One day later, the Shrek group arrived in Heaven Dou City.
Just like in the original timeline, they headed straight for Heaven Dou Royal Academy, planning to seek out Qin Ming and join the academy.
"As expected of the number one academy in the Heaven Dou Empire—this place is really loaded."
Standing at the academy gates, Flender sighed with emotion.
"Indeed. We'll be staying here from now on," Yu Xiaogang nodded, his eyes filled with anticipation. "Hopefully, everything goes smoothly."
After breaking through to Rank 30 and experiencing the evolution of his martial spirit, Yu Xiaogang's confidence had soared. He firmly believed that he could finally prove himself to the world.
—I, Yu Xiaogang, am not trash. I am a Grandmaster. A true Grandmaster!
However, before they could even step inside, trouble found them.
"Stop right there!"
A luxuriously dressed young man blocked their path, several attendants following behind him.
His gaze swept over their plain clothing and travel-worn appearances, contempt flashing in his eyes.
"Who are you country bumpkins? This isn't a place where just anyone can enter!"
Dai Mubai frowned. "What did you say?"
"What? Not happy?" Xue Beng sneered. "Do you even know where this is? Heaven Dou Royal Academy only accepts nobles. Do peasants like you think you're worthy?"
Despite his sharp tongue, he didn't dare make a move. The psychological shadow left behind by his previous kidnapping was still far too deep.
Tang San clenched his fists but held himself back.
Flender stepped forward, stopping the others, and smiled politely.
"Young Master, we're here to find someone. Do you know Qin Ming?"
"Teacher Qin?"
Xue Beng froze for a moment, then scoffed even more disdainfully.
"So what if I do? Is Teacher Qin someone you people can casually associate with?"
At that moment, a voice rang out from inside the academy.
"Dean Flender!"
Qin Ming hurried out, joy written all over his face when he saw the Shrek group.
"You've finally arrived!"
Seeing Qin Ming, Xue Beng's expression darkened. He snorted coldly and led his people away without another word.
In this life, due to Bai Mu's earlier interference, the conflict ended with only verbal exchanges—no fight broke out. As for Prince Xue Xing, having lost his backing and been worn down by recent events, he no longer had the arrogance to interfere with Shrek's entry.
"Qin Ming, are these the teachers and students of Shrek Academy you mentioned?"
Meng Shenji looked over the group, a glint of approval in his eyes. "Not bad. They're all promising talents."
Flender quickly bowed. "Greetings to the three Education Committee Members. We apologize for arriving unannounced."
"No need for that," Zhi Lin said with a smile. "Qin Ming often speaks highly of you. You're all rare talents."
"It's our honor that you're willing to join Heaven Dou Royal Academy," Bai Baoshan added.
The atmosphere was harmonious, and everything seemed to be progressing smoothly toward Shrek Academy officially settling in.
Suddenly—
"Wait a moment!"
A clear, calm voice rang out.
Everyone turned to look and saw a tall figure walking over with steady steps, a faint smile on his lips.
"Bai Mu!"
Ning Rongrong's eyes lit up instinctively. Then she remembered something, snorted softly, and deliberately turned her head away.
The Shrek group reacted in different ways.
Flender narrowed his eyes suspiciously—why was this kid here?
Yu Xiaogang frowned in thought.
Dai Mubai lowered his head slightly, his expression complicated.
"Meow~"
The chill on Zhu Zhuqing's face eased a little, though she didn't step forward.
The three Education Committee Members were even more surprised.
"Everyone from Shrek, and the three Education Committee Members—it's been a while."
Bai Mu cupped his hands politely, smiling.
"Bai Mu, it really has been a long time," Meng Shenji said, studying him carefully. "How have you been these past few years?"
"I haven't disappointed your concern," Bai Mu replied calmly. "I currently serve as an Elder of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, and I also hold positions as instructor and vice principal of Order Academy."
"Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School?"
"An Elder?!"
"Vice principal of Order Academy?!"
Zhi Lin, Bai Baoshan, and Meng Shenji stared at him in disbelief.
Just three or four years ago, this kid had only been a low-ranked Spirit Master. How had he climbed to this level?
"Yes."
Bai Mu casually wrapped an arm around the waists of the two girls beside him and added naturally,
"Ning Rongrong is the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School—and my fiancée."
"Fiancée?!"
The three Education Committee Members were completely stunned.
Ning Rongrong snorted softly, shot Bai Mu a glare, then leaned against his chest anyway, the corners of her lips curling upward.
Ignoring their reactions, Bai Mu turned to Flender.
"Dean Flender, instead of joining an academy burdened by noble bias, why not consider Order Academy?"
"Order Academy?" Flender was baffled. "I've never heard of it."
"Order Academy was formerly Blue Tyrant Academy, which only accepted commoners," Bai Mu explained calmly. "It was acquired by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School a few days ago and now carries the personal endorsement of Crown Prince Xue Qinghe."
"Whether noble or commoner, as long as one has talent and meets the standards, they're welcome."
His gaze swept over the crowd, his tone growing firmer.
"At Order Academy, there is no discrimination—only the goal of cultivating top talents from all walks of life to uphold Order."
Flender's eyes flashed.
He lowered his voice. "This… sounds quite good, Xiaogang."
"It really is better," Yu Xiaogang nodded after a moment of thought.
Setting aside his personal issues with Bai Mu, the newly restructured academy offered enormous room to maneuver. With Shrek's reputation, most competition slots would naturally fall to them.
"Bai Mu, this is too much!"
Meng Shenji couldn't help but speak up. "You're openly stealing people from us!"
They were practically done negotiating when Bai Mu suddenly appeared.
"You overstate it," Bai Mu replied calmly. "Legs grow on one's own body—can anyone really stop them from walking?"
"People move to higher ground; water flows to lower places. There's no right or wrong in choosing better prospects."
He looked directly at Flender, his tone sincere.
"Dean Flender, if you're willing to join, I can appoint you Honorary Vice Principal and establish a separate 'Shrek Elite Class' within the academy."
"This class would be led personally by you, admitting only the academy's top geniuses and granting them the best resources."
"This… this… this…"
Flender's eyes nearly popped out. His heart raced.
These conditions were practically tailor-made for him.
"Bai Mu, are you seriously trying to steal people from my Heaven Dou Royal Academy?"
Prince Xue Xing, who had remained silent until now, finally stepped forward, his face dark.
"Oh? Isn't this Prince Xue Xing?"
Bai Mu glanced at him indifferently and spoke without restraint.
"Old man—aren't you dead yet?"
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd.
That was a prince of the empire—and he dared to speak like that?
Had he always been this fearless?
Did he really not value his life at all?
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