Chapter 87: Shilaike Fanatics, Qin Ming's Scheme

What did you say? There are actually still people who choose to quit Shilaike Academy?

Qin Ming stared wide-eyed at Meng Shenji before him, finding it hard to believe his words.

In Qin Ming's view, Shilaike Academy is the best academy on the entire Douluo Continent; only they have the right to expel others, so it's utterly impossible for anyone to quit voluntarily.

Then Qin Ming gave a light laugh and teased.

"Dean, I think you've been tricked. Those guys definitely didn't meet Shilaike's standards, so they were expelled."

"But to avoid looking embarrassed, they claim they quit voluntarily."

Qin Ming's laughter faded as he felt Meng Shenji's gaze growing stranger, as if mocking him.

Just as Qin Ming was about to speak, Meng Shenji beat him to it.

"I'm not joking with you. Luo Ye and the others couldn't possibly be deceiving me; given their talent, even if they weren't from our Tiandou Royal Academy, even if they went to the Spirit Hall, they'd surely receive the best treatment."

"Since they say they quit Shilaike voluntarily, it must be true."

Hearing this, Qin Ming furrowed his brows, his face slightly chilling, and he let out a cold snort.

"That's absolutely impossible; anyone who has seen Shilaike Academy would never do something so foolish."

Seeing him still stubborn, acting like a fanatical believer of Shilaike, refusing to admit that Shilaike Academy is nothing but a Chicken Academy, Meng Shenji's expression turned grim.

Fortunately, Luo Ye reminded him to greet Qin Ming in advance.

Otherwise, with Qin Ming's attitude, once he learned that Luo Ye, Gu Yue Na, and the others had quit Shilaike Academy, he would surely find every means to target them.

That might well cause these peerless geniuses to leave Tiandou Royal Academy.

After realizing this, Meng Shenji coldly fixed his gaze on Qin Ming and spoke in a low voice.

"Qin Ming, I'll remind you one last time: they are already core members of our academy and have become official members of the Imperial Douluo War Team."

"I don't want to see you, because of Shilaike Academy, target them and create resentment between them and the academy."

"Don't forget your current position as a teacher at Tiandou Royal Academy; if you won't accept this, I don't mind replacing the person in charge of the Imperial Douluo War Team."

What was said as a reminder had ultimately amounted to a threat for Qin Ming to back down.

Feeling Meng Shenji's imposing gaze, Qin Ming also realized he wasn't joking.

If he showed any dissatisfaction toward Luo Ye and the others, Meng Shenji would unhesitatingly replace him, possibly even expelling him from Tiandou Royal Academy.

For Qin Ming, cultivating his own Shilaike Academy is absolutely not to be sullied by anyone.

But if he were simply kicked out of Tiandou Royal Academy, it would still be too great a loss.

He could completely hide his hostility, continue as the person in charge of the Imperial Douluo War Team, and anyway, according to the plan, in a few days he would lead the team to Suotu City; when no one backs them up, he could then give them a harsh lesson.

Qin Ming actually didn't care that much about being a teacher at Tiandou Royal Academy.

With his Soul Emperor-level strength, he could easily be a teacher at any academy; at most, he'd just lack the benefits of Tiandou Royal Academy.

Moreover, making some sacrifices to protect Shilaike Academy is worthwhile.

Thinking this through, Qin Ming's expression eased, and he gave Meng Shenji a wry smile.

"You're overthinking it, Dean. Shilaike may be my alma mater, but I know my priorities; I'm sure they had reasons for leaving Shilaike, and I certainly won't hold a grudge over such a small matter."

Meng Shenji gave Qin Ming a deep look, obviously somewhat surprised that he would so readily back down.

According to Meng Shenji's understanding of him, this guy should be doing everything possible to defend Shilaike; how could he just give up?

Could it be that he finally realized Shilaike is unreliable and deceitful?

Meng Shenji thought it over and felt this wasn't impossible.

Even if those Shilaike folks are experts at brainwashing, Qin Ming has graduated from there for many years; he should have snapped out of it by now.

Such a young genius Soul Emperor, yet his fifth soul ring is still only a thousand-year purple; Qin Ming must also realize he's been held back by Shilaike.

Not seeing through Qin Ming's disguise, Meng Shenji nodded in satisfaction and praised him.

"Congratulations on making the right choice; then, you'll continue to be in charge of the Imperial Douluo War Team's daily training."

"We have high expectations for this Imperial Douluo War Team; in the next Soul Master Tournament, our Tiandou Royal Academy must achieve excellent results—can you do that?"

Qin Ming nodded firmly at the words and forcefully patted his chest in assurance.

"Rest assured, with me there, there will be absolutely no problem."

After Meng Shenji left, Qin Ming's smile gradually faded, his eyes turning gloomy, and he let out a cold snort before speaking angrily.

"I'd like to see just what kind of person could commit the foolish act of quitting Shilaike Academy!"

"Having become a Shilaike student, not cherishing this opportunity and instead choosing to quit is simply brainless!"

Qin Ming didn't go directly to Luo Ye and Gu Yue Na, but instead sought out Yu Tianheng, hoping to learn from him about their martial souls and talents.

After all, Meng Shenji said that Yu Tianheng had just led the Imperial Douluo War Team in a soul battle against Luo Ye and the others, so he must know something about it.

Yet, to Qin Ming's astonishment, when questioned, Yu Tianheng acted extremely embarrassed, opening his mouth for a long time without managing to utter a complete sentence.

Qin Ming was very dissatisfied with Tianheng's attitude and rebuked him.

"Yu Tianheng, what's wrong with you, kid? It's just one loss to them—what's the big deal?"

"It's not like one win or loss decides your future; there will be plenty of chances to defeat them again later."

Hearing this, Yu Tianheng not only failed to feel encouraged but felt even more embarrassed, his whole face scrunching up as he gave a bitter laugh.

"Professor Qin Ming, don't bother consoling me; I can't even say I was defeated by them—they didn't even lift a finger, just glanced at me and instantly killed me."

"I still haven't figured out what's going on; my Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial soul is already top-tier among beast martial souls, yet on that girl I felt an absolute suppression from her bloodline."

(End of chapter)