Meanwhile, Qin Ming had already led Oscar and the others back to Shrek Academy.
Looking at the dilapidated yet familiar environment before him, Qin Ming couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions. He recalled his past experiences and remembered how he had once studied here.
After a brief sigh, Qin Ming was about to escort the students to their dormitory when a gruff voice suddenly came from behind.
"Qin Ming? It really is you, kid! What brings you back?"
Zhao Wuji walked out of a wooden house, his face showing surprise, though a faint gloom clouded his brow.
"Teacher Zhao, long time no see." Qin Ming quickly stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
Zhao Wuji patted Qin Ming's shoulder forcefully and grinned. "Good lad. Judging by your current appearance, you must be doing quite well. Our training wasn't in vain!"
Before he finished speaking, he noticed the unconscious Dai Mubai on Qin Ming's back and Ma Hongjun being supported by Oscar. His face instantly darkened.
"What happened? I sent you to the Grand Soul Arena, and you come back in this state?"
"It's all because of that bastard Dai Mubai! He dragged me into a 2v2 Soul Arena Battle, and then he ate Oscar's Mutated Mushroom Sausage! He almost killed me!" Ma Hongjun said resentfully, clutching his bloodied wounds.
"2v2 Soul Arena Battle?"
Zhao Wuji was taken aback. Why would Dai Mubai bring Ma Hongjun into a 2v2 match? Did he want to test his limits by carrying a burden?
[TL/N: Apparently, Ma Hongjun lied that it's 2v2 instead of 2v1. Why? Just think the possibilities.]
Whatever the reason, Ma Hongjun's injuries were undeniable; Dai Mubai clearly intended to kill him in that state. This proved that Oscar's third soul skill had to be used with extreme caution.
Seeing their miserable condition, Zhao Wuji was furious. They ate the Mutated Mushroom Sausage and still got beaten up like this, they were practically useless.
After a long moment, he barely managed to suppress his anger and muttered under his breath, "Damn it, just one bad thing after another!"
Seeing that Zhao Wuji seemed off, Qin Ming asked, "Teacher Zhao, has something happened at the academy?"
"Sigh, don't mention it."
Zhao Wuji sighed heavily, patted Qin Ming's shoulder, and said gruffly, "Let's not talk about that now. I'll take you to see the boss. He'll be happy to know you're back."
"Alright then." Qin Ming nodded slightly.
Not long after, Zhao Wuji led Qin Ming to the faculty dormitory area.
"Boss Flender, come out and see who's back!"
Soon, the dormitory door creaked open, and Flender, still somewhat pale, walked out.
When he saw Qin Ming, his face immediately lit up with surprise, and he quickly stepped forward to greet him.
"Qin Ming? It really is you, kid. You still know to come back and see us."
"Dean Flender!"
Qin Ming smiled broadly, but when he noticed Flender's unsteady breathing and the bandages on his chest, his brows immediately furrowed.
"Dean, how did you get injured? And so badly?"
Faced with Qin Ming's concerned gaze, Flender's face showed a hint of embarrassment. As the Dean, it would be too shameful to admit he had been beaten up.
"Cough, cough... it's nothing. Just a minor injury, nothing serious."
Flender waved his hands repeatedly, changing the subject. "Speaking of which, Qin Ming, how have you been these past few years? Judging from your luxurious clothes, you must be doing quite well, right?"
"Thanks to the Dean and all the teachers' careful guidance, I've achieved what I have today. I am now a teacher at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy."
Qin Ming's face was full of gratitude. In his eyes, without Shrek Academy's teachings, he wouldn't have achieved his current status.
It must be said that while Shrek Academy might not offer the best educational resources, their ability to brainwash students was absolutely top-notch. With Qin Ming's talent, he would have easily achieved greatness at any advanced soul master academy.
"Heaven Dou Royal Academy?!"
Flender's eyes lit up. He was already planning to take all the teachers and students to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy. With Qin Ming's connection, things would definitely be much easier.
Just as he was about to ask further questions, the door to another wooden house opened, and Yu Xiaogang walked out with steady steps.
"Qin Ming, since you are a teacher at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, you must know a lot about the Royal Fighting Team, right?"
Yu Xiaogang placed his hands behind his back, his eyes piercing as he displayed an air of superiority.
However, Qin Ming didn't recognize Yu Xiaogang at all and didn't buy into his act. Instead, he cast a confused, inquiring glance at Flender.
"Ahem, this is a renowned master in the world of martial soul theory, and also my best brother, Yu Xiaogang," Flender explained with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Qin Ming suddenly realized who it was and quickly abandoned his confusion, respectfully saying, "Grandmaster, I am currently serving as the assistant to the leader of the Royal Fighting Team. I am very familiar with the team members and their training."
"You're an Assistant Leader?"
Flender was taken aback, somewhat puzzled. "With your Soul Emperor cultivation, you're merely an assistant? Your leader... is he someone with connections?"
"Of course not. The leader's strength far surpasses mine. It is perfectly reasonable for me to serve as his assistant."
Qin Ming's face showed pure admiration; he was completely convinced of Lin Mu's abilities.
"Far surpasses yours?"
Flender was surprised. For Qin Ming to say this, there was no exaggeration.
For Qin Ming, a Level 60+ Soul Emperor, to willingly serve as an assistant, the leader's strength must be at least at the Soul Saint level or higher.
At this moment, a glint flashed in Yu Xiaogang's eyes.
If even Qin Ming could only serve as an assistant, it indirectly proved that the Royal Fighting Team's strength was definitely not weak.
Thinking of this, he immediately said, "Qin Ming, we are planning to bring these students to join the Heaven Dou Royal Academy. With their talent, they should have no problem directly entering the Royal Team, right?"
In his opinion, with the talent of Dai Mubai and the others, joining the Royal Team should be easy. With Qin Ming's help, there shouldn't be any issues.
However, Qin Ming's face showed some difficulty.
"Grandmaster, with the junior students' talent, entering the Heaven Dou Royal Academy is naturally no problem. But entering the Royal Team is not something I can decide. Ultimately, it requires our team leader's approval."
He paused, thought for a moment, and objectively evaluated, "With their talent, I'm sure the team leader won't make things difficult for them. However, they might have to start as substitutes for a while."
"Being a substitute is fine. It's only right that they play based on their strength."
Yu Xiaogang was full of confidence. He didn't believe in all the students' talents, but he was certain that Ma Hongjun would definitely enter the Royal Team and shine in the Soul Master Competition.
As long as he helped him transform into a true Fire Phoenix Soul Master, even becoming a main force member of the Royal Team wouldn't be a problem.
"Where is your team leader now? Is he in Heaven Dou City? When can we visit him?"
"Dean, our team leader is currently at the Great Soul Arena in Suotuo City. If you and Grandmaster would like to see him, I can take you to visit him tomorrow."
Qin Ming smiled slightly. It would be best if he could facilitate their entry into the Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
Hearing this, Flender was first taken aback, then said excitedly, "That's wonderful! It's settled then. Tomorrow morning, you'll take us to see this team leader."
Seeing this, Yu Xiaogang frowned. A sense of foreboding flashed through his mind, but he quickly dismissed it.
With his reputation as a theoretical master, perhaps he could persuade this team leader to step down.