The full name of Heaven Dou Academy was Heaven Dou Imperial Academy.
Situated atop a vast mountain, it was surrounded by lush forests and tranquil lakes, creating an environment where nature thrived.
But what made it truly remarkable was the dense energy in the air. Although it wasn't quite on par with the Star Dou Forest, it was still an exceptionally rare cultivation environment within human settlements. This alone was proof of the academy's immense financial resources.
As the group approached the academy gates, they took in the grandeur of the scene before them. Even Flender found himself momentarily speechless.
"Alright, enough admiring the scenery. Let's head up the mountain," Flender finally said, bringing everyone back to focus. His expression turned serious as he added, "Also, stay sharp and composed. Don't look too relaxed, or they'll underestimate us."
"Dean, there's no need to be so tense," Xiao Tianyang replied with a smile. "Shrek Academy specializes in nurturing prodigies, and our graduates go on to serve major powers. Senior Qin Ming is a prime example."
"With that connection, do we really have to worry about being looked down on?"
"Tianyang has a point," Ma Hongjun chimed in. "Besides, we're all soul grandmasters at such a young age. That alone puts us ahead of the original Emperor Team. Teacher, there's no need for us to act humble in front of them!"
"Hah! Every year, there are big talkers, but this year, there seem to be even more of them!"
A mocking voice rang out, laced with bitterness.
"What's wrong with the world these days?" the voice continued sarcastically. "It seems like any random cat or dog can jump out and call themselves a genius. It happened before, and now it's happening again."
Not just Tang San and his companions, but even Flender and the older generation wore expressions of anger upon hearing these words.
Judging by his attire, Xiao Tianyang could tell the speaker was a student of the academy. Stepping forward, he smiled and asked, "From your uniform, you must be a student here, correct?"
The young man had been prepared to hurl more insults, but as he looked at Xiao Tianyang, an inexplicable feeling stopped him. For some reason, he didn't find him as detestable as he had expected.
"Forget it," he thought. "I don't know who these people are yet. No need to rush into trouble."
He glanced at Xiao Tianyang and replied, "Yes, I am a student here. Who are you?"
"Shrek Academy. Xiao Tianyang."
Just as Xiao Tianyang was about to introduce the others, the young man interrupted with a dismissive shake of his head. "Never heard of you."
Then, crossing his arms, he sneered, "Besides, this is Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. You lot don't belong here."
Flender's expression darkened as he stepped forward. "We were invited here. Is that a problem?"
"Who knows if you're just a bunch of frauds?" the young man scoffed. "It wouldn't be the first time."
"Are you saying we're not allowed in?" Xiao Tianyang raised an eyebrow.
The young man smirked and spread his legs, pointing to the space between them. "If you want to enter…" he sneered, "crawl through here."
Although he had hesitated for a moment under Xiao Tianyang's natural charisma, his arrogance quickly resurfaced. After all, once he realized who they were, he had nothing to fear.
At that moment, Dai Mubai and the others exchanged glances, their expressions shifting. They weren't angry—instead, they instinctively stepped back.
"Brother, I have to admire your courage," Ma Hongjun said, giving the young man a thumbs-up.
"Friend, life is precious. But since you've made your choice, may you rest in peace," Oscar added solemnly, performing a mourning gesture.
"Idiots—" the young man began, but before he could finish, his legs trembled, and his face twisted in agony.
In that instant, everyone, including Flender, instinctively clenched their legs in sympathy. The strike was vicious!
And then… nothing more.
The young man was sent flying, crashing into the grass beside the road. His legs spasmed, and he passed out from the sheer pain.
Xiao Tianyang calmly retracted his foot, lightly tapping the ground with his shoe before turning to Flender. "Dean, let's go."
Flender took a deep breath and muttered, "Tianyang, wasn't that a bit excessive?"
"Don't worry, Dean," Xiao Tianyang said with a smile. "He won't die, and he won't be crippled. I exercised restraint."
Flender was speechless. 'This kid said that while smiling? He just kicked that guy across the road!'
'What a wolf in sheep's clothing…'
"Alright, if he's fine, let's keep moving," Flender said, waving a hand.
As they proceeded, they soon encountered an elderly man. After a brief introduction, they learned that he was a teacher at the academy. Upon realizing Flender and the others' identities, his attitude became noticeably respectful.
A quick conversation revealed the reason behind Heaven Dou Imperial Academy's eagerness to cooperate with Shrek Academy.
Although Heaven Dou Imperial Academy was backed by the royal family, its teachers were not members of the nobility. In fact, they came here simply because they wanted to educate talented students.
Unfortunately, their hopes had backfired.
Most of the students enrolled at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy were either royalty, nobles, or wealthy young masters seeking prestige. True prodigies were rare.
Of course, there were exceptions—such as Yu Tianheng from the Emperor Team. But they were few and far between.
This was why the academy's leadership was so eager for this collaboration. If successful, Heaven Dou Imperial Academy would gain another formidable team—a group of geniuses surpassing even the Emperor Team!
For the senior officials, who had no ties to the royal family, nothing was more fulfilling than nurturing true talent.
Before long, the group walked through a tree-lined path and arrived at the main campus. The elderly teacher led them to the reception room before excusing himself to inform Qin Ming of their arrival.
Naturally, as the one who had made the introductions, it was his responsibility to ensure they were properly received.
Not long after, Qin Ming entered the room, his eyes gleaming with excitement. After greeting everyone, he announced, "Dean, I've finalized the terms with the academy's senior management. Next, we just need both parties to meet and confirm the cooperation details."
Flender stroked his beard and nodded approvingly. "Well done. When will the meeting take place?"
"The appointment is tomorrow," Qin Ming replied with a smile. "The dean and the students have just arrived. I'll take care of the hospitality today and arrange for everyone to rest."
Flender waved a hand dismissively. "Since we're already here, we'll leave it to you."
…
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