"Even if Shrek Academy doesn't have the best resources, it's still their academy! "

Flender's expression was grim. He understood the implications, but abandoning Shrek Academy was something he simply couldn't do...

The Grandmaster glanced at Flender and said coldly, "Then do you have the ability to let the students represent Shrek in the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament? "

Flender had no response. The Grandmaster answered for him:

"Only officially registered advanced academies can enter the tournament. Shrek isn't registered in any kingdom or empire—it doesn't even qualify to compete."

"So what if they can't enter the tournament? They can still become powerful soul masters on the continent! " Flender retorted stubbornly.

Even the Grandmaster couldn't refute that—given the talents of Dai Mubai and the others, as long as they stayed on track, they had the potential to become Title Douluos.

The Grandmaster looked at him calmly, as if expecting this argument:

"Then can you provide a simulated combat training environment for them? "

That question instantly silenced Flender. His face turned dark and heavy. He was unwilling to see a lifetime of effort vanish, but he couldn't ignore the future of Dai Mubai and the others either. After struggling internally, he sighed and said to Qin Ming, exhausted:

"Xiao Ming, go over the merger details with Xiao Gang. I need a walk."

At those words, everyone knew Flender had agreed to the merger...

Zhao Wuji watched Flender's back and felt a twinge of sadness.

Shrek wasn't just Flender's life's work—it was also Zhao Wuji's. Now that it was coming to an end, how could he feel anything but dejected?

Nearby, Xiao Wu leaned over to Ning Rongrong and whispered,

"Rongrong, what's the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy? And what's the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Tournament? "

Ning Rongrong was surprised but patiently explained in a low voice:

"The Heaven Dou Imperial Academy is the top soul master academy in the Heaven Dou Empire. It's run by the royal family, with top-tier facilities and teachers. Every headmaster has been a member of the imperial family. As for the tournament—it's the highest-level competition for young soul masters on the continent."

Xiao Wu frowned slightly. "And what's a simulated training environment? "

"It's a special training method that increases cultivation speed," Ning Rongrong replied.

Xiao Wu didn't fully understand, but the mood clearly wasn't right for more questions. She simply nodded and decided to ask Tang San later.

"Teacher..." Tang San looked at the Grandmaster, worried that this argument would ruin his relationship with Flender.

The Grandmaster just shook his head. "It's fine."

Ma Hongjun, meanwhile, glanced at the torn braised pork that had just been served. Suddenly, he smacked his chubby face and exclaimed,

"Did I really hesitate between the Dean and braised pork!? "

"I'm going after the Dean! "

For Dai Mubai and the others, Flender was just their principal. But for Ma Hongjun, he was a true mentor. It wasn't surprising that he chose Flender over food.

With that, no one else had much of an appetite. The mood turned gloomy, and the atmosphere awkward—after all, this whole situation had been sparked by Qin Ming...

Han Feng, however, remained calm.

He knew that Shrek wouldn't be merged—in fact, it would eventually absorb Liu Erlong's Blue Lightning Academy. A major upgrade. Nothing to worry about.

His only concern: if they entered the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, they'd be stepping right into the domain of Prince Xue Xing and Dugu Bo—neither of whom were friendly.

Han Feng knew everything would turn out fine in the end, and even that Tang San would gain rare herbs from Dugu Bo's Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. Still, the thought left a bitter taste in his mouth.

It felt like volunteering to get slapped...

He couldn't exactly tell the others not to go—especially since both the Grandmaster and Flender had already agreed.

But then he thought, "Heaven Dou Imperial Academy? Isn't Sister Qian Qian from the royal family? Maybe I'll get to see her again. I should write her a letter."

Just the thought cheered him up. As for Prince Xue Xing and Dugu Bo? A true man knows when to bend. If needed, he could always settle scores later.

Of course, none of this showed on his face, and no one noticed.

In this heavy atmosphere, the meal ended quickly. No one had the heart to eat much.

The next day, due to Shrek's victory over the Royal Fighting Team, Chief Ao awarded the team Silver Soul Badges—even Ma Hongjun, who hadn't participated. Tang San, thanks to his stellar individual and duo match records, was awarded a rare Gold Soul Badge.

Han Feng and Dai Mubai's deadly duo was famous, but in terms of raw performance, they fell short.

With that, the Grandmaster's "Phase Two" training was complete. Since he was busy with the merger, he granted the group a short break. They would depart for Heaven Dou City in three days.

Meanwhile, in the distant royal palace of Heaven Dou City, a tall, handsome young man was reading a letter slowly and carefully. A gentle smile—oddly feminine—spread across his face.

It was none other than Qian Renxue in disguise as Xue Qinghe. The letter was from Han Feng.

He had written to her about everything: obtaining his third spirit ring, forming a powerful duo with Dai Mubai, and their recent battles—especially the upcoming transfer to the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy.

Though Han Feng hadn't said it directly, Qian Renxue knew he wanted to see her. The thought filled her with joy.

"I should find a way..." she murmured to herself.

It had been over three years since they'd seen each other. They had kept in touch through letters but never met. Qian Renxue was curious to see how much Han Feng had changed.

But seeing him wasn't so simple anymore. She had to avoid exposing her identity and couldn't let him suspect anything. Even Qian Renxue found the task daunting.

Still, she felt proud.

"Already at Rank 33... I need to work harder myself! "

Back then, she told Han Feng he could come find her once he reached Soul Emperor or Soul Sage. Now it seemed her standards had been too low—his talent exceeded her expectations.

But this only made her more eager to strengthen her position within the Heaven Dou royal family.

"Three days... Just three days! Heehee! Han Feng! "

Qian Renxue giggled like a carefree girl. If anyone from the Spirit Hall or the royal family saw her like this, they'd be utterly stunned. Neither the real Xue Qinghe nor the feared Qian Renxue ever showed such a genuine, innocent smile.

But this smile belonged to Han Feng alone.

She quickly regained composure, reminded of her dangerous position in the royal court. She had to stay vigilant at all times.

"Lately... the Spirit Hall seems suspicious of something..." She frowned, remembering the subtle warnings sent her way.

She could only hope it had nothing to do with Han Feng.

The Spirit Hall had tested her before—possibly due to delays in her reports or issues in their plans—but what worried her most was if Han Feng had been discovered.

She could only tread carefully and pray she could keep him safe.

With a sigh of mixed bitterness and longing, she whispered,

"Ah, Han Feng... You have no idea how much your big sister has suffered for you."

Of course, Han Feng knew none of this—and she wouldn't let him. In his eyes, she was probably just a carefree princess in Heaven Dou City.

That's exactly how she wanted it.

Her complaints were nothing more than an outlet for her growing longing.

"Walking on thin ice..."

She murmured as she carefully folded the letter and stored it inside a soul tool. A moment later, she once again wore the mask of Xue Qinghe: calm, gentle, and flawless—but now, missing a trace of true warmth.

PS: Read Advance Chapters at patreon.com/c/Shinazuki