Yu Tianheng took a deep breath, glancing at the Ghost Leopard Spirit Master Oslo and his other teammates who were supporting him.
"Let's go," he said.
The seven of them staggered towards the exit reserved for spirit masters, their steps heavy with the weight of defeat. Their backs, which once carried pride and arrogance, now appeared frail and dejected.
Just as they were about to leave the stage, Dugu Yan abruptly stopped. She turned her head, her gaze locking onto Yun Feng.
"Why are you immune to my poison?" she demanded.
Yun Feng's expression remained calm as he replied indifferently,
"Have you ever seen a true dragon fear a snake?"
Dugu Yan's body trembled at his words, her eyes flashing with complex emotions. She said nothing further, turning back to follow her companions.
Beside her, Nine-Hearted Begonia Spirit Master Ye Lingling also cast a lingering gaze at Yun Feng. However, her expression differed from Dugu Yan's. Instead of resentment, her eyes were filled with awe and an inexplicable intensity. She looked as if she wanted to say something but ultimately remained silent, following the team as they left.
Yun Feng noticed Ye Lingling's gaze but didn't dwell on it. Just as he was pondering her reaction, Qin Ming approached, his expression complicated yet filled with respect.
"You're truly remarkable, Junior. With you at Shrek Academy, its future will undoubtedly shine brighter than ever."
After these words, Qin Ming turned and left the stage, heading towards his team.
Applause erupted throughout the arena, amplified through the sound system from the VIP boxes. Yun Feng's stunning performance had won over the noble spectators, who clapped fervently to celebrate his victory. Though their number wasn't large, the applause was a fitting conclusion to the intense and visually spectacular battle.
At the entrance to the contestants' tunnel, Qin Ming greeted his students with a calm smile despite their loss.
"Forgive us, Teacher. We've failed," Yu Tianheng said, lowering his head in shame.
Qin Ming said nothing for a moment, his gaze resting on his most prized student. Yu Tianheng continued,
"The fault is mine. I failed to command properly. If punishment is needed, I'll take full responsibility."
"No, Captain! This isn't your fault. Who could have expected an opponent like him?" Oslo interjected, trying to defend Yu Tianheng.
Yu Tianheng shook his head and sighed.
"No, Oslo. A loss is a loss, and as the team leader, the responsibility lies with me."
Dugu Yan, visibly shaken, wiped at the tears streaming down her face. For someone who had lived a life of privilege, shielded by her exceptional poison control abilities and noble lineage, this defeat was a crushing blow.
Before anyone else could speak, Qin Ming raised his hand to silence them.
"This loss," he began, "is actually a blessing in disguise."
The team froze, startled by his words. Yu Tianheng glanced at Qin Ming, beginning to grasp the meaning behind them.
"Teacher, what do you mean? How can this humiliating defeat be a good thing?" Oslo asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.
Qin Ming smiled faintly, his tone gentle but firm.
"Because your path has been too smooth until now. This setback will help you grow. None of you suffered irreparable harm today, but imagine if this had happened in a future battle. The price could have been your lives."
"Failure itself isn't terrifying. What's terrifying is failing to learn from it. I hope each of you has reflected on your shortcomings. With that understanding, you'll emerge stronger the next time you face such a formidable opponent. Yun Feng didn't just defeat you—he awakened you."
Pausing for emphasis, Qin Ming swept his gaze across the team before delivering his final advice.
"Learn from your failures and grow."
The members of the Emperor Team repeated his words, their voices tinged with a renewed determination. Qin Ming nodded in satisfaction.
"Go rest and recover. I have some matters to attend to," he said, turning and striding away.
Unlike the gloomy atmosphere surrounding the Emperor Team, Shrek Academy was buzzing with excitement. The students gathered around Yun Feng, their faces alight with admiration.
"Yun Feng, you're amazing!" Ning Rongrong exclaimed.
"You always kept such a low profile, but who knew you were this strong?"
Her words echoed the thoughts of everyone present. Yun Feng, however, merely smiled faintly.
"It's nothing special," he said nonchalantly.
This casual remark left Flender and Zhao Wuji speechless.
"Nothing special?" Zhao Wuji muttered to himself.
"If this is 'nothing special,' then what are we even doing here?"
As the group shared a laugh, a voice suddenly cut through the air.
"Headmaster Flender, Vice-Headmaster Zhao Wuji, how have you been? It's been a long time."
Everyone turned to see Qin Ming approaching, his steps steady and respectful. Before anyone could react, he knelt on one knee before Flender and Zhao Wuji.
"Disciple Qin Ming greets his teachers."
Gone was the composed mentor from earlier; now his eyes sparkled with genuine emotion as he addressed his former instructors.
Flender adjusted his crystal glasses, feigning indifference.
"I thought you'd forgotten all about us, Qin Ming."
Zhao Wuji helped Qin Ming to his feet, clapping him on the shoulder.
"You've done well, kid. If you keep this up, you'll surpass us old timers in no time."
Standing upright, Qin Ming replied humbly,
"No matter how far I go, the two of you will always be my teachers, and I'll forever be a student of Shrek Academy."
The rest of the Shrek students stared in shock. Though they didn't fully understand Qin Ming's relationship with their academy, they knew he had strong ties to the
Emperor Team. Yet here he was, bowing to Flender and Zhao Wuji as their disciple.