Chapter 34: Recruiting Only Monsters, Not Ordinary People  

Heaven Dou City, Heaven Dou Imperial Palace.

After a long day of meetings, Xue Qinghe felt utterly drained. After ensuring the doors and windows were locked and the curtains tightly drawn, he extended his flawless, snow-white hand to his face. 

A mask was slowly removed, revealing a face without blemish, adorned with cascading golden hair and angelic features seemingly sculpted by the divine. 

In her original form, Qian Renxue let out a deep sigh. "Being a crown prince isn't easy." 

Indeed, it wasn't easy. Day in and day out, it was endless state affairs to handle, with frequent attendance at major events—like yesterday's appearance at Heaven Dou Royal Academy. 

Curled up in a bed of golden silk, she stared blankly at the opulent and extravagant ceiling above. 

Ever since meeting Ye Hao the previous day, Xue Qinghe's mind had been preoccupied. For some reason, her thoughts always returned to that eerily familiar face. 

"Phew…" 

Qian Renxue sighed deeply. "Has Ye Hao already left?" 

From a shadowy corner of the room, a figure clad in black silently appeared, bowing respectfully toward Qian Renxue. 

"Master, Ye Hao has already departed from Heaven Dou Royal Academy and is heading toward Soto City." 

"Soto City?" Qian Renxue was taken aback. "What's he going there for?" 

In her memory, Soto City was a small town, albeit one of great significance. It was the largest grain exporter on the continent and a major supplier for military provisions. 

The shadow replied, "Master, according to my investigations, Qin Ming of Heaven Dou Royal Academy is an alumnus of Shrek Academy, located in Soto City." 

"Shrek Academy?"

Qian Renxue murmured the name. 

"What kind of academy is this?" 

She asked again, as there was no recollection of a Shrek Academy in her memory. Could it be an obscure, unknown institution? 

The shadow continued, "Shrek Academy was founded by Flender, one of the Golden Iron Triangle. Its core philosophy is to only recruit monsters, not ordinary people." 

"Only monsters, not ordinary people?" 

Qian Renxue chuckled, rubbing her smooth chin. "How audacious! Only monsters, huh? Such bold claims." 

"Keep a close eye on Ye Hao's movements. If anything unusual happens, report to me immediately." 

As Qian Renxue finished speaking, the shadow bowed again before vanishing. 

After they left, Qian Renxue slowly rose, moving toward the drapes. Her graceful figure, coupled with the sound of fabric slipping off, made for a captivating silhouette... 

Meanwhile, near Soto City, in a desolate village. 

The place was barren, with only a lone village standing amidst the emptiness. At the entrance was a worn sign with five large characters etched onto it: Shrek Academy. 

Yes, this was Shrek Academy—Qin Ming's alma mater and an unlicensed "wild" academy. 

Enrollment required ten gold soul coins. Even if you weren't accepted, there were no refunds. What was this, robbery? 

Adhering to the philosophy of "recruiting only monsters, not ordinary people," this academy was one for the ages. Think about that. 

Night fell. Inside Shrek Academy's principal's office. 

Two figures were deep in conversation late into the night. 

"The first phase of training for these little monsters is finally complete. Xiaogang, what's your plan for the next step?" asked Flender, wearing crystal glasses. His hawk-like face and thick beard gave him a rugged appearance. As the founder and principal of Shrek Academy, Flender was well aware that the academy was on the brink of bankruptcy. 

Across from him sat the Grandmaster. To ensure Ye Hao enrolled in Shrek Academy, he had pulled out all the stops, only for Ye Hao to dismiss his words as meaningless chatter. 

Ye Hao had blatantly ignored the Grandmaster's advice, a fact that had stuck in the Grandmaster's craw ever since—not because Ye Hao hadn't joined Shrek Academy, but because his attitude had been so dismissive. 

Ye Hao: I just don't respect you, period. 

The Grandmaster responded, "I plan to take them to the Soto Great Spirit Arena soon. As soul masters, combat experience is essential." 

Flender's eyes lit up. "Good, very good!" 

But internally, he was scheming. Victories in the Great Spirit Arena brought significant gold soul coin rewards. Group battles in particular allowed for hefty wagers and substantial profits. 

Noticing Flender's drooling expression, the Grandmaster coughed. "Tang San and Dai Mubai are ready for this. You just need to prepare your purse." 

Flender grinned. "You always understand me." 

"Oh, by the way, Xiaogang, there's something I've been meaning to ask you. In your last letter, you mentioned that, aside from Tang San and Xiao Wu, three other students were supposed to join Shrek Academy. Where's the third one?" 

At this, the Grandmaster's expression darkened, and his hand clenched unconsciously. 

"That child is named Ye Hao. He possesses innate full-soul power, with the Death Spider Emperor as his martial soul. Like Tang San, he previously studied at Nuoding Primary Soul Master Academy. I once urged him to join Shrek Academy, but that boy is impervious to reason. He even said Shrek Academy was beneath him and full of rejects. On the day before graduation, he left the academy without a word. Truly, an unteachable wretch." 

The grandmaster's voice was laced with disdain, leaving no room for pleasantries. 

Flender, upon hearing this, was furious. He slammed the table in anger. 

"Hmph! Such an insolent brat! What's wrong with our Shrek Academy? We have top-tier training grounds, an elite teaching team, and my strategic genius! That Ye Hao must be blind. It's just as well he didn't come. If he had, I'd have let Zhao Wuji teach him a harsh lesson." 

The Grandmaster waved dismissively. "Let's not talk about him. Just thinking about him gets me riled up. Tang San has been progressing well, but his external soul bone still hasn't fully fused with him. Daily use shouldn't be an issue, though." 

"Tang San's talent is extraordinary. Plus, with his father being a Title Douluo, Shrek Academy now has strong backing," Flender said smugly, propping his feet on the desk. His gaze fell on the pile of gold soul coins in the drawer, and his grin widened. 

The Grandmaster shook his head, exasperated. "Don't get too excited. Tang San's father may be the Clear Sky Douluo, but don't forget the danger of his identity. If the Spirit Hall discovers him, Shrek Academy won't stand a chance." 

"I know, I know. Don't worry. I've got confidentiality covered." 

The Grandmaster changed the subject. "The Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament is just over two years away. What's your plan?" 

At this, Flender fell silent.