"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's support capabilities are indeed powerful, but we already have a Nine Heart Begonia Soul Master. We don't need any other support-type Soul Masters unless you are willing to be a substitute."
Faced with Ning Rongrong's request to join, Lin Mu wasn't as shocked as the others. He remained calm and collected.
Undeniably, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, recognized as the strongest support-type martial soul, did have a potent amplification effect.
But that was in the past. Now, compared to the evolved Nine Heart Begonia, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda fell short.
Moreover, Ye Lingling's Soul Power was as high as Level 43. The difference in cultivation between the two was too great. Ning Rongrong could only serve as a substitute.
Unless... Ning Rongrong was given a immortal-grade herb to greatly increase her Soul Power and evolve her martial soul into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
In such a scenario, it would be viable to have two support-type Soul Masters on the field simultaneously, maximizing both amplification and healing. With that setup, any member could become a main force.
But the problem was, they weren't related. Why would he give away such a valuable treasure to a stranger?
Even Yu Tianheng and the others hadn't received such treatment.
"You... you actually want me to be a substitute?!"
Hearing Lin Mu's nonchalant tone, Ning Rongrong was furious, her chest heaving with indignation.
As the Young Miss of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, this was the first time she had been so disrespected.
This guy dared to underestimate the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda!
"I'm not forcing you to join. It is entirely voluntary."
Seeing Lin Mu's indifferent expression, Ning Rongrong stomped her foot in anger. Paradoxically, her resolve to join the Royal Fighting Team only strengthened.
"Hmph! If you make me a substitute, I'll tell Grandpa Sword that you bullied me!"
Ning Rongrong crossed her arms and raised her fair chin, her tone clearly threatening.
Under the oppressive aura earlier, she had been forced to her knees with a thud. Her knees had hit the ground hard, and they still hurt.
Hearing this, Lin Mu frowned slightly. These words were too easily misunderstood. If Ning Fengzhi heard this, he might bring the Sword Douluo to kill them that very day.
He couldn't handle Sword Douluo right now; with Ning Fengzhi's amplification added to the mix, he'd have no choice but to flee.
"Say what you want. Either be a substitute or leave."
Lin Mu remained unmoved, his face cold.
Just as Ning Rongrong was about to utter a harsh retort, a clear, cold voice came from behind.
"I am willing to be a substitute. Can I join the Royal Fighting Team?"
Zhu Zhuqing, who had been silent all along, stepped forward. Her head was slightly raised, and her cold eyes were filled with a mix of longing and hope.
Seeing that Zhu Zhuqing also wanted to leave, Flender and the others were utterly heartbroken.
'Is our Shrek Academy really that bad?'
"Zhu Zhuqing! Are you crazy? This is the Royal Fighting Team!"
Dai Mubai's eyes were bloodshot. He was panting heavily, his soul power surging to the point of madness.
The Royal Fighting Team belonged to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy and had deep ties with the Heaven Dou Imperial Family, practically the antithesis of the Star Luo Empire.
Although he didn't have the courage to confront his elder brother directly, Zhu Zhuqing was his fiancée. He couldn't accept the humiliation of her defecting to the "enemy" right before his eyes.
"Even so, I won't sit idly by like you," Zhu Zhuqing replied coldly.
Hearing this, Dai Mubai was struck dumb, forced to swallow the harsh reality.
It was undeniable that with a powerhouse comparable to a Titled Douluo as her backer, even the Star Luo Empire would have to think twice before touching her.
"You will regret this!"
Dai Mubai was furious, a sinister glint flashing in his eyes. Even if he was destined to lose to Davis, he couldn't accept this kind of betrayal.
Seeing this scene, Lin Mu raised an eyebrow. He hadn't expected things to develop to this point.
To be fair, with Zhu Zhuqing's current strength and talent, she wasn't even as valuable as Ning Rongrong. Even if she joined the Royal Fighting Team, she might not get a chance to play.
After all, the team already had two Agility Attack System Soul Masters whose Soul Power levels were far ahead of Zhu Zhuqing's.
"Okay."
After thinking for a moment, Lin Mu agreed.
They already had two Agility Attack Soul Masters anyway; one more wouldn't make a difference.
"Thank you."
After expressing her gratitude, Zhu Zhuqing stood silently to the side, clearly intending to sever ties with Shrek Academy completely.
Seeing this, Dai Mubai almost coughed up blood, but he didn't dare to contradict Lin Mu, so he could only suppress his rage.
Ma Hongjun, standing to the side, felt more relieved than ever, thinking to himself, 'Serves him right!'
With Zhu Zhuqing jumping ship first, Ning Rongrong was caught in a dilemma. If she compromised now, it would be too shameful.
However, Lin Mu had no time to indulge her princess-like tantrums. He said calmly, "If you haven't thought it through, go outside and think about it slowly. This is where we rest."
"Do you have no gentlemanly manners at all?!"
"Get lost."
Just two words made Ning Rongrong's face turn red with anger. 'How dare this guy treat me like that!'
Yu Tianheng, Dugu Yan, and the others were used to this behavior.
Seeing Ning Rongrong's awkward situation, Oscar immediately realized his opportunity had come.
He quickly stepped forward and hurriedly comforted her. "Rongrong, as long as you're willing to stay at Shrek Academy, we won't blame you."
"Alright then."
Ning Rongrong agreed reluctantly, feeling a twinge of regret. 'Why didn't I just agree earlier?' Now she was in an awkward position and had no choice but to return to Shrek Academy.
Shortly after, Flender led everyone away from the Great Soul Arena.
"Qin Ming, it's all my fault that you lost your job this time," Flender said with a face full of guilt.
"Dean, this is my own mistake. It has nothing to do with you. Besides, I really want to stay at Shrek Academy, as long as you don't kick me out."
Qin Ming shook his head. Although following Lin Mu would be more promising, Shrek Academy felt like home.
"I think this is good. We'll continue to run Shrek Academy. With Qin Ming joining, I believe we can grow bigger and stronger and create new glories!"
Zhao Wuji patted Qin Ming's shoulder, speaking with forced optimism.
Just then, Yu Xiaogang, supported by Flender, spoke up weakly.
"No... even if we can't join the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, we must join another academy."
Yu Xiaogang's tone was firm. Relying solely on the current Shrek Academy resources, even qualifying for the Soul Master Competition would be difficult, let alone defeating the Royal Team.
Hearing this, Flender suddenly remembered Yu Xiaogang's bet with Lin Mu and said helplessly, "Xiaogang, then which advanced Soul Master Academy do you think we should choose?"
Yu Xiaogang frowned, unable to find a suitable choice for a moment.
Just then, Qin Ming suddenly made a suggestion. "Dean, if you absolutely must join another academy, why not try Blue Tyrant Academy?"
"I've never heard of Blue Tyrant Academy."
"Blue Tyrant Academy is located in Heaven Dou City. It hasn't been open for many years, but it has a unique rule, completely opposite to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy: It only accepts commoners and rejects all nobles."