Flender was surrounded by the three Soul Douluos, who spoke over one another so enthusiastically that he could barely cope. He pushed up his glasses, unable to keep the corners of his mouth from rising.
"You three seniors don't need to be so polite..."
"Polite? What's there to be polite about?" Meng Shenji clapped Flender on the shoulder so hard that he nearly knocked him flat. "From today onward, we're all family! Shrek's affairs are Heaven Dou Royal Academy's affairs! Whoever dares make things difficult for you is making things difficult for me, Meng Shenji!"
Bai Baoshan nodded along, his tone resolute.
"That's right. Family doesn't stand on ceremony. Headmaster Flender, let's complete all the enrollment procedures today so the children can get settled in and begin cultivating as soon as possible."
The enthusiasm of the three Soul Douluos was like floodwaters bursting through a dam, endless and overwhelming.
At last, Flender revealed a genuine smile, the kind of ease that welled up from the depths of his heart. All the unease, anxiety, and bitter fear of being looked down upon that he had felt along the way vanished completely.
Just as he was about to offer his thanks—
"Wait."
A voice came from the entrance to the council hall.
It was not loud, and its tone was calm, yet it carried an unmistakable air of superiority.
Everyone turned their heads at once.
Three people stood at the entrance to the council hall.
In the center was an elderly man in luxurious robes. He wore a large yellow robe embroidered with elaborate floral patterns, and his grizzled hair was neatly combed back. Of average height and slightly stout, he had a dignified appearance. His small eyes swept across those in the hall with unquestionable condescension.
Standing to his left was