After receiving Ma Hongjun's affirmative reply, Flander decided to return to Musu Soul Master Academy with Ma Hongjun to complete the departure procedures.
Upon arriving at the academy gate, they happened to encounter Devil walking out, looking dejected.
"Teacher Chu, where are you going!"
Ma Hongjun chuckled, quickly running over and standing in front of Devil.
"You brat, you, you're alright..."
Devil was overjoyed, unable to utter a complete sentence.
Devil hadn't been able to find Ma Hongjun yesterday and assumed he was dead. Heartbroken, he returned home today intending to go to Ma Family Village to tell Ma Hongjun's parents the unfortunate news, only to run into Ma Hongjun as soon as he stepped out the door.
Re-entering the academy, Ma Hongjun introduced Flander, Ma Hongjun, and Devil, and briefly recounted their encounter and how they had rescued them.
Flander admired the person who had trained Ma Hongjun and discussed many teaching experiences with Devil. Devil's methods and theories were eye-opening for Flander, and Devil also gained Flander's approval and recognition.
After learning that Flander was a Soul Saint, the Devil became somewhat reserved, as this was his first time interacting with a Soul Saint-level expert.
The strength of Dai Mubai and Oscar also shocked the Devil, but with his prized disciple Ma Hongjun, he wasn't too surprised. After all, few could rival Ma Hongjun in terms of sheer monster power; having such a disciple gave the Devil some confidence in front of a Soul Saint.
"Teacher Chu, I've now reached the second-ring Great Soul Master level. Actually, today is also a farewell. I've agreed to join Dean Flander's Shrek Academy,"
Ma Hongjun said directly, stating his purpose for coming to the academy without beating around the bush. He knew the Devil's personality; he never liked roundabout ways, and even in parting, he wouldn't show any weakness. Not being direct would be disrespectful.
"Teacher Chu, don't worry, Hongjun will definitely not be wasted at our Shrek Academy. I will personally accept him as my disciple and treat him like my own son,"
Flander added solemnly, seeing the Devil's momentary silence.
Upon hearing this, the devil immediately smiled with relief and said loudly, "Three years have passed. You've learned almost everything I could teach you. Mu Su Soul Master Academy is still too small. With your talent, you deserve a much larger space. Being chosen by the Soul Saint is your blessing, and I'm overjoyed for you.
Seeing you all leave and have brighter futures makes me happier than any of you.
You're the most outstanding student I've ever taught. This excellence isn't just because of your talent, but also because of your diligence, your comprehension, and your perseverance—all things that other students can't match.
I'm very proud to have taught you.
The road ahead is long, you're still too young. You need to learn to hide your talents. Being too outstanding and too dazzling will blind others and attract jealousy."
The devil spoke unusually much today. Ma Hongjun listened attentively; this was a farewell lecture.
A phoenix may emerge from a remote mountain village, but a phoenix doesn't belong in a remote mountain village; it will eventually fly to higher and farther skies.
The devil understood this principle and had long been prepared for separation.
Under the devil's guidance, Ma Hongjun smoothly completed his departure procedures.
Ma Hongjun became the earliest and most outstanding graduate in the history of Mu Su Soul Master Academy.
After leaving the school, Ma Hongjun went to the Spirit Hall, found Ma Ping, and underwent the certification process for his Great Soul Master status.
Oscar also went with him.
After releasing their Martial Souls and Soul Rings, and undergoing Soul Power testing, Ma Hongjun and Oscar successfully obtained their new identities.
Oscar, eleven years old, Martial Soul: Sausage, Level 22, Two-Ring Great Soul Master.
Ma Hongjun, nine years old, Martial Soul: Silver Spear, Level 26, Two-Ring Great Soul Master.
Oscar's results greatly surprised Ma Ping, while Ma Hongjun's test results were within his expectations. Although somewhat unbelievable, he had watched Ma Hongjun grow up since childhood and knew his situation best.
"Three years of accumulation, one burst of power."
Three years ago, Ma Hongjun had already reached level 20. Three years of high-intensity training, coupled with the power boost from two Soul Rings—one nine hundred years old and the other two two thousand years old—allowed him to directly break through to level six, which wasn't really a big surprise.
While Ma Ping was overjoyed, he also asked Ma Hongjun again if he was willing to join the Spirit Hall.
Three years ago, Ma Hongjun had declined, citing his young age. Now, three years later, Ma Hongjun had become a Great Spirit Master, and it was time for him to make a choice.
"Third Grandfather, actually, I've come here today to say goodbye.
This is Soul Saint Flander, the dean of Shrek Academy. I obtained my second spirit ring with his help, and he saved my life.
Before coming here today, I had already become his disciple and joined Shrek Academy.
I'm sorry, Third Grandfather, I know you have high hopes for me, but Hongjun cannot comply with your wishes this time.
The Spirit Hall's hierarchy is too strict, with too many restrictions. Hongjun is used to being carefree and is not suitable for this place." After
Ma Hongjun finished speaking, he didn't dare to look up at Ma Ping, keeping his head down and waiting for Ma Ping's response.
In fact, he felt guilty towards Ma Ping. Not joining the Spirit Hall was the person he felt most sorry for. Ma Ping had poured no less effort into him than Ma Ming had.
"Silly child, you're too persistent. I'm just a steward at a branch of the Spirit Hall, practically the lowest-ranking person in the entire Spirit Hall. Recruiting you would only mean a promotion for me, at most. At this age, these things don't mean much to me anymore.
Don't forget, I'm still from Ma Family Village, still your third grandfather. My greatest wish is to see you grow up. Where you go isn't important.
Originally, I wanted you to join the Spirit Hall because of its abundant cultivation resources. Now, you have a better choice, and I'm overjoyed for you."
Ma Ping looked at Ma Hongjun kindly, gently lifting his head with his warm hands and patting it. Then he looked at Flander and said respectfully.
"Soul Saint, I entrust Hongjun to you from now on."
Flander helped Ma Ping up with both hands and replied earnestly, "Please rest assured, I will definitely train Hongjun to become an excellent and powerful Soul Master."
"Third Grandfather, thank you for your care over the years. After returning this time, I will go to Soto City and bring my parents there to take care of them. It's easier to find Soul Bones in big cities and also easier to inquire about the Nine Heart Begonia. As long as there is a chance, I will definitely help my father stand up again.
After we leave, Third Grandfather, please take care of your health. I will take care of you when I return."
Ma Hongjun bowed deeply.
It was already dark when they left the Spirit Hall. Ma Hongjun and the three of them stayed in Musu Town and bought two carriages in the town. He modified one of them overnight, making it longer and more stable.
Ma Hongjun also gave the three of them a general account of Ma Ming's situation and inquired about Soul Bones and the Nine Heart Begonia.
Undoubtedly, the Soul Bones were very precious, and the three of them could only help inquire about them later. They had never heard of the Nine Heart Begonia either.
Upon arriving at Majia Village, Ma Hongjun introduced the three of them and explained the situation to his parents.
His parents didn't object to bringing them to Shrek Academy; they understood Ma Hongjun's intentions—they were still worried about leaving them in Majia Village and wanted to take them with them. For
them, as long as their son was with them, they didn't care where they went, especially since they were with their son; they had no reason to refuse. Their
main concern was Ma Ming's injuries. Going to a big city, even if they couldn't find a soul bone for treatment, they could receive some rehabilitative therapy to ease his condition, as lying down all the time wasn't good for his health.
That same day, they packed their things, boarded a carriage, and left Majia Village and Musu Town,
slowly heading towards Soto City .