Chapter 251: Qin Ming’s Attempt to Recruit, and Dugu Yan’s Thoughts

Even if Su Ming didn't have the connection to Ning Fengzhi, he could still rely on Dugu Bo to help get them into Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. After all, helping with admissions was just a minor favor, especially since Su Ming could assist Dugu Bo in detoxifying. Ning Fengzhi's involvement was more of an unexpected benefit.

Su Ming hadn't anticipated returning to Shrek with Ning Rongrong.

After writing his diary, Flender arrived with a group. Unlike in the original timeline, they had already ordered food, which, of course, Flender was expected to pay for. After all, with Shrek's recent string of victories, Flender had earned quite a bit without doing much, so Su Ming figured it was time to squeeze out some money from him!

As Qin Ming entered and surveyed the room, he noticed eight young people seated, likely the Shrek Battle Team members, minus the red-haired chubby one. Among them, which one was the team leader? At such a young age, reaching level 44 was terrifying!

Flender warmly addressed the Royal Battle Team members, saying, "Don't be shy, find yourselves a seat."

Ma Hongjun chimed in, grinning as he eyed the two beautiful girls from the Royal Battle Team, "Yeah, don't hold back. Tonight, you can eat whatever you want—it's on our teacher!"

Hearing this, Flender's face turned dark. When had he ever said he was treating?

Flender quickly pulled Ma Hongjun aside and whispered, "Fatty, when did I ever say I was paying for this?"

Feigning innocence, Ma Hongjun replied, "Huh? Dean, with the soul battle over and everything, and with the Royal Battle Team here, we all just assumed you'd finally grown a conscience and decided to treat us."

Flender's mouth twitched, trying not to show his irritation. "So, what did you guys order?"

Ma Hongjun listed off several dishes, and Flender nodded, satisfied. "Good, good, saving me some money—good disciple!"

But then Ma Hongjun added with a mischievous grin, "Oh, and everything else on the menu—except for those few dishes!"

Flender's face went completely black, and he nearly fainted on the spot. How much was all this going to cost?

Thankfully, the restaurant served the dishes quickly, and before long, the table was full of food. Qin Ming, noticing Flender's sour mood, figured out what had happened—Flender hadn't changed a bit.

But this time, Qin Ming wasn't here just for a reunion. Seeing so many talented students at Shrek Academy, he knew he had to make an effort to recruit them.

"Dean, let me cover tonight's meal. After all, this is our first reunion in many years, and it wouldn't be right to let you pay," Qin Ming offered, smiling.

Flender's mood instantly lifted. This Qin Ming was quite sensible, after all.

Then Qin Ming turned to the Shrek students and said, "Dean Flender, are these the Shrek Battle Team members we fought earlier? They look so young, yet they're incredibly skilled. It seems the academy has been doing well these past few years."

Flender shook his head, "The academy hasn't changed much. We're getting old, and we don't have the drive we used to. But this group of students, they're the most talented I've ever seen. After this class, I plan to close the academy for good."

Qin Ming was shocked. He'd thought that with so many talented students, Shrek Academy must have improved its finances. "I see. Well, why don't you introduce them to us? We only saw them wearing masks and using code names during the matches."

Pridefully, Flender introduced each student.

The Royal Battle Team members glanced at Tang San first, remembering how they'd knocked him off the stage. Then their eyes turned to Su Ming. Yu Tianheng, Dugu Yan, and Ye Lingling were especially surprised—Su Ming looked much younger without his mask, still somewhat youthful compared to them.

This discovery thrilled Qin Ming. Not only were these Shrek students incredibly talented, but they were also so young, mostly around twelve years old. Besides the chubby one, the others were all above level 30. They had already broken the record for how young someone could be when surpassing level 30!

Qin Ming was now determined to convince Flender to let these students join Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. With their talent, they could enter the Continental Soul Master Elite Tournament and truly shine. Plus, if Flender had already decided to retire after this group, there was nothing holding him back.

Just then, Flender spoke up, "Qin Ming, you've done well for yourself. Where are you working now, bringing such a capable group of soul masters?"

Qin Ming replied honestly, "Dean, I'm teaching at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy now, and these are my students. I'm their team leader."

He then added, "To be honest, if these younger students weren't from Shrek, I'd be doing everything I could to bring them to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. Their talent and power are remarkable."

Just as Qin Ming finished, a familiar voice interrupted him. "Even if they are Shrek students, you can still take them to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy!"

Yu Xiaogang had already suspected that Qin Ming was now teaching at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. Most soul masters from their family either went to Thunderclap Academy or Heaven Dou. Given that Thunderclap only accepted lightning-attributed martial spirits, it wasn't hard to guess Qin Ming's current affiliation.

Yu Xiaogang knew Shrek Academy's limitations well—it lacked essential training environments and couldn't even participate in the Continental Soul Master Elite Tournament. But entering the tournament was crucial for Tang San's growth, providing the experience and exposure to other powerful soul masters his age.

Qin Ming was thrilled—Yu Xiaogang had just given him the perfect opening! He'd only mentioned the idea offhand, knowing how much Flender valued Shrek, but now, with Yu Xiaogang's endorsement, it might just happen.

Dugu Yan, however, furrowed her brows. She didn't want Tang San at Heaven Dou Academy, and Su Ming had written in his diary that he planned to separate from the Shrek group eventually.

For now, she would observe the situation and see what Su Ming intended to do. She could help him if needed. As for whether it would embarrass Qin Ming, she didn't care. He was just a talented teacher—compared to her own concerns, it was trivial.