The mask wearing Shrek Seven Devils only gave people the impression of being somewhat undersized, but among them Dai Mubai and Xiao Wu already had adult height, as long as they didn’t say anything themselves, nobody would guess their true age.
Ma Hongjun somewhat proudly said:
“Right, I’m that Evil Fire Phoenix from just now, thirteen years old. Oh, I get it, we wore masks before, so you couldn’t recognize us, right.”
Right now, the other Shrek Seven Devils walked up, Qin Ming stared blankly at these mostly under fifteen children, for a moment he was speechless.
Flender issued his customary rough and sinister feeling laugh,
“Why, Qin Ming, remember our Academy’s rules? We only accept twelve year old students. Ma Hongjun came to the Academy at eleven, Tang San Xiao Wu and further Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing all enrolled this year. This year we received more students than in several together.”
Chapter 054: Borrowing A Chicken To Lay An Egg?
Part 1 (TL by Bagelson)
Qin Ming forced himself to swallow,
“Then this means, the majority of them are only twelve or thirteen years old?”
Flender nodded.
Qin Ming’s gaze separately swept across the Shrek Seven Devils, with a wry smile saying:
“Now I know why you wore masks. You truly are too astonishing, I always thought the Emperor Team were already pretty gifted, but in front of you they’re basically nothing. If age was the same, they wouldn’t have any chance of victory.”
Flender didn’t speak, only smiling looking at these children before him. Shrek Academy’s student’s were possibly the biggest accomplishment of his life, Qin Ming was one, the Shrek Seven Devils in front of him were equally ones.
Dai Mubai asked:
“Senior, could I be so presumptuous as to ask, right now what is your spirit power rank?”
Qin Ming subconsciously replied:
“Sixty second rank, my luck hasn’t been bad.”
The Shrek Seven Devils all looked at each other, at the same time all recalling Flender’s words. Shrek Academy only accepted monsters, not ordinary people.
“All right, don’t flatter each other, all the little monsters can sit. Eat something, today your miserly sir dean will contribute generously, don’t give me face, do as you wish.”
Zhao Wuji looked at the complacent Flender, calling out to the Shrek Seven Devils in a loud voice.
Flender’s smile immediately became rigid, but the Shrek Seven Devils simultaneously cheered, promptly calling for a waiter. As expected they didn’t give Zhao Wuji face, directly starting to order dishes.
Ma Hongjun took the initiative to snatch the menu. Flipping through it, the menu had three pages. Raising his hand to point at the menu several times, indicating to the waiter to remember several dishes.
Flender sitting next to Ma Hongjun, watching his disciple point at several of the cheapest dishes couldn’t help but feel invigorated, ‘good, worthy of being my disciple, still truly letting me save money, really good.’ But, Ma Hongjun’s next words immediately made him fall from heaven directly into hell.
“En, those dishes I pointed to just now, apart from them bring everything else on the menu. Big portions. Also bring two kegs of ale. Serve quickly.”
Ma Hongjun basically didn’t give the others a chance to order, directly taking on this glorious mission on behalf of the Shrek Seven Devils.
Turning his head to look at Flender, Ma Hongjun said somewhat baffled:
“Yi, teacher, what’s up with your face, why is it blue? Didn’t you sleep well last night!”
To the side Qin Ming could still maintain his aloofness, but Zhao Wuji was already completely without image laughing heartily, Flender’s miserliness was famous among all the Academy teachers.
Qin Ming had right now managed to restore his expression to normal, smiling:
“How can I let the dean spend so much, after so many years I’ve finally returned, two teachers, give me the opportunity to thank you for the instruction in those days. Without you, there still wouldn’t have been a Qin Ming.”
Zhao Wuji laughed, saying:
“Little Ming, you’re still so thoughtful. Originally I wanted to have a look at Flender bleeding money. Right now that doesn’t seem to be.”
When Flender heard Qin Ming was hosting, his complexion immediately became much better, glaring at Zhao Wuji, saying:
“Isn’t making a fool of me pleasurable? Fine, old Zhao, it’s been quite a while since we exchanged pointers. Once we’ve returned, I’ll look you up for sparring. It’s also to promote spirit power.”
“Eh……”
This time it was Zhao Wuji’s turn to stop smiling, he and Flender had exchanged pointers an indeterminate number of times, naturally he was well aware of Flender’s strength. As a strength type Spirit Master, to Flender belonging to the agility attack system and also a flying Spirit Master, he basically didn’t have any way of dealing with him. Let alone when Flender’s spirit power was two ranks higher than his.
At the level they’d reached, every single rank of spirit power disparity couldn’t be as indistinct as at the Shrek Seven Devils’ level, each rank was an absolute gap.
Qin Ming looked at the sitting Shrek Seven Devils, finally his gaze stopped on Tang San, Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing,
“Truly unfortunate, if you junior brothers and sisters weren’t Shrek’s people, I would use every possible means to bring you back to the Imperial Academy. If you joined, maybe……”
Just as Qin Ming said this, a familiar voice resounded nearby,
“Even if they’re Shrek Academy’s people, you can still bring them back to the Imperial Academy all the same.”
When everyone looked over, they found Grandmaster entering from outside, also impolite, he directly sat down next to Flender.
Qin Ming probing asked:
“Grandmaster, what was the intention of what you said just now?”
Without waiting for Grandmaster to reply, Flender already gave up,
“Grandmaster, did you specially come to tear apart my support? These children belong to Shrek. Now and hereafter. Don’t tell me that we can’t give them a good education at Shrek?”
Grandmaster didn’t show any change because of Flender’s anxiety, still that rigid face, calmly saying:
“I didn’t say to let them enter Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, what I meant was, I hope the two Academies can make a mutual exchange. Teacher Qin, I think this shouldn’t be any big issue. If you can’t decide it, I can look to Spirit Hall.”
Qin Ming stared blankly at Grandmaster, for a moment not knowing how he should reply.
Flender was equally looking at Grandmaster while thinking to himself, ‘what is Xiao Gang this fellow actually trying to sell?’ But right now in front of Qin Ming he couldn’t well ask, but he and Grandmaster had been brothers for so many years, naturally he was convinced Grandmaster was a principled person.
Qin Ming pondered, saying:
“If I can exchange with the junior brothers and sisters, it would be Heaven Dou Academy’s good fortune, only I’m afraid……”
Grandmaster said:
“You’re afraid these children are too outstanding, so in the end your Heaven Dou Imperial Academy wouldn’t return them, yes?”
The feeling of being seen through by people was unpleasant. Grandmaster would appear ordinary and mediocre, but his words possessed extreme penetrating power, directly speaking Qin Ming’s thoughts out loud.
Qin Ming still wasn’t affected, nodding, saying:
“Yes, although Heaven Dou Imperial Academy has the title of the number one academy in Heaven Dou Empire, regarding such young but already so powerful Spirit Masters, their position is steadily deteriorating. The Academy leadership is looking for talents as if thirsting for them, if the juniors go, I can’t guarantee they won’t have some notions. I’m afraid they would exploit every kind of relation to as far as possible convince the juniors to s
tay. Wouldn’t that be the same as undermining the walls of our Shrek Academy?”
Flender smiled:
“Little Ming, you’re pretty good. Worthy of being from my Shrek Academy, you know to give thought to the Academy. Grandmaster, little Ming isn’t a stranger, if you have something to say then just say it.”
Grandmaster shot a glance at Flender,
“I’m saying, teacher Qin, if I remember correctly, as an academy established by the Heaven Dou Empire imperial family, for that pageant in one year, Heaven Dou Imperial Academy should have two allocated places to compete. I can let these children temporarily act as exchange students to the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, until after the pageant in one year has ended. I think, words like these would be favorable to you.”
Qin Ming was gobsmacked,
“Grandmaster, you’re saying that you would let the juniors represent Heaven Dou Imperial Academy to go participate in that pageant? But like that, Heaven Dou Academy will certainly declare to the outside that the juniors are Heaven Dou’s people!”
Grandmaster calmly smiled, saying:
“Having the fame of graduating an academy isn’t anything bad.”
“No. I don’t consent to it.”
Flender angrily slapped the table and stood up, glaring at Grandmaster.
“The children are Shrek’s, Grandmaster, don’t forget that Shrek Academy is twenty years of my life’s blood.”
Grandmaster didn’t show any change from Flender’s anger,
“Flender, I’ll pose you several problems, if you can settle them, then, it doesn’t matter whether the children go to Heaven Dou. First, can you offer the children mimicry cultivation environments? Second, can you provide them with qualifications to enter the Continental Elite Spirit Master Academy Grand Competition in one year? Third, for what reason do you believe that after entering the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, these children wouldn’t be part of Shrek? Perhaps you can’t comprehend why I’m doing this, but I must still ask you one last question, what was your intention when you established Shrek Academy?”
“I, I……”
Flender was dumbstruck and unable to reply from Grandmaster’s rapid fire questions, glaring at Grandmaster, but that anger just now was already gradually fading, gradually becoming disappointment.
Grandmaster calmly said:
“Mimicry cultivation environments, able to provide their spirit power cultivation speed with another boost. The All Continent Spirit Master Academy Elite Grand Competition stipulates academies can only participate after passing a preliminary competition, but Shrek Academy isn’t registered with any kingdom or empire. Because we don’t have the corresponding hardware, even though Shrek Academy is famous in the Spirit Master world, that still can’t produce the qualifications for participating. And you should be well aware what the rewards are in the Continental Spirit Master Academy Elite Grand Competition, how significant to the children. The ideal you originally established Shrek Academy with, was to foster geniuses of the Spirit Master world, letting them shock the entire Spirit Master world. But I choose their path, as far as possible letting them walk it smoothly, furthermore, I still haven’t finished talking.”
Saying this, Grandmaster turned to Qin Ming,
“To let these children enter Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, I have one condition. The Academy must admit all the present Shrek Academy teachers, furthermore let us personally come to teach these children. Heaven Dou Imperial Academy cannot interfere, in other words, they can substitute for Heaven Dou Academy’s reputation, but their education is still done by us. When we want to leave, Heaven Dou Academy also doesn’t have the qualifications to stop us.”
Part 2 (TL by Bagelson)
Flender sat back down again, lifting his cup of ale in both hands, pouring it down his throat in great gulps.
Qin Ming smiled wryly towards Grandmaster:
“Grandmaster, you’ve really given me a difficult problem. Honestly, standing at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy’s angle, able to let the juniors represent Heaven Dou Imperial Academy to fight would no doubt bring endless credit to the Academy, greatly raising the Academy’s reputation. The conditions you raised also aren’t excessive, all teachers are celebrated Spirit Masters, the Academy wouldn’t refuse, and furthermore would provide the best rewards. Only, Shrek Academy is the crystallization of dean Flender’s heart’s blood, if we truly did this, then hereafter perhaps……”
“All right, let’s do what Xiao Gang just said.”
Flender stood up again, his expression having already recovered its calm,
“What Xiao Gang said is right, I shouldn’t only consider my pride. Everything should be for the good of the children. Heaven Dou Imperial Academy belongs to the Heaven Dou Empire imperial family, a rare pure Spirit Master land without interference from Spirit Hall, the children won’t come to grief there. The Shrek Academy teachers can also have a place to retire. Until now, I’ve only considered my own notions, but everyone still always followed me. Right now we’ve become old, we should find everyone a place to return to. Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. This reputation isn’t bad. Furthermore, the children can also obtain even better growth there. This matter is decided. You talk it over. Xiao Gang and Zhao Wuji will represent me, I’ll return by myself to rest.”
Finished speaking, Flender turned and left. Zhao Wuji gave Ma Hongjun a meaningful look, and Fatty immediately understood, he didn’t even look at the plates of food being served, hastily chasing after Flender. At this time, this Fatty was even more able to console Flender than Grandmaster and Zhao Wuji.
Grandmaster sighed,
“Although Flender is a bit stubborn, he really isn’t an unreasonable person. I believe he will think it through clearly.”
Zhao Wuji smiled wryly:
“After all, the Academy has been backed by us for all these years. It’s not that Flender doesn’t understand the merits of your proposal. Even if he has decided to close the Academy after these children graduate, truly at this moment, in his heart he still can’t easily accept it. To us, this really is somewhat abrupt, we’ve already lived here for twenty years.”
Grandmaster nodded,
“He can only rely on himself for this.”
Zhao Wuji said:
“Perhaps to us this is also the best place to end up at. Grandmaster, thank you, I know that your proposal isn’t just for the children, but also for Flender and us. Heaven Dou Imperial Academy is a place that receives little influence from Spirit Hall. It also has sufficient fame. You’re doing your best to care for Flender’s face. Retiring there seems pretty good.”
Showing a smile, Zhao Wuji’s expression was uncomplicated. He wasn’t Flender, and didn’t have Flender’s face and stubborn heart. Admittedly being at Shrek Academy for twenty years made him reluctant to leave, but equally, he was tiring somewhat. Changing environment might not be a bad thing.
For these matters the Shrek Seven Devils didn’t interject anything, besides Ma Hongjun who had chased after Flender, the other six looked at each other. This abrupt change diluted their joy after the victory, even so much that their hearts weren’t in eating.
Flender stood in the doorway, looking up at the full moon and starlight decorating the night sky, calmly saying:
“What are you doing following me, go eat.”
Ma Hongjun at present didn’t have his normal somewhat lascivious smiling expression, deferentially standing next to Flender,
“Teacher, don’t feel sad.”
Flender shook his head,
“I’m not sad, only more or less frustrated, that’s all. This all came somewhat quickly for me. Hongjun, I find that your Evil Fire problem seems to have fallen off a lot in this time following Grandmaster’s training. What’s the matter?”
Hearing his teacher mention his Evil Fire, Fatty’s smile reappeared, scratching his head, saying:
“I also don’t know how it came about. Only in this time I’ve really been too tired, apparently all my energy has alre
ady been spent. I basically haven’t even thought about that.”
Flender’s face revealed a faint smile,
“This is a good phenomenon. Your spirit is in the process of imperceptible influence from variation, perhaps, not long from now you might not suffer the problems it causes. Good, you go back. No need to console me, I’ll just think things over a while.”
Ma Honjun blinked, rubbing his plump face,
“Teacher, this is actually just borrowing a chicken to lay an egg. Honestly, I’m not too clear on why you’re depressed.”
“Borrowing a chicken to lay an egg?”
Flender turned to look at his direct disciple, somewhat astounded repeating his words.
Ma Hongjun hastily nodded,
“Yes, isn’t that borrowing a chicken to lay an egg? Borrowing that imperial family academy’s facilities to train us, and us helping them fight is also equivalent to paying a fee. I don’t know about other people, but I wouldn’t think of us as belonging to that imperial family academy. I’ll always be your disciple, Shrek’s Evil Fire Phoenix.”
Flender stupidly stared at ma Hongjun, although Fatty comparatively wasn’t up to much, but he made Flender’s mind seem to slam open a door,
“Borrowing a chicken to lay an egg? Borrowing a chicken to lay an egg, excellently borrowing a chicken to lay an egg. It seems, I really am too stubborn. A bit early, a bit late, what’s the difference? Shrek will after all end, but once left behind everything will forever be unable to change, Xiao Gang, thank you, thank you for helping me draw this end to Shrek.”
……
Early the next day, everyone from the Shrek Academy settled their accounts and left the hotel, concluding this one month of second stage training.
Perhaps, to their bodies, this second stage training wasn’t as extreme as the first stage, but the psychological stress made the Shrek Seven Devils even more exhausted.
Douluo Dalu - Volume 01-48 Page 98