Flender took a deep breath, forcing his expression to look less tense. He even deliberately puffed out his chest, putting on the airs of the "Immovable Ming King," the dean who had roamed the continent for many years.
He stepped forward and steadily pulled open the lounge door.
Standing outside was no ordinary guard, but a middle-aged official clad in luxurious soft armor, with the exclusive emblem of the Crown Prince's Eastern Palace hanging from his waist.
His features were refined, and a sharp glint hid deep within his eyes whenever they opened and closed. He was clearly a formidable man long accustomed to high office and skilled in political maneuvering.
Behind him stood two genuine members of the Royal Knights, towering like iron pagodas. Their auras were heavy and composed; they were clearly Soul Ancestor-level experts.
This display was far more solemn than that of a mere messenger.
The moment the official saw Flender open the door, a formal yet courteous smile appeared on his face. He bowed slightly.
"You must be Mr. Flender, the renowned dean of Shrek Academy. I am an Envoy of the Crown Prince's Eastern Palace, here on His Highness's orders to offer my congratulations."
"You flatter me," Flender replied gravely, though his heart tightened.
An Envoy of the Crown Prince's Eastern Palace—this was one of Xue Qinghe's trusted close officials.
"Dean Flender is too modest." The official smiled and retrieved a carefully carved rosewood box from his Storage Soul Tool, holding it out in both hands.
"His Highness said that today's battle allowed him to witness the true future of the Soul Master World. In particular, the astonishing duel between Mr. Han Yuchen and Miss Eidolon opened a door to an entirely new world."
"To express his respect, His Highness has prepared a modest