Flender's words shattered Yu Xiaogang's last glimmer of hope.
He stared fixedly at Flender, his face ashen, his heart full of resentment and indignation, yet in the end, he could not defy Shrek's ironclad rules. Then he looked at Tang San beside him, whose whole body radiated humiliation and whose fists were clenched so tightly his knuckles had gone white. Yu Xiaogang could only let out a long sigh. With nothing left to say, he helped the distraught Tang San away from Shrek Academy, one dejected step at a time.
Before leaving, Tang San gave Lin Chen one last look, venom, unwillingness, and hatred intertwining in his eyes until they were almost tangible. He silently engraved this crushing humiliation and the hatred of being eliminated into his bones, roaring madly in his heart: Everything Lin Chen had done to him today, he would repay a hundredfold, a thousandfold, someday!
Lin Chen paid Tang San's hatred no mind.
In his eyes, Tang San was now little more than a stray dog. Without Shrek's resources or Yu Xiaogang's theoretical support, even with Twin Martial Souls and the Mysterious Heaven Skill, he would never amount to much. He was nowhere near worthy of being Lin Chen's opponent.
"Lin Chen, come with me to collect your student token. The rest of you, go settle in and familiarize yourselves with the academy. Return to the main building before sunset," Flender said, looking at Lin Chen. His undisguised appreciation showed in his eyes, and there was a distinct note of regard in his voice.
"Yes, Dean." Lin Chen bowed slightly, respectful but not servile.
Led by Dai Mubai, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong headed toward the student dormitories.
Along the way, Ning Rongrong kept her head lowered, still unable to recover from the terror of being crushed by Lin Chen. Her usual arrogance and spoiled temper had vanished completely. She remained silent the whole time, no longer acting like she expected everyone to obey her every whim.
Watching Ning Rongrong's uncharacteristic silence, Dai Mubai marveled inwardly.
Who could have imagined that this pampered young lady of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would be brought completely to heel by a new student with a mere twenty-one levels of Soul Power? Lin Chen had crushed all her pride with nothing but the pressure of his Soul Power. His strength and resolve left Dai Mubai's last trace of defiance utterly dispelled, and he sincerely acknowledged Lin Chen's extraordinary abilities.
Zhu Zhuqing's cool gaze occasionally settled on Lin Chen's retreating figure ahead, the tenderness in her eyes growing ever deeper. Xiao Wu, meanwhile, bounced along, brimming with pride in how incredible her Brother Chen was, and every so often shared her delight with Zhu Zhuqing.
Before long, Lin Chen had collected his student token from Flender, and the details of his Ink Shadow Spirit Cat Martial Soul were officially entered into Shrek Academy's student register.
Flender also gave him extensive private instructions, his words brimming with intent to cultivate him. He even stated outright that Lin Chen could lead the academy's team training from then on, with full authority to coordinate the team members. The trust he placed in Lin Chen far exceeded that given to any other student.
By the time Lin Chen arrived at the dormitories, Dai Mubai had already arranged the girls' dormitory and reserved a spot in the boys' dormitory as well.
Shrek Academy's facilities were crude to begin with. The dormitories were all wooden bungalows, furnished with nothing but simple beds, tables, and chairs. There was no trace of luxury, and they were worlds apart from the fine clothes, rich food, and lavish residences of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Standing at the girls' dormitory entrance and looking at its shabby furnishings, Ning Rongrong frowned without thinking, her sense of grievance and discontent welling up again.
She had never lived anywhere so humble in her life, much less been expected to take care of herself. She nearly complained on the spot, even considering having her belongings sent from the sect and servants brought over to wait on her.
But the moment she looked up, she saw Lin Chen walking over at an unhurried pace. His calm eyes, brimming with pressure, rested on her.
The complaint died on Ning Rongrong's lips. She shuddered and instinctively lowered her head, no longer daring to feel the slightest discontent. Swallowing her grievance, she silently went inside.
Seeing this, Dai Mubai, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing understood.
Lin Chen stepped before them, his gaze sweeping across the four people present. His tone was calm, yet carried an unquestionable authority as he laid down the team's rules. "Starting today, the five of us are Shrek's core student team. From now on, we'll train and undertake trials together. I'll lay down just three rules. Everyone must follow them."
"First, within the academy and the team, strength comes first. Birth and background don't matter. Everyone follows my orders in all matters. No one acts on their own. Anyone who breaks this rule will be expelled from the team and will no longer share in the academy's resources."
"Second, put away all your spoiled airs. Hard training comes first. No complaints, no slacking, and no special treatment. Shrek isn't a place for pleasure. If you can't handle hardship, you can leave now."
"Third, within the team, we help one another and stand united against outsiders. No infighting, no undermining each other. Anyone who breaks this rule will bear the consequences."
The three rules were brief and clear, yet every word was firm, leaving no room for negotiation.
Dai Mubai immediately bowed and replied, "I'll obey!"
After everything that had happened, he had already submitted completely and was willing to follow Lin Chen's orders, without the slightest objection.
Xiao Wu quickly nodded and said brightly, "I'll listen to Brother Chen too!"
Zhu Zhuqing spoke coolly, her tone resolute. "I'll follow the rules."
At last, everyone's eyes fell on Ning Rongrong.
Ning Rongrong bit her lip, her fingers clutching her skirt tightly, her heart full of grievance and resentment. She was the young lady of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. When had she ever been subjected to such restrictions? But when she remembered Lin Chen's earlier display of overwhelming strength and his icy gaze, she ultimately did not dare resist. With a hint of a sob in her voice, she answered softly, "I... I understand."
And so, all five submitted. Not one dared defy Lin Chen's orders.
Looking at the people before him, Lin Chen's expression softened slightly as he continued assigning their next tasks. "Dai Mubai, you know the academy well. Take everyone around and show them all the grounds, training areas, and academy rules. Make sure you've covered everything within an hour."
"Yes!" Dai Mubai acknowledged the order.
"Ning Rongrong, your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda is a top-tier support Martial Soul, and it gives you a great advantage. But you have no combat ability of your own. From now on, focus your training on strengthening your body and improving your ability to protect yourself. Don't rely on the sect and the team for everything." Lin Chen looked at Ning Rongrong, his tone stern as he pointed out her fatal weakness.
Ning Rongrong paused and looked up at Lin Chen. Seeing how serious he was, and that he wasn't deliberately giving her a hard time, her grievance eased a little. She even felt that he had a point, and silently nodded in agreement.
"Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, you two should focus on agility and close-combat ability. You can spar together and improve your practical fighting skills."
"Understood!" the two girls answered in unison.
Just as he had finished assigning their tasks, Oscar and Ma Hongjun arrived at Shrek Academy one after the other, officially joining the team.
Oscar still looked as lazy and carefree as ever, a sausage in hand. But the moment he saw Lin Chen and felt the aura around him, then noticed the respectful attitude of Dai Mubai and the others, he immediately dropped his air of nonchalance and obediently stepped forward to pay his respects. Ma Hongjun kept his head lowered and did not dare look up the entire time, showing the utmost reverence toward Lin Chen.
As soon as they joined, the two learned of Lin Chen's strength and forcefulness from Dai Mubai. They did not dare show the slightest arrogance and immediately declared that they would follow all the rules Lin Chen had set and obey his orders.
At last, all seven of the Shrek Seven Devils had gathered, yet not one dared stand against Lin Chen.
Dai Mubai's pride, Ma Hongjun's arrogance, Oscar's carelessness, and Ning Rongrong's haughtiness had all been crushed by Lin Chen. The entire team had submitted to him and given him their wholehearted allegiance. Lin Chen had become the team's undisputed, unshakable core!
Looking at the complete Shrek team before him, a glint flashed in Lin Chen's eyes.
From this day on, the team that should have revolved around Tang San was completely under his control. He would command every opportunity and glory along the path of Soul Masters and in the conflicts to come across the continent. Every opponent would be trampled beneath his feet!
"All right. Starting now, familiarize yourselves with the academy and prepare for the hard training ahead."
At Lin Chen's command, everyone sprang into action. Not one dared slack off.
The sun set, its afterglow spilling across the wooded paths of Shrek Academy. The young men and women moved among the trees, and a Douluo legend belonging to Lin Chen was setting sail with unstoppable force.
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