Flender

Biodata

Background and history

Flender founded Shrek Academy around the principle that it should accept only exceptional students, even if that meant admitting nobody. The school operates from a shabby village campus and has struggled for funding, but its graduates include a Spirit Hall elder 21 24 51.

When Zhao Wuji reports that Qin Muchu and Xiao Wu have enrolled as eleven-year-old Soul Ancestors, Flender rushes to meet them. He confirms their level 47 Soul Power, questions Qin’s unusual Martial Soul and Soul Rings, and accepts Qin’s explanation that a Second Awakening may improve them 26. After Qin later returns injured from an encounter with a mysterious Puppet, Flender examines him, promises to search the records, and says he will deal with Spirit Hall if it threatens his students 36.

Ning Fengzhi asks Flender to temper his daughter Ning Rongrong’s character. Flender initially plans to challenge her with demanding training and deliberate criticism, but abandons his attempt to drive her away when she sincerely asks to remain at Shrek 51 52 55. Later, he asks Qin to help develop a cultivation plan and introduces the resulting six-month Furnace training program 63 64.

Appearance

Flender is a man past fifty with small spectacles and a whiskered face 26.

• His glasses are a recurring feature when he addresses students 43 52.
• He is often seen reclining in his office or drinking tea 26 36 51.

Personality

Flender is openly fond of money: Qin notices his interest in an expensive house-type Soul Tool, and Flender urges Qin and Xiao Wu into a two-on-two arena match so he can bet on them 26 29. His concern for funding does not override his standards or his care for students. He refuses to lower Shrek’s admissions bar, reassures Ma Hongjun when the boy compares himself unfavorably with stronger classmates, and publicly credits Qin for supplying a valuable body-tempering art 24 30 65.

His teaching is demanding and practical. He emphasizes combat experience, physical fitness, survival, and teamwork, arguing that opponents will exploit any advantage available to them 27 28 52 62.

Abilities and skills

Four-Eyed Cat Owl Martial Soul

• Flender identifies himself as a level 76 Agility Attack System Battle Soul Saint with the Four-Eyed Cat Owl Beast Martial Soul 27.
• The provided chapters do not name his Soul Skills.

Teaching and training

• Sets a Silver Soul Fighter badge as a graduation goal to push students toward practical combat experience 28.
• Trains support-type students to improve their stamina and chances of escaping danger when teammates cannot protect them 52.
• Introduces the Furnace, a six-month program aimed at endurance, Soul Power control, and performance under life-or-death pressure. Its first phase uses sealed Soul Power, iron weights, tenfold gravity, medicinal baths, and the Entropy Silence Starforging Art 64.

Relationships

• Zhao Wuji — Shrek’s vice dean and Flender’s close colleague; the two argue candidly about student safety and discuss threats together 36 51.
• Ma Hongjun — Flender’s disciple, whom he protects and encourages 28 30.
• Qin Muchu — Student whose talent Flender prizes. He trusts Qin to help improve Shrek’s training and acknowledges Qin’s contribution to the Furnace 26 63 65.
• Ning Rongrong — Student entrusted to Shrek by her father; her determination leads Flender to abandon his plan to push her away 51 53 55.
• Ning Fengzhi — Corresponds with Flender about Rongrong’s education and promises the academy a donation 51.
• Golden Iron Triangle companions — Flender is identified as a member of the group; he tells Zhao that its former companions have long avoided him 34 36.

Notable quotes

“A master can lead you through the door, but cultivation is up to you.” 28

“Here, background means nothing. There are no privileges. Strength is all that speaks.” 52