MTLNOVEL Chapter 27: Quarrel
At dawn, Chen Yuan appeared as usual in a teahouse in Suotuo City. Shortly after his arrival, Zhang Youfu arrived with a few others.
As soon as they met, Zhang Youfu asked with some confusion, "Young Master, why haven't we seen you for the past two days?"
Chen Yuan smiled lightly and replied calmly, "Same as before, I was practicing my sword techniques in a remote area. I thought Rongrong would settle in this city for a while, so I didn't want to neglect my training. That's why I was away for two days."
Zhang Youfu nodded as if it were only natural. "Young Master, your talent is the finest in the sect. If it were to be wasted, it would be a great loss to the sect. And as you said, Miss Rongrong will likely stay in this city for some time."
He continued, "Based on my investigation, this Shrek Academy is quite interesting. The academy's dean is Flender, the Flying Corner of the once-famous Golden Iron Triangle. He's now a Soul Sage and has gathered a group of other Soul Sages and Soul Emperors to establish this academy. Their teaching staff is quite impressive. With so many high-level spirit masters, they could rival any renowned advanced spirit master academy."
"However," Zhang Youfu added with a puzzled expression, "Shrek Academy isn't an officially registered institution. It's also extremely impoverished. The academy is essentially a rundown village, shabby and rundown."
He couldn't understand why so many high-level spirit masters would choose to stay in such a place. If they went to other academies, families, or sects, they would be treated as honored guests. Even if they wanted to establish their own school, they shouldn't have ended up in such dire straits.
He then continued, "Just yesterday, Miss Rongrong officially enrolled in this academy. Along with her, three other young geniuses were admitted. Of course, they can't compare to you, Young Master, but at the age of 12, they all have soul power above level 25. Even in our sect, they would be considered exceptional."
"Now, including Miss Rongrong, the academy has only seven students. If Miss Rongrong is determined to stay here, we don't know how to explain this to the sect leader."
Seeing this, Chen Yuan waved his hand reassuringly. "In that case, perhaps it's time for me to make an appearance. I'll find an opportunity to meet Rongrong and tell her that the sect leader sent me to protect her. I'll also let her know that the sect leader has been thinking of her. Depending on whether Rongrong wants to return to the sect or stay here, we'll have an answer for the sect leader."
Zhang Youfu was overjoyed. He clasped his hands and smiled at Chen Yuan. "With your words, Young Master, we can all rest easy. If Miss Rongrong knows that the sect leader sent you, she'll surely understand his care for her. Any misunderstandings will surely be resolved."
Chen Yuan smiled faintly, thinking to himself, The Shrek Seven Monsters? Let's meet them.
As for Zhang Youfu, he looked at Chen Yuan with admiration. Even Chen Yuan, who usually stayed by Elder Chen Xin's side and focused solely on cultivation, had been sent out. This showed just how much Sect Leader Ning Fengzhi cared for Ning Rongrong.
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### Shrek Academy!
In truth, aside from its sign, Shrek Academy was nothing more than a rural village. Even the buildings had once been villagers' homes, making the place quite dilapidated.
In the village square, the dean of Shrek Academy, along with the future Shrek Seven Monsters, were all present.
Flender looked at Oscar sternly and asked, "Oscar, did you complete the training I assigned this morning?"
Oscar felt a bit guilty but forced himself to answer, "Dean, I completed it."
Flender's gaze sharpened. "I meant all of you."
Flender was hesitant to confront Ning Rongrong directly, so he focused his questioning on Oscar, hoping to pressure him into compliance.
Oscar's face fell. Ning Rongrong, who wasn't truly malicious, stepped forward to admit her mistake. "Dean, I'm sorry. My body is weak, and I couldn't finish running 20 laps."
Flender snorted at Oscar but then turned to Ning Rongrong. His tone softened as he said calmly, "If your body is weak, you can run slower or even rest. But that's no excuse for sneaking off to Suotuo City to play."
Ning Rongrong's expression turned cold. She glared at Flender and demanded, "Flender, were you spying on me?"
Hearing Ning Rongrong address him so directly, Flender remained composed. He explained, "As the dean, I'm responsible for the safety of my students. This isn't spying—it's necessary protection."
In the original story, Flender would have scolded Ning Rongrong harshly, but now he didn't dare. He shook his head and said, "Ning Rongrong, you've disappointed me. If you can't even complete the training I've assigned, perhaps it's better for you to leave the academy early. That way, you won't have to endure constant reprimands, and I can focus on teaching the other students."
Flender, not wanting to stir up trouble, decided to avoid conflict and left the decision to Ning Rongrong.
Ning Rongrong, who had always been pampered by her sect—aside from her strict father, Ning Fengzhi—had never been treated this way. She stubbornly retorted, "Flender, what right do you have to expel me? I earned my place here and paid my tuition. I have every right to stay."
Flender, known for his stinginess, would never mention refunding tuition. He simply turned and walked away, saying, "Then stay if you want. I'm taking the other students to class."
With that, Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun followed Flender out, with Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing close behind.
Ning Rongrong clenched her teeth. She had always been the center of attention, adored and pampered by everyone. Being ignored like this was a first for her.
Noticing that Oscar was still lingering, she asked in confusion, "They've all gone to class. Why aren't you going?"
Oscar hadn't expected Ning Rongrong to stand up to Flender so boldly, only for Flender to back down. He answered honestly, "The dean is taking them to the Great Spirit Arena for combat training. As a support-type spirit master, I'm better off cultivating and trying to break through to level 30 as soon as possible."
The Great Spirit Arena!
Ning Rongrong's eyes lit up. She asked Oscar, "Oscar, you've been here longer. Can you tell me more about the academy's teaching methods?"
Seeing Ning Rongrong's charming face, Oscar's feet stopped moving of their own accord. He began to explain in detail, "Rongrong, our dean believes that combat is the fastest way to improve. So the academy's teaching methods mainly consist of physical training, combat training at the Great Spirit Arena…"
Ning Rongrong listened attentively, though her thoughts remained unknown.
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Meanwhile, in Suotuo City, at the teahouse.
Zhang Youfu's expression darkened. "Young Master, it seems Miss Rongrong is being isolated. Flender took the other students away from the academy but didn't take her with them. How dare he!"
Chen Yuan's eyes narrowed as he thought of the perfect opportunity to reveal himself. He said, "I understand. I'll go there today and ask Rongrong if she's been wronged."
(End of Chapter)
Word Count : 1,208
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