Shrek Academy

Gu Yuena gently sniffed the flowers. There shouldn't have been any fragrance, yet she still said, "They smell so nice. Husband, what made you think of giving me flowers?"

"..." Dan Heng tilted his head slightly as he walked into the house, recalling what the curator had said.

Married couples were supposed to go on a honeymoon, right?

But theirs was a fake marriage. Did they need one too?

Dan Heng liked a peaceful life, but he had wandered before and visited many places. If he simply took Gu Yuena on a honeymoon without revealing anything unusual about himself, it did not seem too hard to accept.

Gu Yuena caught up with him and sighed. "Husband, what exactly are you thinking about?"

"Oh, right. A guest came by looking for you."

As Gu Yuena spoke, Dan Heng happened to enter the main room.

Inside, Prince Zhu, whom he had met once before, was sitting obediently.

Unlike last time, he was not drinking by himself from Dan Heng's cup, nor had he polished the chair beneath him until it gleamed. The moment he saw Dan Heng enter, he immediately stood up with a smile on his face.

"Mr. Dan Heng, I've finally been waiting for you to return..."

Prince Zhu eagerly stepped forward, about to shake Dan Heng's hand.

Dan Heng did not respond. He was still carrying the books he had bought.

He turned and placed the books aside, avoiding Prince Zhu's outstretched hand.

Prince Zhu awkwardly rubbed his hands together, but there was not the slightest trace of displeasure on his face.

The difference from his last visit was enormous.

Zhu Zhuqing stepped forward and took Dan Heng's books herself. "Teacher, I-I'll put these on the bookshelf for you...?"

As she spoke, Zhu Zhuqing's eyes flickered as she looked at Dan Heng with concern.

She was truly afraid that Dan Heng would expel her from his tutelage because of Prince Zhu's words.

Dan Heng gave a hum. Of course, he would not take his anger out on Zhu Zhuqing.

As the individual reborn from Dan Feng after undergoing the Scale-Shedding Punishment, he had encountered many troublesome problems because of Dan Feng's identity. He had always kept far away from the idea of taking anger out on others.

The suffering he had endured did not need to be inflicted on someone else.

Prince Zhu sighed in relief at the sight. Since Dan Heng had not flown into a rage outright, there was still room to negotiate!

"Mr. Dan Heng, I wonder if you received my gift of apology?" Prince Zhu asked with a smile.

Dan Heng nodded, then shook his head. "They came looking for me, but I do not like that sort of thing. Do not disturb my peaceful life. Besides, I have never blamed you."

"You want to take Zhu Zhuqing away. If she is willing to leave with you, I will not stop her in any way."

Dan Heng spoke bluntly as he sat opposite Prince Zhu.

Gu Yuena sat beside him with a faint smile. She did not offer an opinion, merely watching Dan Heng and Prince Zhu with her large, intelligent eyes.

Prince Zhu sighed, embarrassment appearing on his face as he hurriedly waved his hands. "Mr. Dan Heng, please do not mention that matter again. I acted so rudely without understanding the situation beforehand. I am truly sorry. It was only after I saw Zhu Zhuqing that I understood the quality of your teaching."

"Even a Titled Douluo from Spirit Hall would probably be unable to achieve this."

"So I truly regret my earlier rudeness."

As Prince Zhu spoke, he bent deeply and bowed to Dan Heng.

Dan Heng's guidance had raised Zhu Zhuqing by three levels without any negative effects. He was genuinely grateful to Dan Heng.

For Zhu Zhuqing to receive better instruction, he did not mind losing face.

That was still better than being resented by his daughter!

More importantly, he had suffered a brutal beating while climbing over the city wall.

If there was anyone he had offended recently, it was only Dan Heng.

Although he had no concrete evidence, he had become more wary of Dan Heng.

"Mm..." Dan Heng responded rather perfunctorily.

"I respect Zhu Zhuqing's wishes, and I have made an agreement with her. Once I have taught her to the Soul Emperor rank, she will complete her studies."

Dan Heng said.

"Soul Emperor...? This..." Prince Zhu froze. He wanted to say that it would take Zhu Zhuqing at least ten years to reach the Soul Emperor rank.

By then, Zhu Zhuqing and Dai Mubai would have long finished competing for the imperial throne.

If nothing unexpected happened, Zhu Zhuqing's cultivation would be crippled.

So forget about becoming a Soul Emperor. Zhu Zhuqing could study for five years at most!

Prince Zhu sighed and stared at the table. A few seconds later, his eyes suddenly brightened as he looked around.

"Mr. Dan Heng, have you been living here all this time?"

"Yes."

Prince Zhu continued, "Mr. Dan Heng, this place is truly too humble and does not suit your status. Why not come with me to the Star Luo Empire and become an honored guest of our Zhu Family?"

"With your abilities, obtaining a noble title in Star Luo would be effortless."

"Wouldn't that make your life far more comfortable than it is now?"

Prince Zhu wanted to persuade Dan Heng to go with him to the Star Luo Empire.

That would be the best outcome. With Dan Heng's teaching ability, he could obtain more resources in the Star Luo Empire and help Zhu Zhuqing improve rapidly.

"No. I like my current life." Dan Heng shook his head.

But Prince Zhu did not give up. Having conceived of the idea, he became even more eager and continued, "Mr. Dan Heng, look at your current living conditions. They truly do not match your status..."

"This small town is close to the Star Dou Great Forest, with soul masters constantly coming and going. It is actually difficult to find peace here."

"It would be different in the Star Luo Empire. A talent such as yourself..."

Prince Zhu went on and on. Although he was very respectful toward Dan Heng, whenever he spoke of Dan Heng's current surroundings, he could not help revealing an aristocrat's pride and disdain for the area.

Dan Heng took a sip of tea, judged the time, and stood up. "I need to cook. Mr. Zhu, make yourself at home."

Prince Zhu was still worked up and continued, "Look, you still have to cook for yourself now. If you went to the Star Luo Empire, there would naturally be master chefs to prepare your meals, and beautiful attendants to serve you..."

Before he could finish, Prince Zhu suddenly shuddered. An inexplicable chill rose from the soles of his feet.

The pain of being trampled atop the city wall surfaced once more.

Zhu Zhuqing emerged from the bedroom with reddened eyes and pushed Prince Zhu. "Dad, go back. Stop interfering in my affairs...!"

Gu Yuena narrowed her eyes as she watched Prince Zhu's retreating back.

Prince Zhu was pushed out of the small courtyard. Seeing Zhu Zhuqing's reddened eyes, his enthusiasm faded as well. "Zhuqing..."

"Dad, just let me stay here and learn from Teacher. Don't do anything else, please!" Zhu Zhuqing cried. She was far too afraid of leaving Teacher Dan Heng.

This was her only chance to defeat fate.

Prince Zhu finally calmed down. He sighed and nodded. "I understand..."

"Zhuqing, don't worry. Dad will support you. No one will come here to disturb you again."

Prince Zhu gave a bitter smile and turned to leave.

For no reason, he sneezed again. "Did I catch a cold?"

He recalled that when he had been inexplicably beaten on the city wall, he had felt something similar.

With that thought, he quickened his pace to leave the small town.