Douluo Continent: Tonight, a Fairy Tale Descends

Qin Ming was caught in a deep contradiction and struggle. The morning mist gradually dissipated, and the sun began to scorch, but he felt no warmth at all.

After watching the convoy completely disappear from sight, Qin Ming turned around and silently walked towards the hotel where he was staying near the Soto Grand Arena.

Back at the hotel, Qin Ming began packing his luggage.

He didn't have much luggage outside, just a few changes of clothes.

Just as he finished folding the last piece of clothing and was about to close his bag, there was a gentle knock on the door.

"Dong dong dong."

The sound wasn't loud, but it carried clearly into the quiet room.

Qin Ming paused, his brows furrowing.

Who could it be at this time?

Was it a hotel waiter? Or is there some paperwork that hasn't been completed at the arena?

He walked to the door and opened it.

When Qin Ming saw the two people standing outside the door, he was stunned, his face filled with disbelief.

Standing outside the door were Flander and Yu Xiaogang.

Chapter 351 Invitation

Yesterday, after the Soul Fighting competition ended.

Flander brought the injured Shrek Seven Devils back to the academy, settled the children in, and watched them take their medicine and begin their training. Yu Xiaogang then began to make plans.

Under the light, he pushed up his glasses, the lenses reflecting the shimmering light.

An idea became clearer and clearer in his mind: he wanted to recruit Qin Ming and have him join Shrek Academy.

In Yu Xiaogang's view, apart from himself as the theoretical guide, there was not a single truly formal teacher in the entire Shrek Academy.

Flander and Zhao Wuji, one skilled in scheming and the other with immense strength and expertise in combat, could at most teach Dai Mubai and others how to engage in soul power clashes and hand-to-hand combat. However, their assistance in providing more systematic martial soul theory, deepening team tactics, and even the overall preparation for the future advanced soul master competition was extremely limited.

As for the other teachers, their levels are roughly the same.

Now, the Shrek Seven Devils have taken shape, and Yu Xiaogang has set their sights on the Elite Tournament of Advanced Soul Master Academies across the continent.

If we want to go further, if we want to truly hone these gifted little monsters into weapons that will shock the continent, the current teaching staff is far from enough.

Qin Ming, the former team leader of the first team of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, is undoubtedly capable.

Being able to sit in that position means that his strength, vision, and teaching ability have been recognized by the three picky teaching committee members of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

More importantly, judging from Qin Ming's special arrangement of this spirit battle, his affection for Shrek Academy as his alma mater is genuine and profound.

Now is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Qin Ming's resignation as the team leader offended the princess of the Heaven Dou royal family, the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, the granddaughter of Dugu Bo, and even the young master of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Sect...

His future at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy is now bleak, and he must be filled with confusion and anxiety.

Extending an olive branch at this time, offering timely assistance, greatly increases the chances of success.

That evening, Yu Xiaogang approached Flander alone and shared his thoughts.

Upon hearing this, Flander's first reaction was to widen his eyes, then he subconsciously rubbed his hands together, his face showing hesitation and disbelief.

"Xiao Gang, you...you're not kidding, are you?" Flander lowered his voice, his small eyes full of shrewdness and concern.

"It's true that Qin Ming is down on his luck now, but he's still a proper Soul Emperor teacher at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy! Our Shrek Academy... you know we have no money, no land, not even a decent simulated training environment. How can we compare to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy? Why would he give up there and come to this wretched place of ours?"

Yu Xiaogang remained calm and analyzed in a steady tone: "It is precisely because his future at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy is over that our opportunity has come."

Flander, think about it. He's offended those people. The best outcome for him when he goes back is marginalization, sitting on the bench, never to return to the core. He's young, capable, and ambitious. Is he willing to remain unknown like this?

He paused, then continued, "And what do we at Shrek Academy have? We have a future! Dai Mubai, Tang San, Zhu Zhuqing, Lin An... we all know what these kids mean to us."

Qin Ming witnessed it firsthand yesterday. Although they lost, the resilience, potential, and indomitable spirit they displayed in the face of adversity were something that no amount of resources could buy.

What we lack is a mentor like Qin Ming, who has experience leading teams in major competitions and knows how to integrate talented individuals into a true team.

What he lacks is a platform where he can rediscover his ambitions, prove himself, and lead a promising team to the top.

"This is a mutually beneficial collaboration," Yu Xiaogang concluded, his gaze fixed intently on Flander.

"There are risks, but the benefits may exceed our expectations. Think about it, if Qin Ming joins, our Shrek Academy's shortage of teachers will be immediately filled, which will be of great benefit to the children's preparation for the competition."

As Flander listened to Yu Xiaogang's clear and logical analysis, his eyes grew brighter and brighter, especially when he heard about the mutual benefit and the need to address the shortage of teachers.

Yes, Qin Ming is capable, and he has feelings for the academy, and now he's in trouble...

If they can really bring him over, Shrek Academy will be rolling in it!

Putting everything else aside, at least it will allow the little monsters to experience the teaching style of the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy.

With that thought in mind, Flander no longer hesitated and slapped his thigh: "Let's do it! Gang, let's do it your way! We'll go find him first thing tomorrow morning!"

……

Therefore, Yu Xiaogang and Flander are now standing at the door of Qin Ming's temporary hotel room.

When Qin Ming opened the door and saw Dean Flander and Master Yu Xiaogang standing outside, he was stunned, his face filled with astonishment and a hint of barely perceptible embarrassment.

"Dean Flander? Master? What brings you here?" Qin Ming stepped aside.

"Please come in quickly."

The room was simply furnished, and the luggage had been mostly packed, making it feel somewhat empty and deserted.

Yu Xiaogang and Flander entered the room without immediately explaining their purpose.

Flander looked around the room, sighed, and spoke first, his tone filled with the concern of an elder: "Xiaoming, are you packing your luggage? What's wrong? You don't look too good."

Qin Ming felt a warmth in his heart, but also felt even more ashamed. He shook his head with a wry smile and said, "It's just a minor injury, nothing serious. Thank you for your concern, Dean."

Yu Xiaogang was more direct. He pushed up his glasses and looked calmly at Qin Ming: "Teacher Qin, what are your plans for the future?"

Qin Ming paused for a moment, his smile growing increasingly bitter, revealing a deep sense of confusion: "Plans? We'll see how things go. As for the Heaven Dou Team... I no longer need to follow them. Right now, I can only return to Heaven Dou City to report to the academy and see what arrangements they have for me."

He spoke tactfully, but anyone could hear the uncertainty and pessimism in his voice.

Go back to report for duty?

He will likely face not a favorable arrangement, but rather a cold reception or even accountability.

Flander and Yu Xiaogang exchanged a glance.

Flander cleared his throat, forced a friendly smile, rubbed his hands together, and said with a mixture of tentative anticipation and expectation, "Xiao Ming, since you haven't decided on anything yet... how about you consider coming back to Shrek Academy?"

"Back to Shrek?" Qin Ming looked up abruptly, surprise flashing in his eyes. He clearly hadn't expected Flander to suddenly make this invitation.

Yu Xiaogang took over the conversation at the right moment, his voice steady and carrying a convincing power: "Teacher Qin, there's no need to answer immediately. You can think about it carefully. We didn't just act on a whim."

Chapter 352 Martial Soul Fusion Technique

He took a small step forward, his gaze becoming sharp and sincere.

"After yesterday's battle, you must have seen with your own eyes that Dai Mubai, Tang San, and Zhu Zhuqing, although their levels are not high now, their potential, fighting spirit, and talent are by no means inferior to any of their peers. They lost to the Heaven Dou Team because of their age and the time they have accumulated resources, not because of their talent ceiling."

Qin Ming nodded subconsciously. He couldn't deny that.

The resilience and ingenuity displayed by the Shrek Seven Devils when facing an absolute disadvantage left a deep impression on him.

Yu Xiaogang continued, "Moreover, they had a trump card in yesterday's match that they didn't use."

"The trump card?" Qin Ming was taken aback and looked at Flander.

Flander looked at Yu Xiaogang with a blank expression, clearly unaware of the matter either.

Yu Xiaogang slowly uttered four words: "Martial Soul Fusion Skill".

Seeing the speculation in Qin Ming's eyes, Yu Xiao knew that he had understood.

"Zhu Zhuqing comes from the Zhu family of the Star Luo Empire, and Dai Mubai comes from the Dai family of the Star Luo royal family. Their martial souls can naturally unleash the famous fusion technique, Netherworld White Tiger."

Qin Ming's breath hitched slightly.

The Netherworld White Tiger! He knew exactly what this meant! In team battles, a powerful Martial Soul Fusion Skill was enough to instantly change the course of the battle.

If the Shrek Seven Devils had unleashed the Netherworld White Tiger at the crucial moment yesterday, even if they were still no match for an absolute powerhouse like Snow White, the battle would have been much more intense, and it might have even caused considerable trouble for the Heaven Dou Team.

Yu Xiaogang's voice carried a sense of certainty and invitation for the future: "The Shrek Seven Devils will definitely participate in the Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament. With their growth rate, by the time of the Advanced Soul Master Tournament, at least three Soul Masters will appear in their team."

This lineup, combined with the trump card of the Netherworld White Tiger and their monstrous combat abilities, is enough to secure a place in the finals, and could even challenge for a higher ranking.

His gaze was fixed on Qin Ming: "Teacher Qin, such a team full of unlimited potential needs more systematic and advanced guidance. They need a mentor who has truly seen big scenes and knows how to turn potential into victory."

Our Shrek Academy needs a capable and experienced teacher like you to fill this crucial gap. We all eagerly await your help.

Yu Xiaogang's words were like heavy weights, pressing down on the scales that Qin Ming had originally intended to return to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

With an uncertain future, is the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy destined to be marginalized?

Or is it Shrek Academy, though dilapidated and simple, that possesses a group of visibly talented individuals, a sincere affection for one's alma mater, and the possibility for him to once again lead a promising team and prove himself on the stage of the competition?

Qin Ming's heart skipped a beat.

He remained silent for a long time, his face showing alternating expressions of struggle and contemplation.

Finally, he took a deep breath, looked at Flander with eager eyes and Yu Xiaogang with composure and confidence, his voice was a little hoarse, but the initial despair and confusion were gone.

"Dean, Master, thank you for your high regard and invitation. This matter... please allow me to consider it carefully."

He paused, then added, "In any case, I need to return to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy first to complete the necessary handover. After that... I will carefully consider the matter and give you both a clear answer."

Even so, Qin Ming knew that the scales in his heart had begun to tip.

Returning to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy might only result in a cold position and a bleak future.

Shrek Academy, though arduous, holds a blank canvas upon which a stunning masterpiece might be painted, waiting for him to pick up his brush.

This choice doesn't seem as difficult as I initially imagined.

……

In the afternoon, after returning to Shrek Academy.

The shadow of defeat had not yet completely dissipated, and a silent oppression permeated the air in the academy.