With everything explained, the crowd dispersed naturally. Led by Dai Mubai, Li Chang'an and Xiao Wu headed toward the cafeteria, while Ma Hongjun parted ways with Cui Hua on good terms—intending to pay his own way from now on.
The so-called "cafeteria" was just part of an agreement between the academy and the local village. A few villagers were hired to handle everyone's meals. Breakfast was simple, but there was plenty of it—no one would go hungry, at least.
By the time they arrived, Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, and Tang San were already there. When Zhu Zhuqing saw Li Chang'an, her usually icy face showed the faintest change. She gave a slight nod in greeting—reserved but polite.
Li Chang'an wasn't about to start a conversation with Zhu Zhuqing. After all, as far as everyone knew, he had a girlfriend, and that girlfriend was right next to him.
He gave her a nod in return, then pulled Xiao Wu to sit down and got them two trays of food.
Rice porridge, steamed buns, and boiled eggs—plain, unadorned, and honestly a little hard to get used to for someone like Li Chang'an.
This kind of breakfast wasn't exactly bad, but it wasn't great either. For Spirit Masters still growing, a meal like this could hamper their development. Even if he didn't care about others, for the sake of Xiao Wu, he knew the meals needed an upgrade.
As he mulled this over, Dai Mubai had already started his self-introduction, sneaking glances at Zhu Zhuqing while he spoke.
But Zhu Zhuqing paid him no attention—not even a glance. When it was her turn, she merely said, "Everyone already knows my name and martial spirit. No need to repeat it."
That left Li Chang'an as the only one who hadn't introduced himself. Even Ma Hongjun, by now, knew who he was—and realized the terrifying guy from yesterday's incident was this calm, confident fellow.
"Me?" Li Chang'an gave a gentle smile to the group, straightened up, and then spoke with calm clarity:
"My name is Li Changsheng. My Martial Spirit is the Ruyi Jingu Bang, a golden staff—it's a mutated Martial Soul, which is why my cultivation speed is a little faster than average."
"I'm thirteen years old. Probably not much older than any of you, but I applied for a teacher position, and the Dean approved it. So I hope from now on you'll call me Teacher Li. Or Brother Li works too. I look forward to working with you all."
He didn't speak much, but every word was firm and unquestionable. Just as he said—he was a teacher. Age didn't matter. His position had already been set.
And even if some were skeptical, no one dared question it. Li Chang'an had already proven himself yesterday. He'd earned the title.
Just then, the sound of a bell rang from outside.
Dai Mubai stood up quickly. "That's the Dean summoning us. Come on, everyone—first period's likely to cost us something."
When they arrived at the large training field, the half-asleep Oscar had already made it. He was munching on a self-made sausage.
Oscar's appearance had changed dramatically. The most obvious difference? His beard was gone.
Those who'd seen him before barely recognized him. Without the facial hair, he looked like a completely different person.
Deep-set peach-blossom eyes, a face as refined as jade, and eyebrows neither too thick nor too thin—he looked like a carefree noble with a flirtatious air. Of course, no matter how handsome a noble might be, chewing on a sausage like that still wasn't a great look.
In terms of handsomeness tiers, Dai Mubai and Oscar definitely belonged to the top tier. Tang San, post-Martial Spirit awakening, would join them eventually—but right now, he wasn't quite there.
Li Chang'an, however, was simply beyond classification. His looks were flawless—elegant, refined, and utterly unassailable. His physique matched, but what set him apart most was his aura.
There was something indescribable about him—an air of superiority that not even the crown princes of the two great empires could rival.
At that moment, Flender approached from a distance, still in his usual attire but smiling broadly. After all, with so many newcomers, that meant a fresh round of tuition fees.
Flender came to a stop in front of the seven students and Li Chang'an, the provisional teacher. His distinctive, husky voice rang out:
"Not bad this year. We've got four new monsters, and even a monster teacher. I, Flender, Dean of Shrek Academy, welcome all of you. Now, each of you needs to pay 100 soul gold coins to the one handling finances. Changsheng, you too. You're staying here, eating and sleeping—nothing's free."
"Also you'll temporarily serve as a teaching assistant. You'll enjoy the full treatment and position of a teacher, responsible for helping the instructors. When the main teacher isn't present, you'll be in charge."
His final words were directed at the others, affirming Li Chang'an's authority. Whether he was here for his girlfriend or just to fill out the numbers—it didn't matter. Flender had acknowledged him, and that meant he was in.
And honestly, Li Chang'an was the most terrifying "monster" among them.
"No problem," Li Chang'an nodded. This was exactly the position he wanted. Only with the status of a teacher could he get things done.
Flender turned to Dai Mubai. "We've got four new juniors and one young teacher. Later, show them around. For now, go rest and recover as much as you can. Tonight's lesson will be the first formal class. Changsheng, you'll help lead them."
With that, Flender sent Ning Rongrong and Oscar off to run laps, took Tang San with him, and left the rest to their own devices.
Naturally, Li Chang'an left with Xiao Wu. Though he didn't drag her back to his dorm room, he did pull her aside to whisper sweet nothings. Then he took out a pile of things from his Nullspace for her to choose from.
These were just daily essentials that he'd brought along when he came—his storage space was huge, so there was plenty of room.
Though it was a minor detail, Xiao Wu was deeply moved. Li Chang'an had thought of everything—from soft bedding to tissues and cups. He'd even packed small mirrors for girls. Her heart melted.
Of course, if Xiao Wu knew he had more than one set of "girl's essentials" in that storage space, she might not be so touched.
---
Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan, Grand Hall
On the northern end of the hall, facing south, stood a grand rosewood chair carved with elaborate patterns. Embedded in the backrest was a massive jade stone—emerald green and softly luminous, a piece of premium warm jade.
A man sat upright in the chair. He had a refined, gentle face, with a straight nose and well-defined lips. His white robe was spotless, and his hair flowed casually down his back. Everything about him radiated ease and sincerity. He looked around forty.
At the moment, his gentle gaze was fixed on a young man in white battle garb, kneeling before him.
"Reporting to the Patriarch, the young lady has arrived at Shrek Academy…" The youth respectfully recounted all he had seen—emphasizing not only Ning Rongrong but, more importantly, Li Chang'an.
"Thirteen years old. A Spirit King. And with such a terrifying soul ring configuration…" the man muttered. "He could rival that Holy Son. If I didn't know for a fact the Holy Son's Martial Spirit had already been sealed off by that one, I'd almost suspect…"
He sighed deeply. "Such turbulent times…"
The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan had no other options now. None of them were willing to bow their heads. As one of the top three clans, they couldn't keep being suppressed by Spirit Hall forever...
---
Shrek Academy — Flender Scolding Ning Rongrong
"Tell me. Did you complete the morning's training regiment I assigned?"
Ning Rongrong sheepishly shook her head. "No. It was too far, and I was hungry. I couldn't keep going."
Flender smiled faintly. "So, instead, you went to Suotuo City, had yourself a feast, and wandered around the commercial district before finally finding Oscar. Am I right?"
Ning Rongrong's eyes widened. "Were you spying on me?"
Flender's face turned cold. "As Dean, I am responsible for every student. If Oscar lied to protect you, that's understandable. But you—breaking rules, sneaking off campus, and making a senior cover for you—those are serious violations. On a battlefield, those mistakes mean one thing: execution under military law."
Ning Rongrong laughed. Though only twelve, her smile was undeniably charming. But behind that innocent look lurked something chilling.
"Flender, who do you think you are? Just a minor Spirit Sage."
The words stunned everyone—except Li Chang'an. None of them expected the sweet girl to say something so arrogant. In that moment, her expression lost all softness. She looked haughty and condescending.
'sigh Truly a little devil. I give up on trying to "tame" her—too exhausting!' Li Chang'an thought to himself as he watched, and couldn't help glancing at Zhu Zhuqing. Now she seemed more his type.
After all, a generous figure says it all…
But Flender didn't get angry. He smiled. "You're right. I'm just a minor Spirit Sage. But you're still far, far below me."
"Even if you're the most talented of your generation in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan, you're still just a spirit Grandmaster. Between us lies a gap you can't cross. If you don't like it here, leave. Shrek Academy doesn't welcome rule-breakers."
Ning Rongrong sneered. "Kick me out? Not that easy. Since I'm here, I'm not planning to leave. Flender, I suggest you stay out of my way. Otherwise, you won't be able to bear the consequences."
Flender smiled calmly. "If I feared consequences, this school wouldn't exist. This is my turf. My rules. Mubai."
"Yes, Dean." Dai Mubai stepped forward, still shocked by Ning Rongrong's transformation. He realized that this was her true nature—though she had certainly acted the part yesterday.
"Go fetch Miss Ning's belongings and escort her off the premises. If she resists, use any means necessary."
"Flender, you dare!?" Ning Rongrong snapped, hands on her hips, radiating fierce energy. "You're the first person to treat me like this in my entire life!"
"Ahem… how about… we all take a step back?" Li Chang'an finally interjected.
__
T/N:
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