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After the introductions, Lin Dongyao looked around and realized there were only three other students. He couldn't help but ask, "Where are the others? Don't tell me there are only four of us in the entire academy?"
"Haha, you guessed right. There really are only four of us," Dai Mubai replied with a laugh.
"Probably the only academy where the teachers outnumber the students," Ma Hongjun added with a smirk.
"Huh?!" Lin Dongyao suddenly felt like he had boarded a pirate ship.
A Few Days Later…
After some investigation, Dugu Bo finally arrived at Shrek Academy.
However, instead of immediately seeking out Lin Dongyao, he first dug into the backgrounds of the academy's teachers. After observing the school for several days, he summoned Flender and Zhao Wuji to a small grove behind the academy late one night.
"Flender, Zhao Wuji—come to the grove."
Dugu Bo's deep voice, laced with an oppressive aura, echoed in their ears, leaving no room for refusal.
"So he's finally here. There's no avoiding this," Flender muttered.
Both men jolted awake, instantly recognizing who had called them. They quickly dressed and rushed toward the grove.
In a moonlit clearing, they found Dugu Bo standing with his back to them, gazing at the sky.
"Greetings, Poison Douluo!" Flender and Zhao Wuji bowed in unison.
"You're here," Dugu Bo said coolly, turning around. "Since you know who I am, why did you accept Lin Dongyao into your academy? Did you think you could teach him better than I can?"
His piercing gaze bore into them, and under the crushing pressure of a Titled Douluo's spiritual force, neither dared meet his eyes.
Finally, Flender mustered the courage to speak. "Lord Poison Douluo, we meant no disrespect. It's just… your grandson could have attended any prestigious academy, yet he chose this remote place alone. There must be a reason."
"I believe what he needs most right now isn't just cultivation—it's finding companions he can trust, people he can rely on while enjoying his training."
"Like the Golden Iron Triangle back in your day, wasn't it?" Dugu Bo's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Yes, Lord Douluo," Flender nodded.
He knew that if Dugu Bo wanted to take Lin Dongyao away, it would be effortless. The fact that the boy hadn't been sent to a top-tier academy like Heaven Dou Imperial Academy suggested something deeper.
Flender guessed that Dugu Bo had called them here not to punish them, but to test their intentions.
"You're not wrong," Dugu Bo sighed. "The boy grew up without his parents. He's timid, soft-hearted, and too kind for a place like Heaven Dou Royal Academy, where nobles scheme endlessly."
"His mother only wanted him to grow up happy. Strength was never the priority."
"A parent's love is indeed profound. We understand," Flender said quickly.
"I've looked into your academy. Unregistered, independent… that's not a bad thing. It means freedom," Dugu Bo remarked.
"We appreciate your approval, Lord Douluo," Flender replied.
"Since you know who I am, let's make this clear." Dugu Bo raised a hand. "First, he is not to visit any Spirit Hall branch to collect stipends. Second, he is forbidden from brothels or pleasure houses. Third, he may enter the Great Spirit Arena, but he is not to fight unless absolutely necessary."
"Your conditions are reasonable. We'll ensure they're followed," Flender agreed after a moment's thought.
"This bag holds 10,000 gold spirit coins—tuition and living expenses for the next few years. And don't tell him I came here." Dugu Bo tossed the pouch to Flender and vanished into the night.
"Flender… that was terrifying." Zhao Wuji wiped sweat from his brow.
"Don't relax yet. Something tells me Lin Dongyao's background isn't as simple as being Dugu Bo's grandson," Flender muttered, clutching the money bag without his usual greed.
"Then what do we do?" Zhao Wuji asked.
"What can we do? We've taken the money. From now on, we follow Dugu Bo's rules and make sure the boy stays safe." Flender rubbed his temples.
"Tch. Feels like we've adopted a little ancestor," Zhao Wuji grumbled.
"Since you were the one who recruited him, you will oversee his training. If anything happens to him, I'm holding you responsible," Flender declared.
"What?! Then hand over that money bag!" Zhao Wuji shot back.
"Not a chance. This is for the academy's resources."
"Damn you, Flender!"
Bickering, the two returned to their quarters.
Once they were gone, the grove fell silent again—until Dugu Bo reappeared under the moonlight.
"Lady Blue Silver… eleven years have passed. The boy has grown kind and pure-hearted."
He gazed at the stars, remembering the night eleven years ago when Blue Silver had brought one-year-old Lin Dongyao to him. Before leaving, she had placed the necklace—the token of her and Lin Yongming's engagement—around the child's neck.
Dugu Bo had never seen her again.
But he had kept his promise, raising Lin Dongyao with more care than his own son or granddaughter. That was why he hadn't dragged the boy back to the scheming nobility of Heaven Dou City.
One Year Later…
Time flew by at Shrek Academy.
Lin Dongyao grew closer to Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar, living freely and happily.
Then came the annual enrollment day.
This year, Lin Dongyao accompanied Dai Mubai to observe the entrance tests conducted by Teacher Li Yusong.
And on this day… the gears of fate began to turn.
"Martial Soul: Soft Bone Rabbit. Twelve years old. Spirit Power: 29th rank. You meet the requirements," Li Yusong announced to a pair of applicants.
"Dongyao, escort these two into the academy."
"Dongyao!"
"Hey, Xiao Dong! Teacher Li's calling you," Dai Mubai nudged him.
But Lin Dongyao was frozen, staring at a girl in soft pink—a petite, rabbit-like beauty with an adorable charm.
"Oh? Don't tell me you've taken a liking to her?" Dai Mubai teased, following his gaze. "She is cute—fluffy and pink, just like a little bunny."
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 290 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 115 power stones I will publish the next chapter.