn't simple, especially within the Heaven Dou Empire, so it was probably the impostor Xue Qinghe providing cover.

……

Under Teacher Sun's lead, the group quickly arrived at the Committee Building of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

Compared with Shrek Academy, the Heaven Dou Royal Academy was like paradise—its architecture, students, even the environment were excellent.

Dai Mubai was a bit puzzled, "The Imperial Fighting Team last time was decent; why did those provocateurs just now seem so frivolous?"

The others were equally puzzled; Yang Xiong couldn't help laughing, "They're just nobles, that's how it is. I guess Xing Luo Royal Academy is similar, since they're not a sect but a royal recruitment method."

Dai Mubai listened thoughtfully, while the others were indifferent; after all, everyone wants to study in a luxurious, comfortable setting.

On the way, Qin Ming joined the group, looking like he'd just finished something and hurried over.

Qin Ming gave an introduction to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, covering issues such as the treatment of students and teachers.

According to Qin Ming, after entering the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, all the Shrek group would continue to be taught by their original teachers and would not join the current classes.

Once students join the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, they receive the highest student benefits, trained directly to battle‑team standards; even teachers are paid according to Heaven Dou‑level class‑teacher standards, with all living expenses covered by the academy and a monthly stipend of 3,000 Gold Soul Coins.

The group was dazzled by the news—tuition and living costs fully waived, abundant educational resources, even Medicine Bath supplies provided by the academy, plus free access to various simulated environments; compared to that, it truly felt like heaven.

Even a few teachers were moved; they never imagined the Heaven Dou Royal Academy could offer such a generous environment and benefits, far better than their solitary past struggles.

Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong trailed at the end of the line, taking Qin Ming's remarks lightly; in fact this model resembles a sect's, but its binding power is weak—teachers can leave whenever they want, so the Heaven Dou Royal Academy may end up just a wedding dress for others.

Upon arriving at the Committee Building, it was clear the Heaven Dou Royal Academy placed great importance on the Shrek party, as the Three Education Commissioners met them together, standing right at the building's entrance.

At the academy's entrance stood three elderly figures, each wearing a specially made black robe embroidered with gold; only Soul Douluo can wear such attire, and ordinary soul masters wear it only on important occasions.

Flanders seemed stunned by the solemnity of the few before him, quickly stepping forward to bow—a junior's courtesy to elders.

"Shrek Academy's Flanders has met several seniors," he said.

The central elder laughed heartily, "Fine, Dean Flanders, no need for formalities. The Four‑eyed Cat Eagle, once one of the Golden Iron Triangles, I've long admired your name. With you joining my Heaven Dou Royal Academy, we too shall shine brightly."

"I am Dream Machine, martial soul Black Demon, Control System Level 86, Eight‑Ring Battle Soul Douluo. To my left is the academy's Deputy Committee member Bai Baoshan, Soul Douluo, whose martial soul is Heavenly Star Furnace, Defense System Level 85, Eight‑Ring Battle Soul Douluo. To my right is the third‑seat committee member Zhi Lin, Soul Douluo, whose martial soul is Heavenly Blue Vine, Control System Level 83, Eight‑Ring Instrument Soul Douluo."

Dream Machine was of average height and very thin, seemingly without a ounce of flesh; Bai Baoshan's build was the opposite—short but extremely stout, clearly a physically robust type; Zhi Lin's appearance was ordinary.

Yet all three were unusually easygoing, especially Dream Machine, who seemed sprightly, his words exuding a certain affinity—befitting someone long in education.

Flanders hurriedly introduced the Shrek teachers and students to the three committee members, and Dream Machine and the others clearly showed extra interest in the many students.

It was evident Dream Machine had already reviewed everyone's files, knowing each student's martial soul, soul power, and even background.

By contrast, Dream Machine was especially interested in the four students from civilian soul master backgrounds, including Tang San, and showed particular respect toward Ning Rongrong, Yang Xiong, Dai Mubai, and Zhu Zhuqing—attitudes unlike those of a lofty Soul Douluo toward ordinary students.

At that moment, the Shrek Eight seemed to feel an inexplicable pressure, a force emanating entirely from Bai Baoshan, Soul Douluo.

Compared with the original, Tang San's battle against the Imperial Fighting Team wasn't as outstanding, lacking any dramatic turn, so he applied pressure to everyone; clearly this was a simple entrance test, and they wanted to see if Yang Xiong and the others lived up to their reputation.

Flanders clearly understood the situation, merely smiling aside, evidently confident in the Shrek group's help and eager for the students to gain recognition.

As the pressure increased to around Level 28, Ning Rongrong and Oscar began to falter; after all, they're only Auxiliary System Spirit Masters, but just as they were about to collapse, the pressure on them vanished instantly.

With the pressure rising further, Ma Hongjun and Zhu Zhuqing also started to fall, yet Yang Xiong, Tang San, and Dai Mubai remained standing.

Bai Baoshan was also oddly strange; compared to Dai Mubai and Tang San, he was more puzzled by Yang Xiong's change. Yang Xiong seemed more composed, but note that the pressure he exerted had reached the strength of a Level 34 soul master, while Yang Xiong himself was only Level 28.

When the pressure approached Level 39, Dai Mubai and Tang San began to strain, sweat beading on their foreheads, yet Yang Xiong appeared unaffected, his expression unusually calm.

Normally, Beast Soul masters have stronger constitutions than Instrument Soul masters, but Tang San and Dai Mubai's physiques were already very similar, showing Tang San's body control; after all, Tang San is six levels lower than Dai Mubai.

Yet Yang Xiong was even more extreme; it's rare for a soul master to endure pressure exceeding their body's level by ten.

Seeing Tang San and Dai Mubai on the brink, the pressure on everyone vanished instantly, even the pressure on Yang Xiong was removed.

Bai Baoshan glanced at Yang Xiong and the others, unable to restrain a nod of praise, "Not bad, truly gifted and with solid foundations—indeed they're Shrek Academy students."

Beside them, Flanders sighed, "Thanks to the three committee members; these Shrek students are outstanding. I came to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy for their future development, hoping they'll have a better cultivation environment and perhaps someday surpass me, even reach the Title Douluo realm. Of course, they're also the last batch of students from my Shrek Academy."

Dream Machine comforted, "Dean Flanders, rest assured—while they're at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, I can guarantee they'll receive the best education and the finest cultivation environment and facilities. When they reach the pinnacle of soul mastery, having the Heaven Dou Royal Academy and us old masters on their résumé will suffice."

Flanders bowed again, "Thank you, seniors."

……

Without the Xue Beng Prince's troublemaking or Dugu Bo's interference, after the group's discussion, the Shrek members quickly joined the Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

As Dream Machine said, every student was assigned a top‑tier villa, whose environment was superb—elegant, quiet, a standalone enclave nestled by mountains and water.

Unexpectedly, the Imperial Fighting Team was also in that villa district, clearly prepared for both teams.

Only after truly entering the Heaven Dou Royal Academy did the group realize just how good the students' benefits really were.

Here are several cafeterias offering lavish dishes, even abundant soul‑beast meat; each plate seems pricey, and all teachers eat in the cafeterias, the three committee members included.

The Shrek group has its own dedicated teaching area—a huge plaza fully equipped with facilities.

Of course, the Heaven Dou Royal Academy spans an entire mountain, with countless simulated environments built inside, suitable for all kinds of soul master cultivation; even Yang Xiong was amazed looking at the map.

It's unclear whether Yang Xiong's plot changes caused Dugu Bo's complete absence; he never even approached Tang San alone.

(End of chapter)