Douluo Dalu (Soul Land): Shadow Monarch

After a round of discussion, the Master agreed to Flender's proposal, consenting to merge Shrek Academy into Heaven Dou Royal Academy. However, he set two conditions for Qin Ming. If Qin Ming did not agree, then no matter what, Shrek would rather rot away in Suotuo City than merge with Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

Though some of the students from Shrek Academy lacked moral character, they made up for it with their talents and strength. Qin Ming thought it over for a moment before agreeing, but only because of Flender's influence. Otherwise, the Grandmaster wouldn't have the qualifications to negotiate with him.

The Master then presented his conditions. The first was that even after joining Heaven Dou Royal Academy, Shrek would still maintain its identity as Shrek Academy, and the Shrek Seven Devils could not be split up. Their teachers would also continue to teach them.

The second condition was that, under no circumstances, would Heaven Dou Royal Academy be allowed to interfere with Shrek Academy's choices. Whether it be leaving the academy or Heaven Dou Royal Academy, there should be no obstruction. After all, Shrek was merging, not being purchased.

These conditions left Qin Ming in a difficult position. He didn't agree immediately but looked at Flender. The first condition was manageable, but the second was problematic. According to the Master's words, wouldn't that mean they could come and go as they pleased?

"Cough, cough, Xiaogang, aren't your conditions a bit too harsh?" Flender coughed awkwardly, feeling uneasy under Qin Ming's gaze. He shot a glance at the Grandmaster, whose expression had stiffened, hoping to signal him to back down a little.

However, the Master, acting as if he hadn't seen Flender's signal, continued stubbornly: "Leader Qin Ming, if you can agree to these two conditions, I will represent Shrek in merging with Heaven Dou Royal Academy. If you do not agree, then let's forget about it."

"You know the talents of Shrek's students. Even if they don't join Heaven Dou Royal Academy, merging with another academy that qualifies for the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament wouldn't be difficult."

"Shrek Academy doesn't necessarily have to join Heaven Dou Royal Academy. But losing Shrek's students would surely be a considerable loss for your academy, wouldn't it?"

Upon hearing this, Qin Ming's face darkened. While the Master made some valid points, it sounded as though Heaven Dou Royal Academy was the one begging Shrek to join. It wasn't just Qin Ming who felt this way—Flender and the other two academy heads, Zhao Wuji, also found the situation incredibly awkward. Originally, it was Shrek that had gone bankrupt and needed to merge with Heaven Dou Royal Academy. These kids were extremely talented, and even if they didn't study at Shrek anymore, they would still be Shrek students.

But the Master's words made Flender feel as if the roles were reversed, as though it was Heaven Dou Royal Academy that had gone bankrupt and was begging Shrek to take them in.

The atmosphere in the room became quite awkward. After thinking for a long time, Qin Ming finally said: "Master, I can agree to the first condition on behalf of Heaven Dou Royal Academy, but your second condition puts me in a difficult position."

"In a difficult position? Are you telling me that you, the leader of the Imperial Battle Team, can't make such a decision?" the Master said with a frown.

"Hehe, it's true that Qin Ming can't make that decision." Qin Ming smiled awkwardly, then turned to Flender and said, "Headmaster, why don't you and the Master discuss an alternative?"

"Xiaogang, come outside with me. I have something to discuss with you." Flender stood up and called the Master to step out.

After saying that, Flender pushed open the door and walked out. The Master hesitated for a moment. He was doing this for the students of Shrek, so why did Flender seem to be siding with Heaven Dou Royal Academy? Still, given their decades-long friendship, the Master wasn't going to disrespect Flender in front of everyone.

As the Master walked out, the room fell into an awkward silence again.

At that moment, the expressions on the faces of Shrek's people were somewhat uncomfortable, especially Ning Rongrong. As the princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, although she was known as the "little devil," she wasn't a fool. From her perspective, with Shrek's current situation, the Master's conditions were nothing short of delusional.

How could you ask for favors and still demand conditions? Isn't that basically defying the natural order? Seeing the awkwardness, Zhao Wuji laughed loudly, picked up a large mug of ale, and sat down next to Qin Ming. After gulping down the ale, he whispered to Qin Ming: "Don't worry, Flender is the headmaster, not the Grandmaster. You and I both know Shrek's current situation. Flender won't be that foolish. The Master's conditions are clearly putting you in a tough spot."

Qin Ming smiled bitterly, "I hope so."

At that moment, the door opened, and Flender returned with a smile on his face, while the Master followed behind, his expression somber.

"Qin Ming, after discussing with the Master, we've come up with an alternative. Instead of the second condition, how about letting Yu Tianheng join the Shrek Seven Devils as the eighth member?" Flender smiled and said, "Since he's the Master's nephew, it makes sense that he should be guided by him."

Qin Ming felt even more troubled by this condition. Yu Tianheng was a key member of the Imperial Battle Team. Taking him away would undoubtedly weaken their strength.

Despite his reluctance, Qin Ming knew that the matter ultimately hinged on Yu Tianheng himself. Even if he wanted to join Shrek, he would still need the approval of his father and grandfather, as they were the key decision-makers.

Soon, Yu Tianheng made his choice. He didn't immediately agree to the Master's condition but gave a vague reply: "Uncle, I'll write a letter to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan after returning to Heaven Dou Royal Academy. If my father and grandfather agree, I'll join. If not, there's nothing I can do."

The Master sighed deeply at this. His opinion of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was low, but it was the clan that raised him. Though he no longer returned to the clan, given his achievements in spirit theory, he still felt some obligation to contribute to them.

"Tianheng, I believe that with my strict guidance in spirit theory, your path as a Spirit Master will go further. You should seriously consider it," the Master said calmly, his tone full of confidence.

Hearing this, Qin Ming could only shake his head helplessly. The Master's confidence in his spirit theory left him unsure of how to respond, so he merely drank ale with Flender and Zhao Wuji, leaving the matter unresolved for now.

...

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