Night faded, and dawn broke.
Shrek Academy's training ground.
Ning Rongrong, who had resisted morning training in every possible way yesterday, was the first to arrive on time today.
Flender was somewhat surprised, but showing up was not enough—her heart had to be in it too!
If she was merely putting on an act, he would still order her expelled.
"Today's morning training begins!"
It was still the dull long-distance running routine.
One lap, two laps, three laps...
Scalding sweat slid down Ning Rongrong's fair forehead, soaking the loose strands of hair by her temples. Even when her legs ached and her breathing grew ragged, Ning Rongrong gritted her teeth and stubbornly persevered.
She clenched her teeth and kept pace with the others from Shrek throughout, forcibly completing the entire training regimen.
When the final sprint ended, she rested her hands on her knees and panted lightly. Her little face was flushed red, yet she did not utter a single complaint.
After steadying her breathing, Ning Rongrong raised her head. Her sparkling eyes carried a trace of pride as she looked directly at Flender in the distance.
Flender raised his brows slightly. He had not expected the spoiled little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to have truly come around.
Flender spoke calmly, his tone even. "Since you have adjusted your attitude and are willing to train earnestly, then stay and train properly."
There was no harsh criticism and no deliberate praise. That simple sentence counted as his complete acceptance of Ning Rongrong.
Everyone understood what that meant.
Flender stepped forward a few paces, his gaze sweeping across the other students as he said solemnly, "Physical conditioning is merely Shrek's most basic daily course. Starting today, your training will enter its second phase."
The second phase of training?