"Welcome aboard!"
Lin Feng quickly adjusted his expression, spreading his arms with a smile as he welcomed Flender warmly.
Liu Erlong was slightly taken aback by this.
"Flender, you actually agreed that quickly?"
She turned toward him with surprise in her voice.
"If even you're willing to follow him, Erlong, then that already speaks volumes about his worth."
"I've always trusted your judgment."
Flender lifted his chin slightly, his expression calm and confident as he replied.
"Don't worry, Boss Flender. The young master will never disappoint you."
Liu Erlong offered a soft smile, her tone gentle and reassuring.
"Lin Feng, I wonder… would it be possible for the teachers and students of my academy to join yours as well?"
Flender looked at Lin Feng with eager anticipation.
"We'll take a look first. Our academy holds pretty high standards, after all."
Lin Feng paused to consider before answering.
"Don't worry, they won't let you down."
"Our students and teachers are all top-tier."
Flender nodded firmly, full of confidence.
---
Not long after, the group arrived outside the city.
Shrek Academy was located in a small rural village, and from a distance, it looked rundown and dilapidated.
Even the entrance gate was nothing more than a makeshift bundle of straw.
"Put more effort into it, you brats! If you can't handle this much intensity, how do you expect to survive in the world of Soul Masters?!"
A burly man was shouting at three students on the training field.
There was no need to guess—it was clearly Zhao Wuji.
Out of the corner of his eye, Zhao Wuji noticed Flender approaching with a group of strangers and paused mid-sentence, curiosity sparking in his mind.
He stopped what he was doing and turned toward them.
Lin Feng's gaze swept over Zhao Wuji and the three students. Just then, the system's voice rang out, and a glimmer of surprise flashed in his eyes.
Well now... All four of them have purple-tier traits?
Even the lowest innate soul power among them was Rank 7.
Lin Feng was genuinely impressed. Despite the shabby appearance of the school, the standards for students and staff were actually quite high.
"Everyone, stop for a moment!"
Flender stepped forward quickly, waving his hand and calling out loudly.
"I have an important announcement to make."
"Shrek Academy is about to merge with another academy."
Once the students had quieted down, Flender stood in front of them, took a deep breath, and spoke slowly.
"What? We're merging?"
"Isn't Shrek Academy the headmaster's lifelong dream?"
"Why now, of all times, are we merging with another academy?"
"Who knows…"
"C'mon, haven't you noticed the headmaster's been struggling to keep the academy funded?"
The announcement caused a wave of surprise. Whispers spread through the group like wildfire.
Flender continued, scanning their faces.
"If any of you wish to stay and join the new academy, you're more than welcome."
"But if you'd rather not, I won't force anyone."
At that, Zhao Wuji furrowed his brow in concern.
He'd been hiding out here to avoid retaliation from Spirit Hall…
If this new academy isn't strong enough, it won't be able to withstand Spirit Hall's vengeance.
"Headmaster, what is this new academy you're talking about, exactly?"
Unable to hold back, Zhao Wuji finally asked.
Flender hesitated for a moment before turning his gaze to Lin Feng.
"It's an academy that's never existed on the continent before."
"It accepts only true geniuses, and its faculty is composed of some of the strongest names across the land."
"Our Heaven Dou Empire's Titled Douluo—Poison Douluo—will serve as its first headmaster."
Lin Feng stepped forward proudly as he made the announcement.
"What? Poison Douluo?!"
Everyone cried out in shock.
The three students' eyes lit up with excitement.
"Poison Douluo..."
Hearing that name, even Zhao Wuji's heart trembled slightly.
If a Titled Douluo is personally overseeing this academy, then perhaps it really is legitimate.
Spirit Hall wouldn't dare stir trouble so easily under that kind of protection.
Flender was likewise shaken but sighed internally.
So this is the academy Lin Feng spoke of… It's exactly the dream I've always chased.
To think someone else actually made it a reality first...
Truly, heroes rise young.
Still, becoming a teacher at such a place meant becoming part of that dream—even if it wasn't originally his own.
With that in mind, Flender's motivation grew deeper. He wasn't just following because of Erlong anymore, but because the academy aligned with his ideals.
"We're willing to join!"
Zhao Wuji and the three students exchanged a glance, then voiced their agreement in unison.
Lin Feng gave a satisfied nod and, after exchanging a few words with Flender, prepared to leave.
"Young Master, if you're not in a rush, I can introduce you to the rest of our teachers and students."
Flender offered with a smile.
"No need. Erlong and I will be heading back."
"Our group is still waiting for us in Nuoding City."
Lin Feng politely declined.
"Very well. Once I've made the necessary arrangements here…"
"I'll begin preparations to move the whole academy."
"Good."
Lin Feng nodded.
As they were about to leave, Lin Feng instinctively glanced back and refreshed the traits of Flender and the others.
[Ding! Traits refreshed.]
Unfortunately, no gold-tier traits appeared.
But then—
Zhao Wuji suddenly revealed a new trait:
[Loyalty (White)]: Once you pledge allegiance, you will never betray.
Lin Feng's heart skipped with pleasant surprise.
Finally—the trait I've been waiting for!
He looked at Zhao Wuji with newfound appreciation.
Didn't expect this big guy to produce the loyalty trait.
Sure enough, the strong and burly types are best suited to be loyal bodyguards.
Too bad… I still can't transfer traits to others yet.
If I could duplicate [Loyalty] and apply it to my whole team, I wouldn't have to worry about betrayal anymore.
He sighed inwardly.
"System, replace trait."
[Ding! Zhao Wuji's trait successfully replaced.]
After the system's confirmation, Lin Feng turned to glance at Zhao Wuji.
To his surprise, Zhao Wuji showed no change in expression, as if nothing had happened.
Huh…? Did the trait not activate?
Then it dawned on him.
Zhao Wuji had pledged loyalty to the academy, not to him personally.
The trait applied to his current allegiance—to the new school, not Lin Feng himself.
Realization set in, and Lin Feng gave a relaxed smile.
It's fine. Once we're back at the new academy, I'll have plenty of time to cultivate that loyalty directly.
Now, the priority was returning to Nuoding and having Second Uncle officially establish the academy.
Without further delay, Lin Feng and Liu Erlong made their way back quickly.
---
By the time they returned to Nuoding City, night had already fallen.
Under the inky sky, Lin Feng entered his room, his body a little tired from the journey.
Soft lamplight filled the room. Dugu Yan was sitting on the edge of the bed, her eyes filled with anticipation.
"Yan'er, did you have fun today?"
Lin Feng smiled gently, his voice low and tender.
"Get some rest. We still have things to take care of tomorrow."
Dugu Yan nodded softly.
Lin Feng sat beside her and gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, coaxing her with quiet words.
Under his soothing tone, Dugu Yan slowly drifted off to sleep.
Only then did Lin Feng finally lie down and close his eyes.
---
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