The Arrival of Yu Xiaogang

Time flew by, and before they knew it, evening had arrived.

Just then, an uninvited guest arrived at Suotuo City's gate tower.

The newcomer was a middle-aged man with a crew cut.

Habitually clasping his hands behind his back, he looked at the plaque above the city gate, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

"After all these years, Suotuo City is still the same. I wonder how Xiao San is doing."

"Judging by the time, with Xiao San's talent, he should have broken through Rank 30 by now."

That was right. The man was none other than the so-called theory master, Yu Xiaogang.

Many years ago, when the Golden Iron Triangle had traveled here, Flender had proudly declared that he would establish the most unique academy in Suotuo City. He had even thought of the name: Shrek Academy, an academy that recruited only monsters.

Now, even while in Nuoding City, Yu Xiaogang had heard of Shrek Academy's great reputation.

The academy's development must have been quite good by now. Though it had not entirely turned out as they had envisioned back then, it was still no easy feat.

Gangzi had always believed that with Tang San joining Shrek Academy, its strength would surely rise by a great deal.

Moreover, he only regarded this place as Tang San's stepping stone. His true goal was for Tang San to seize this opportunity to participate in the Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Competition and become famous throughout the land.

As he pondered, his steps carried him through Suotuo City's gates.

Seeing this, the guards immediately stopped him. "Halt! Anyone who is not a resident of this city must pay one Gold Soul Coin to enter. Otherwise, please leave."

His thoughts interrupted, Gangzi immediately flew into a rage. "The courage of a common man! I've never heard of such a rule!"

As a noble Spirit Master, Gangzi had never needed to pay an entry fee to enter a city.

These were merely a bunch of nobodies, yet they dared block his way!

The guards did not indulge him. At a command, a squad swiftly appeared at the city gate and surrounded Gangzi.

"No matter who you are, don't even think about getting through today!"

"This is Suotuo City, not a place for you to run wild!"

Elsewhere.

After searching the city to no avail, Flender was dejectedly preparing to return to Shrek Academy with several teachers.

Hearing the commotion at the city gate, he could not help stopping.

The person surrounded by the guards looked somewhat familiar. Then his body jolted. "Isn't that Xiao Gang? How did he end up in a conflict with the city guards?"

Without time to think further, he hurried over.

Flender understood that his old partner cared deeply about his pride.

If the guards refused to back down tonight, they would likely remain locked in a standoff.

"Gentlemen, I am the headmaster of Shrek Academy. This man is my friend. Could you make an exception and let him enter the city?"

When the soldiers saw that it was Flender, their attitude eased considerably.

They knew Flender was a Spirit Sage above Rank 70. They could not afford to provoke someone of that strength.

Besides, with Flender and the others' help, the local thugs had become much more well-behaved. Naturally, they had to show him some respect.

"Flender, why are you here?" Yu Xiaogang asked blandly, clasping his hands behind his back.

Seeing this, the captain of the guards found an excuse. "So he is Headmaster Flender's friend. Our apologies, it was all a misunderstanding. Everyone, disperse."

Yu Xiaogang, however, was still worked up. "And that's it? If Spirit Hall learns that you made Spirit Masters pay an entry fee to enter the city, you'll suffer for it."

As the sacred ground in the hearts of most Spirit Masters, Spirit Hall represented their interests.

Spirit Master subsidies and free martial spirit awakenings had both been announced and implemented by Spirit Hall.

Of course, that included entry fees as well.

Previously, if Spirit Hall learned of such a situation, they would at most receive a few punishments.

But ever since the new Pope had taken office, Spirit Hall had become increasingly overbearing. Furthermore, they were soldiers of the Balak Kingdom, not members of Spirit Hall.

If the matter were truly pursued, the king of the Balak Kingdom would surely throw them out as scapegoats to ease the conflict.

Flender seemed to be in a hurry. Grabbing Gangzi by the arm, he said, "Xiao Gang, come with me. Tonight, we won't leave until we're drunk."

Because Shrek Academy had affected Barak Academy's enrollment, it had repeatedly been targeted by the Barak royal family.

If this matter reached the royal family, would they not end up offending the Balak Kingdom?

With that in mind, Gangzi could not refuse. After throwing out a few harsh words, he left with Flender and the others.

Inside the hotel.

After several hours of travel, Shen Tianchen and Ning Rongrong had finally returned to Suotuo City.

"Rongrong, your Soul Power is currently around Rank 25. Once you break through Rank 30, I'll naturally help you obtain a soul ring," Shen Tianchen said.

"Really?" Ning Rongrong asked in surprise.

Obtaining a soul ring was no longer that important to her. As long as she could stay by Shen Tianchen's side, that was enough.

"You helped me hunt a soul beast before, so I'll definitely help you. I don't like owing people favors," Shen Tianchen said blandly.

"If you're willing, you can join my team in the future and participate in the Spirit Master Tournament with me."

Ning Rongrong's heart leapt with joy. She quickly nodded. "Yes, yes! Rongrong is definitely willing."

As the daughter of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's leader, she was no stranger to the Spirit Master Tournament. Ning Fengzhi had often told her about it before.

However, they only had two people at the moment and had yet to form a team.

After all, some Advanced Spirit Master Academies began planning as early as the first two years in order to form a team.

Shen Tianchen had originally planned to join the first team of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy Team, but after thinking it over, he felt it would not be much of a challenge.

According to the tournament rules, the first team of every royal academy in each region was entitled to advance directly to the finals.

That would mean far fewer regular matches, and Shen Tianchen did not want that.

It would be better to apply to Heaven Dou Royal Academy for the right to organize a second team and form a team himself.

Shen Tianchen believed that, given his strength, the Heaven Dou Royal Family should grant him that authority.

That way, with God on his side, he could avoid being held back by weaker people while also having ample time to participate in the regional qualifiers for experience. Would that not be the best of both worlds?

"You know my talent. When the time comes, with our strength, it will be the same wherever we go."

Ning Rongrong nodded slightly in agreement.

With the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect behind her, it would be easy to recruit people into the team using the sect's influence.

At worst, she could have her father fund the construction of an academy. They had plenty of options, so there was no need to rush.

Inside Shrek Academy.

Flender had originally planned to gather the children that evening to welcome Yu Xiaogang.

However, Zhao Wuji happened to return to the academy with them.

Yu Xiaogang's mind was entirely focused on Tang San. He wanted to ask about his cultivation progress during this time and did not care about the banquet at all.

Seeing this, Flender could not force the matter and simply returned to his room.