Qin Xiao's plans: the show had only just begun

"Deal!"

Under Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo's expectant gazes, Qin Xiao nodded.

In truth, the price Ning Fengzhi offered was even higher than Qin Xiao had hoped for.

What reason did he have to refuse?

The transaction was soon complete. Ning Fengzhi obtained six Soul Bones, while Qin Xiao received ten black cards.

"Brother Qin, rest assured. Each black card holds three million Gold Soul Coins. If there's any discrepancy, you can come find me at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect anytime."

Ning Fengzhi patted his chest in assurance.

"Haha, saying that makes us sound like strangers, Big Brother Ning. Since I'm doing business with you, I trust your character."

Qin Xiao put all the cards away without even looking at their balances.

Then he beckoned to Flender in the distance. "Dean Flender, please come over for a moment."

What does he want me over there for?

Flender was puzzled. He isn't going to silence me, is he?

That thought sent a wave of panic through him.

"Relax. It's something good."

Seeing Flender's hesitation, Qin Xiao shook his head in exasperation.

Something good?

Then everything's fine.

Flender believed Qin Xiao had absolutely no need to deceive him.

"Shrek Academy was destroyed in my battle with Tang Xiao. I'm willing to provide the money to rebuild it."

Qin Xiao spoke once Flender reached him.

"No, there's no need."

Flender waved his hands.

Yet when Qin Xiao took out a black card and held it out to him, Flender said, "Oh, how could I possibly accept this?"

His body was far more honest, however, and he clutched the black card in his hand.

When he saw the balance on the card, Flender was even more dumbfounded.

"O-one million Gold Soul Coins?"

Even Flender's hands were trembling.

Heavens, I've never seen this much money in my entire life!

"Your Holiness, is this money really for me?"

Flender asked tentatively, "Are you sure you didn't mean to give me ten thousand or a hundred thousand Gold Soul Coins, then accidentally take out the wrong card?"

Qin Xiao smiled. "Do I look like someone who would make that kind of mistake?"

"No."

Flender happily tucked the black card away.

"Hmph, this brat certainly knows how to make a gift of something that cost him nothing," Sword Douluo muttered to himself from the side.

He recognized the black card Qin Xiao had just taken out. It was the greeting gift Ning Fengzhi had given him.

"Senior, you're mistaken. What do you mean, something that cost me nothing? That's my money. I can spend it however I like."

"Even if I spend a million and throw another million away, there's nothing wrong with that."

As Qin Xiao spoke, a stack of black cards appeared in his hand.

Every last one had come from Ning Fengzhi.

Sword Douluo was immediately speechless.

Just then, Ning Fengzhi stepped forward and cupped his fist toward Qin Xiao. "Little Brother Qin, I still have some important sect affairs to handle, so I won't trouble you any longer."

"Sect Master Ning, no need to stand on ceremony. Go attend to your business."

Qin Xiao looked momentarily taken aback before returning the salute.

Of course, he knew that Ning Fengzhi's so-called important affairs meant returning to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to divide the spoils.

After all, only refining these Soul Bones and increasing their strength would put their minds at ease.

"Brat Qin, the next time we meet, my sword will surely best you."

Sword Douluo also left him with a fierce declaration.

Qin Xiao chuckled. "We'll wait and see."

That indifferent attitude frustrated Sword Douluo so badly that he wanted to spit blood.

He kept feeling that Qin Xiao didn't take him seriously at all.

Yet...

Flender gleaned an important piece of information from Sword Douluo's words.

Qin Xiao and Sword Douluo had sparred in private, and apparently, Qin Xiao had won?

That...

Wasn't that just too damn incredible?

"Well..."

After calming down, Flender said hesitantly, "Your Holiness, there's actually something else I'd like to discuss with you."

"What is it?" Qin Xiao had a feeling Flender was up to something.

"Earlier, at the Great Soul Arena, I met a former student of the academy, Qin Ming. He's currently teaching at Heaven Dou Royal Academy..."

"Oh..." Qin Xiao drew out the word. "Is he willing to act as a bridge so that Shrek Academy's students and teachers can all join Heaven Dou Royal Academy?"

"Your Holiness, you're truly perceptive." A gleam flashed through Flender's eyes.

He felt that talking to an intelligent person really saved effort.

"Whether it's the teaching staff or the living and cultivation conditions provided to students, Heaven Dou Royal Academy is far beyond anything Shrek Academy can offer. Joining it would greatly benefit both Shrek's students and teachers."

Flender laid out his reasons.

Qin Xiao didn't answer immediately. Instead, he stared at Flender until the latter began to panic, then said quietly, "Are you sure you didn't make this decision because you wanted to pocket that million Gold Soul Coins?"

Ah, well...

Flender froze, then a look of terror spread across his face. "Even if I had a hundred times the courage, I wouldn't dare do such a thing! If Your Holiness disagrees, I'll start rebuilding Shrek Academy right away to prove my resolve."

Flender was panicking like mad.

This man was ruthless. Flender had personally witnessed the master of the world's number-one sect fall at Qin Xiao's hands, then watched Qin Xiao chat and laugh with Ning Fengzhi.

Flender considered himself shrewd, but even he didn't dare play tricks in front of Qin Xiao.

"Haha, Dean Flender, don't be nervous. I was joking."

Suddenly, Qin Xiao laughed. "Since you're being so considerate of the academy's students, I naturally have no reason to refuse. When do we leave?"

"Phew."

Hearing that, Flender let out a long breath. Glancing at Shrek's ruins, he suggested, "Why not right now? Everyone can even skip packing."

"All right."

Qin Xiao nodded slightly.

In fact, even if Flender hadn't suggested it, he would have left Shrek Academy for a while anyway.

Since he was now enemies with Tang San and Tang Hao, he couldn't let them grow stronger unchecked.

He could, for instance, go to Dugu Bo's Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well and reap a harvest.

Go to Slaughter City and spread some poison.

Go to Heaven Dou City and borrow the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud to play with...

Qin Xiao refused to believe he couldn't toy them to death.

And Flender's proposal practically coincided with the route Qin Xiao had planned next.

"Perfect. I'll head to the Heaven Dou Empire first and discuss a medicinal garden development project with Dugu Bo."

Qin Xiao had already decided what to do next.

His only hope was that Dugu Bo would know a favor when he saw one.

"Too terrifying."

"It was truly too terrifying!"

Meanwhile, fifty kilometers away, Tang Hao gazed in Shrek's direction, his face still filled with terror.

In fact, after Tang Xiao used Ring Detonation, he hadn't fled very far.

He had even considered helping Tang Xiao fight Qin Xiao again.

But...

After Qin Xiao unleashed that terrifying finger strike, he abandoned every thought of turning back.

Tang Hao knew that even at his peak, he might not have been able to withstand its terrifying power.

Thud!

Tang Hao suddenly dropped to his knees facing Shrek.

"Big Brother, you won't have died in vain. One day, I'll kill Qin Xiao with my own hands and avenge you!"

"Big Brother, rest assured. I'll look after the Clear Sky Sect for you."

"Big Brother, may you journey peacefully!"

After speaking, Tang Hao kowtowed three times, each striking the ground with a resounding knock.