549. Grand Event

Thomas and his people had already left.

Flender still stood at the academy’s entrance, his head lowered in silence.

Hearing Qian Renjue’s name, Ning Rongrong, Xiao Wu, and the other girls’ eyes sparkled with excitement, making them pay even more attention to the situation.

Yu Xiaogang, leaning on his cane, stepped forward and placed a hand on Flender’s shoulder.

With a deep voice, he offered some words of comfort:

"Flender, we really do need to think about what’s best for these kids."

"Ha…"

Flender let out a bitter laugh.

"Xiaogang, it’s easy for you to say. But Shrek Academy is my life’s work!"

"Are you saying Shrek Academy is truly beyond saving?!"

Anyone could hear the unwillingness in Flender’s voice.

Dai Mubai wanted to say something, but he didn’t know how.

The issues with Shrek Academy weren’t just about money—it lacked resources, facilities, and even proper classrooms.

Even if he wanted to help, there was nothing he could do.

Yu Xiaogang, however, remained unfazed by Flender’s frustration.

With his usual stiff expression, he calmly responded:

"Flender, I believe in your ability to teach these children. But be honest with yourself—can Shrek Academy truly provide them with the stage they deserve?"

Flender froze.

In his mind, as long as the academy trained its students well, wasn’t that enough?

What other "stage" did Soul Masters need beyond the Soul Master world itself?

"Xiaogang… What exactly are you trying to say? Just say it plainly."

"I am saying it plainly."

Yu Xiaogang straightened his posture, squinting at the blazing sun before glancing at Flender.

"If I remember correctly, that grand event that will shake the entire continent is happening in just over a year, right?"

"You mean—?!"

Flender’s eyes widened in shock.

"Exactly. Their true stage shouldn’t be limited to just the Battle Arenas—it should be the entire continent!"

A sharp light flashed in Yu Xiaogang’s single eye.

That event would be his stage too!

Flender was silent for a moment, torn between emotions.

He struggled internally, hesitated, then finally calmed down.

"Alright, we’ll do as you say."

"You’re right—I shouldn’t let my own pride get in the way. Everything should be for the sake of the children."

Hearing Flender’s words, Yu Xiaogang finally felt relieved.

"So, about choosing a new academy—?"

"Let’s put that aside for now. I need some time to think."

Flender sounded tired, as if he had aged several years in an instant.

With a hunched posture, he slowly walked back into the academy, his voice filled with resistance.

"Either way, I will never join any academy under Spirit Hall."

"Mm."

Yu Xiaogang watched Flender’s retreating back and nodded in agreement.

Spirit Hall’s ambitions were too great—too domineering.

If they discovered the talent of these children, who knew what sinister intentions they might develop?

"Teacher, what is this ‘grand event’ you’re talking about?"

Tang San asked, confused.

Ma Hongjun, still with a chicken feather in his pants, and Oscar, who had powder covering his face, also looked at Yu Xiaogang in puzzlement.

Among those present, only Dai Mubai and the three girls—Ning Rongrong included—seemed to know what it was.

Yu Xiaogang smiled mysteriously and patted Tang San’s head.

"That grand event will be your chance to clash with the most talented young Soul Masters across the entire continent!"

"The entire continent’s young Soul Masters?!"

Tang San’s eyes widened in shock.

A thrill surged through his heart—he couldn’t even begin to imagine what kind of spectacle that would be.

At the same time, a heavy sense of pressure settled over him.

He clenched his fists—his motivation to train skyrocketed.

After all, who wouldn’t want to stand out in such a grand event?


Tang San was no exception!

"Alright, Xiao San, train well. When you win the championship, I'll have a big gift for you!"

"Don't worry, Teacher, I won’t disappoint you!"

"Mm."

Yu Xiaogang sighed softly, looking in the direction of Spirit City.

That would also be the time when he retrieved the cultivation method for twin martial souls.

"Tsk~"

Xiao Wu curled her lips, unimpressed.

She could guarantee that the championship would definitely belong to that little brat and her team.

As for Tang San and the others?

They were just heading there to get themselves beaten.

The moment they set foot in Spirit City, they might not even be able to leave in one piece.

And no one would dare to claim their bodies either.

Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong also had strange expressions.

Was this so-called "Grandmaster" talking nonsense, or had he been away from the Soul Master world for too long?

Did he not even know what happened in the last Soul Master Tournament, yet dared to set such a ridiculous goal?

He was walking straight into his own demise.

—

At Blue Tyrant Academy, inside Liu Erlong’s residence.

The atmosphere around the small square dining table, laden with dishes, was a little strange.

Liu Erlong sat there, holding her bowl in a daze, motionless.

Her gaze was fixed on Snow Empress, who had stretched her neck forward to pick off a grain of rice from the corner of Qian Renjue’s lips with her own lips.

A sudden wave of regret welled up in her heart.

She actually did care about this!

Who would have thought that just sitting down for a meal would lead to this kind of situation?!

Couldn’t that woman be a little more mindful of her surroundings?

Qian Renjue watched as Snow Empress pulled away, then turned to Liu Erlong with an awkward chuckle.

"Erlong, Snow Empress is just... very straightforward."

"I can see that."

Liu Erlong’s expression was like that of a resentful wife as she sulked over her food.

"Pfft—"

Ling Yuan couldn’t help but laugh.

Fortunately, she never considered herself the main wife—she was happy as long as she had food to eat.

But what annoyed her was that Snow Empress had become such a clingy shadow.

Now she couldn’t even find a chance to take a bite for herself, let alone a chance to sit down.

Snow Empress glanced at Liu Erlong, slightly confused.

"Qian Renjue, is there an outsider here? Is that why I can’t kiss you?"

"There’s no outsider."

Qian Renjue chuckled and shook his head, not knowing how to explain.

He simply placed more food on Snow Empress plate.

"Eat more. Once we’re done, we’ll head home."

"Mm."

Snow Empress nodded, chewing her food slowly.

"These dishes… they taste a bit like Mom’s cooking."

"They do. If you like them, eat more."

Qian Renjue nodded.

Liu Erlong watched Snow Empress, a hint of surprise and envy in her eyes.

Then, at the thought of Bibi Dong, her expression turned melancholic.

"Ah Jue..."

"Hm? Erlong, what’s wrong?"

Qian Renjue was about to pick up more food when he noticed Liu Erlong's hesitation.

"She…"

Liu Erlong struggled with her words, unsure how to phrase it.

She hesitated, face flushed, then finally mumbled softly:

"Mom… What about Mom?"

As soon as she spoke, she lifted her beautiful yet timid face, looking nervous and avoiding eye contact.

"Haha..."

Qian Renjue was stunned for a moment, then let out a chuckle.

"Erlong, don’t worry. Mom will agree to this sooner or later."

"Ah Jue, don’t lie to me. I know what she’s like."

Liu Erlong’s eyes were full of worry and certainty.

Qian Renjue’s smile slowly faded.

To be honest, he wasn’t sure how to handle this either.

It seemed like the only thing he could do was let time take its course.

"Erlong, I’m not lying to you."

"I know… Maybe she will agree someday, but that’s not what I want. That would just be Mom compromising with you to accommodate me."

Liu Erlong pressed her lips together, staring directly into Qian Renjue’s eyes.

She didn’t want things to be like this.

Even if she could stay by Ah Jue’s side in the end, it wouldn’t bring her true happiness.

And Ah Jue—he would be stuck in the middle.