"Hm? Why are all the teachers from Shrek Academy here?"
Su Xiaoqi looked at the approaching figures with a hint of confusion. It seemed that the events of yesterday had already caused an unintentional shift in the plot.
Zhu Zhuqing, now no longer bothered by Su Xiaoqi's earlier behind-her-back remarks, silently stepped back to his side.
Flender, who was walking toward them, suddenly fixed his gaze on Su Xiaoqi and Zhu Zhuqing. A playful glint flickered in his eyes.
Noticing Flender's look, Su Xiaoqi sneered inwardly. So they really came for us. I'd like to see what tricks you've got up your sleeve.
Flender and the group of teachers behind him stopped in front of the students. He started by giving a typical welcome speech and introduced each of the teachers to the newcomers. Then, he announced that everyone—except Zhu Zhuqing—would need to pay a tuition fee of 100 gold soul coins.
Up to this point, things were progressing just like in the original story. But then, Flender's tone shifted abruptly:
"Yesterday, Teacher Zhao acted on his own and subjected a new student to an unreasonable assessment. I've already given him a stern reprimand for that."
"However, Shrek Academy is a school for monsters, not ordinary people. Our teaching methods differ greatly from those of standard institutions. The four of you newcomers will now form teams of two and engage in live combat, so the senior students and staff can get a look at your actual abilities."
"Of course, since this is real combat, the rules are simple: as long as you don't take someone's life, anything goes. If things get too dangerous, we instructors will step in."
"The losing team will be prohibited from using soul power and must run fifty laps around the village. You have ten minutes to prepare."
As soon as Flender finished speaking, Tang San and Xiao Wu immediately paired up. Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong naturally formed the other team.
So this is what they've been planning—looks like yesterday's events embarrassed them, and now they want Tang San and Xiao Wu to help them save face.
Judging by the others' reactions, it seems like everyone except the three of us knew this was coming.
Su Xiaoqi sneered inwardly. Flender had clearly laid his trap well. Under normal circumstances, Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong didn't stand a chance against Tang San and Xiao Wu. Once they lost, Flender could use the opportunity to "discipline" them and remind Su Xiaoqi of who really held the power at Shrek Academy.
Too bad for him—Zhu Zhuqing wasn't the same as she was yesterday. With Ning Rongrong's support, she could potentially take on both of them.
Ning Rongrong wasn't dumb either—she saw right through Flender's plan. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, Su Xiaoqi forcefully pulled her aside.
Irritated, Ning Rongrong snapped, "Su Xiaoqi, can't you see they're obviously targeting Zhuqing and me?"
"Calm down. Don't talk for now," Su Xiaoqi replied sharply. He turned to Zhu Zhuqing. "Well? You confident?"
Zhu Zhuqing nodded. "If it were me from yesterday, I wouldn't have stood a chance. But today, I'm going to teach them a lesson."
Su Xiaoqi smiled. "Good. But be careful of hidden weapons."
Ning Rongrong, now thoroughly frustrated, exclaimed, "What are you two even talking about? We're in this together now. Can someone explain what's going on?"
Su Xiaoqi looked at her and asked, "Rongrong, you already noticed that the three of us were the only ones not informed of this setup. So I'll ask you one question—do you want to stick with us going forward?"
"But you should think it through. If you choose to side with us, stuff like this will keep happening. But Zhuqing and I will protect you. I even have a way to let you live outside the academy."
Without hesitation, Ning Rongrong replied, "After everything that happened yesterday, I had no intention of siding with them. I've been alone since returning yesterday, and everyone can confirm that. If it weren't for you two joining Shrek, I'd have already left."
"If they dare mess with me, I'll have Grandpa Sword and Grandpa Bone come tear this place apart."
Su Xiaoqi nodded. "Good. We'll talk more after we win this fight."
"Zhuqing, tell her your current soul level."
Su Xiaoqi had no problem revealing the soul bone and Moonwalk technique. Unless Flender had lost his mind, there was no way he'd dare touch Zhu Zhuqing.
As for Tang Hao, Su Xiaoqi didn't know whether he was still hiding nearby watching. But as long as Zhuqing didn't seriously injure Tang San or Xiao Wu, he probably wouldn't step in.
Of course, roping in Ning Rongrong was also a form of insurance. No matter how reckless Tang Hao was, even he wouldn't risk offending the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
Zhu Zhuqing looked at Ning Rongrong and said calmly, "Let me reintroduce myself. Zhu Zhuqing, level 30 Soul Master."
"What?!" Ning Rongrong gasped in shock. She had personally seen Zhu Zhuqing at level 27 just yesterday.
Leveling up three whole levels overnight was completely unheard of.
"Don't freak out," Su Xiaoqi snapped. "Once you've given her your support, just surrender and enjoy the show."
"R-right..." Ning Rongrong nodded dazedly. She knew now wasn't the time for questions. After all, they were all in the same boat now—there would be plenty of time to talk afterward.
Su Xiaoqi gave Zhu Zhuqing a few final instructions, encouraging her to put on a good show for the audience.
The ten-minute prep period flew by. In the meantime, Flender and the others drew a large circle on the training ground to serve as the battle ring.
The rules were simple: step out of the circle or admit defeat, and you're eliminated. Flender would serve as the referee.
"All non-combatants, please clear the stage," Flender announced.
Everyone backed away—except Su Xiaoqi, who remained rooted to his spot.
Flender frowned and was just about to speak when Su Xiaoqi cut in:
"Dean Flender, how about we make a little wager?"
"If Zhuqing loses the upcoming match, I'll have her start living inside Shrek Academy from today on. I also promise I'll never set foot in the academy again."
"But if Zhuqing happens to win, I'd like to request that Ning Rongrong be allowed to live outside with us—after all, the two of them get along quite well."
Flender's frown deepened. He didn't believe for a second that Su Xiaoqi hadn't already seen through his intentions. And even with support from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, there was no way Zhu Zhuqing could beat Tang San and Xiao Wu. Especially considering Tang San was his disciple.
Su Xiaoqi chuckled and added, "What's wrong, Dean? Are you afraid of losing to me? If that's the case, maybe we should just cancel the match entirely. Wouldn't want anyone losing face."
"While this wasn't my original intention," Flender said slowly, his voice growing colder, "since you insist—then I'll play along."
Originally, Flender had only intended to put Su Xiaoqi in his place a little. But now the kid was pushing harder and harder. As dean, did Flender not have pride to uphold? More importantly, he still couldn't imagine any scenario where Tang San would lose.
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