On the other side, the Sword Douluo returned to Shrek Academy riding his sword.
"Uncle Sword!"
Ning Fengzhi breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing the Sword Douluo return so quickly, assuming he had shown mercy to Lin Mu.
In his view, even with Lin Mu's high talent, he couldn't possibly be a match for Uncle Sword.
He quickly went to greet him, only noticing the Sword Douluo's injuries upon closer inspection. His pupils constricted, his face filled with disbelief.
"Uncle Sword, your injuries..."
"Alas, I underestimated Lin Mu's strength."
The Sword Douluo sighed. After decades of cultivation, to be injured to this extent by a junior meant he had truly lost face.
Although there was an element of surprise, it was enough to demonstrate Lin Mu's strength.
This person's talent was simply unparalleled. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, he would undoubtedly reach the level of a Limit Douluo in the future, perhaps even the legendary Level 100 Godhood!
"This..."
Ning Fengzhi was stunned, completely unprepared for Uncle Sword to be injured, and with such a serious injury at that. Even Uncle Bone couldn't have done this.
Coming to his senses, he hurriedly asked, "What about Lin Mu? Surely his injuries are more serious?"
"No. He is almost unharmed."
"How is that possible? Is he stronger than you, Uncle Sword?"
"Not exactly. It's just that his speed is too fast, far surpassing mine. If it were close combat, he wouldn't be my match."
Despite his words, the Sword Douluo showed no arrogance. The thought of Lin Mu's absurd speed filled him with extreme frustration.
That cyan armor was too insidious!
Its speed was practically comparable to teleportation; it was impossible to touch him. A moment's carelessness and he'd unleash a powerful attack, it was utterly cunning.
Seeing that Uncle Sword wasn't exaggerating, Ning Fengzhi frowned. He had thought Lin Mu was merely comparable to an ordinary Titled Douluo, which was already the limit of imagination. He hadn't expected him to be far more powerful.
With such terrifying combat strength at the Soul Saint level, how strong would he be when he broke through to Soul Douluo or Titled Douluo?
Since he couldn't be directly recruited, he would start with a marriage alliance.
The next morning, Ning Fengzhi, without consulting Flender, directly led the Sword Douluo and Ning Rongrong to the Suotuo Great Soul Arena.
He planned to personally apologize to Lin Mu and, incidentally, get Ning Rongrong into the Royal Fighting Team.
However, when they entered the Royal Fighting Team's rest room, they couldn't find Lin Mu or the others.
After some inquiries, they learned that the Royal Fighting Team had already defeated all the Soul Ancestor level teams in Suotuo City. Yesterday's team battle was their last one.
At this moment, they were already on their way back to Heaven Dou City.
"Why did they have to leave at this time?"
Ning Fengzhi felt a mix of emotions. He knew the opportunity was right in front of him, but he hadn't seized it.
In his opinion, if Lin Mu and Rongrong were together, not only could they protect the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's legacy, but they might even be able to claim the title of the Number One Sect in the World.
"Fengzhi, why don't I take Rongrong to go after them?" Sword Douluo suggested.
The accommodations at Shrek Academy were deplorable, and the teaching quality was also terrible, especially that Yu Xiaogang, whose Soul Power was only Level 29. How could such trash be fit to be a teacher?
If Ning Rongrong could enter the Royal Fighting Team, she could receive Lin Mu's guidance, which would definitely be a million times better than staying at Shrek Academy.
"Uncle Sword, there's no need to trouble yourself. If Lin Mu had ever considered taking Rongrong in, he wouldn't have left so soon."
Ning Fengzhi shook his head helplessly. The conflict had just erupted yesterday, and now he needed a favor. He knew the outcome without even thinking.
He had wanted to apologize in person, but he had missed the best opportunity.
"What about Rongrong? Will she stay at Shrek Academy?"
"I've already inquired with Dean Flender. They plan to go to the Blue Tyrant Academy. The accommodation there will be much better, and it's also in Heaven Dou City. We'll find an opportunity later."
Ning Fengzhi's eyes flickered. In fact, with his status, he could easily arrange for Ning Rongrong to join the Royal Fighting Team through official channels.
But doing so would undoubtedly provoke Lin Mu's resentment. Even if Ning Rongrong joined the Royal Fighting Team, she would face rejection from within.
Rather than this, it would be better to use Xue Qinghe's connections to discuss the matter with Lin Mu later.
Two days later, after a non-stop journey, Lin Mu led the Royal Fighting Team back to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
"After this period of training, the second phase can be considered barely completed."
After a pause, Lin Mu's gaze swept over everyone, taking in their reactions, and he said calmly, "From today onwards, team training is suspended. You will have a month to rest."
Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned, somewhat unable to believe their ears.
In their impression, Teacher Lin Mu had always been strict, and the training intensity was several times higher than before. Why had he suddenly changed today?
"Teacher Lin Mu, I think the training you arranged was quite good. We have all benefited greatly, and our cultivation speed is much faster than before. Why stop the training?" Yu Tianheng stepped forward and asked.
The others shared the same thought. Compared to their initial dissatisfaction, they had now experienced the pleasure of continuous improvement in strength and naturally did not want to become complacent.
"What I mean is that the second phase of team training is over, but your individual Soul Arena Battles will continue as usual. This concerns your own cultivation, and I don't have time to supervise it personally."
Lin Mu's tone was calm, as if he were simply stating a fact. He couldn't possibly take everyone to participate in Soul Arena Battles every day forever; it would affect his own cultivation.
Hearing this explanation, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. As long as they could continue training, that was fine. These days, they felt uneasy if they didn't participate in a Soul Arena Battle for even a day.
Then, Lin Mu's gaze fell on Shi Mo, Yu Feng, and Oslo, and he said without room for doubt, "The three of you should focus on your cultivation. Break through to Level 40 as soon as possible, and then go obtain your fourth Soul Ring."
"Yes! Teacher Lin Mu!"
Shi Mo, Yu Feng, and Oslo immediately straightened their backs and responded in unison.
Zhu Zhuqing stood at the edge of the group, her cool and pretty face expressionless. She bit her lower lip tightly, a hint of determination flashing in her eyes.
After a few days of adaptation, she clearly realized the gap between herself and the others. Although she was younger, that was no excuse. After all, Tang San and Xiao Wu were only thirteen years old.
Even if Lin Mu selectively ignored her, she held no resentment.
"Dismissed."
With Lin Mu's command, everyone departed with mixed feelings.
After handling team affairs, Lin Mu went straight to the Education Committee Hall.
The three committee board members were inside. Upon seeing Lin Mu enter, they greeted him with broad smiles.
"Teacher Lin Mu, we heard that you led the Royal Fighting Team to sweep through many city-level Soul Arenas, and all of them were Soul Ancestor level teams, maintaining a perfect record. With their current strength, they have a very high probability of winning the Continental Soul Master Tournament!"
Meng Shenji bowed slightly, speaking with a hint of respect.
Even if Lin Mu didn't pledge absolute allegiance to the Heaven Dou Empire, leading the Royal Fighting Team to victory in the Continental Soul Master Tournament would be a great achievement.
In comparison, Emperor Xue Ye's previous attitude was somewhat disheartening.
"You flatter me. We're still a bit short of defeating the Spirit Hall team."
After a pause, Lin Mu changed the subject and said solemnly, "Board Members of the Education Committee, I'm here to inform you of something. A few days ago, I removed Teacher Qin Ming from his position. He has chosen to leave the Heaven Dou Royal Academy to teach at Shrek Academy."
"What?"
The three members of the Education Committee's expressions changed slightly. Before Lin Mu took over, Qin Ming was the most outstanding teacher in the academy. It was a pity that such a promising talent had been poached.
"Alas, he was an excellent teacher we had painstakingly cultivated. I never expected..."
At this point, Meng Shenji sighed and continued, "Teacher Lin Mu, what kind of academy is Shrek Academy? I've never heard of it."
"It's Qin Ming's alma mater in Suotuo City. It's not very well-known," Lin Mu explained simply.
Shrek Academy wasn't well-known in Suotuo City, and it was even more insignificant in the entire Heaven Dou Empire.
"Well, everyone has their own ambitions. It's just a pity to waste such a promising talent."
Meng Shenji shook his head, a hint of resignation on his face, and then asked, "Teacher Lin Mu, would you like me to arrange another teaching assistant for you?"
"Anyone willing to do odd jobs will do."