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The members of the Imperial Team returned to the lounge with slumped expressions.
After receiving treatment, Yu Tianheng had barely regained his ability to move. However, Oslo's injuries were far more severe. Even though his external wounds had healed, he still showed no signs of regaining consciousness.
Everyone sat on the couch, their spirits low.
This soul battle wasn't just a loss—it was compounded by Qin Ming's betrayal.
As the leader of the Imperial Team, Qin Ming hadn't fought for their interests. Instead, he seemed to side entirely with Shrek Academy.
When their safety was threatened, he had coldly stood by and done nothing.
Such actions left the hearts of the Imperial Team members utterly chilled.
In the past, whenever they faced setbacks, Qin Ming had consoled and encouraged them, fulfilling his duties as a teacher.
But today, they finally understood the meaning of "you can know a person's face, but not their heart."
Yu Feng grew angrier the more he thought about it. He slammed his fist onto the coffee table. "Teacher Qin is despicable! How dare they treat us like this!"
"When we get back, I'll make sure my father files a harsh complaint against him in court!"
Shi Mo, who was usually quiet, spoke up for the first time. "It's useless. Teacher Qin isn't an official—how can the imperial censors impeach him? Don't let your father embarrass himself in front of the emperor and the ministers."
Dugu Yan sneered. "Just because he's not an official doesn't mean he can do whatever he wants. My grandfather has a close relationship with Prince Xue Xing. Officially, the prince is still the academy's president. I'll have my grandfather speak to him. By then, even the three teaching commissioners won't be able to protect Qin Ming."
Qin Ming had dared to abandon them in their hour of need. Who knew what further outrageous acts he might commit in the future?
Meanwhile, Ye Lingling, the one most directly affected, sat silently in the corner of the lounge.
Her black veil covered her forehead, concealing her expression from others. Beneath the veil, however, tears streamed down her face.
"Heh, the soul battle's over, but Qin Ming hasn't even come back. Let's head back to the hotel to rest. Once Leopard (referring to Oslo) and Boss recover a bit, we'll return to the academy. As for Qin Ming… he can go eat shit."
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Qin Ming didn't go eat shit. Instead, under the cover of night, he sought out the hotel where Shrek Academy was staying.
After treatment, Xiao Wu had gradually regained consciousness. Tang San's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally settled.
Seeing this, Yu Xiaogang pulled Tang San into an empty room and questioned him sternly, frowning. "Xiao San, you're usually so calm—why were you so impulsive today? Do you realize how everyone would look at you if you had killed someone?"
"Once you're labeled a bloodthirsty thug, how will you lead the team in the future?"
Tang San understood the gravity of the situation but refused to admit fault. "Teacher, for Xiao Wu's sake, I had no choice. Aside from you, Xiao Wu is the only family I have left—I don't want anything to happen to her."
Yu Xiaogang sighed inwardly. His disciple was excellent in every way, except for being overly devoted to Xiao Wu. For her, he had dared to publicly take Ye Lingling hostage.
This wasn't a trivial matter—it would severely damage the reputation of the Grand Spirit Arena.
Thankfully, no further incidents occurred; otherwise, the arena would never have forgiven them. Even so, they still faced punishment.
"Xiao San, because of your actions, the Grand Spirit Arena has expelled Shrek Academy's team. And the rewards they promised before the match? They only gave us one-tenth of what was agreed upon."
Yu Xiaogang continued, "Tomorrow morning, you should apologize to everyone."
A moment later, their conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Could it be that a strong fighter from the Grand Spirit Arena has come knocking?" Yu Xiaogang tensed up and quickly sought out Flender.
Flender, however, appeared completely relaxed, showing no signs of tension. Before Yu Xiaogang could ask, Flender opened the door.
"Principal Flender, forgive me for disturbing you so suddenly," Qin Ming said with a slight bow, his tone respectful.
Hearing the voice, the members of Shrek Academy came out of their rooms.
"You're the leader of the Imperial Team. What are you doing here?" Tang San asked warily.
"Haha, everyone, relax. Little Ming isn't an outsider—he's your senior," Zhao Wuji said with a laugh.
He had been staying at the hotel, responsible for the logistics of the students.
"Senior?" Everyone was surprised.
Qin Ming smiled warmly and greeted them. "Fellow juniors, I was part of the academy's first batch of students and graduated over ten years ago."
"So does that mean, Senior, that you joined when the academy was just founded?" Ma Hongjun exclaimed in astonishment.
Dai Mubai suddenly asked, "By the way, Senior, I heard from Principal Flender that among the academy's first graduating class, someone became the youngest elder of the Spirit Hall. Do you know who that is?"
His reasoning was simple. To escape Davis' future pursuit, he decided to seek refuge under this older senior.
Qin Ming looked at Flender blankly.
Among his batch of students, he had the highest soul power level. Yet now, he was only at the rank of Soul Emperor. The elders of the Spirit Hall started at the rank of Title Douluo. How could anyone reach that level in just over a decade?
He knew Flender had a habit of exaggerating, but he hadn't expected him to go so far as to falsely claim ties to the Spirit Hall.
Zhao Wuji and Flender were left speechless, awkward and embarrassed.
Back then, to attract more enrollment fees, they had deliberately fabricated this rumor. Now, with someone asking them directly, they didn't know how to respond.
They couldn't possibly admit to lying outright, could they?
If they did, what would happen to the principal's image?
Quick-witted Qin Ming stepped in to smooth things over. "Rumors spread and evolve over time. Initially, Principal Flender convinced a reclusive Soul Douluo-level expert to come out of retirement and serve as the academy's honorary president.
"Later, after this elder broke through to become a Title Douluo, they left the academy. I'm guessing they haven't returned since I graduated. As for the 'youngest elder of the Spirit Hall,' that's probably the result of repeated retellings, turning the story into something mythical."
Good kid, I knew I hadn't misjudged you.
Flender was overjoyed inside.
This explanation was so convincing that even he almost believed it.
"So that's how it is," Dai Mubai said, feeling somewhat disappointed.
Seeing that no one was pressing further, Flender quickly changed the subject. "By the way, Little Ming, you mentioned Seven Treasures Academy earlier. What's the situation there? Is there really a team in Tiandou City stronger than the Imperial Team?"
"Seven Treasures Academy—isn't that the academy established by the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda Clan?" Yu Xiaogang analyzed.
"That's right," Qin Ming nodded, glancing at Yu Xiaogang with confusion.
Since when did Shrek Academy have a teacher whose spirit power was only at Level 29?
After Flender's introduction, Qin Ming finally understood the reason.
"So you're Master Yu. I've heard much about you," Qin Ming said politely.
"Little Ming, no need to be formal," Yu Xiaogang replied in his usual manner.
Zhao Wuji's lips twitched involuntarily, feeling a trace of disgust toward Master Yu's demeanor.
Qin Ming ignored Yu Xiaogang's words and instead provided Shrek Academy's members with a full account of the Seven Treasures Team's situation.
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