Zhao Wuji racked his brain for a long time but couldn't come up with a solution. Finally, he tentatively asked Zhu Zhuqing:
"Zhuqing, I think we should let this matter go. Mubai was just momentarily confused, so forgive him this once. Teacher promises you—if he ever does something foolish like this again, you won't need to lift a finger. I'll personally discipline him."
By the end of his speech, Zhao Wuji felt his words lacked credibility, so he patted his thick chest to appear confident in his abilities.
The Evil-Eyed Holy King's lips twitched. Though reluctant to agree, the situation forced His hand. After all, the opponent was a Soul Sage, and no matter how extraordinary His control over Zhu Zhuqing's body was, it wouldn't be enough to defeat him. Thus, He could only grit His teeth and endure.
Zhao Wuji chuckled awkwardly.
"That's more like it. This is the student I know."
After brushing off Zhao Wuji, the Evil-Eyed Holy King steered Zhu Zhuqing's body directly toward the exit of Shrek Academy.
Staying in this deranged school any longer, He feared He might go mad!
Zhao Wuji still hadn't figured out why Zhu Zhuqing wasn't heading to class but instead walking out of the school when—
A black shadow descended from the sky, blocking Zhu Zhuqing's path.
It was none other than Flender.
The Evil-Eyed Holy King's expression darkened as He inwardly cursed these Shrek teachers for their idiocy. How dare they repeatedly obstruct Him! If He were at His peak, He would devour them all and turn them into His ghostly servants!
But alas, the current situation left Him powerless. With a calm tone, He said, "Principal Flender, why are you blocking my way?"
Due to his infatuation, Flender had removed his worn-out glasses and even shaved off his goatee to make a better impression on his goddess, Liu Erlong.
Though he found it hard to believe, Flender looked at Zhu Zhuqing before him—the usually obedient girl striving to grow stronger—and realized she was likely leaving Shrek Academy today.
However, Yu Xiaogang and Liu Erlong had repeatedly emphasized, before departing to search for new recruits for Shrek's Seven Monsters, that Flender must ensure these prodigies were properly trained and avoid further mishaps.
Thus, despite knowing the answer, Flender still clung to a sliver of hope and asked:
"Zhu Zhuqing, it's almost time for class. Where are you going?"
The Evil-Eyed Holy King remained unfazed. After all, they were in broad daylight within Tian Dou Imperial City. He was certain Flender wouldn't dare lay a hand on Him. So, He firmly replied:
"I've made new plans for my future and no longer intend to continue studying at Shrek. Is there a problem, Principal Flender?
I've paid my tuition in full—you can't force me to stay by claiming I owe the academy money, can you?"
Flender's face instantly darkened.
The worst-case scenario had indeed come to pass.
Still, Flender attempted to salvage the situation and earnestly said, "Zhu Zhuqing, I don't know what plans you have for your future, but as you've always believed, strength is the sole measure of a soul master's worth.
And Shrek Academy is genuinely the premier academy for prodigies. I doubt you'll find better education elsewhere after leaving here. Don't harbor illusions—once you step outside, the cruel reality will leave you battered and broken. Stay here, Zhuqing.
I've been too busy lately, neglecting your training guidance. Moving forward, I'll dedicate myself to mentoring you more attentively."
The Evil-Eyed Holy King rolled His eyes.
If He were an ordinary soul master, Flender's persuasion might have worked. But alas, He was not!
Ordinary soul masters without much knowledge might fall for Flender's tricks, but as someone who had spent over two thousand years entrenched in the human power core of the Star Luo Empire, He knew full well that the most critical factor for a soul master was innate soul power. Without sufficiently powerful innate soul power, a soul master's potential was forever capped.
Shrek's admission standard required students to reach level 21 by age 12.
This meant their innate soul power had to be at least level 7.
Soul masters with innate soul power above level 7 were top-tier talents wherever they went. Yet Shrek Academy had squandered over a dozen such prodigies, with only 14 students graduating normally.
At first glance, it seemed Shrek's graduation standards were strict.
But for soul masters with innate soul power above level 7, reaching the Soul Elder rank before age 20 was practically a given, wasn't it?
The Evil-Eyed Holy King didn't believe that Shrek Academy, staffed by Soul Sages and Soul Emperors, would allow students to perish during soul hunting.
After all, not everyone at Shrek was destined to become a future Holy Spirit Douluo like Xuanzi.
Moreover, Zhao Wuji had actively helped capture Fengwei Chicken Crest Snakes, meaning Shrek's students weren't sent to fight soul beasts alone.
Thus, during His idle moments, the Evil-Eyed Holy King analyzed the situation. It likely stemmed from Shrek's teaching methods. Their so-called genius education involved throwing students into dueling arenas for real combat.
Most of the students who didn't graduate probably died in those arenas.
After all, soul skills were indiscriminate. Accidental deaths and injuries were far too common.
For those unfortunate soul masters who perished, some grand spirit arenas even erected plaques outside to record their names.
Clearly, dueling wasn't child's play.
As for whether Shrek would confront the arenas over student casualties?
That was even more laughable.
Forget Shrek Academy, whose strongest fighters were Soul Sages—what audacity did they have to argue with spirit arenas backed by families of Soul Douluos?
Injuries and deaths in dueling were common knowledge in the soul master world. Shrek had no moral high ground to stand on.
As for Flender's mentorship, if the Evil-Eyed Holy King hadn't intervened, Zhu Zhuqing would have been ecstatic. Though Flender's martial soul differed from hers, his expertise in agile attack techniques could have greatly benefited her.
But then again, Flender had let his direct disciple Ma Hongjun grow wild and untamed—let alone Zhu Zhuqing.
Thus, Flender's advice sounded no different to the Evil-Eyed Holy King than empty words.
After a brief internal mockery, the Evil-Eyed Holy King guided Zhu Zhuqing's body to respond indifferently:
"Oh? Such an enticing offer."
Flender's lips curled upward as he inwardly congratulated himself on his persuasive prowess.
But the next moment, his expression froze.
"But—I refuse!
Principal, your guidance is indeed appealing, but it won't secure my future. Neither my strength nor Dai Mubai's comes close to matching our elder siblings. Therefore, I choose another path. Please, Principal, do not obstruct me."
With that, Zhu Zhuqing bypassed Flender and walked away.
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