"The Dai family from the Xingluo Empire? No need to be afraid! Since they've come to Shrek Academy, as long as they don't betray us, they're our students and will be treated equally."
After learning about Dai Mubai's situation, Flander didn't care much about his background. "Don't forget, this is the Tiandou Empire. The Dai family wouldn't dare act recklessly here! Well, recruiting a genius is a good thing! Heh heh, now we already have four talented students—our Shrek Academy might just become famous because of them!"
On the continent of Douluo, there were two main countries: the northern Tiandou Empire and the southern Xingluo Empire. These two were enemies, occasionally clashing over various issues.
However, there was a third powerful force on Douluo Continent—the Spirit Hall.
In recent years, Spirit Hall's overall strength had surpassed both Tiandou and Xingluo Empires, ranking first among all factions.
Dai Mubai had come to Tiandou Empire to avoid trouble, taking advantage of the hostility between the two empires.
"That really is a good thing," Li Yusong commented. "But the academy is already stretched thin. If we take in more students, it might be hard to sustain."
Lu Qibin suggested, "Why not stop recruiting before these four graduate?"
There was no other choice—Shrek Academy was too poor.
"No," Flander shook his head. "Recruiting every year isn't just for new students; it's also for publicity. If we stop, in time, no one will even know about Shrek Academy anymore.
"As for money, I'll figure something out. Don't worry.
"Besides, it's not easy to find qualified new students."
Zhao Wuji looked at everyone and smiled. "Flander, actually that kid Dai Mubai told me he can support the academy financially if needed."
Dai Mubai had come prepared when he escaped, bringing a substantial amount of money.
Flander chuckled bitterly. Asking new students for sponsorship? He didn't have the face for that. "As long as he can help now, that's enough. Don't worry, I'm here."
While they talked, Dai Mubai was chatting with Ma Hongjun nearby.
"Ma Hongjun, I'll take you to Soto City to meet some beautiful girls. The money's on me."
Having been at Shrek Academy for over half a month, Dai Mubai already understood many things—especially that Ma Hongjun suffered side effects from his mutant spirit.
People on Douluo Continent matured quickly—by age eleven or twelve, they already had adult physiques.
Although Ma Hongjun was a bit younger, the side effects of his mutant spirit made his energy flare up often, needing to vent regularly.
So far, he'd only managed to charm girls in the nearby villages, but even when successful, they'd run away out of fear.
It left Ma Hongjun frustrated and depressed.
Now, Dai Mubai was playing to his interests, and honestly, Ma Hongjun was tempted.
"This… isn't a good idea, right?"
"Heh, what's to be shy about? Let's go!"
Dai Mubai put an arm around Ma Hongjun and headed out of the academy.
As long as they informed the academy, occasional outings were allowed.
They were all spirit masters; there was no real danger.
Xu Yunhan and Oscar didn't know about this. Even if Xu Yunhan did, he wouldn't go. But Oscar was a different story.
Oscar had already grown a beard and had strong desires.
Xu Yunhan, a former emperor of the Sun Moon Empire in his past life, had been with many women and was now calm and focused on cultivation.
Women would only distract Xu Yunhan from avenging Tang San and becoming a god!
Of course, if it was to steal Tang San's or the Shrek Seven Devils' women, Xu Yunhan would be very happy to help.
Sure enough, a few months later, Oscar was coaxed along by Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun.
From then on, the three of them often went to Soto City together to seek pleasure.
Flander simply warned them to be moderate but didn't stop them, thinking it was normal.
Douluo Continent's society still resembled a feudal system—open and secret slave trades existed, and it was normal for powerful people to have multiple wives and concubines, especially spirit masters indulging their desires.
Time passed without notice.
Xu Yunhan had been on Douluo Continent for over six years.
He was now a little over thirteen years old, Dai Mubai over fifteen, Oscar twelve, and Ma Hongjun eleven.
In spirit power levels, Dai Mubai was at level 38, Oscar at 31, Ma Hongjun at 29.
Xu Yunhan was at level 42.
Perhaps it was Xu Yunhan's presence and his hard work that spurred the others to train faster than in the original story.
Now, in the eyes of Oscar and the others, Xu Yunhan was not just their leader, but a monster.
Xu Yunhan was not only a genius with talent and speed but also relentless effort.
Even more astonishing was his ability to absorb spirit rings beyond his level—and every time, the spirit rings actively allowed him to absorb them.
Currently, Xu Yunhan had four spirit rings: yellow, yellow, purple, and black.
The first spirit ring was nearly six hundred years old.
The second was close to one thousand years.
The third nearly ten thousand.
The fourth almost twenty thousand.
Jealousy and envy were inevitable.
When Xu Yunhan tried to absorb a ten-thousand-year spirit ring for his third ring, he found such ancient rings wouldn't "welcome" him, so he gave up and dared not actively absorb higher-level rings.
The third ring's limit was around ten thousand years, the fourth around twenty thousand.
Even so, it was incredibly extraordinary, leaving Flander and the others amazed.
Today, Xu Yunhan, Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar arrived together in Soto City.
Dai Mubai and the others came looking for girls.
Xu Yunhan came to find materials to craft spirit devices.
He left the three alone and searched the city by himself.
"Hey, girl, where are you from? You look unfamiliar."
"We're students from Balak Academy, great spirit masters. Want to come with us and have some fun?"
"You're a spirit master too? We can get you into Balak Academy, just for a little price."
On the street, a group of Balak Academy students surrounded a girl.
Students from Balak Academy were always arrogant, and bystanders kept their distance to avoid trouble.
The girl wore tight black leather pants, with cat ears and a cat tail as accessories, and a proud, alluring figure. It was no wonder some couldn't help but be tempted.
But that girl was not someone to be trifled with—she was a spirit master. Without saying a word to the Balak Academy students, she immediately summoned her spirit and prepared for battle.
Her spirit was a Ghostly Phantom Cat!
With her spirit manifested, a yellow spirit ring appeared, and she instantly activated her spirit skill.
She charged straight into the fight without hesitation.
The Balak Academy students were caught completely off guard, overwhelmed and utterly defeated.
After finishing, she fled!
"Damn, she actually dared to attack first! Don't let her get away, chase her!"
The Balak Academy students scrambled to their feet, unleashing their spirits, spirit power, and skills as they gave pursuit.
Not far away, Xu Yunhan happened to witness the scene.
"That outfit… and the Ghostly Phantom Cat spirit? It can't be—Zhu Zhuqing of the Shrek Seven Devils, can it?"
Xu Yunhan didn't know when Zhu Zhuqing had joined Shrek Academy, but he had seen her statue before. The cat ears and tail, along with her proud, graceful figure, were unforgettable.
Besides, he had also seen the Ghostly Phantom Cat spirit in action.
All signs pointed to the girl just now being Zhu Zhuqing.
Xu Yunhan smiled slyly, then quietly followed at a distance.
If he could heroically save the beauty, it would be a good start!
Even if not, it would still be an opportunity to make an impression.
After all, a woman like this still made Xu Yunhan's heart race—he definitely wouldn't let Dai Mubai have the advantage.