Meanwhile, Lin Mu, wearing his Hurricane Armor, left the Suotuo Grand Soul Arena with Ye Lingling. Now that they were in Suotuo City, it was only natural to track down Gangzi (Yu Xiaogang) to collect the debt he owed. Rather than waiting for the man to cross his path, Lin Mu preferred to take the initiative.
Besides, he had a bit of free time. Although he didn't know the exact coordinates of Shrek Academy, with the speed and scouting capabilities of the Hurricane Armor, finding a cluster of buildings in the outskirts was a simple task.
At the same time, in the dilapidated dean's office at Shrek Academy, Yu Xiaogang was deep in discussion with Flander about the future of the students. To prove his Martial Soul theories, Xiaogang needed his students to compete in the Continental Soul Master Competition. However, Shrek Academy lacked the qualifications to enter and didn't even have the required seven-member team.
Yu Xiaogang suggested that the "Little Monsters" should transfer to a higher-level Soul Master Academy. He had painstakingly trained Ma Hongjun to validate his research; if the boy couldn't compete, Xiaogang's lifelong work would be in vain.
"Xiaogang, Shrek Academy is the culmination of half my life's work!" Flander said, his voice full of reluctance.
Yu Xiaogang's eyes gleamed with a strategist's intensity. "Brother Flander! Even if you won't do it for yourself, you must do it for the children! These five are exceptionally talented. If they miss this competition, it will be a regret they carry forever!"
Flander hesitated, eventually sighing in defeat. "You're right. I shouldn't be selfish. Which academy do you recommend?"
Yu Xiaogang's lips curled into a confident smile. "The Heaven Dou Royal Academy. They have a prestigious reputation and a strong team. If our students join them, they are guaranteed to reach the finals."
"The Royal Academy?" Flander looked doubtful. "That's a school for nobles. Will they really accept our monsters?"
"I've considered that," Xiaogang said calmly. "If you bring Zhao Wuji and the other teachers along as staff, they won't refuse such a boost in teaching power. Shrek is bleeding money anyway, Flander. It's time to find a place to retire."
Flander reluctantly agreed, feeling a sense of peace at the thought of his colleagues finally having a stable life. But just as the two were about to finalize the plan, a cold, oppressive voice thundered from outside the door.
"Gangzi, get out here!"
Hearing the voice that had become his nightmare, Yu Xiaogang's legs gave way, and he collapsed to the floor, his face turning a sickly shade of white.
"Gangzi? Who is he talking about?" Flander asked, confused. When he saw his friend slumped on the ground, his confusion turned to concern. "Xiaogang, what's wrong?"
"That person outside... it's Lin Mu. He's here for me!"
Flander's eyes flared with anger. This man had bullied his brother in the past, and now he had the audacity to show up at their doorstep? He strode to the door and flung it open.
Standing there was a tall, handsome man and a stunningly beautiful woman with an ethereal air. Despite the descriptions he had heard from Zhao Wuji, seeing Lin Mu in person was a shock. He looked incredibly young, could someone this age really be a Soul Saint? Or was he just a look-alike to the man who defeated a Title Douluo?
Flander adjusted his glasses. "What business do you have with Xiaogang?"
"Gangzi owes me 100,000 gold soul coins," Lin Mu said flatly, looking Flander in the eye. "I'm here to collect it."
"One hundred thousand?!" Flander shouted. "Xiaogang is a pauper! How could he possibly owe you that much?"
Lin Mu produced a receipt with a clear thumbprint from his storage bracelet. "It's written in black and white. Are you planning to help him renege on his debt?"
Flander's face darkened as he examined the document. "Even if this is real, you must have used some despicable trick to trap him!"
Lin Mu's gaze turned icy, and a terrifying aura erupted from his body. "Paying back what you owe is the way of the world. Don't force my hand."
Feeling the overwhelming pressure of a high-level Soul Saint, Flander's heart skipped a beat. If this man was truly the one who had defeated the Poison Douluo, even the combined strength of the Shrek teachers wouldn't be enough to stop him.
"Young friend Lin Mu, there must be a misunderstanding," Flander said, his tone shifting to one of desperate negotiation. "Since he owes the money, we will pay. But we simply don't have that amount on hand right now."
Flander hoped to stall for time to find a way to raise the funds, even though Shrek Academy's coffers were essentially empty. However, Lin Mu had no interest in excuses.
"Bang!!"
Without a word of warning, Lin Mu's fist slammed into Flander's chest. The speed was so great that the Level 78 Soul Saint didn't even have time to activate a defensive skill. Flander was sent flying like a cannonball, crashing through the dilapidated office wall and disappearing into the ruins.
"Amazing!" Ye Lingling whispered, covering her mouth. Even after seeing Lin Mu fight many times, his raw efficiency still shocked her.
"Flander!!"
Inside the room, Yu Xiaogang descended into a full-blown panic. If Flander, a man nearing the level of a Soul Douluo, was taken out in a single hit, what hope did he have at Level 29?