Meng Shenji looked at Flender with an expectant gaze, but Flender's expression was filled with bitter helplessness.
It was clear that Meng Shenji was referring to Tang San, but the problem was that Tang San had also left Shrek Academy—together with Meng Bei.
Meng Bei's departure had caused a massive blow to Shrek Academy. He had taken half the students with him, and those students were the most talented ones. The academy was now a shadow of its former self, practically falling apart.
Flender felt deeply ashamed. Facing the Soul Douluo who had placed such high hopes on him, Flender could only open his mouth to speak the bitter truth.
When Flender explained how Meng Bei, Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Ning Rongrong had all left Shrek Academy, both Meng Shenji and Qin Ming were left dumbfounded.
"What?! How could this happen? Everything was fine when I left!" Qin Ming exclaimed, his disbelief evident.
"Dean Flender, Meng Bei seemed like such a good kid. How did it come to this?"
Flender lowered his head and remained silent.
Behind him, the Master clenched his fists tightly.
Qin Ming was finding it hard to comprehend. Just two months ago, everything had been fine; they had all shared meals together. How had things fallen apart so quickly?
Meng Shenji, too, was shocked and puzzled. He had placed great faith in Flender, given his ability to train extraordinary students like Qin Ming and lead the Shrek team to victory against the Royal Fighting Team. It demonstrated exceptional teaching and management skills.
But now, it all felt like a joke.
Shrek Academy had started with only eight students. Half had left, leaving fewer students than teachers.
He couldn't help but question Flender's abilities.
Are these people really competent educators, or are they just here to retire?
Though disappointed, Dream Shenji hesitated to offend Qin Ming by voicing his doubts too strongly. After all, Qin Ming was the youngest Spirit Emperor on the continent, and Heaven Dou Imperial Academy valued him highly.
Thus, Dream Shenji reluctantly decided to accept Shrek Academy's remnants.
Even though Meng Bei and the others had left, the remaining four students still had potential. Their talents, combined with proper guidance, would make them suitable for placement in Heaven Dou's second team.
"Let's proceed as planned," Meng Shenji said calmly. His initial enthusiasm for assessing Shrek Academy had vanished. His agreement to let them join was purely out of respect for Qin Ming.
The Shrek members noticed the change in attitude but could hardly blame him. After all, they had promised eight students and delivered only four. It was natural for the other party to be dissatisfied.
Flender felt particularly humiliated. He had never experienced such shame in his life. Yet, for the sake of his remaining students, he bowed his head low in penance.
However, just as the arrangements were being finalized, a sudden interruption occurred.
"Wait a minute! How can Heaven Dou Imperial Academy accept these nobodies?"
A voice rang out as three figures entered the room.
The first was dressed in luxurious robes adorned with intricate embroidery, exuding nobility.
The second was tall and thin, with green hair and beard. A dangerous aura seemed to emanate from him, making it difficult to meet his gaze.
The third was none other than Prince Xue Beng, who had been beaten by Dai Mubai earlier.
It was clear that these three were Prince Xue Xing, Poison Douluo Dugu Bo, and Prince Xue Beng.
Xue Beng's face was full of smug malice as he stared at the Shrek group.
The Shrek members immediately realized trouble was brewing.
As in the original story, Prince Xue Xing seized the opportunity to humiliate Shrek Academy. However, unlike the original timeline, Meng Shenji and the other board members did not intervene to defend Shrek.
To be honest, Shrek Academy wasn't worth their effort anymore. Prince Xue Xing's actions even aligned with their unspoken wishes.
Just as Prince Xue Xing's verbal attacks escalated, Dugu Bo suddenly raised a hand to stop him.
"Wait. Did you just say you're from Shrek Academy?"
Dugu Bo's expression shifted as he recalled something.
Shrek Academy!
His granddaughter had once mentioned a boy from this academy who was immune to her poison, even when bitten directly by her venomous fangs.
That boy's name was... Meng Bei!
Dugu Bo's interest was piqued as he scrutinized the Shrek members.
However, his gaze caused the students to instinctively recoil in fear.
Dugu Bo frowned in disappointment.
"Who here is Meng Bei?"
The Shrek members fell silent.
Flender felt utterly exhausted. He deeply regretted allowing Meng Bei to leave. If only he had forced him to stay, perhaps they wouldn't be in such an awkward position now.
Dream Shenji stepped forward to clarify,
"Your Excellency, Meng Bei left Shrek Academy some time ago."
"Oh?"
Dugu Bo glanced at the Shrek members with disdain.
"Interesting. You drove away your strongest student."
Shaking his head, Dugu Bo retreated without further comment.
The Master, however, could no longer contain his anger.
From the beginning, he had endured Meng Shenji, Qin Ming, and now even Dugu Bo's disdain for Shrek. Their repeated emphasis on Meng Bei's value struck a nerve.
"Enough!"
The Master stepped forward, his voice filled with fury as he addressed the room.
"Meng Bei left Shrek Academy by his own choice! We didn't force him! Leaving Shrek was his loss, not ours. Shrek Academy will continue to thrive and make its name known across the continent, with or without Meng Bei!"
The Master's passionate declaration elicited no response but silent amusement.
Shrek Academy had only eight students to begin with. Losing four meant they didn't even have enough for a full team. How could they possibly achieve continental fame?
Behind them, Fatty muttered under his breath,
"Yeah, right. You violated his privacy. Even your own disciple Tang San couldn't stand it and left with Meng Bei."
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