"Xiao Gang, what do you actually want? Can you stop messing around?" Flender was already feeling frustrated.
After Tang San left, Flender had spent a long time trying to persuade Yu Xiaogang, but Yu Xiaogang was as stubborn as a mule—enough to frustrate anyone.
However, this remark fully ignited Yu Xiaogang's suppressed anger.
"Flender, what kind of nonsense are you saying? Are you accusing me, Yu Xiaogang, of causing trouble for no reason?"
Furious and indignant, Yu Xiaogang replied, "Just because you bow down to the wealth of the big sects and swallow your pride doesn't mean I'll do the same. It's true what they say—if you kneel too long, you can't stand tall anymore."
It was as though Flender had hit a nerve. Yu Xiaogang was furious, condemning Flender for groveling before Ning Fengzhi for money, without any regard for dignity. Yu Xiaogang considered himself a man of noble character, with the pride of a scholar—unlike Flender, who seemed to have no backbone.
Flender laughed bitterly, anger flaring up as well. He shouted, "Greedy for money? I've done right by every student and have a clear conscience. Do you know how much it costs to run the academy with hundreds of students? Where do you think the funding comes from? Did you, the 'master,' ever provide any?"
His questions silenced Yu Xiaogang, who was left speechless and unable to respond for a long time.
Flender's face darkened, and he said coldly, "Erlong entrusted the academy to me, and Shrek Academy is my life's work. I, Flender, have nothing to feel guilty about. I've done right by everyone, including you, Master."
He could accept being misunderstood by everyone else, but not by Yu Xiaogang.
The memories came flooding back. Back when Shrek's facilities in Soto City were poor but still sufficient to teach students, after meeting Qin Ming, Yu Xiaogang had insisted on closing the academy and joining Heaven Dou Imperial Academy for the students' future. But the result? Yu Xiaogang had been humiliated by Prince Xue Xing, and the students, loyal to him, were driven out like rats.
Shrek Academy was forced to close. Unable to remain at the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, the teachers and students wandered the streets. In the end, Flender had to swallow his pride and turn to his old friend, Liu Erlong, for help.
Recalling the hardships of the past ignited a fire in Flender's heart. He had poured his life's blood into building Shrek alongside his brothers, and they could have comfortably retired in Soto City. Yet, for Yu Xiaogang's sake, he had taken on every burden.
Watching Yu Xiaogang brood in silence, Flender finally realized how selfish he was. Yu Xiaogang had never truly taken responsibility for anything.
In his youth, Yu Xiaogang had abandoned Liu Erlong, leaving her waiting for twenty years. Flender had also secretly loved Liu Erlong but had stepped aside out of respect for his brother.
"We have a match tomorrow. Don't drag the kids into this. Take care of yourself." With a heavy snort, Flender walked away without looking back.
Left standing alone, Yu Xiaogang felt a sense of loneliness wash over him.
"Xiao Gang, what are you doing here?" Not long after, Liu Erlong, returning from an errand, spotted Yu Xiaogang standing dazed.
She immediately sensed something was wrong with him. As soon as he saw her, Yu Xiaogang tried to hide his expression, fearing she would see through him.
"Xiao Gang, tell me what happened!" Liu Erlong's anger flared—anyone who dared to bully her beloved was crossing the line.
She was furious with Flender. How could he just stand by and let Yu Xiaogang be humiliated?
But Yu Xiaogang, with his pride, would never admit to such a thing, especially not to a woman. However, under Liu Erlong's relentless questioning, he finally revealed the truth.
"So, it's Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, huh? I'll remember this!" Liu Erlong was livid after hearing the full story. In her eyes, Yu Xiaogang wasn't at fault at all. Flender was the one who had sided with outsiders to suppress Yu Xiaogang, which was unforgivable.
To her, even if Yu Xiaogang was wrong, Flender had no business taking someone else's side. After all, Yu Xiaogang had once fought alongside them, risking his life.
"Flender, get out here!" That night, a roar echoed through Shrek Academy's camp. Dark clouds filled the sky, and a massive thunder dragon descended from above.
...
Chen Xuan wasn't at the camp. He had returned home, unaware of the chaos that had unfolded. By the time he came back, it was the next day.
Morning came as the sun rose, casting a beautiful glow over the sky. The morning rays painted the horizon in a golden-red sea of light.
By now, everyone at Shrek had gathered, including Flender, Liu Erlong, and Yu Xiaogang, preparing to head to the tournament grounds.
When Chen Xuan arrived at the camp, he noticed the atmosphere was unusually tense. The air smelled faintly of medicinal herbs. Flender and Liu Erlong wore sour expressions, refusing to even look at each other, as if they had some deep grudge.
"What's going on?" Chen Xuan was confused.
Everyone kept their mouths shut, afraid to speak and risk drawing attention.
Ning Rongrong quickly pulled him aside and quietly explained what had happened.
"Huh? They fought?" Chen Xuan was stunned—he had missed quite the spectacle yesterday.
While he was away, Flender and Liu Erlong had argued over Yu Xiaogang, and neither would back down. It had even escalated into a fight, nearly getting out of hand.
If the Royal Knights hadn't arrived to mediate, Shrek's camp might have been torn apart.
"That intense?" Chen Xuan whispered, not wanting anyone to overhear.
Thankfully, they were far enough away that no one noticed.
An hour later, all the teams had gathered at the tournament grounds, including some new faces from other regions.
The VIP stands were filled with nobles, and once all participants were in place, Emperor Xue Ye wasted no time, loudly announcing, "I declare the Continental Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament's finals officially open!"
"Contestants, show your best!"
"Long live! Long live! Long live!" The thousands of knights below shouted in unison, their spears clanging loudly in an earth-shaking display.
The matchups were quickly drawn, with the first fight being between Thunder Academy and Shui Bing'er's Tianshui Academy.
For one-on-one battles, individual strength mattered most, which was great news for certain contestants with strong personal combat skills.
Ma Hongjun was eager to fight. Ever since his Evil Fire Phoenix had evolved, he felt unbeatable and was itching for action.
Unfortunately, Shrek Academy had been assigned to the third match, and their opponent was none other than Balak Academy, Flender's old rival.
"Well, well, if it isn't Flender. I didn't think you could actually lead your little academy of misfits to the finals. Not bad at all," came a mocking voice as ten large, intimidating men approached.
Flender turned toward them. Each man had short, spiky hair and tanned skin, exuding defiance.
Enemies meeting face-to-face, the tension between them was palpable as harsh words were exchanged. Liu Erlong, unwilling to tolerate any insults toward Shrek, found herself softening toward Flender as their shared animosity toward the rivals united them once again.
Chen Xuan yawned and stepped aside, ready to watch the upcoming battles.
After about an hour, the first two matches ended, and finally, it was Shrek Academy's turn.
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