Why Was Spirit Hall Full of Love-Brains?

Dai Mubai's expression did not change, but Shrek Academy had caught his interest.

"Oh? Interesting. Are Tang San and Hei Ranbai students at your academy?"

"Not yet, but they will be soon." Ma Hongjun rocked his head as he spoke. "Third Brother and Brother Bai were both taught by Master. He's good friends with my teacher, Flender, the head of our academy. In three years, when they turn twelve, they'll enroll at Shrek."

Dai Mubai's eyes lit up.

This fat kid was only nine and already close to becoming a Soul Grandmaster. Hei Ranbai and Tang San would join Shrek in the future, too. If he could win them over, why would he have to worry about competing with his elder brother for the throne?

Then a doubt struck him. "Master... Do you mean Yu Xiaogang, the Theoretical Master who's become notorious in Spirit City? Is he really that capable?"

Ma Hongjun heard the disdain in Dai Mubai's voice and was briefly at a loss for words, but he still defended Master. "Boss Dai, don't believe everything you hear. My teacher says Master has real ability."

Dai Mubai thought it over. Everything he had heard was rumor. He had never seen Master's abilities for himself. What if the man had simply been slandered?

"And Shrek is amazing. Our academy was founded in Suotuo City in the Balak Kingdom. So far, it's admitted sixty students, but only fourteen have actually graduated. Every one of those fourteen went on to become famous. The most outstanding among them has already become the youngest Spirit Hall Elder, with authority second only to the Pope." Ma Hongjun launched into his boast with pride. Flender had told him all this, and having seen little of the world, he naturally believed it.

"All right. I'll join Shrek