Outside Shrek Academy, Flender and Zhao Wuji hurried out to greet them.
Flender narrowed his eyes, sizing up the group before him.
At the head was a middle-aged man wearing a bright red Flying Fish Suit. A long saber hung at his waist, its scabbard pitch-black, with a lifelike silver flower carved into the guard.
Behind the man stood two perfectly aligned rows of people, all dressed in the same red uniforms. Each had a stern face and a long saber at their waist, standing motionless like statues.
Flender's heart gave a jolt, but he plastered on a smile and cupped his hands. "I'm the dean here. May I ask who you are...?"
The man at the head replied coolly, "I am Bi Jianhua, a special envoy of Spirit Hall."
"I've been ordered to investigate Shrek for impersonating Spirit Hall personnel to seek personal gain. I'm also investigating, at the request of the Heaven Dou Empire, your misuse of the empire's official name."
Flender's expression changed at once. Spirit Hall? Special envoy? Heaven Dou Empire?
He quickly pieced the words together, and cold sweat instantly broke out across his forehead.
But he had weathered his share of storms. He soon steadied himself and hurriedly cupped his hands.
"Sir Envoy, surely there's been some mistake?"
"Shrek has always conducted itself diligently. We've never done anything illegal or forbidden!"
"Heh." Bi Jianhua gave a cold laugh and continued, "Let me ask you: were you the one who used Spirit Hall's reputation to open a shop in Suotuo City?"
"Huh?" Flender froze for a moment, then hurriedly waved his hands. "I found that sign! I thought it looked nice, so I hung it there. I—I can't read!"
"Hmph." Bi Jianhua snorted and continued, "And were you also the ones who publicly claimed that