Welcome to Heaven Dou Royal Academy, Shrek

Where is Flender?

Yu Xiaogang's voice was deep and steady, revealing little emotion, but those familiar with him could sense the probing and Frisk consideration beneath the calm.

Zhao Wuji was holding a large glass of cheap ale to relieve his fatigue when he heard this, and his rough face was full of confusion.

"Huh? The dean? Didn't he say he was going to arrange things for tomorrow's enrollment? He was just here smoking his old pipe... wait, where did he go?"

He put down his glass and looked around, but Flender was nowhere to be seen.

Yu Xiaogang fell silent.

After a while, the dim light cast a deep shadow on his angular face, and his tightly furrowed brows slowly relaxed. Even... the corners of his mouth twitched upwards very subtly, almost Frisk, forming a fleeting, almost secret arc.

That arc wasn't pure pleasure, but rather a relaxation mixed with a sense of "I knew it" and a hint of cold calculation.

He certainly knew where Flender had gone.

Heaven Dou City, Liu Erlong.

That fiery, stubborn woman... Flender's greatest regret and concern in life.

They had just arrived in Heaven Dou City; how could Flender not go to see her?

Even if it's just a quick glance from afar, or... more likely, to tip someone off.

After all, Liu Erlong's information network, especially in Heaven Dou City, is probably more advanced than that of these newcomers.

Flender was trying to find a "way out" for Shrek, or more accurately, for Yu Xiaogang and his valued disciple Tang San, or rather, a potential powerful ally— Blue Tyrant Academy, and its dean who possessed a top-tier Fire Dragon Martial Soul.

This action, though seemingly reckless, was in fact a well-thought-out plan.

Beneath Flender's seemingly mercenary exterior lies a deep affection for the Shrek Seven Devils, especially for Yu Xiaogang and Tang San, and a willingness to protect them at all costs.

Yu Xiaogang was fully aware of this.

'Go then. Whether it's to deliver a message, ask for help, or even... catch up.'

A cold thought flashed through Yu Xiaogang's mind.

'This is entirely beneficial to me and to Shrek. Liu Erlong's... obsession with me, Flender's guilt and brotherly affection for me—these are all resources that can be utilized.'

"At this moment, as we are about to step into the uncertain future of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, why not have another way out and another potential powerful ally?"

'Flender's "selfish motives" are exactly what I need to use.'

He made no attempt to stop him; in fact, he secretly hoped that Flender could deliver the information more accurately and effectively.

After all, this "escape route" could very well become a crucial safeguard for Yu Xiaogang and his disciples at a critical moment.

"Never mind."

Yu Xiaogang finally spoke, his voice returning to its usual indifference, and waved his hand at Zhao Wuji.

"He probably has his own things to take care of. Reporting to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy tomorrow morning is a big deal, so everyone should get some rest and be well-rested."

He stopped asking about Flender's whereabouts, as if it were a trivial matter.

Although Zhao Wuji was still puzzled, seeing that the Grandmaster was no longer asking questions, he was happy not to delve into it. He muttered, "That old Flender is so mysterious," and then went back to his room.

Yu Xiaogang stood alone by the window, gazing at the dazzling yet cold lights of Heaven Dou City, a complex light flickering deep in his eyes. Flender's "disappearance" had already transformed into a crucial piece quietly placed in his chess game.

The following morning, sunlight streamed through the sparse clouds, bathing the magnificent Heaven Dou Royal Academy in a golden glow.

Led by Yu Xiaogang, Shrek and his group arrived at the magnificent gates of the academy with a mix of trepidation and anticipation.

The expected bustling crowds and haughty noblemen did not appear; even the guards were unusually quiet and solemn.

Yu Xiaogang felt a slight unease, sensing something was amiss, but he didn't dwell on it.

He straightened his slightly faded gray robe and was about to step forward to negotiate.

Just then, an extremely luxurious carriage, pulled by four pure white horses, and escorted by a small group of stern-faced knights clad in the armor of the Heaven Dou Royal Guard, sped directly into the private noble passage without even stopping at the entrance.

As the leading knight passed by the Shrek group, his cold gaze swept over their simple attire, revealing an undisguised air of superior contempt.

Dai Mubai clenched his fist instantly, Oscar's smile froze, Ning Rongrong frowned.

Ma Hongjun cursed under his breath.

"Pah! You're so snobbish!"

Tang San's eyes also turned cold, but remembering his teacher's instructions, he suppressed his displeasure and whispered:

"Don't create unnecessary complications."

Yu Xiaogang's face remained ashen, seemingly oblivious to the knight's disdain, though a barely Frisk chill flickered deep within his eyes.

This silent show of force, more so than any verbal insult, better demonstrated the strict hierarchy within the Heaven Dou Royal Academy and their attitude towards "outsiders."

This gave him a clearer understanding of his upcoming situation.

However, unexpectedly, the anticipated difficulties did not escalate further.

The enrollment process went exceptionally smoothly.

Although the academy staff responsible for reception were not particularly enthusiastic, and even somewhat perfunctory, they did not make things difficult for the students after checking Qin Ming's recommendation letter and conducting a preliminary test of the students' Soul Power Level. They simply registered the information in a businesslike manner and arranged temporary dormitory areas.

Yu Xiaogang keenly Frisk that the Soul Emperor- level teacher in charge of registration paused for a moment when his gaze swept over the Soul Ring Configuration information of Tang San, Dai Mubai, and others. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly covered up by a formulaic expression.

He knew in his heart that talent was ultimately the hard currency.

The talent of these Shrek Little Monster is enough to attract attention even at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, a place teeming with geniuses.

Without Prince Xue Beng's deliberate Taunt or trouble-making, Prince Xue Xing, the key figure in the original story who led to Shrek's expulsion, also did not appear.

Yu Xiaogang's doubts about Flender's "disappearance" eased somewhat.

Perhaps things aren't as bad as they seem?

Perhaps, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe expressed some preconceived attitude towards Shrek's arrival?

After all, joining the Heaven Dou Royal Academy is crucial for Shrek's future development.

Just as the Shrek Academy students received their temporary student Badge and were preparing to familiarize themselves with their surroundings, three powerful auras approached from afar.

The three elders arrived together; they were the three members of the teaching committee of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy: Chief Meng Shenji, Second Chief Bai Baoshan, and Third Chief Zhilin.

The three Soul Douluo appeared together, and their powerful aura instantly silenced the hall.

Meng Shenji had a lean face and sharp eyes. He walked straight to the Shrek Academy group, his gaze sweeping over the young faces. He lingered on Tang San for a moment, nodded slightly, and then his gaze fell on Yu Xiaogang in the center.

A gentle yet dignified smile appeared on his face.

"Welcome to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, Shrek Academy members."