Qin Ming knew that he was considered a genius among geniuses in the soul master world, even back at Shrek Academy, he was among the best.
The Shrek Seven Devils he had faced before, who wore masks, seemed a bit shorter, but among them, Dai Mubai and Xiao Wu already had adult heights.
As long as they didn't speak about it themselves, no one could guess their true ages.
But Tang Sui was different.
Tang Sui's childishness and small stature were from the inside out.
She was like a child who would never grow up, needing to be carefully cherished and doted upon.
And her strength seemed to live up to this "pampering"; the three thousand-year soul rings listed on the team battle roster were the best proof.
Now, he wanted to further confirm Tang Sui's talent.
"Heh heh, Sui Sui, it's okay, just show Senior Qin your talent! Senior Qin is one of us!" Ma Hongjun, who had finally dredged up memories of this Senior Qin from the corners of his mind, winked at Tang Sui.
Tang Sui nodded, circulated her soul power, and three deep purple soul rings floated up from beneath her feet. Two jade-white masks floated out from the void, one on each side. The fox eyes of the fox mask captured Qin Ming's stunned expression, and in Tang Sui's mind, they began to emit her familiar giggles.
"It really is... three thousand-year..."
Qin Ming uttered these words with difficulty.
He looked at the calm and well-behaved Tang Sui, then at the others among the Shrek Eight Devils.
As a graduate of Shrek Academy, he naturally knew their enrollment rules.
They could not be older than 12 years old.
But how old were these... children, really? Most of them were under fifteen, even younger than the youngest member of their Imperial Douluo Battle Team.
Seeing Qin Ming's stunned expression, Flanders spoke in his characteristic hoarse voice, with a hint of menace: "What is it, Qin Ming, have you forgotten our academy's tradition? We only accept 12-year-old students. This year's new students, Tang San, Tang Sui, Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing, all enrolled this year. You know, this year is when the most students have been successfully admitted in recent years."
Qin Ming recovered from his stupor, his voice still strained: "This year's... so, most of them are really only twelve or thirteen years old?"
Flanders nodded.
Qin Ming's gaze swept across the Shrek Eight Devils. When his eyes landed on Tang Sui, who had already retracted her three thousand-year soul rings, he paused for a few seconds, then gave a bitter smile. "You truly have given me too many surprises. I always thought Tian Heng and their talents were excellent, but in front of you, it's nothing. If the ages were the same, they wouldn't have any chance of winning."
Not to mention Tang Sui, who hadn't even appeared yet, and whose killing moves were still unknown.
Flanders said nothing, merely watching these children with a smile.
Founding Shrek Academy, taking these children as students, and guiding them step by step to grow stronger, could be considered his greatest achievement in life.
This was true for Qin Ming, and equally true for the Shrek Seven Devils before him.
Dai Mubai looked at the gentle Qin Ming and couldn't help but ask, "Senior, may I be so bold as to ask your current soul power level?"
Qin Ming let out a shallow breath. "My luck has been quite good. I'm level sixty-two now."
The Shreks exchanged glances, simultaneously recalling Flanders' famous saying—Shrek Academy only accepts monsters, not ordinary people.
Qin Ming looked very young, yet he was already a Soul Emperor.
"Alright, alright. Stop praising each other. Little monsters, sit down. Order whatever you want to eat. Today's meal is generously paid for by your stingy dean. Don't hold back; order as you please."
Zhao Wuji, seeing Flanders gleefully bullying his honest students, raised an eyebrow and loudly called out to the Shrek Eight Devils.
Flanders' smug smile immediately stiffened.
The Shrek Eight Devils all exclaimed "Hooray!" They shared menus, called the waiter, and obediently, true to their word, did not spare Zhao Wuji, beginning to order food wantonly.
Ma Hongjun was pointing at some cheap dishes on the menu and reciting them to the waiter. Flanders was still happy that his disciples were so sensible, but when the next sentence came—"Don't want these, just bring one of everything else"—his pleased expression immediately contorted.
Visible black resentment shot towards Ma Hongjun.
Ma Hongjun pretended to be calm, put down the menu, and straightened his back even further.
As a good disciple of his teacher, how could he let his teacher break his promise?
A good disciple dares to help their teacher fulfill their vows!
In the end, the kind and filial senior Qin Ming generously paid for Flanders. Flanders secretly pulled Zhao Wuji, who had been making sarcastic remarks, and twisted his arm hard. Zhao Wuji's face also contorted.
The atmosphere at the table became lively.
Qin Ming looked at the Shrek Eight Devils who were seated and waiting for their food. He finally focused his gaze particularly on Tang Sui and the others, saying with some regret, "It's a real shame. If my juniors weren't from Shrek Academy, I would find a way to bring you to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy. With your addition, perhaps..."
Just as Qin Ming spoke, the Master's calm voice sounded:
"Even if they are from Shrek Academy, you can still bring them back to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy."
— — — Author's Note — — —
This time is truly a ten-chapter update! Praise Mo Li quickly [hands on hips, proud]
Of course, it would be even better with monthly votes and support! φ(>w<)
See you after lunch~ Mo Li is going to sleep first~