Yin Zhang had just stepped out of the imperial treasury when Salas—Platinum Archbishop and overseer of Spirit Hall's sanctuary in Heaven Dou City—hurried over to meet him.
"Your Majesty, I arrived late. Please punish me!" Salas knelt on one knee, his expression earnest.
Since learning from Qian Renxue that the Heaven Dou Empire had formally submitted, Salas had been deeply shaken. Eager to show loyalty, he had ordered the collection of vast quantities of Heaven-and-Earth Treasures from across the empire, along with entire warehouses filled with gold.
"So it's Elder Salas," Yin Zhang said with a faint smile. "It's been quite some time. You look rather worn—have you been overworking yourself?"
A trace of unease flickered across Salas's face, but he forced a smile. "Ever since the Heaven Dou Empire joined our Spirit Hall, I've spared no effort in service. I've also secured a considerable amount of… spoils."
Spoils.
Yin Zhang understood perfectly. These were the resources Salas had amassed during his long tenure in Heaven Dou—now offered up to curry favor. Truthfully, Salas had never imagined that Yin Zhang would ascend to Supreme Pontiff at such a young age, nor that Bibi Dong would be removed so swiftly. The turn of events had far exceeded his expectations.
Yin Zhang accepted Salas's submission without hesitation. With these resources, he could further strengthen Spirit Hall's foundations. Now that the Supreme Pontiff Palace and the Hall of Worship were united, such offerings weren't strictly necessary—but they were certainly useful.
After Salas withdrew, Yin Zhang issued a new order.
A delegation was to be dispatched to Shrek Academy, located outside Suotuo City in the Balak Kingdom, to bring everyone there to Heaven Dou City.
Several years earlier, Yin Zhang had crossed paths with Shrek Academy during the First All-Continent Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament. Back then, he had met Qin Ming, Zhao Wuji, and Flender—each frustrated that their academy lacked the qualifications to compete.
Yin Zhang had extended a helping hand to Qin Ming, enabling him to fulfill his dream. Qin Ming hadn't wasted the opportunity: after joining the Heaven Dou Royal Academy's second team, he led them to a top-five finish in the tournament. Later, he followed Yin Zhang back to Spirit Hall. With steady effort and a modest tilt in resources, Qin Ming's cultivation progressed rapidly; by now, he had reached the Spirit Emperor realm.
Yin Zhang intended for Qin Ming to lead the invitation.
As for Shrek Academy itself, at this point it no longer housed Tang San or Xiao Wu. The remaining students were Dai Mubai, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun.
Dai Mubai, a prince of the Star Luo imperial family, could potentially be leveraged to reduce losses and smooth future dealings with the Star Luo Empire. Oscar possessed extraordinary aptitude—the most outstanding food-system Spirit Master in history—and with proper growth, his path could reach astonishing heights.
Ma Hongjun, on the other hand, inspired little goodwill in Yin Zhang. Still, since there had been no provocation, Yin Zhang had no intention of acting against him.
The teachers of Shrek Academy, however, were genuinely rare talents on the continent. Bringing them into Spirit Hall Academy would be a net gain for education and training.
As for Zhao Wuji—once a wanted figure of Spirit Hall—that mattered little now. A robust attack-system Spirit Saint with exceptional defense could easily be assigned as a legion commander or similar post.
With these considerations settled, Yin Zhang summoned Qin Ming, who had accompanied the expedition.
"Your Majesty," Qin Ming greeted respectfully. He understood his position well—Yin Zhang had been the one to help him rise and bring him into Spirit Hall. As long as he remained proper and diligent, his future was secure.
"Qin Ming," Yin Zhang said with a smile, "do you know why I've called for you?"
Qin Ming hesitated, then answered honestly, "I do not."
Yin Zhang nodded. "You still remember your alma mater—Shrek Academy, don't you?"
Qin Ming was momentarily stunned. Then understanding dawned. "Your Majesty… do you intend for Shrek Academy to relocate here?"
"Yes," Yin Zhang replied calmly. "Now that the Heaven Dou Empire belongs to Spirit Hall, Shrek Academy should as well."
Qin Ming considered it and slowly nodded. Shrek's conditions were far too poor, its teachers outnumbering its students. Relocating—whether to Heaven Dou or directly under Spirit Hall Academy—would allow those teachers to truly fulfill their roles.
"Then I will go at once," Qin Ming said firmly.
A new phase was beginning—one where scattered talent would be gathered, reorganized, and forged into a foundation worthy of Spirit Hall's expanding rule.