Zhi Lin also stood and spoke casually. Bai Baoshan, also chuckled with a hint of sarcasm on his face.
"Hmp! What genius soul master? He won't survive much longer!" Prince Xue Xing insisted, recalling Wang Feng's seemingly dire condition moments ago.
The three deans of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, wearing expressions as if holding themselves from murdering Xue Xing right there, if not for him being a royalty and in protection of Dugu Bo, snorted and retreated to their hall.
"Grandfather!"
A graceful figure emerged in the distance, rushing into Dugu Bo's embrace. "What happened just now? Why were Shrek Academy here? And did Tang San, who dealt with my Jade Phosphorous Violet Poison, have you seen him?"
The person in question was Dugu Yan, the control soul master of the Emperor team. She asked whisperingly in Dugu Bo's ear.
Soon after, Dugu Bo, wearing a gloomy expression, raised his head and glanced at Tang San and Wang Feng in the distance.
"Grandpa, why do you look so grim?" Dugu Yan inquired in a hushed tone.
"There was a significant disturbance here just now. Did you do something? Grandpa, you…did you harm them? A lesson would have sufficed!..."
Dugu Bo's mouth twitched slightly. He desired to end the boy's life by his hand, but it already seemed imminent. It was just a matter of time.
Meanwhile, Qin Ming, who had been observing the confrontation, stepped forward and addressed the three deans with a solemn tone.
"Three deans, I apologize. Thank you for your support in the past years. However, I believe it's time for me to leave Heaven Dou Imperial Academy as well."
Upon hearing this, the Mengshen Ji trio turned in surprise to look at Qin Ming.
Qin Ming held a status just below the three deans in Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. The reason was clear, he had the most potential to become a Titled Douluo before even reaching 60 years old.
This elevated Qin Ming's status to an exceptionally unique position.
Prince Xue Xing once again deeply regretted his choices. The boy's demonstrated strength and influence, even if he wasn't privy to the events in the meeting room, were palpable. The potential displayed was more daunting than even Qin Ming's.
Despite the current unfavorable circumstances, Qin Ming, a potential future Titled Douluo, had to depart because of his foolish nephew. The emergence of a future Titled Douluo was nothing to scoff at.
"Ms. Qin... Prince Xue Xing will face the consequences he deserves. Think it over again, please?" Mengshen Ji hurriedly approached, attempting to intervene.
Qin Ming sighed from a distance, "As Wang Feng said, the backbone of Shrek Academy should not bend too far. I'd rather leave than compromise my principles. Staying in this academy, my backbone might never stand upright again. Thanks to the care and support of the three seniors over the years, it has been one of the most prized time of my life here. But after all I'm still a student of Shrek Academy."
"I refuse to remain in an academy where the academy that supported me in my journey and helped me reach where I am, is being humiliated. This is my final stance."
Having said that, Qin Ming also turned away, leaving without a backward glance.
As Qin Ming departed, Prince Xue Xing's heart turned cold, and he also left with the young man who had already lost his composure from this turn of events.
"Uncle, will my father truly hold you accountable tomorrow?" the young man asked anxiously on the way.
"Yes. Not only that, but even your pursuit of the throne may encounter difficulties."
Prince Xue Xing whispered, "Xue Beng, I originally intended to help you weaken the influence of those three deans of academy. Otherwise, when Shrek Academy gets involved, you won't stand a chance. But I didn't anticipate one of them just flipping the whole board... and in such a chaotic manner."
"It can only be said that it's fate! Thankfully, that young man is probably not gonna live long in this world either."
Prince Xue Xing let out a long sigh.
In the courtyard, Dugu Yan asked curiously, "What happened just now, Grandpa?"
Naturally, Dugu Bo wouldn't divulge such an embarrassing incident, especially not to his granddaughter. He pondered internally, wondering how the Shrek Academy boy had rebounded such a formidable force back to him. Even a soul master of sixty or seventy levels would struggle to defend against his attack, yet he had only employed a single soul ability.
Dugu Bo mused but remained silent.
Dugu Bo secretly resolved to inquire about the matter, especially concerning Tang San and Wang Fang. Perhaps he could catch the boy and investigate.
However, as Flender and his group escorted Wang Feng down Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, silence enveloped the path.
Despite the subdued atmosphere, the excitement and elation on everyone's faces were unmistakable.
"Wang Feng, you're incredible." Ning Rongrong remarked with stars in her eyes, gazing at Wang Feng, who panted as if he had only a single breath left.
The rest remained silent.
Xiao Wu patted her chest, her face still pale, and reassured herself, 'Brother Feng should be fine. Just now, I relied on Brother Feng who attracted everyone's attention, including the Titled Douluo's. Otherwise, I might have been discovered.'
Zhu Zhuqing lightly grasped Wang Feng's sleeve, released it, and pursed her lips.
"Nothing will happen." Tang San assured as he held Wang Feng's hands, examining him with a slight frown. It was peculiar, Feng'ge's body didn't appear seriously injured. But why did it seem like something was amiss?
Tang San, knowledgeable in poison and body's anatomy, found it perplexing.
"That tail, without using my own Martial Soul True Body, could have killed me," Zhao Wuji stated in a deep voice.
"I didn't expect Xiao Feng to survive, but..." However, it was evident that Wang Feng seemed to be hanging on by a thread.
Flender carried Wang Feng on his back, maintaining silence and guilt, blaming himself for even listening to Xiaogang's advice to even come here. After a short distance, Wang Feng had collapsed. It was Flender who had swiftly exited Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, carrying Wang Feng on his back.
"Dean, wait, why can't I feel Feng'ge's breathing anymore!" Ning Rongrong exclaimed beside Flanders, causing everyone to stop and gaze at Wang Feng.
At that moment, Wang Feng abruptly opened his eyes, leaped from Flenders' back, and rubbed his chest while grimacing.
"It hurts like hell." With those words, Wang Feng activated Golden Lotus, applying a healing effect to himself. Gradually, his face regained color as he was completely healed.
"..." Everyone stared in disbelief.
"Brother Feng, are you really okay?" Xiao Wu stuttered. What just happened? Didn't Brother Feng seem to be struggling for breath just a moment ago?
"Can I have a moment?" Wang Feng retorted indignantly. "I recovered earlier, but I didn't want Dugu Bo to sense it. If he knew that his tail didn't harm me, he would be even more infuriated."
In truth, if the tail had struck Wang Feng's head or lower limbs, he truly might have gone to the other side before his Grandpa Jack.
Fortunately, it hit the Black Thorns Armor, that absorbed most of the damage without even using his soul power. Even Dugu Bo, attempting to penetrate the armor with the tail, would not be able to penetrate.
"Although I sustained injury, it's not serious. The blood... was merely a result of the forceful impact. When I was swept back, I deliberately shattered a tree with my own strength to create the illusion that I was on the brink of death."
"..." Everyone stared at Wang Feng in astonishment.
Among them, only Grandmaster seemed to have an inkling of what had transpired. Aware of Wang Feng's identity as Jiu Yikai and having a suspicion about the mysterious object on his chest, the Grandmaster kept silent.
"You... you really made us worry for nothing!" Ning Rongrong looked at Wang Feng in a mixture of surprise and anger, stamping her feet. The anxiety she felt a moment ago made her eager to summon her Grandpa Sword and Grandpa Bone from the family to confront Poison Douluo.
"Easy there." Wang Feng coughed a few times. In this recent clash with Dugu Bo, he successfully charged Black Lotus to its full potential, and his humanoid martial soul had become more robust—a gratifying outcome. Of course, the most crucial aspect was upholding the pride of Shrek Academy.
Seeing that Wang Feng was unharmed, relief washed over everyone. Suddenly, a figure rushed ahead and stopped in front of them.
"Dean, I failed to fulfil my promise this time, and I also caused the death of one of my junior brother... You should punish….!!! Hey, Xiaofeng, are you okay?" It was Qin Ming.
Looking at Wang Feng, who had jumped off Flenders' back, Qin Ming was stunned.
Is he okay? During Wang Feng's precarious moment earlier, with only a breath left, Qin Ming had been shocked and felt a deep sense of shame and guilt. But now...
"Why does he seem to be perfectly fine?" Qin Ming mumbled to himself.
Wang Feng quickly changed the subject. "Ahem... Senior, don't worry about me. What brings you here?"
Qin Ming responded promptly, "Dean, I've resigned from Heaven Dou Imperial Academy."
Hearing this, everyone was shocked. "Qin Ming, what are you doing?"
Flender helped Qin Ming up and sighed, "This time, you've done enough! We've also implicated you. Why are you here?"
Qin Ming shook his head and explained, "Seeing the students act like that aroused my spirit. Even though I graduated from Shrek Academy years ago, I can't forget my background. I thought about what I would do if I were in their position. The answer was clear—I would do the same as my junior. I won't stay in Heaven Dou Imperial Academy anymore. I'd rather, together with you, reopen Shrek Academy and be a teacher with dignity and backbone."
Qin Ming's words left everyone somewhat silent. They hadn't expected this senior to be so resolute. Nonetheless, the fact that he emerged from Shrek Academy made a difference.
Flender nodded and said, "Alright, let's take go to Heaven Dou City first. Find a place to rest."
Following Qin Ming, the group arrived in Heaven Dou City. Compared to cities Wang Feng had seen before, Heaven Dou City was considerably larger, evident from the heavily armed soldiers on the walls. Passing through the ten-meter-high gate, they entered Heaven Dou City. The city gate, reminiscent of ancient times. The main door remained tightly shut, rarely opened."
As they moved through the auxiliary second gate, they noticed a massive announcement on the city wall. "Blue Bull Advanced Soul Master Academy is recruiting ten Soul Elder of level 40 and above. Higher soul power is also preferred, and once admitted, better treatment awaits..."
Seeing this notice, Wang Feng couldn't help but be moved.
It appears to be the Blue Bull Academy. Although not as prestigious as Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, it seems more welcoming.
When Flender saw the notice, they came to a halt. Qin Ming also promptly explained, "During the last Continental Advanced Soul Master Tournament, the Blue Bull Advanced Soul Master Academy eliminated one of the two teams from Heaven Dou Imperial Academy in the Heaven Dou Empire Capital Qualifier. The students from that time have graduated. I doubt we'd have a chance."
"However, the Blue Bull Academy is smaller, a academy that doesn't admit noble children. Despite its size, it's rigorous in teaching and maintains its financial stability without enrolling noble heirs. Moreover, being able to stand in Heaven Dou Imperial City implies a significant background."
Wang Feng applauded and exclaimed, "Exactly! If they don't have a chance this year, why not join and become their chance?"
Flender's eyes gleamed with determination. "Yes, if Xiao Feng hadn't stood up today, we'd all be expelled from Heaven Dou Imperial Academy! We need to show those noble children that Shrek Academy is not to be trifled with!"
Tang San, feeling the resolute momentum, was also filled with fighting spirit. Flender, slightly moved, recognized the strength of their unity.
Qin Ming admired, glancing at Wang Feng. "A monster captain really makes Shrek Academy seem to possess a soul. The notion that the backbone of Shrek Academy cannot be bent is truly soul-stirring. It might become the school motto of Shrek Academy in the future."
Grateful for his decision, Qin Ming continued, "I agree, except for unforeseen circumstances, the other teachers have no objections. Blue Bull Academy seems promising, but we need to investigate further about it."
The Grandmaster, as composed as ever, added, "While it may not surpass heaven Dou Imperial Academy, as Xiaofeng said, the environment shouldn't limit the brilliance of these seven children. They might experience faster growth at Blue Bull Academy."
Wang Feng nodded in agreement, the Grandmaster had a valid point. While Heaven Dou Imperial Academy offered good conditions, its chaotic environment and evident factionalism could lead to complications. While soul masters aren't afraid of trouble, constant disturbances could eventually impede their cultivation.
Contrastingly, opting for a slightly less prestigious place could provide a more favorable setting. As the saying goes, "It's best to be a chicken head rather than a Phoenix's tail!" Even though they might be considered the top of the class at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, the potential benefits of a more harmonious environment elsewhere were worth considering.
…..
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