Xuanzi turned to Jiang Shengyu and said,
"In these three years, I will personally be your teacher. What do you think of that?"
Hearing that Xuanzi intended to take Jiang Shengyu as his direct disciple, the other Elders were all taken aback. It wasn't only Xuanzi—truthfully, each of them had the same desire!
To guide such a prodigy, and perhaps even keep him at Shrek Academy to ensure a brighter future for the Academy—such temptation was nearly impossible to resist.
But since Xuanzi had spoken first, none of them had a chance.
Who among them could claim to be more qualified than a level ninety-eight Super Douluo?
After asking, Xuanzi did not press Jiang Shengyu for an immediate answer. Instead, he added,
"During these three years, should you reach a breakthrough in cultivation, all spirit rings required will be provided by Shrek Academy! Even if it is a one-hundred-thousand-year spirit ring, Shrek will provide it!"
His words about offering a one-hundred-thousand-year spirit ring were, of course, just rhetoric. Though Jiang Shengyu's cultivation speed was shockingly fast, as he himself had said, it was merely "luck." Could one truly rely on luck forever?
In Xuanzi's estimation, even in three years Jiang Shengyu would at best reach the peak of the six-ring Soul Emperor, or perhaps the level of a seven-ring Soul Sage.
That alone would already be an unprecedented pace of growth in Shrek Academy's history!
So whether the promise of a one-hundred-thousand-year ring could ever be fulfilled didn't matter—it was the perfect bait to win over his goodwill. As for the future… that could be dealt with later.
Mu En's worries were not unfounded. Since his passing, too few with true foresight remained in Shrek Academy.
After addressing Jiang Shengyu, Xuanzi then turned to Xiao Hongchen and the others:
"The same goes for you as well! While you are at Shrek, you will be treated no differently from our own students!"
"Brother, hurry and thank Elder Xuan! To have Elder Xuan personally instruct you—that's a privilege even many of our inner court seniors have never received!" Jiang Qingtong urged softly from the side.
Jiang Shengyu glanced at her, then exchanged a look with Xiao Hongchen. Together with the others, they bowed respectfully:
"Many thanks, Elder Xuan!"
Seeing their reaction, Xuanzi was very satisfied.
Meanwhile, Xian Lin'er and Qian Duoduo happily led the group of soul engineer students away from Sea God's Island, heading toward the Soul Tool Department's main compound.
The two were ecstatic. This entire group consisted of soul engineers from the Sun–Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy!
If, during these three years, they could acquire even a fraction of the technology from across the sea—even if it was only low-grade, first-level designs—it would still be of immense value to Shrek's Soul Tool Department.
Though Shrek had invested vast resources and made its soul tool program look impressive on the surface, it remained large but not strong.
This exchange was an opportunity—a chance to glimpse the very system by which the Sun–Moon Empire crafted its soul tools.
Watching them depart, Yan Shaozhe said to Jiang Shengyu's group,
"Come, let's go as well. I'll take you to tour the Martial Soul Department. Also… Qingtong, Wang Dong'er, you should come along too."
The group followed him away from Sea God's Island.
Gu Lingjun, meanwhile, was invited by Elder Zhuang to cultivate beneath the Golden Tree, where the aura of life was strongest.
As Xuanzi watched the others leave, he seemed to glimpse Shrek Academy's glorious future, led by this new generation of prodigies.
He lifted his head toward the Soul Contract Pearl floating high in the sky, and murmured,
"Elder Mu, you may rest assured. The future of this Academy will only grow brighter. From within the Golden Tree's embrace, please continue to watch over us."
Sighing deeply, Xuanzi turned back and returned to Sea God's Pavilion.
Yan Shaozhe led Jiang Shengyu's group through Shrek Academy. It happened to be the end of class, so the paths were crowded with students.
Upon learning that these visitors were from the Sun–Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy, many Shrek students looked at them with open hostility and challenge in their eyes.
"Shengyu, look at their faces. It's like they're ready to jump us right here!" Xiao Hongchen said with a grin, patting Shengyu's shoulder.
Shengyu glanced around at their expressions. He understood well—these students were still unwilling to accept Shrek's defeat at the hands of the Sun–Moon team during the tournament. But what of it? Was that his fault? Shouldn't they be blaming the Holy Spirit Sect's Grand Elder, who had fielded such a monstrous team?
For a soul king-level evil soul master to still manage a final strike before death, boosting Shrek Academy's "KPI" for casualties—that, at least, was an achievement worth remembering.
Both Shengyu and Xiao Hongchen chose to ignore the stares. After all, what use was hatred in the eyes? If looks alone could kill, then the three nations of Douluo would hardly need to waste such vast sums maintaining massive border armies.
Soon, someone summoned Ning Tian and a few other higher-ranked students, informing them of the exchange group's arrival.
Learning that the Sun–Moon exchange students were already on campus, Ning Tian and the others could no longer sit still, and quickly made their way outside.
Ning Tian approached, bowing politely to Yan Shaozhe:
"Greetings, Dean Yan."
"Ning Tian? What is it?" Yan Shaozhe's brows furrowed slightly.
Ning Tian was the young master of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Although the sect no longer produced many outstanding talents, and most could still only attach seven rings to their Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagodas, its millennia of inheritance had accumulated both wealth and connections.
Thus, though displeased by her appearance, Yan Shaozhe did not openly rebuke her.
Looking toward Jiang Shengyu's group, Ning Tian said to him,
"Some of our fellow students have heard that these are the very same representatives from the Sun–Moon Academy who fought in the tournament. They wish to challenge them!"
"Ridiculous, enough of this—" Yan Shaozhe was just about to dismiss her when Ai Cao, who had been silent until now, suddenly stepped forward.
"Very well. Let's do it," she said firmly.
Shengyu and Xiao Hongchen both froze, startled. Ai Cao continued,
"If we could defeat you once, we can defeat you a second time."
"Dean Yan, what do you say?" Ning Tian asked, turning toward him expectantly.
"Ai Cao, don't be impulsive. You've only just arrived at Shrek Academy, it would be better not to—" Yan Shaozhe began, but Ai Cao shook her head and interrupted him.
"Dean Yan, we accept all challenges."
She then turned and looked back at Jiang Shengyu and the others, seeking their approval.
Shengyu and Xiao Hongchen exchanged a glance, then both nodded.
"That's right! We support Senior Sister Ai Cao's decision."
As they spoke, they could clearly see the gratitude flash in Ai Cao's eyes.
She definitely had her own story.
Seeing Jiang Shengyu's group accept Ning Tian's challenge, Yan Shaozhe's face darkened.
"You are exchange students after all. This matter still requires Elder Xuan's approval."
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