"Just as expected of our teacher. Such magnanimity truly puts us to shame!"
Seeing Yu Xiaogang's self-sacrificing demeanor, Tang San could not help but feel deeply moved. He could sense that Yu Xiaogang was somewhat hesitant about meeting Liu Erlong, yet for their sake, he still chose to see her.
If that was not self-sacrifice, then what was?
But whether it was Yu Xiaogang, Liu Erlong, or even Bibi Dong far away in Spirit City, there could no longer be any relationship between the three of them.
It had been destined ever since Yun Tian deleted Yu Xiaogang's [Amorous] tag.
With anticipation and complicated emotions, everyone packed up their things and left the inn.
"Look at this!"
A notice posted outside the door caught Tang San's attention. He hurriedly called everyone over to look. It stated that teachers above Rank 40 Soul Ancestor were being recruited.
"Could this be the Blue Tyrant Academy you mentioned, Dean? It says they're recruiting teachers, and it even has the address."
"That's right, it's Blue Tyrant Academy. What a stroke of luck. I thought we'd need someone to show us the way."
Flender nodded with a smile. He knew Liu Erlong's personality—she had a fiery temper and was straightforward by nature. Surely she would not turn away old friends like them?
After tearing down the notice, they followed the directions toward Blue Tyrant Academy.
Before long, when the outline of Blue Tyrant Academy came into view, everyone finally understood its scale.
Although it could not compare to Heaven Dou Royal Academy, both its decoration and architectural style were similar to those of Heaven Dou City.
There were no elaborate patterns piled everywhere, nor did it possess the extravagant luxury of an aristocratic academy. Yet within its simplicity lay a majestic air.
A plaque hung directly above the gate tower, where the eight characters "Blue Tyrant Advanced Soul Master Academy" gleamed brightly.
"We're here! Xiaogang, look—this is Erlong's Blue Tyrant Academy. It's truly impressive. Compared to this, my Shrek Academy is simply..."
Flender smiled bitterly and shook his head, his tone carrying a hint of self-mockery. Looking at theirs and then his own, there really was no comparison. Still, they were old comrades, so there was naturally no jealousy involved.
Yet the moment Yu Xiaogang saw the academy, he instinctively wanted to leave. All the harsh words and resolve he had displayed before vanished in the face of reality.
He had to admit that some of it had just been empty bravado.
"Xiaogang, what's wrong with you? Don't tell me you suddenly regret it and don't want to go in?"
Seeing Yu Xiaogang's timid appearance, Flender frowned instinctively. They had agreed to join Blue Tyrant Academy together. If he could not even face an old friend because of past matters, how could that be acceptable?
"Tang San, Xiao Ao, what do you think happened between Grandmaster and that Dean Liu Erlong? I feel like Grandmaster is really afraid of her."
Ma Hongjun asked quietly. Grandmaster had acted so confident before, putting on airs, so why had he suddenly chickened out now?
"I don't know, but I'm sure Teacher has his reasons for reacting like this. Could it be that Dean Liu Erlong is actually very ugly? Or did Teacher do something to wrong her?"
"What are you people doing here?!"
At last, their commotion caught the attention of the gate guard in the distance.
"Brother, we're here to apply as teachers. Take a look."
Flender took out the notice to indicate why they had come.
"I see. Please wait while I report this to the reception teacher."
The moment the guard heard that they were applying for teaching positions, he became far less wary. After asking them to wait for a moment, he jogged into the academy to notify the teacher in charge of the assessment.
Very soon, the guard hurried back out, wearing a very polite smile as he said,
"Please come in. The assessment teacher is waiting inside."
The group followed the guard all the way in. Blue Tyrant Academy's environment was indeed quite good. The vegetation was lush, the roads were bright, and the students passing by were all plainly dressed. They walked briskly, seemingly busy with cultivation.
There was none of the idleness and arrogance displayed by some students at Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
"We're here. Please go inside."
The guard left after bringing them to a building.
"All right, everyone, don't be nervous. Your Soul Power Levels far exceed the requirements. For all we know, they might be begging us to join!"
Flender turned and smiled at Zhao Wuji and Li Yusong. Yu Xiaogang, standing beside them, did not look nearly as pleased.
What was that supposed to mean?
Was it not worthy of attention that he had broken through to Rank 29 at the age of fifty?
Flender's words were seriously irritating!
The group entered the building, where the assessment teacher had already been waiting.
The other party was only in his fifties in rank, but there was not the slightest hint of disdain toward Flender and the others in his words or manner.
"You all know the rules, correct? You only need to display your Soul Power Levels to me."
The assessment teacher spoke softly.
"Of course. We may be older, but our cultivation is more than sufficient!"
As wave after wave of surging, overwhelming aura swept out in every direction, Flender and the others revealed their Martial Souls and Soul Rings.
Four-Eyed Owl, Vigorous Vajra Bear, Dragon-Pattern Staff, Star Luo Chess, and Sugar Bean.
Even Li Yusong, the weakest among them, was already Rank 63!
Seeing the dazzling assortment of Martial Souls before him and the sets of at least six Soul Rings beneath their feet, the assessment teacher was utterly dumbfounded.
"Th-this...!"
He was only in his fifties in rank, while every one of them possessed the cultivation of a Soul Emperor or above. They far surpassed Blue Tyrant Academy's required Soul Ancestor rank. By all rights, they could join directly without even taking the assessment!
"Everyone, my rank and qualifications are insufficient. I do not have the authority to approve your admission on my own. Please allow me to report this to the dean!"
"No problem. We'll wait here."
Flender's face held a trace of pride. This was the foundation of his Shrek Academy—so many Soul Emperors, and even three Soul Sages. With such a lineup, if they dared reject them, Erlong would probably skin the man alive.
"No need. I'm right here. What happened?"
Just as the teacher was about to leave, a voice came from the doorway—a voice Flender and Yu Xiaogang knew all too well.
They turned to see a figure standing in the doorway.
She was a woman who appeared to be in her thirties, dressed in a simple green cloth dress. Her long hair was tied behind her head, with several loose strands hanging beside her cheeks.
Her skin was fair, her features delicate, and her beautiful eyes brimmed with vitality. She was full-figured and tall, a shape that even the plain cloth dress could not conceal. She gave off the impression of an intellectual older sister, while her temperament balanced gentleness and fierceness.
The newcomer was none other than Liu Erlong, dean of Blue Tyrant Academy. Her Martial Soul was the Fire Dragon, and she was a Rank 79 assault-type battle Soul Sage!
"Are you conducting an assessment?"
"Yes, Dean. I was just about to report to you. Their Soul Power Levels are too high, and I do not have the authority to decide the result on my own."
The assessment teacher sounded helpless, but he was exceedingly respectful toward Liu Erlong.
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