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Seeing Flender's hesitation, Ning Rongrong instantly declared with resolve:
"If Shrek Academy does not immediately dismiss Zao Wou-Ki, I will withdraw from the academy today! I absolutely cannot tolerate an institution that harbors someone who tried to murder our teacher."
Hearing that Ning Rongrong wanted to leave Shrek Academy, Oscar instantly grew anxious.
His expression changed drastically as he exclaimed, "Dean Flender! Shrek Academy cannot be without the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda!"
Hearing Oscar still trying to curry favor with Ning Rongrong at a time like this, Dai Mubai exploded with rage.
"Little Ao! Is Teacher Zao Wou-Ki less important than Ning Rongrong?!"
"You've lived at the academy for so many years! How many times has Teacher Zhao stood up for us? Can all those years of camaraderie truly not compare to a few months with Ning Rongrong?"
"I..." Oscar hesitated, at a loss for words.
He neither wanted to lose his chance to see Ning Rongrong nor did he want to be branded as an ungrateful person.
Zhu Zhuqing followed up on Dai Mubai's words, "Dai Mubai, you're right. I have known our teacher for longer than I have been at Shrek Academy, so I choose our teacher."
"Dean Flender, if you do not dismiss Zao Wou-Ki, I will withdraw from Shrek Academy alongside Ning Rongrong."
After hearing Zhu Zhuqing's statement, Dai Mubai's heart was thrown into turmoil. He wasn't shocked that she was leaving Shrek Academy,
he was shocked that she had actually known Ye Lan for longer than she had been a student here.
He had originally assumed that Zhu Zhuqing had only met Ye Lan through her connection with Ning Rongrong, but he never expected that Zhu Zhuqing had known Ye Lan even before Ning Rongrong did.
In that case, what was Zhu Zhuqing's real reason for joining Shrek Academy?
Why did you give me hope, only to then bring me endless despair?
Beside Dai Mubai, Tang San pursed his lips, remaining silent.
Tang San did not speak up to defend Zao Wou-Ki, nor did he say anything to persuade Ning Rongrong to stay.
In his heart, Tang San hoped that Dean Flender would dismiss Zao Wou-Ki and keep Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing.
If Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing were to leave the team, how could the Shrek Team possibly compete in the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament in a few years?
Although he desperately wanted to convince Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing to stay, he could not bring himself to utter words like "dismiss Zao Wou-Ki."
After all, he had always prided himself on respecting his teachers and valuing principles. If he were to advocate for Zao Wou-Ki's dismissal now,
what would the others think of him?
Xiao Wu, however, spoke without reservation, "Leave if you want! Shrek Academy won't miss you either way!"
Hearing Xiao Wu fanning the flames, Tang San quickly pulled her back. "That's enough, Xiao Wu!"
Xiao Wu didn't understand why Tang San stopped her from continuing and clutched his arm, feeling wronged.
Tang San found it hard to look at the aggrieved expression on the bald Xiao Wu's face.
How long would it take for Xiao Wu's hair and eyebrows to grow back?
Fatty Ma Hongjun also began to pick a side. Although he was reluctant to see the two beauties leave Shrek Academy, neither of them was someone he could ever hope to pursue.
Ma Hongjun thought about all the messes Zao Wou-Ki had cleaned up for him over the years.
Ma Hongjun said with great reluctance, "Teacher, I support Teacher Zao Wou-Ki remaining at Shrek Academy. Teacher Zao is still a wanted criminal by Spirit Hall. If we let him wander the continent with only one arm, isn't that sending him to his death?"
Yu Xiaogang, on the other hand, looked at Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing with confidence. "Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, you will definitely regret your decision to leave Shrek Academy in the future!"
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing both gave Yu Xiaogang a look one might reserve for an idiot.
Grandmaster, you think your training plan will make us feel regret?
Flender had heard everyone's opinions, even though Tang San hadn't spoken.
But considering Tang San's character of respecting his teachers and valuing principles, he would surely also be in favor of keeping Zao Wou-Ki, right?
Flender declared with righteous conviction, "As long as someone is a teacher at Shrek Academy, I, Flender, will never abandon them!"
"Ning Rongrong, although your father entrusted you to my care for your education, after many days of observation, I have concluded that Shrek Academy is not suitable for you."
"Ning Rongrong, it would be best for you to return to your clan and be taught by Clan Master Ning. When you get back, please be sure to convey my apologies to him."
???
Three question marks appeared above Ning Rongrong's head.
What does he mean?
Suddenly understanding the reason, Ning Rongrong erupted in fury.
"Father!!!"
"So that's how it is! I was wondering how a mere Spirit Saint would dare to speak to me so disrespectfully. So it was Ning Fengzhi who gave you this confidence,
Flender!!!"
"Er, well, about that..."
"Ning Rongrong, I was only doing it for your own good. If not for my lesson that day, you might never have grown up," Flender said, his face a mask of good intentions.
"Flender, you should be grateful that I met my teacher."
"Otherwise, I would have called for Grandpa Sword and Grandpa Bone to come and level your Shrek Academy to the ground today!!"
Hearing Ning Rongrong's threat, Flender was furious but dared not speak.
He truly believed that Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo would actually dismantle Shrek Academy for Ning Rongrong's sake!
Seeing that Flender didn't dare to retort, Tang San quietly asked Oscar, "The Grandpa Sword and Grandpa Bone that Ning Rongrong mentioned are...?"
Oscar replied bitterly, "They are the Supreme Elders of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, His Majesty Sword Douluo and His Majesty Bone Douluo. Both are Super Douluo above rank ninety-five, beings who can do whatever they please in the Heaven Dou Empire."
The thought of Ning Rongrong leaving Shrek Academy before he had successfully wooed her caused Oscar immense pain.
The anguish was akin to suddenly losing over a billion gold spirit coins!
If on that day, he had chosen to comfort Ning Rongrong instead of kicking her while she was down,
would he have become the son-in-law of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan by now?
Could he have lived a life free of worries?
After hearing about Ning Rongrong's close relationship with Super Douluo, Tang San clenched his fists.
He regretted not taking the promise from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan that Ning Rongrong had offered that day seriously.
He truly had not expected Ning Rongrong's backing to be so powerful.
Although Tang San knew his own father was also a Titled Douluo, judging from the fact that his father didn't even dare to show his face, he must have offended some powerful faction, forcing him to remain in hiding.
If he had the promise of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, would his father be able to show himself?
Zhu Zhuqing gently patted Ning Rongrong's back and comforted her, "Rongrong, don't be angry over Shrek Academy anymore. It's not worth it!"
Ning Rongrong stared at Flender and said angrily, "You'd better hope you don't run into our Shrek Team in any future Spirit Fights! You will learn just how foolish it was to lose the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda."
Ning Rongrong grabbed Zhu Zhuqing's hand and started to walk away.
Although Ning Rongrong appeared furious on the outside, she was overjoyed on the inside!
The very reason she was acting so angry was to make a clean break with Shrek Academy.
She was afraid that Flender might suddenly have a change of heart and actually dismiss Zao Wou-Ki.
If that happened, she and Zhu Zhuqing would have to stay at Shrek Academy.
Last night, the reason Ning Rongrong hadn't continued to persuade Zhu Zhuqing to pursue Ye Lan was that she had already planned to completely sever ties with Shrek Academy today.
By breaking with Shrek Academy, they could go find their teacher together with a clear conscience!
If they remained at Shrek Academy, that wicked woman Dugu Yan would definitely snatch their teacher away within these few years!
As long as she and Zhuqing went to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy together, she refused to believe Zhuqing would just stand by and watch that wicked woman Dugu Yan steal their teacher away!
Just as Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing were leaving Shrek Academy, a large, bald figure blocked their path.
Dai Mubai's face was deathly pale as he asked, "Zhu Zhuqing, are you two going to find Ye Lan?"
Zhu Zhuqing looked at Dai Mubai's pale, bald head, her expression unchanged.
She said coldly, "Does that have anything to do with you?"
Dai Mubai was completely crushed by Zhu Zhuqing's indifference.
He yelled hysterically, "Then why did you even come to Shrek Academy?! Wouldn't it have been better to stay in the Star Luo Empire? Why did you have to appear before me? What do you take me for?"
"Don't be so conceited. I didn't come to Shrek Academy for you. As for staying in the Star Luo Empire? How was it that you managed to escape to Suotuo City?"
Zhu Zhuqing paid no mind to Dai Mubai's hysterical outburst.
The thought of failing to complete the task her teacher had assigned her left a deep sense of disappointment in her heart.
Will Teacher blame me?
"So it was for Ye Lan?" Dai Mubai questioned Zhu Zhuqing, finally voicing the answer he had long suppressed in his heart.
"Yes!" Zhu Zhuqing said decisively.
"Heh, do you really think a mere Grand Spirit Master can stand against the Star Luo Imperial Family? Without the Netherworld White Tiger, with your strength, you won't live to be twenty-five!" Dai Mubai mocked.
Zhu Zhuqing thought of Ye Lan's salvation, his guidance, and every little moment she had spent with him.
She lifted her head and glanced at Dai Mubai.
Then she recalled Dai Mubai's depravity and the dark, isolating times she had endured in the Star Luo Empire.
Zhu Zhuqing couldn't imagine how she would live in a future without Ye Lan.
Zhu Zhuqing took Ning Rongrong's hand, walked around Dai Mubai, and said with finality, "Then I would rather choose death."
Zhu Zhuqing had completely come to terms with her own heart; she would rather die than live in a world without her teacher.
Watching Zhu Zhuqing's resolute back, a surge of blood rushed up Dai Mubai's throat.
Pfft!!
Dai Mubai spat out a large mouthful of blood!
He couldn't believe that Zhu Zhuqing would rather choose death than choose him, Dai Mubai!
For the first time, Dai Mubai tasted the bitterness of being dumped by a woman.
Ma Hongjun rushed to Dai Mubai's side anxiously. "Boss Dai, are you alright!?"
"I'm fine." Dai Mubai wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and shot a fierce glare at Zhu Zhuqing's departing figure.
"Boss Dai, why get hung up on a single flower? The twins are still waiting for you," Ma Hongjun comforted him.
Ma Hongjun didn't know that Zhu Zhuqing was Dai Mubai's fiancée. Dai Mubai ignored him.
Yu Xiaogang watched the departing figures of Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing with a melancholic expression.
He didn't know if Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing would regret leaving Shrek Academy in the future,
but he was already regretting the harsh words he had just spoken.
Now, the Shrek Team was missing both the Netherworld Civet and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, dropping their overall strength by two full tiers.
They didn't even have enough people for a seven-on-seven Spirit Fight anymore.
Yu Xiaogang looked at Flender with a hopeful gaze. "Boss Flender, do we have any other promising agility-type or support-type prospects in our academy?"
Flender shook his head. If he had any good prospects, he would have given them to Yu Xiaogang long ago.
But Flender still offered some consolation, "Xiao Gang, don't worry. The reason I didn't dismiss Zao Wou-Ki wasn't just because he has worked hard for Shrek for over a decade."
"It's because I've already thought of a good place for us to go."
"What place?" Yu Xiaogang asked, confused.
"Xiao Gang, you can't run away from this anymore. Er Long opened an advanced spirit master academy in Heaven Dou City. Although I don't know its exact name, as long as we go there, we'll surely be able to find the academy she runs."
"Once we get to Er Long's academy, we'll be able to find new teammates for Shrek!"
"Boss Flender, say no more! It's impossible between Er Long and me," Yu Xiaogang said with a troubled expression.
"Xiao Gang! Have you forgotten how many years Er Long has lived like a widow for your sake? Even if you don't think about her, think about your disciple, Tang San."
"Can you bear to see the Shrek Team remain obscure? Can you bear to see Little San remain unknown?!" Flender urged passionately.
Hearing that Flender had a way to find new members for the Shrek Team, Tang San immediately spoke up, "Teacher, is Er Long my master's wife? I would like to meet her!"
Seeing Tang San's concern for him, Grandmaster sighed. "Alright, Boss Flender, we'll do as you say."
Knock, knock, knock!
"Teacher!! Open the door! It's me!" Ning Rongrong knocked vigorously on the courtyard gate.
Ye Lan groggily awoke from his Blue Silver consciousness.
Ning Rongrong?
Why is she here so early?
After opening the door, Ye Lan saw an excited Ning Rongrong and a downcast Zhu Zhuqing.
"Ye Lan!!" Ning Rongrong was overjoyed to see him.
Zhu Zhuqing lowered her head and weakly called out, "Teacher."
Ye Lan looked at the dejected Zhu Zhuqing and asked with concern, "Zhuqing, what's wrong? Did someone bully you?"
"Teacher, it's not..." Zhu Zhuqing was too embarrassed to speak.
Seeing Zhu Zhuqing's hesitation, Ning Rongrong took the initiative. "Ye Lan!! We've come to seek refuge with you!! Is there still a place for us at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy?!"
"Of course. With Rongrong's and Zhuqing's talent, you would be top students no matter where you go!" Ye Lan agreed.
"Hehe," Ning Rongrong shook Zhu Zhuqing's hand, signaling that Ye Lan had agreed to let them join Heaven Dou Imperial Academy!
Ye Lan asked, puzzled, "Why didn't you continue to stay at Shrek Academy?"
"Isn't it obvious! Shrek Academy actually refused to expel Zao Wou-Ki! This young lady has no intention of staying in an academy that shelters such filth!" Ning Rongrong said as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
A warmth spread through Ye Lan's heart. He began, "There's no need for that. I disabled one of Zao Wou-Ki's arms, so the grudge between us has already been settled."
"I don't care! Ye Lan, you wouldn't have the heart to let Zhuqing and me wander the streets, would you?" Ning Rongrong asked pitifully.
"You? Wander the streets?" Ye Lan was speechless.
Ning Rongrong nodded frantically.
"Alright, alright, you and Zhuqing come inside first. You can stay here with me for the next couple of days, and then we'll all head back to Heaven Dou City together. I'll introduce you to the three elders of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy's Academic Committee then," Ye Lan said.
As Ye Lan was about to turn around,
Zhu Zhuqing rushed in front of him, bowed deeply, and apologized.
"Teacher!! I'm sorry."
"I failed to complete the mission you assigned me!"
Seeing the guilt-ridden Zhu Zhuqing, Ye Lan's heart ached for her.
He hadn't expected the reason for her low spirits was her failure to complete the task he had given her.
Ye Lan ruffled Zhu Zhuqing's hair and comforted her.
"The mission I gave you was to defeat Dai Mubai and, together with Ning Rongrong, defeat the Netherworld White Tiger."
"If you count the time, isn't there still two and a half years left?"
"You and Rongrong can just defeat them during the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament!"
After hearing Ye Lan's comforting words, some of the guilt in Zhu Zhuqing's heart faded.
She secretly resolved to train even harder to complete Ye Lan's mission as soon as possible.
Thinking of Tang San's Eight Spider Lances, Ye Lan suddenly felt it was indeed better for Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing to stay by his side. Tang San was definitely a ticking time bomb.
Ye Lan added as further reassurance, "It's good that you're coming to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. In the future, you'll train with the Imperial Fight Team's first squad, and you'll get to see Leng Leng's Nine Heart Flowering Apple!"
Ning Rongrong looked troubled. Although she hadn't been slacking off completely during Ye Lan's absence, her training had been much more relaxed than when he was around.
If they were to train at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy under Ye Lan's supervision, and with the Nine Heart Flowering Apple that could heal any injury...
Wouldn't our days at the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy be absolute hell?!
But as Ning Rongrong looked up at Ye Lan's back, she instantly cast all her worries aside.
Being by Ye Lan's side, even if it were hell, would feel like heaven!
Ning Rongrong joyfully skipped into the residence and announced loudly, "Today, you must all try the new culinary skills I've been working on!"
"No, no, no! I'll cook today!" Ye Lan's head throbbed at the thought of Ning Rongrong's cooking.
One week later, in Heaven Dou City.
Yu Feng stretched and said lazily, "Finally back in Heaven Dou City. These past few months have been so hard~"
Oslo, on the other hand, shouted excitedly, "Senior and junior sisters, I'm back!"
Qin Ming announced, "We have a few days off! You can return to the academy or go home if you're homesick."
"Captain Ye, we'll be heading home then. Have fun," the five of them said, giving Ye Lan a sympathetic look.
Ye Lan scratched his head, then turned to the Silver Wolf. "Uncle Wolf, thank you for all your trouble. We requisitioned three carriages this time. I hope Suotuo City isn't short on them now."
The Silver Wolf had spent his time in Suotuo City with an old flame, and reminiscing about it now, he was in a very good mood.
The Silver Wolf said, "It's their honor to lend them to you, little Lan~. I'm going to drop the carriages off at the Spirit Hall branch. Don't you go wandering off, little Lan."
"Alright, take care, Uncle Wolf." Ye Lan and the four girls watched as the Silver Wolf drove the carriages away.
Ning Rongrong said with great satisfaction, "Uncle Wolf is so nice. These carriages are no worse than the ones from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."
Zhu Zhuqing added, "Yes! I never expected Teacher's status in Spirit Hall to be so high!"
Ning Rongrong suddenly linked her arm with Ye Lan's and said, "Teacher, how about you take me and Zhuqing to visit the flower houses? Zhuqing has never been before."
Seeing Ning Rongrong so close to Ye Lan, Dugu Yan was having none of it!
Dugu Yan immediately latched onto Ye Lan's other arm, pressing her soft chest against him repeatedly.
"Idol! Take me and Leng Leng to the food street! We already went to the flower houses last time!"
"To the flower houses!!"
"To the food street!!"
Ye Lan felt like his arms were about to be pulled off as they tugged him back and forth.
Just as Ye Lan was trying to figure out a solution, a figure appeared before him.
Ye Leng Leng was the first to notice the newcomer and instantly called out, "Big Brother Xue."
Hearing Ye Leng Leng's call, Ning Rongrong looked up and saw that it was Big Brother Xue, whom she hadn't seen in a long time.
Ning Rongrong excitedly let go of Ye Lan's arm. "Big Brother Xue!!"
"Rongrong?! How come you came to Heaven Dou City with Ye Lan? Are you planning to attend Heaven Dou Imperial Academy?" Xue Qinghe asked gently.
"Mhm!! I was really unhappy at my old academy, and since Teacher is at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, I came to Heaven Dou City," Ning Rongrong nodded.
So, she came to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy for Ye Lan's sake? Qian Renxue thought to herself.
Ye Lan said, "Big Brother Xue, it's been a while."
Xue Qinghe smiled. "Brother Ye, it has been a long time. I have missed you dearly."
As she spoke, Qian Renxue took the initiative to straighten Ye Lan's collar.
Only, compared to the usual appropriate pressure, her touch was much heavier this time.
Ning Rongrong, seeing how close Big Brother Xue was with Ye Lan,
began to wonder when Ye Lan had met him.
Zhu Zhuqing asked Ye Leng Leng, "Sister Leng Leng, who is Big Brother Xue?"
Ye Leng Leng replied, "He is the current Crown Prince, and he has a very good relationship with Ye Lan."
"When Big Brother Xue has free time, he often consults Ye Lan on matters of governance."
After hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing's eyes filled with stars as she looked at Ye Lan with adoration.
He truly is my teacher!
Even the Crown Prince has to seek his guidance!
After tidying Ye Lan's clothes, Qian Renxue looked at Zhu Zhuqing and asked, "Brother Ye, and this is?"
Following Xue Qinghe's gaze, Ye Lan explained, "This is my disciple, Zhu Zhuqing. She's an agility-type Grand Spirit Master, and her speed is no less than mine!"
Zhu Zhuqing nodded in acknowledgment.
"Oh? To receive such praise from Brother Ye, Miss Zhuqing's speed must be truly astounding," Xue Qinghe said with admiration.
Ye Lan then said to Zhu Zhuqing, "Zhuqing, this is His Highness the Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe. You can call him Big Brother Xue, just like Rongrong."
Zhu Zhuqing obediently said, "Hello, Big Brother Xue."
"Hello, Zhuqing," Xue Qinghe nodded.
Ye Lan added, "By the way, Big Brother Xue, your goal of defeating the Spirit Hall team is now one step closer. In addition to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda joining the Heaven Dou First Team, Zhuqing will be joining as well."
Qian Renxue gave Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong a jealous glance.
It's only been half a month, Ye Lan, and you've already brought back two more!
Xue Qinghe smiled. "Excellent, excellent. I am very pleased that Brother Ye is so dedicated to my ambitions."
Ye Lan replied, "I will do everything in my power to help Big Brother Xue achieve his goals."
Xue Qinghe asked abruptly, "If I were to disappear one day, would Brother Ye ever think of Xue Qinghe?"
???
What do you mean by that, Qian Renxue?
Are you planning to run away from the Heaven Dou Empire?
Ye Lan pondered for a moment before saying, "Don't say such things, Big Brother Xue. If you were to disappear, I would find you!"
"Good! With those words from Brother Ye, I can rest assured," Xue Qinghe said, gratified.
Just as Ye Lan was about to speak,
Xue Qinghe suddenly turned and waved. "Brother Ye, I won't be able to entertain you today. I have important matters to attend to. I'll come find you in a few days!"
Ye Lan suppressed the restless urge of his spirit to merge and stared thoughtfully at Qian Renxue's retreating back for a while.
Is this the butterfly effect?
Is Qian Renxue abandoning her infiltration plan?
What does Qian Renxue really think of me?
Although Ye Lan and Xue Qinghe had discussed all sorts of issues,
Ye Lan still found it difficult to completely figure Xue Qinghe out.
Ye Lan didn't know if Qian Renxue was interacting with him as Xue Qinghe or as herself.
Zhu Zhuqing shook Ye Lan's hand. "Teacher, you and Big Brother Xue have such a good relationship. He's already far away, but you're still looking over there!"
Ye Lan snapped back to his senses with an awkward smile.
If Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, Ye Leng Leng, and Dugu Yan ever found out that the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire had long since been replaced by an impostor, what would they even think?
(End of Chapter)