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That afternoon…
"Forget it, forget it—I forfeit."
Dugu Bo had exhausted all his tricks and still couldn't defeat Ning Tianchen. As he gradually fell into a disadvantageous position, he decided to abandon the game.
Ning Tianchen smiled faintly, refraining from mocking him. "Old man, spend more time with Principal Ke. After some time, you'll be able to crush me completely."
"You said he's about to break through to Level 90—is that true?" Dugu Bo asked.
Ning Tianchen replied, "You've already seen the effects of the immortal herb. I'd say his breakthrough is just a matter of the next month or two."
Dugu Bo pouted slightly, feeling irritated. "Once he breaks through, what's the point of me staying at Seven Treasures Academy? Once Ke Jie becomes a Title Douluo, I won't be the only one in the academy anymore—my treatment will probably drop significantly."
Ning Tianchen chuckled. "The principal won't personally teach classes anyway. Having you lead this year's Seven Treasures team was an exception. Future teams will all be led by teachers. So, you'll still be the academy's sole Title Douluo teacher."
As they spoke, a soldier dressed in Tiandou Empire military attire hurried over to Dugu Bo.
After bowing respectfully, he handed a letter to Dugu Bo with both hands.
After reading it, Dugu Bo nodded. "Tell His Highness the Prince that I'll arrive shortly."
After the man left, Dugu Bo informed Ning Tianchen of the situation. "Little guy, you were right after all. Shrek Academy has indeed gone to Tian Dou Imperial Academy. The prince wants me to go and support their cause."
Ning Tianchen reminded him, "Bring Sister Yanzi along—it'll be a good chance to confront Qin Ming about his crimes directly. But you absolutely mustn't touch Xiao Wu or Tang San."
Dugu Bo retorted irritably, "You're not my elder, so stop lecturing me. Fine, I won't argue with you."
After he left, a faint smile appeared on Ning Tianchen's lips.
The outcome of this chess match determined whether Dugu Bo would help the Seven Treasures team hunt for soul rings.
Given Dugu Bo's familiarity with the Sunset Forest, having his assistance would significantly speed up their soul-hunting process and save them a lot of trouble.
Now, it seemed he had won.
With Dugu Bo's personality, there was no way he would go back on his word.
---
On the way to Tian Dou Imperial Academy, they happened to run into Yu Tianheng, who led the Shrek group into the Education Committee meeting hall.
After some discussion, Meng Shenji agreed to all the conditions proposed by Flender without hesitation.
Tian Dou Imperial Academy desperately needed a strong team like Shrek's to achieve better rankings in the Soul Masters Tournament.
Meng Shenji made arrangements. "Your academy currently only has four students. Tomorrow, when you officially join the academy, you must quickly form a seven-member team. According to the tournament schedule, you'd better prepare two substitutes as well."
Seizing the opportunity, Yu Xiaogang presented his request. "Three commissioners, please grant us some privileges. When recruiting members for our team within the academy, the teachers must unconditionally release them."
This request was specifically aimed at recruiting Yu Tianheng.
Meng Shenji readily agreed and even promised, "According to your plan, this Soul Masters Tournament is essentially a training ground. In the next tournament, you'll aim for the championship. As long as the Shrek team successfully enters the finals this year, the first team slot for next year's tournament will belong to you."
The Shrek group exchanged glances.
They knew that each of the two empires and the Spirit Hall had a team advancing directly to the finals. This team was precisely what Meng Shenji referred to as the "first team."
"Mubai, it seems we'll have plenty of opportunities to spar in the future," Yu Tianheng said with a smile.
Dai Mubai chuckled in response and bumped fists with him.
Their strengths were evenly matched, making them excellent sparring partners for each other.
Just as the Shrek group was celebrating, a discordant voice shattered their fantasy. "Meng Shenji, am I to understand that you've privately traded away the interests of Tian Dou Imperial Academy—and even the royal family?"
A squad of guards surged out from behind Prince Xue Xing. Their iron boots clattered against the stone tiles, producing a sharp sound.
In the blink of an eye, the guards formed neat rows, holding spears and standing on either side.
"Prince Xue Xing." The three commissioners immediately rose from their seats and bowed deeply toward him.
Officially, Prince Xue Xing was one of the principals of Tian Dou Imperial Academy—their direct superior.
The Shrek group tensed up.
It was clear that this visitor meant business. Especially the old man behind Prince Xue Xing, who exuded an unfathomable aura.
"Dugu Yan is with him—is he the Poison Douluo Dugu Bo that Teacher mentioned?" Tang San thought nervously.
This would be the first Title Douluo he'd ever encountered in his life.
---
The three commissioners dared not accept the accusation of betraying the royal family's interests and hastily refuted it. "Your Highness, you are mistaken. Shrek Academy's strength is extraordinary—they defeated the first team of the Imperial Spirit Team!"
"With their addition, our academy will surely achieve better results in the upcoming Soul Masters Tournament. By then, the entire continent will recognize the might of Tian Dou Kingdom!"
Their words were filled with patriotism.
But Prince Xue Xing wasn't buying it and sneered mockingly. "What I heard was that before coming to Tian Dou Imperial Academy, Shrek Academy also visited Seven Treasures Academy."
"I happen to know Principal Ke. I heard that Shrek Academy wanted to merge into Seven Treasures Academy but was exposed by Principal Ko and driven out as frauds."
These details, of course, came from Dugu Bo.
"If the three of you are growing senile, perhaps it's time to step aside and let the younger generation take over?"
At these words, the three commissioners fell silent, looking at Flender and the others in astonishment.
Yu Xiaogang's face turned red with anger, his breathing heavy, but under Prince Xue Xing's intimidating presence, he didn't dare speak.
It was the truth, and trying to defend themselves with clever words would be meaningless.
Flender bowed to the three commissioners. "We initially mistook the path, which led to this misunderstanding. If the three commissioners don't believe us, we'll leave immediately."
Qin Ming, standing nearby, felt helpless.
Facing Prince Xue Xing, he didn't dare act arrogantly.
Meng Shenji didn't dwell on the matter and instead spoke sternly. "Your Highness, since it's a misunderstanding, I will personally report the investigation's findings to His Majesty."
The three commissioners stood shoulder to shoulder, clearly showing their intention to pressure Prince Xue Xing into leaving.
When soft tactics failed, Prince Xue Xing turned and bowed to Dugu Bo. "Mr. Dugu, I'm counting on you."
Dugu Bo snorted softly and stepped forward.
A powerful surge of soul power erupted from his body, sending the three commissioners tumbling to the ground.
Even the residual force of his soul power was enough to knock Flender and Zhao Wují off their feet despite their desperate resistance.
Yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, black—nine soul rings successively appeared beneath Dugu Bo's feet.
The three commissioners were horrified.
Wasn't it said that Dugu Bo was the weakest Title Douluo?
Just the shockwave from his soul power alone was enough to overpower three Soul Douluos working together?
Of course, they didn't know that Dugu Bo's soul power was now nearing Level 94. Among all Title Douluos, he ranked in the middle tier.
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