Qin Ming, having once been a part of Shrek Academy, knew Flender's character well—stingy, prideful, money-hungry, and fond of exaggerating. However, he also knew that Flender had a good heart and was very responsible toward his students, which is why Qin Ming respected him so much.
As for the claim about the youngest elder in the Spirit Hall, it was likely a tactic Flender had used to attract students.
Seeing the awkward position his old headmaster was in, Qin Ming stepped in to help. "I had the honor of meeting this senior once. It's true, but as everyone knows, major powers often have hidden forces, and the Spirit Hall, being the strongest soul master organization on the continent, is no exception. This senior is one of their hidden assets, unknown to the public."
"So, I hope everyone here keeps this a secret. Revealing it could only bring trouble."
Hearing this, Flender shot a grateful look at Qin Ming and quickly chimed in, "Yes, yes, Qin Ming is right. That's also why I haven't revealed his name."
While speaking, Flender shot knowing glances at Zhao Wuji and Yu Xiaogang.
Zhao Wuji, catching on, laughed and echoed the sentiment, while Yu Xiaogang, however, didn't look pleased. He felt that his authority, as the "Master," was being challenged yet again—and all because of Lan Si.
Everyone seemed to understand. Although they were still curious, no one pressed the matter. After all, many of them, especially those from powerful families, were familiar with the concept of hidden strength.
It wasn't surprising that the Spirit Hall, full of powerful soul masters, would have a hidden Title Douluo. The only unexpected part was that this person was from Shrek Academy.
Soon, the dishes were served, and everyone took their seats. Flender, Qin Ming, and Yu Xiaogang sat at Zhao Wuji's table.
After several rounds of drinks and dishes, the conversation turned to praise for Shrek Academy, and Qin Ming brought up a suggestion about Shrek Academy joining Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
He proposed a combined team of Shrek Seven Devils and the Emperor Team for the upcoming Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament in two years.
Flender was initially hesitant, feeling that sharing Shrek's glory with Heaven Dou Royal Academy would be a loss. But under Yu Xiaogang's encouragement and Ma Hongjun's suggestion to make the most of the opportunity, he started to reconsider. He then added two conditions to Qin Ming's proposal.
First, Shrek Academy would still retain its name and identity even after joining Heaven Dou Royal Academy, and the Shrek Seven Devils would remain under the guidance of Shrek's teachers.
Second, Lan Si should join the Shrek Seven Devils as the eighth member.
While Qin Ming had no issue agreeing to the first condition, the second posed a problem. It wasn't just about Lan Si personally—it also involved the Crown Prince of Heaven Dou Empire, Xue Qinghe, who had recommended Lan Si's enrollment.
In the end, after much discussion, it was Lan Si himself who ensured Shrek's participation. He didn't want his plans to be derailed, particularly his scheme to gain time to visit the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well by using Dugu Bo's delay.
Lan Si argued that the Emperor Team would still be a perfect team, even without him, and would still shine at the tournament. His joining Shrek Academy was purely for Zhu Zhuqing.
(Author's Note: Some readers might think the protagonist will join Shrek, but here's why he won't. Since the protagonist defeated Shrek, Yu Xiaogang, despite agreeing to Qin Ming's suggestion, fears that Lan Si will take Tang San's core role in the team. So, the protagonist faked enthusiasm to ensure Shrek would go to Heaven Dou Academy, knowing they couldn't actually get in. Thus, the title "A Well-Meaning Lie" refers to the lie Lan Si told Zhu Zhuqing to keep the truth from her.)
This way, Lan Si's plan kept the Emperor Team's reputation intact while also providing a valid reason for joining Shrek Academy.
As a result, Flender, Zhao Wuji, Ma Hongjun, Oscar, Ning Rongrong, and most of the Shrek members were thrilled. They were excited about having such a powerful and reliable teammate joining them.
However, some weren't so happy. Tang San, Xiao Wu, Dai Mubai, and Yu Xiaogang were among them.
Yu Xiaogang, in particular, felt threatened by Lan Si, who constantly challenged his "invincible theories" and left him speechless. He also worried that Lan Si's presence would overshadow Tang San's leadership within the Shrek team. But he couldn't stop it. After all, without joining Heaven Dou Royal Academy, Shrek Academy wouldn't be able to participate in the elite tournament.
Tang San and Xiao Wu, on the other hand, disliked Lan Si for hurting the people they cared about most. Xiao Wu resented him for injuring Tang San, while Tang San couldn't forgive him for disrespecting his teacher and mocking his Tang Sect hidden weapons.
As for Dai Mubai, his reasons were even simpler.
Imagine having to see the guy who took away your fiancée every day for the next two years, watching him flirt with her, while being unable to do anything because you can't beat him. It was incredibly frustrating.
But, thinking of the upcoming elite tournament, he was also tempted. If Shrek wanted to win, they would likely face his brother Davis and the Star Luo Royal Academy team. At their current level, Shrek had no chance of winning.
But if Lan Si joined, that slim chance might turn into a real possibility. Torn between these conflicting emotions, Dai Mubai remained silent, his face sour, and didn't express any opinion.
"Haha, then it's settled. Lan Si, I look forward to the day you officially join our Shrek team," Flender laughed heartily, feeling happier than ever. He had earned 100,000 gold soul coins from the tournament and now had a new, incredibly strong member joining the team.
He was so happy that he drank more than usual, walking a bit unsteadily as Qin Ming helped him along.
Shrek's Seven Devils, now joined by Lan Si, formed an unprecedentedly strong team. Flender could already imagine Shrek Academy's name being spread far and wide after the elite tournament.
Lan Si, holding Zhu Zhuqing's hand, simply nodded and smiled. He wasn't too concerned about Flender's words. As long as Xue Beng was around, Shrek would never join Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
"Zhuqing, let me walk you back," Lan Si said softly.
"Mm," Zhu Zhuqing nodded, her face slightly red, feeling happy that soon they wouldn't have to part anymore.
Looking at Zhu Zhuqing, who was still unaware of the truth, Lan Si felt a little guilty but knew he couldn't tell her the full story. Sometimes, a well-meaning lie was necessary for their future.