"Dean Flender, you're welcome to take whomever is willing to follow you from the Shrek team. We'll both run our own training programs, and in a year, we'll see whose students have progressed more. If I lose, I'll follow your lead without question. But if you lose, you'll step back and enjoy your retirement."
As Meng Bei spoke, he turned to Flender, deliberately showing a look of disdain.
Flender had been wavering. Based on previous results, Ma Hongjun, Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing, and Oscar's talents clearly paled in comparison to Meng Bei, Tang San, and Xiao Wu.
But when he saw Meng Bei's condescending expression, Flender was instantly infuriated.
What's that supposed to mean?
Does this brat think he's guaranteed to win?
Talent alone doesn't determine strength!
Flender had roamed the world of spirit masters for decades, and Shrek Academy had plenty of experts. How could they be outdone by a young upstart?
Spurred by this, Flender agreed.
But he had a trick up his sleeve.
"Fine, we'll do it your way. But it doesn't need to take a year—six months is enough!" Flender declared.
[Ding! Side quest triggered.]
[Side Quest: Shrek's Honor]
Objective: Defend Shrek's reputation and prove that no one outmatches Shrek in teaching. Defeat Flender and his team in training.
Difficulty: Easy
Reward: Spirit power increased by one level.
Seeing there was a mission involved, Meng Bei readily agreed.
"Alright, it's a deal. Let's both gather our people, but remember—no coercion!" Meng Bei said.
Flender nodded, though inwardly he sneered at Meng Bei's naivety.
Meng Bei had agreed too quickly, underestimating the challenge. Flender knew that although Meng Bei's team included prodigies like Tang San and Xiao Wu, their raw talent wouldn't have enough time to shine in just six months.
From Flender's perspective, six months would only allow for a level or two of improvement. That gap could easily be bridged through superior combat skills.
Feeling smug, Flender joined Meng Bei in gathering the students.
Before long, both Meng Bei and Flender had assembled their teams. Meng Bei explained the wager to the Shrek team members.
The news surprised the team, though most didn't seem overly concerned. Only Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar showed hesitation, lowering their heads in deep thought.
On the other hand, Shrek Academy's faculty was furious when they heard about the bet.
To gamble Shrek's honor against a junior like Meng Bei was, in their eyes, an enormous insult.
Some, like the hot-tempered Spirit Emperor Li Yusong, were already itching to teach Meng Bei a lesson.
Li Yusong brandished his Dragon Mark Staff, thrusting it threateningly toward Meng Bei.
Meng Bei remained unfazed, retorting, "What's this? Are you admitting defeat already and planning to back out?"
As he spoke, Meng Bei casually pressed a hand on Li Yusong's staff. A faint glow emanated from the mark on his forehead, exuding a trace of a powerful domain.
Boom!
Li Yusong's mind reeled as a terrifying pressure surged through his spirit, making him feel as though he was facing a natural predator. His body trembled involuntarily, and his Dragon Mark Staff retreated back into his body without his control.
Li Yusong staggered three steps back, nearly spitting up blood but swallowing it down to save face.
Meng Bei had only revealed a sliver of his domain's power. It wasn't out of mercy but practicality—he didn't see the point in wasting his trump card in such a trivial situation.
The other faculty members only noticed a slight chill in the air and didn't understand what had just occurred.
Even Zhao Wuji looked confused, not realizing why Li Yusong had suddenly retreated and retracted his spirit.
Flender, however, had interacted with Meng Bei enough to suspect that Li Yusong had unknowingly suffered a silent defeat.
Quickly supporting Li Yusong, Flender asked, "Old Li, are you okay? That kid is tricky!"
Li Yusong shook his head and forced a calm response. "I'm fine."
He snorted coldly and stepped back, hiding his trembling hands behind the other faculty members to avoid further embarrassment.
Internally, though, Li Yusong was shaken. His Dragon Mark Staff still trembled in fear, a stark reminder that if he had fought Meng Bei, he might not even have been able to summon his spirit.
After this display, Flender grew even more cautious around Meng Bei. Wanting to avoid further complications, he began calling for students to join him.
"Fatty, come here," Flender beckoned.
Ma Hongjun froze, his face stiffening. Reluctantly, he shuffled forward, looking as though he were heading to his execution.
"Goodbye, heavenly feasts from the VIP suites of the Heaven Dou Grand Hotel!"
"Goodbye, delicacies of the mountains and seas!"
"Goodbye, luxurious VIP attendants!"
With a face full of despair, Ma Hongjun joined Flender.
Sometimes, a single decision can alter the course of one's life.
But Ma Hongjun had no choice. Flender was his mentor, the one who had taken him out of a destitute village. He couldn't refuse him.
Next, Shao Xin gestured for Oscar to join, and Oscar also stepped forward with a heavy heart. As Shao Xin was Shrek Academy's only food system teacher, Oscar had received much of his guidance and couldn't turn his back on him.
Finally, Zhao Wuji turned to Dai Mubai and confidently waved him over.
Dai Mubai, however, looked up at the sky, pretending not to see.
---
Advanced 30+ Chapters in pat/reon.com/Sleepy_Hua