The next morning, Qin Ming led everyone into the Great Soul Arena.
Zhao Wuji suddenly stopped, looked at Flender beside him, and asked in a low voice, "Boss, are you really sure about this? Are you certain you want to give up the academy?"
"Old Zhao, I have to think about the little monsters, don't I?"
Flender smiled bitterly and sighed helplessly, then forced a smile. "I've already inquired with Qin Ming. The teachers at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy have excellent benefits. At the very least, we can enjoy a comfortable retirement."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Wuji and the others fell silent.
After all, they were getting older and couldn't afford to live the hardscrabble life of their youth forever. Having a secure place to retire was indeed a good choice.
Undeniably, with their cultivation levels above Soul Emperor, they could easily join any faction and be treated as honored guests. Even obtaining a noble title wouldn't be difficult.
But there were advantages and disadvantages. Whether joining a faction or obtaining a title, they would be subject to various constraints.
Simply put, accepting a title entailed an obligation to serve the Empire. In the event of war, these nobles must obey imperial orders and go to the battlefield. It was essentially working for someone else, much like joining a sect.
This explained the large number of free Soul Masters who preferred independence.
Just then, Yu Xiaogang approached and hurriedly asked, "Qin Ming, where is your leader?"
"We arranged to meet yesterday, but I didn't return last night. Now, I'm not sure where they are."
Qin Ming smiled awkwardly and guessed, "Maybe they're preparing for their team battle."
Hearing this, everyone was dumbfounded. They couldn't possibly search the entire Great Soul Arena.
Just as they were at a loss, a somewhat arrogant female voice came from behind.
"Teacher Qin, what are you doing here?"
Everyone turned around and saw a woman with short, dark purple hair and a curvaceous figure standing not far away. It was Dugu Yan.
Seeing this familiar figure, Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun's pupils suddenly contracted, and they subconsciously took two steps back.
'How could it be such a coincidence? This woman is actually a member of the Royal Fighting Team?'
Seeing Dugu Yan appear, Qin Ming immediately walked forward and asked, "Yanzi, where are the others?"
"Everyone is in the rest room adjusting their state and preparing for the team battle."
As soon as she finished speaking, Dugu Yan's eyes swept over the group of people behind Qin Ming with a scrutinizing look. She frowned slightly and said, "Teacher Qin, who are these people?"
"They are my teachers and junior students, who are planning to join our Heaven Dou Royal Academy."
"Teacher Qin, these people look rather shabby."
Dugu Yan crossed her arms and spoke bluntly.
As soon as these words came out, the smile on Qin Ming's face instantly froze, and the faces of Flender and the others turned ugly.
They had come all this way to pay a visit, only to be humiliated to their faces by a junior. It was incredibly embarrassing.
Zhao Wuji, always hot-tempered, stepped forward abruptly and said in a deep voice, "Little girl, hasn't anyone taught you how to speak to your elders?"
"Elders? Do you deserve that title?" Dugu Yan sneered, retorting sarcastically.
Hearing this, Zhao Wuji instantly flew into a rage. He had been holding back his frustration for a while, and now it ignited instantly.
"How dare you! Today I'll teach you a lesson on behalf of your elders."
Seeing Zhao Wuji about to make a move, Qin Ming's pupils suddenly contracted, and he quickly stepped in to stop him.
Dugu Yan's elder was none other than the Poison Douluo!
Although the Poison Douluo was Lin Mu's defeated opponent, he was still someone the likes of Zhao Wuji absolutely could not afford to offend.
"Qin Ming, why are you stopping me?!"
"Teacher Zhao, the important matter is right now. You are a magnanimous person, so please don't take it to heart."
Qin Ming quickly calmed Zhao Wuji down. Before anyone could react further, he instructed Dugu Yan, "Yanzi, take us to the lounge first."
Hearing this, Dugu Yan gave a light snort and reluctantly led the way.
Soon, she led the group into a spacious rest room.
Only five people were inside; Lin Mu, Ye Lingling, Tang San, and Xiao Wu were not present.
Since Qin Ming hadn't returned all night, Lin Mu had gone personally to handle the registration for the team battle, and Ye Lingling had volunteered to go along.
During this time, Tang San was dragged away by Xiao Wu to practice for their 2v2 match.
Seeing Dugu Yan bring in a group of strangers, Yu Tianheng and the others were taken aback, looking at Dugu Yan with suspicion.
"Yanzi, who are these people?" Yu Tianheng asked.
"These people—"
Before Dugu Yan could explain, a somewhat weathered voice interrupted her.
"Tianheng."
Yu Xiaogang stepped out from behind the crowd, hands behind his back, maintaining a master's demeanor.
Only when facing Yu Tianheng did he manage a stiff smile.
Upon seeing the middle-aged man approaching, Yu Tianheng was first taken aback, then excitedly went to greet him.
"Uncle! What are you doing here?"
This question shocked everyone, including Dugu Yan, who hadn't expected the two to have this connection.
Yu Xiaogang patted Yu Tianheng on the shoulder, his gaze sweeping over the members of the Royal Fighting Team present, and asked, "Tianheng, with your talent and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul, you must be the captain of the Royal Fighting Team, right?"
"That's right," Yu Tianheng nodded in response.
Seeing this, a gleam of joy flashed in Yu Xiaogang's eyes. Since Yu Tianheng was the captain, he was even more confident.
"Uncle, where have you been all these years?"
Looking at his uncle whom he hadn't seen for so long, Yu Tianheng's eyes reddened slightly, and his voice choked with emotion. "Grandpa and Dad miss you very much. Please come back to the family with me!"
Hearing this, Yu Xiaogang shook his head firmly, a complex and resolute look flashing in his eyes. He said calmly, "I was expelled from the family long ago. I have no connection with them now."
In his view, it was better to prove his abilities and return with his head held high than to go back and be ridiculed. He would show those snobbish people that he, Yu Xiaogang, was not a good-for-nothing.
Then, he suppressed the turmoil in his heart and asked, "Tianheng, what level is your soul power now?"
"Level 42."
Upon hearing this, Flender and the others were secretly shocked.
This Yu Tianheng looked not much older than Dai Mubai, yet he was already a Spirit Ancestor. No wonder he was the captain of the Royal Fighting Team.
Yu Xiaogang nodded, a smile creeping onto his lips. The stronger Yu Tianheng became, the easier it would be for him to take control of the Royal Fighting Team.
He quickly suppressed his excitement and said calmly, "Level 42 is not bad, Tianheng. If I were to personally teach you, your strength would definitely be even greater."
Yu Tianheng was taken aback, completely unprepared for his uncle's words.
In his view, no one could compare to Teacher Lin Mu. Tang San and Xiao Wu were the best proof.
Even Blue Silver Grass could be cultivated to such a level; if it were him under Lin Mu's guidance, he would certainly be even stronger.
But unfortunately, Teacher Lin Mu had no intention of taking on any more disciples.