Flender

Biodata

Appearance

Flender is a middle-aged man of roughly fifty with a hooked nose, square black-rimmed glasses, and a noticeably shrewd expression. 110

• Hooked nose.
• Square black-rimmed glasses.
• Often carries a merchant-like, calculating demeanor. 110

Personality

Flender is pragmatic and money-conscious, readily exaggerating the value of his wares and lamenting that Oscar's removal brought him no “child support.” 110 111 He nevertheless cares deeply for the people close to him, especially Oscar, Yu Xiaogang, and Liu Erlong.

His loyalty to the Golden Iron Triangle endures through repeated hardship. He accompanies Yu Xiaogang despite recognizing the danger of approaching Spirit Empire City, and ultimately dies grieving for both his friends and the collapse of his dream for Shrek Academy. 192 213

Background / History

Golden Iron Triangle

Flender traveled the continent with Yu Xiaogang and Liu Erlong as the Golden Iron Triangle. 61 Liu Erlong's death at Bibi Dong's hands devastated him; he later founded Shrek Academy outside Suotuo City while disillusioned and grieving. 104

Shrek Academy

As Shrek's dean, Flender ran an impoverished academy with scarce facilities and few students. When Tang San arrived, Flender promised him half of the academy's resources, though its dormitories, training grounds, and food supply were severely lacking. 113

Xu Mingxi visited Flender's shop in Suotuo City and bought a Board Crystal for one thousand Gold Soul Coins. 110 Soon afterward, Xu Mingxi coerced Shrek into surrendering Oscar and Shao Xin to the Star Crown Sect. Flender wanted to resist, but the other teachers stopped him after witnessing the overwhelming pressure Xu Mingxi could exert. 110 111

Flender personally asked Oscar whether he was willing to leave and saw him off after accepting that he could not protect him. 111

Shrek's Decline

After Tang San disappeared, Shrek closed down. With only Ma Hongjun and Dai Mubai remaining, Flender became increasingly despondent over their lack of discipline and the academy's inability to recruit or properly cultivate students. 151 152

He later accompanied Yu Xiaogang during the retreat from the Heaven Dou Empire and helped establish Star Dou Academy in the Star Luo Empire. When Yu Xiaogang resolved to seek Bibi Dong in Spirit Empire City, Flender accompanied him despite fearing it was suicidal. 192

Death

After sensing Yu Xiaogang's death, Flender returned to Shrek's original site outside Suotuo City. He erected cenotaphs for Liu Erlong, Yu Xiaogang, and Shrek Academy itself, then died beside them after being blinded by grief. 213

Relationships

• Yu Xiaogang — Closest friend and fellow member of the Golden Iron Triangle; Flender remains at his side through exile, depression, and his final journey to Spirit Empire City. 61 192 213
• Liu Erlong — Golden Iron Triangle companion and the woman Flender loved; her death haunted him until his own death. 104 213
• Oscar — Orphan and prized Shrek student whom Flender raised; he sorrowfully allowed Oscar to leave with the Star Crown Sect under threat. 111
• Tang San — Student accepted on Yu Xiaogang's recommendation; Flender pledged half of Shrek's meager resources to cultivate him. 113
• Ma Hongjun — One of Shrek's last remaining students; Flender disapproved of his frequent visits to brothels and lack of focus on cultivation. 151
• Dai Mubai — One of Shrek's last remaining students; Flender regarded his self-indulgent behavior as a disgrace for a Star Luo prince. 151
• Xu Mingxi — Forced Shrek to relinquish Oscar and Shao Xin; Flender resented his inability to resist Xu Mingxi's power. 110 111
• Shao Xin — Shrek teacher and Oscar's guardian; left alongside Oscar after Xu Mingxi's forced recruitment. 110 111

Notable Quotes

“Which eye of yours saw me upset? He took Oscar away and didn't even give me a single coin of child support! I raised him for so many years for nothing.” 111

“Erlong, Xiaogang, I feel like I had a dream. I dreamed that Shrek became the number one academy on the continent, and that our statues stood in the center of the academy, admired by all.” 213