Douluo: Ma Hongjun The Ancestor Phoenix!

"Prince Xue Xing, these people are all teachers who have trained countless outstanding soul masters. They are rare talents in the field of teaching," Meng Shenji said patiently, though his expression showed clear displeasure.

The middle-aged man in extravagant clothes snorted coldly.

"Our Tiandou Royal Academy has always been a place for nurturing the empire's talents. The teachers we employ are the best of the best."

His words were blunt and disrespectful.

Zhao Wuji's face turned ice cold, and he let out a mocking sneer.

"If it weren't for Qin Ming's recommendation, we wouldn't have come here at all. Do you really think we wanted to come?"

Zhao Wuji had always been impatient with nobles like these. None of them had any real strength, yet they carried arrogance deep in their bones.

Flander's face darkened, a trace of hesitation flickering in his eyes.

Looking at the smug expression on Xue Beng's face, he sighed inwardly.

It seemed this matter wasn't going to be resolved easily.

Meng Shenji's gaze turned cold. "As for the Royal Academy, I believe the three of us still hold some authority here."

For the sake of these geniuses, they absolutely couldn't stand by and do nothing.

"Why get so worked up over a few people? If you're looking for teachers, why not go find some true geniuses instead?" Prince Xue Xing retorted, refusing to back down.

This group had dared to lay hands on the empire's fourth prince. Clearly, they had no respect for the empire at all.

There was absolutely no way the Royal Academy would accept people like them!

The faces of the three education committee members grew even uglier as they struggled to contain their anger.

Flander sighed deeply, his aura shifting abruptly.

"Hmph, so now we're considered 'people from all walks of life,' huh?"

His soul power surged as he prepared to sever ties completely. It was clear that they couldn't stay in this place any longer.

Given his personality, no matter how noble the other side was, he would demand an explanation for this humiliation.

Prince Xue Xing and Xue Beng's faces changed dramatically as they felt an overwhelming pressure bearing down on them.

A flash of panic crossed the face of the middle-aged man in fancy clothes, though he quickly forced himself to calm down.

He hadn't expected Flander to actually dare to attack him.

"Mr. Dugu!"

Prince Xue Xing quickly retreated a few steps, turning to look at the old man with downcast eyes who had been silently following him.

The green-haired old man slowly opened his eyes, instantly locking his gaze onto Flander. His eyes were completely lifeless, void of any emotion.

With just a glance, a bone-chilling aura spread through the air. Everyone could feel the sudden drop in temperature.

Aside from the red-haired boy, everyone from the Shrek side turned pale in an instant.

They watched in shock as nine soul rings appeared beneath the old man's feet.

Titled Douluo!

The two words echoed in everyone's mind like a thunderclap.

The dazzling glow of the soul rings made even the three education committee members frown deeply.

Even if the three of them joined forces, they wouldn't stand a chance against a Titled Douluo.

The green-haired old man didn't even glance at the education committee members. He walked forward slowly. With every step he took, green light spread out beneath him, and the oppressive force pressing on Flander grew heavier.

"He told you to leave, but you didn't listen. Looks like now... you'll have to crawl out," the old man said, his voice raspy and full of menace.

"Mr. Dugu, kill them!!"

Prince Xue Xing's expression twisted with rage.

This was his territory, yet these people actually dared to act against him!

If he didn't kill them, the hatred in his heart would never be resolved.

They were already enemies now. He absolutely couldn't let them leave alive.

A terrifying pressure swept out, and even the nearby bystanders felt suffocated by its intensity.

"Wait!!"

A clear, firm voice broke through the dead silence.

Dugu Bo frowned, turning his gaze toward the handsome red-haired boy who had stepped forward.

"Your Excellency's title is Poison. I believe your poison skills are second to none. But... do you have the courage to bet with me?"

Hongjun!

Flander's eyes widened in shock, and the others anxiously stepped forward.

The red-haired boy motioned for them to stay calm. He stared directly at the white-haired old man, his heart pounding.

At last... he had finally seen him with his own eyes.

"Hahahaha… Kid, not bad. But whether you're qualified to bet with me... that's another matter."

Dugu Bo grinned darkly.

A flicker of green light appeared at his fingertip.

With a casual flick, the green light shot forward like lightning.

Straight toward the boy!

"Hongjun!!"

Everyone screamed in horror. Gu Yuena lifted her little face, ready to act, but the red-haired boy waved his hand to stop her.

Ma Hongjun stood firm. The green light shot straight into his body, but he didn't even flinch.

"My poison is potent. Without the antidote, you'll melt into a pool of pus in under three minutes," Dugu Bo said coldly.

A mere boy dared to take his poison head-on?

That little dose alone was enough to kill hundreds of people instantly.

"You...!!"

Flander's eyes were bloodshot, his whole body trembling. The boys and girls were pale with fright, staring at Dugu Bo. Ning Rongrong nearly fainted.

"Your Excellency, as a Titled Douluo, how could you use such cruel methods on a junior? Don't you feel any shame?!"

The three elders from the Tiandou Royal Academy shot to their feet, glaring furiously at Dugu Bo.

"I have to admit... this poison... tastes pretty good."

A chuckle suddenly shattered the heavy atmosphere.

The boy smiled faintly and even smacked his lips as if savoring the flavor.

"...It's a little sweet."

Ma Hongjun's face showed a satisfied grin.

Dugu Bo's expression instantly turned ice cold, green light flashing dangerously in his eyes.

"No one has ever dared to say my poison isn't good... in front of me, Dugu Bo."

The green-haired old man suddenly let out a sinister, eerie laugh.

The more they listened to that laughter, the colder they felt in their bones.

"What should I do? Is Fatty okay? He doesn't look okay to me... That old guy's just bullying the weak. Once I get stronger, I'll beat him to death with a sausage!"

Oscar muttered worriedly, unable to help himself.

Yet, for some reason, as he looked at the red-haired boy standing proudly in front of the Titled Douluo, a strange sense of certainty welled up in his heart.

Today... they would be fine.

Dai Mubai clenched his fists tightly, every muscle in his body tense.

But deep down, he knew that with his current strength, he wasn't even close to being a match for a Titled Douluo.

If he charged forward recklessly, he'd be dead before he got close.

The girl with the scorpion braid shrank behind her companions the moment she realized the opponent's strength.

Her face was pale, filled with panic. Gu Yuena quietly stepped forward, shielding her with her own body.

Among everyone present, the calmest was undoubtedly Gu Yuena.

The silver-haired girl stood silently, her gaze icy but composed.

She stared at Dugu Bo coldly. If this man didn't know what was good for him...

Then even if it meant exposing her true identity—

She would kill him.

The red-haired boy was her only hope of returning to the divine world.

He could not die here.