Flender raised his hand and gave Qin Ming a hearty pat on the shoulder.
"You've been away from the academy for so many years, but you're still as formal as ever."
He gestured towards the group.
"Come, let me introduce you. This here is Grandmaster, and over there, well, you've already seen him on the stage. The rest are our new students at Shrek Academy."
Qin Ming bowed respectfully to Grandmaster, performing the gesture of a disciple.
"Greetings, Grandmaster."
Grandmaster's expression remained indifferent as he acknowledged the bow and said flatly,
"Alright, get up."
Qin Ming paused in surprise for a moment, but Flender chuckled and added,
"Enough of the formalities. We're all family here. By the way, Qin Ming, did you know that one of your students is actually Grandmaster's nephew?"
Qin Ming blinked in confusion, turning to Flender for an explanation. Grandmaster's face darkened as he shot Flender a disapproving look, clearly unhappy that his personal connection had been revealed. Flender, however, grinned cheekily.
"Come on, there's no need to keep secrets among us. Or do I have to spell it out—that Yu Tianheng is your nephew?"
"What?"
The revelation hit the Shrek students like a thunderbolt. Dai Mubai, Oscar, Ma Hongjun, and Tang San all gasped in shock. They couldn't believe that Grandmaster was from the illustrious Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, one of the seven great clans of the continent.
Their thoughts quickly shifted.
If he comes from such a powerful clan, why is his spirit so weak?
Noticing the subtle disbelief in their expressions, Grandmaster's face grew even gloomier.
"I told you before, Flender. I severed ties with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan long ago. I have nothing to do with them anymore."
With that, he turned and strode out of the room. Tang San instinctively wanted to follow, but Grandmaster raised a hand to stop him.
"Stay. You still need to tally up this month's spirit battle points. Head back with Flender later—I have something to take care of."
As Grandmaster disappeared from sight, Tang San hesitated, his mind racing.
No wonder he always had that strange look whenever the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was mentioned. He came from such a prestigious lineage, yet with his mutated spirit… it must have been incredibly difficult.
Despite his curiosity, Tang San respected Grandmaster's wish and stayed behind.
Flender sighed regretfully.
"That was my fault. But don't worry; he's used to this by now."
Qin Ming, still processing the revelation, muttered to himself.
"I can't believe it—Grandmaster is Tianheng's uncle."
Flender quickly changed the subject, his tone becoming more animated as he addressed the Shrek students.
"I suppose you're all wondering why Qin Ming is here. Well, it's simple. He was once just like you—a student at Shrek Academy. In fact, he was one of our finest, a graduate from our very first class."
"He even held the record for reaching rank 30 the fastest, a record that you, Yun Feng, Xiao Wu, and Mubai have now broken."
Hearing this, the Shrek students exchanged impressed glances. Qin Ming's achievements clearly painted him as a prodigy, someone who had succeeded despite the academy's meager resources.
Qin Ming smiled warmly at them.
"Greetings, junior brothers and sisters. It's a pleasure to meet you all. Flender, it seems our academy is flourishing more than ever."
Zhao Wuji, however, shook his head with a wry smile.
"Flourishing? Far from it. These kids will likely be our last batch of students."
Qin Ming's expression shifted to one of alarm.
"Wait, the academy's financial issues haven't been resolved yet?"
Realizing his slip, Qin Ming looked sheepishly at Flender. Flender sighed heavily.
"That's the reality. There's no use hiding it. We're all getting older, and we just don't have the energy we once did. Once these kids graduate, we'll probably retire and live quieter lives."
"But let's talk about something else. Your students are impressive. They're among the best I've seen."
As Flender spoke, Yun Feng noticed the subtle curl of his lips—a telltale sign of scheming. It didn't take long for Yun Feng to figure out what Flender was planning.
So that's it… He's setting up Qin Ming.
Indeed, Flender wasn't one to pass up an opportunity. If a devoted former student like Qin Ming showed even a hint of willingness to help, Flender would undoubtedly capitalize on it. After all, Flender's ambition for the academy was too great to let go without a fight.
Qin Ming seemed to take the bait, chuckling lightly.
"My students' talent and backgrounds speak for themselves. I can't take credit for much—it's the resources of the academy that truly attract them."
"Oh? So you're teaching at an academy now?" Flender feigned curiosity.
Qin Ming nodded.
"Yes, Flender. I'm currently teaching at the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. The seven students in the Emperor Team are its finest talents. I brought them here to gain experience and, coincidentally, to visit our old academy. Though I must say, I didn't expect such a… memorable reception."
Flender laughed.
"The moment I saw you, I knew this spirit battle was in good hands."
"Anyway, this isn't the place to talk. Let's head back to the hotel. We have so much to catch up on."
Qin Ming agreed without hesitation, his gaze sweeping across the Shrek students. He couldn't help but feel moved.
These students… they're younger and more talented than the Emperor Team. And knowing Shrek's limited resources, this is nothing short of a miracle.
As they left the arena, Qin Ming made a silent vow:
I must help
my former teachers and their academy. These kids deserve every opportunity to succeed.
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