Du Feng had just woken up when he heard a knocking sound before he even stepped out of his room.
Listening carefully, he realized the sound was coming from somewhere within Shrek Academy. Just as he was wondering what it meant, another knock sounded at his door.
Du Feng opened it and saw Dai Mubai standing outside.
"Du Feng, hurry and come with me! The Dean is calling us. Don't be late—the Dean hates people who are late."
After saying that, Dai Mubai immediately ran off in a certain direction.
Seeing this, Du Feng quickly followed behind him, running at full speed.
When the two arrived at the playground, Du Feng saw that Ma Hongjun and Oscar were already standing there obediently. Du Feng walked over and stood in line beside them with Dai Mubai.
Not long after Du Feng stopped, he noticed a middle-aged man slowly walking toward them from the other side of the playground.
The man appeared to be around fifty years old. He wore black-rimmed crystal glasses, and his face was rather angular, giving him a somewhat cunning and sly appearance.
Standing beside Du Feng, Oscar quietly introduced him.
"That's our dean, the founder of Shrek Academy. He's a level seventy-seven Soul Saint, nicknamed the Four-Eyed Cat-Owl—Flender."
"He's a very rare Soul Master with a flying beast-type martial soul. Don't underestimate him just because he looks like that. If it really came down to a fight, Teacher Zhao probably wouldn't be a match for him."
Oscar then pointed subtly at Ma Hongjun.
"And that chubby guy over there, Ma Hongjun, is the Dean's direct disciple."
As a fan of the original novel, Du Feng had already recognized Flender even before Oscar finished his introduction.
This member of the famous Golden Triangle had once made quite a name for himself across the continent.
Unfortunately, his love life had been a complete tragedy—a classic case of unrequited love.
Flender slowly walked toward the group, and when he heard Oscar's introduction, he couldn't help but reveal a faint smile. After all, who didn't enjoy hearing others praise them?
Stopping in front of the four students, Flender spoke in his slightly hoarse voice.
"I'm very pleased that this year our academy has welcomed another little monster. As the dean of Shrek Academy, I welcome you all on behalf of the academy."
"Later, go to Teacher Li Yusong, who is in charge of finances, and pay your tuition. The fee is only one hundred Gold Soul Coins."
"Mubai, you'll take Du Feng to Teacher Li Yusong to pay his fees. While you're at it, explain the academy's rules to him."
"Yes, Dean," Dai Mubai stepped forward and replied respectfully.
Flender seemed to remember something and added,
"Today is the first day of school. You'll have the morning to recover your energy. The first class will be this afternoon. Be prepared."
After saying that, Flender waved his hand, signaling that they could leave.
As they walked away, Du Feng asked Dai Mubai curiously,
"So what are the rules in this academy?"
Dai Mubai shrugged.
"There aren't many rules here. As long as you don't do something serious like robbery, you'll be fine."
"The academy actually encourages fighting and gambling. Fighting is allowed as long as you don't kill or seriously injure someone. Gambling is fine too—as long as you don't lose everything."
Du Feng couldn't help but exclaim,
"Wow… this academy really doesn't follow the usual path. What other academy would dare say something like that? Most schools just raise obedient children one after another."
"I have to say, I really like Shrek Academy's style."
After all, Du Feng himself had never been the obedient type while growing up.
The two chatted as they walked until they arrived at the financial office, where Teacher Li Yusong was already waiting.
Du Feng and Dai Mubai each handed over one hundred Gold Soul Coins before preparing to return to the dormitory.
On the way back, Du Feng asked,
"Mubai, what do you think the Dean meant about the afternoon class?"
Dai Mubai shook his head.
"I'm not sure either. The dean's arrangements are usually different for everyone."
"His philosophy is that the academy doesn't teach students how to cultivate their martial souls—it teaches them how to use them."
"How to cooperate with teammates in battle, and how to survive better."
Hearing Dai Mubai's explanation, Du Feng realized he probably wouldn't get any more useful information from him.
However, regarding Flender's advice to conserve energy for the afternoon class, Du Feng had a strong feeling that it wouldn't be anything easy.
So he decided to cancel his training plan for the morning and instead meditate in his dormitory to increase his soul power.
As for everything else, he decided not to think about it for now—just in case he ended up embarrassing himself during the afternoon class.
Soon, the two returned to the dormitory area.
Du Feng said goodbye to Dai Mubai at the entrance and went back to his room.
Sitting cross-legged on his bed, he quietly began his meditation.