That evening, Xiao Tianyang and the others gathered at a hotel to celebrate.
Of course, they would have preferred to return to their usual place.
After all, compared to the food here, Xiao Tianyang's cooking was far superior. But since he had made it clear that he wouldn't be cooking today, they had no choice but to settle for this alternative.
"Junior brothers and sisters, don't hold back tonight. I'm treating you all, so eat to your heart's content," Qin Ming said with a smile. Then, with a hint of regret in his voice, he added, "To be honest, if you weren't students of Shrek Academy, I'd love to recruit you for the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy."
There was something he chose not to say outright—over there, the stage was much bigger.
However, as a graduate of Shrek Academy himself, and considering his relationship with Flender, it was clear he had no real intention of poaching them.
But while Qin Ming had no ulterior motive, some of those who had been following Xiao Tianyang for a while were immediately on alert. The atmosphere momentarily fell silent.
"Don't worry, your senior isn't trying to recruit you," Flender waved his hand dismissively. "Besides, as if a single meal could bribe you. I doubt the food here is better than what Tianyang can make, anyway."
"That's true," Ma Hongjun scoffed.
"In that case, why don't we just head back and eat?" Oscar suggested.
"Yeah!" Xiao Wu nodded enthusiastically, like a pecking chick.
Xiao Tianyang cast them a glance and replied flatly, "If we go back, you're cooking for yourselves."
"Ahem, let's just eat here, then. Where's the menu?" Ma Hongjun coughed a few times and quickly grabbed the menu from the waiter.
Just then, Yu Xiaogang walked in and said calmly, "I think joining the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy is a good choice."
Flender's face stiffened. "Xiaogang, are you serious?"
"Flender, it's time to face reality," Yu Xiaogang said with a composed expression. "Sometimes, if we can't provide the best education ourselves, we should help our students find a better path. We lack the necessary resources, and there are things we simply cannot offer them."
"I don't like the sound of that," Flender retorted. "Even without those resources, Shrek Academy's graduates have always been the best among their peers. When have they ever lost to anyone?"
"Even if this is the last class of students we'll ever have, they are still Shrek Academy's students. Are you saying you have no confidence in us?"
Zhao Wuji stood up and added, "We all went through this same struggle back then. Even if we have to endure hardships or make sacrifices, we would never shortchange our students!"
"Shall I list the problems one by one?" Yu Xiaogang asked coolly. "First, without official recognition from the empire, we are an unregistered academy. This means we cannot participate in any official soul master tournament. Second, no matter how hard we try, we cannot obtain a mimetic training environment."
"Do you really think forcing yourselves to suffer will somehow benefit your students?"
This time, Flender and Zhao Wuji were silent.
Because if these issues could have been resolved, they wouldn't have remained unresolved for so long.
And in truth, these problems could no longer be ignored.
Shrek Academy had an excellent teaching staff, even an overqualified one. But what about everything else? The environment was lacking, and even basic training equipment had to be provided by Xiao Tianyang. That alone spoke volumes.
But above all, the most critical issue was legitimacy.
What Yu Xiaogang cared about the most was ensuring that these children had the opportunity to stand out among soul masters across the continent.
If they failed to provide that opportunity, it would be a dereliction of duty as teachers.
Flender slumped into his chair, his expression filled with conflict.
"But they are still Shrek Academy's students… And this academy is the result of more than twenty years of our efforts," he murmured. "How can I just give it up?"
"Ahem, Dean, perhaps the situation isn't as dire as it seems," Xiao Tianyang interjected with a light cough. "Besides, the grandmaster hasn't finished explaining yet. Why jump to conclusions?"
Flender's gaze turned to the master, filled with hope.
He wasn't a selfish person. But the truth was, Shrek Academy was like a child he had nurtured for over twenty years. How could he bear to part with it so easily?
And if nothing else, how many people here would actually be willing to accept such an outcome?
That was why, despite the silence, no one had spoken up earlier.
But if there was a way to keep Shrek Academy intact while also providing better training conditions for the students…
Flender had no reason to refuse.
In fact, he was just looking for an excuse to convince himself.
Which was completely understandable—it was only human nature.
"I propose that Shrek Academy become independent while being affiliated with Heaven Dou Imperial Academy," Yu Xiaogang said, glancing at Xiao Tianyang before continuing. "Our students will still be taught by us, but their official records—whether for graduation or competitions—will be under Heaven Dou Imperial Academy's name."
"This arrangement benefits both parties. The students will have access to better training conditions, and Heaven Dou Imperial Academy will gain prestige."
"Of course, the most important condition is that if we ever choose to leave, they cannot stop us."
As Flender fell into deep thought, the others also grew quiet, contemplating the proposal.
"Isn't this just borrowing a chicken to lay an egg?"
The phrase flashed through Xiao Tianyang's mind, and he took the initiative to speak. "Dean, you really don't need to worry so much. Even if we lack a specialized training environment, does it really matter?"
"When the time comes, we can build our own reputation and resources with our own hands."
"So don't stress over it. No matter what decision you make, we'll support you!"
"That's right!" Ma Hongjun was the first to stand up. "Teacher, why are you worried when Tianyang is with us?"
"You once said he's our academy's lucky star!"
The others also voiced their support one after another.
They did this not only to reassure Flender but also to give him the space to carefully consider his decision.
After all, this was a matter of great importance.
And deep down, many of them didn't actually want Flender to agree to the affiliation.
Of course, Xiao Tianyang was an exception.
He had deliberately brought it up to nudge Flender in the right direction.
Unfortunately, the students were still young. Instead of pressuring him, their words deeply moved Flender.
"With these kids by my side… so what if I lose some face?" The haze in his heart cleared, and suddenly, everything seemed so simple.
Flender looked up at Yu Xiaogang. "If these are truly the conditions, then I'm willing to agree!"
"Dean, if you really agree, we students will do everything we can to secure an even better learning environment for future students!"
Qin Ming quickly stood up, bowed, and said firmly, "Tomorrow—no, I'll leave tonight and inform the instructors at the academy about this!"
"Alright, we can discuss the details later. For now, let's eat!" Flender waved his hand, picked up the menu, and started ordering.
Seeing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
As long as Flender wasn't troubled by it, they didn't really care where they trained.
Besides, as Ma Hongjun had pointed out—wherever Xiao Tianyang was, would they really lack a training environment?
And honestly, did Heaven Dou Imperial Academy have food that could enhance soul power?
That alone was enough to leave them in the dust!
…
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