Chương 67: Chapter 67: Du Weilun's Predicament, One Against Hundreds

Word Count: 2,716 Words

******

Evening, at the East Gate of Shrek City.

"Young Master Ling, please verify the contents."

A hidden guard from the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan respectfully presented Ling Bai with a star-blue sapphire ring, offering it up with both hands. Inside the ring were all sorts of precious Heaven and Earth Treasures to aid Ling Bai, Ning Tian, and Wu Feng in their cultivation over the next three months.

Ling Bai infused his spiritual power into the star-blue sapphire and counted according to the list:

"Two 10,000-year Seventh Grade Ginseng Kings. Hmm, seems like there isn't a share for Wu Feng.

10,000-year Deep Sea Demonic Whale Rubber, 10,000-year Demon Soul Great White Shark Oil, 10,000-year Seven Treasure Exquisite Fruit, Light Dragon Marrow, Scorching Armored Earth Dragon Tendons, Nine-Colored Stone, Spirit Clarity Pills, Beauty Nourishing Pills...

The types and quantities are correct. Thank you for your hard work."

He transferred all the Heaven and Earth Treasures into his own Storage Spirit Guidance Device and returned the star-blue sapphire ring to the hidden guard.

"This subordinate takes his leave."

The hidden guard bowed respectfully and swiftly vanished into the shadows.

After receiving the items, Ling Bai did not return to Sea God Island but went to wait beneath the teaching building of the Outer Courtyard's Spirit Guidance Department for Ning Tian to finish her classes.

About two hours later, as night cloaked Shrek Academy like a curtain, Ning Tian's figure slowly emerged from the teaching building.

She immediately locked onto Ling Bai from afar and hurried over, covering three steps in two.

"Bai-ge, why didn't you go back to the Inner Courtyard to rest?"

The girl's tone carried a hint of reproach, but her heart was warm. The feeling of being constantly on the mind of her beloved was intoxicating.

"It's your first day. I was worried you might not be used to it."

Ling Bai reached out to tuck her platinum blonde hair, ruffled by the evening breeze, behind her ear. After a full day of intensive study of Spirit Guidance Device knowledge, a trace of fatigue was evident on the girl's pretty face, but her excitement and thirst for knowledge hadn't diminished in the slightest.

"Don't worry, Bai-ge. Teacher is very gentle with me, and her explanations are both profound and easy to understand. I've learned so much today; I even regret not starting to study Spirit Guidance Devices earlier!"

Ning Tian hugged Ling Bai's arm as they headed toward the Outer Courtyard cafeteria. She whispered, "Teacher's only flaw is that after learning about our relationship, she told me you don't seem like the devoted, good-man type like Dean Qian."

Devoted, good man?

More like a lapdog!

Ling Bai suddenly couldn't make sense of what Xian Lin'er meant!

Was she implying he didn't seem like a lapdog?

Ning Tian continued sharing, "Teacher decided to grant me the treatment of a core disciple of the Spirit Guidance Department in advance. Each day, after completing my Martial Spirit Department courses, I'll spend two hours learning Spirit Guidance Devices with her."

"That's quite a heavy workload," Ling Bai said.

"Studying both Martial Spirits and Spirit Guidance Devices is the path I chose for myself. Even if I have to crawl, I'll see it through to the end!"

Ning Tian clenched her small fists, a fiery light igniting in her beautiful azure eyes.

Knowing shame leads to courage!

Humiliation, only once in this lifetime!

"Oh right, Bai-ge, did you get the items?"

"Mm."

Ling Bai nodded slightly. "I was just thinking of discussing this with you. The Clan Head sent two 10,000-year Seventh Grade Ginseng Kings. In a few days, find an opportunity to give one to Dean Xian. Director Du helped us so much, so let's bring the other one to his office together tomorrow after your morning classes. What do you think?"

"Okay!"

Ning Tian had no objections, believing this to be a matter of course.

Regardless of which world one was in, gift-giving was one of the keys to interpersonal relationships. No matter how flowery one's words were, only real, tangible benefits could make people willing to help you wholeheartedly.

"Take out a portion of the remaining items to recruit talented students in the Outer Courtyard. Remember not to offer anything too precious, lest it breeds arrogance and complacency in them.

As for others like your homeroom teacher Mu Jin, use your own judgment."

Ling Bai carefully instructed Ning Tian, who listened attentively while nodding repeatedly. Her eyes sparkled brightly like a puppy's, almost taking out a notebook to jot down every word.

Not only Ning Tian, but Ling Bai would also give his friends in the Inner Courtyard some rare but not overly valuable gifts. Han Ruoruo, Zhang Lexuan, Qian Fufu, Dugu Lin, Chu Qingtian, and others would all receive something.

As night deepened, the two had dinner together, selected some Heaven and Earth Treasures, and then returned to their respective dormitories to rest.

...

The next day, at noon.

Ling Bai and Ning Tian had agreed to go to Du Weilun's office. As soon as they reached the office door, they found it wide open, and an intense discussion was erupting from inside.

"Ah, Zhou Yi, what brings you here?"

Du Weilun's face clearly displayed vexation and helplessness upon seeing the elderly lady-like Zhou Yi before him.

His vexation stemmed from Zhou Yi constantly causing him trouble. She often verbally abused and expelled students on a whim, resulting in complaint letters flooding in year after year.

His helplessness stemmed from Zhou Yi's husband being Fan Yu, a Class 8 Spirit Guidance Master whose status in the Spirit Guidance Department was second only to the two Titled Douluo Deans, Xian Lin'er and Qian Duoduo. With Fan Yu's strong backing, he had no real way to deal with Zhou Yi.

Whether it was his tone or expression, Du Weilun fully conveyed his intent to dismiss her. However, Zhou Yi was not deterred in the slightest. She got straight to the point:

"Director Du, now that the examination is over and the freshmen have officially become first-year students of Shrek Academy, they should be working even harder to cultivate their spirit power. But that's not the case!

Arrogance, impetuousness, complacency... almost all the students are exhibiting these attitudes. I believe that if this continues, it will be extremely detrimental to teaching and the students' growth!"

"It's normal for students to be a bit puffed up after passing the freshman examination. You don't need to make a mountain out of a molehill. Just offer some guidance and give it a few days," Du Weilun suggested.

"You're wrong, Director Du!"

Zhou Yi flatly rejected his suggestion and declared decisively, "Students must obey all of the teachers' instructions and always maintain a humble, progressive attitude. In my opinion, unruly students like Dai Huabin, Zhu Lu, Wu Feng, and Huang Chutian should all be expelled to uphold Shrek Academy's standards!"

Big Sister, have you lost your damn mind?!

Du Weilun nearly choked on his anger. He could tolerate her expelling others, but the White Tiger Duke's Mansion, the Star Luo Empire's Hell Spirit Cat lineage, the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan...

Keep this up, and you'll offend all the major powers out there. What will Shrek Academy recruit then? A bunch of street vendors?!

Might as well dissolve the academy on the spot!

Not at all intimidated by Du Weilun's furious gaze, Zhou Yi proclaimed loudly:

"Director Du, since the academy chose me as the homeroom teacher, I will teach according to my philosophy. I intend to suppress the improper tendencies of the students! Come up with a solution within a day, or I'll take matters into my own hands!"

With that, Zhou Yi turned and strode away. Clearly, she wasn't here to discuss, but to inform Du Weilun directly!

Zhou Yi left the director's office with an imposing aura. She didn't spare a glance at Ling Bai and Ning Tian at the door. Immediately after, the sound of shattering porcelain rang out from inside.

Ling Bai and Ning Tian exchanged silent glances before deciding to enter the director's office. They were greeted by the sight of Du Weilun looking like an enraged lion with his mane standing on end.

Du Weilun was truly furious. The expensive porcelain ornaments from his desk were shattered everywhere, shards littering the floor. There was hardly a place to step within the office.

Ling Bai swept his spirit power, and the fragments were instantly purified by the holy aura of the Seraphim, leaving the office spotless. Ning Tian opened a small box, revealing rolls of verdant tender leaves. Smiling brightly, she said, "Uncle Du, this is Heavenly Fragrant Snow Jade from the Extreme North. It's excellent for refreshing the mind and dispelling anger."

"I've made you two kids witness an embarrassing scene."

Du Weilun picked up a roll of Heavenly Fragrant Snow Jade and put it into his mouth. An icy cool sensation filled his mouth and rushed straight to his mind. The coolness originating from the Extreme North extinguished his boiling anger, and he regained his composure.

"Xiao Tian, you should know that woman, right?"

"Mm, she's Zhou Yi, the homeroom teacher of Class One."

"That Zhou Yi is truly outrageous!"

Du Weilun took a deep breath and poured out his grievances to the two: "I've tolerated her for a long time. Relying on Fan Yu's protection, she acts without scruples. On the first day the freshmen entered the academy, she expelled nine people, and the reason was actually for slacking off while running!

Sometimes I really want to open up her skull and see if there's water or paste inside!

Those are the continent's top seedlings, and she expels them casually over trivial matters! To err is human; who can be without fault? Let alone children who are eleven or twelve years old. Teaching and nurturing are a teacher's duties; helping them correct their shortcomings is a teacher's responsibility! Zhou Yi's oppressive, obedience-demanding, and elimination-style teaching ruins Shrek's ten-thousand-year reputation. What's the use of a high graduation rate... Sigh!"

Ling Bai's eyes flickered upon hearing this. Zhou Yi's teaching method was indeed quite bizarre. Her advancement and graduation rates were the highest in the Outer Courtyard because those who couldn't meet her standards had long been expelled. The ones remaining were naturally the cream of the crop among geniuses!

Fortunately, he had chosen to skip grades and enter the Inner Courtyard. If he had been an Outer Courtyard freshman assigned to Class One, he couldn't guarantee he wouldn't have come to blows with Zhou Yi.

Beating up Ma Xiaotao ✖

Beating up Zhou Yi ✔

Ning Tian was especially glad she had previously been assigned to Class Nine, led by Mu Jin. After the examination, the freshmen were reassigned; Wu Feng, being an assault-type Spirit Master, was forced to go to Class One. Ning Tian secretly worried about Wu Feng's explosive temper.

Du Weilun ran his fingers through his hair and heaved a heavy sigh. "Zhou Yi wants me to suppress the students' arrogance. If this matter isn't handled properly, it could easily lead to the students being discouraged, ruining their entire future! I don't want to do it, but it would be worse if she took matters into her own hands!"

The resentment emanating from Du Weilun was almost tangible. As the Director of Education, he found himself in a bind, threatened to his face by a mere homeroom teacher!

"Xiao Tian, Ling Bai, help me think of a solution that will fulfill that tigress's wish to eliminate the students' arrogance and impetuousness without hurting their fragile hearts. Ideally, it should ignite their fighting spirit and motivate them to strive harder."

Well, those are some high demands!

Ling Bai and Ning Tian looked at each other strangely. We're Shrek Academy students, not genies in a wishing well!

"Uncle Du, perhaps you could find some senior students and resolve this through dueling," Ning Tian tentatively suggested.

Du Weilun fell into contemplation and said, "Senior students... the strongest in the Martial Spirit Department's Outer Courtyard are Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, and Jiang Nannan, but their spirit power is only around rank 38 or 39, not much higher than Dai Huabin and Xie Huanyue. Moreover, Class One has over sixty assault and control system students. Bei Bei and Xu Sanshi couldn't win against all of them even if they exhaust themselves. But finding too many senior students would diminish the suppressive effect.

But Xiao Tian's suggestion is indeed good. If Outer Courtyard students can't do it, I'll find Inner Courtyard students!"

Hmm?

Ling Bai suddenly felt a chill down his spine.

His Spider Emperor Sense activated!

It seems there's danger!

The next second, a soft voice drifted to his ear.

"Xiao Bai..."

Du Weilun put on a smile, his large face blooming like a chrysanthemum. He tried to sound as gentle as possible, "Help the director with a small favor, won't you!"

Ling Bai instinctively stepped back to maintain a safe distance and said with a wry smile, "Director, I think I can guess..."

Du Weilun's smile grew even brighter. "Similar in age to the Outer Courtyard freshmen, Inner Courtyard student, God-level Martial Spirit, spirit rings surpassing the limit, shoo-in for next year's official Shrek Seven Monsters, knows how to hold back… Other Inner Courtyard students are either too old or not strong enough. After thinking it over, I found you to be the most suitable!

It's decided then, Student Ling Bai!"

"..."

Ling Bai's facial muscles twitched. Yesterday, Director Du had introduced Ning Tian to the two Deans of the Spirit Guidance Department. Today, the favor had come back around to slap him in the face like a boomerang. He couldn't bring himself to refuse!

"Arrange it as you see fit, Director." Ling Bai pinched his nose in resignation.

"Hehe, I knew you had a conscience, kid!"

Du Weilun had the appearance of someone whose plot had succeeded. He said, "We need to discuss the details thoroughly. In all matters, one must grasp the right degree. During the first afternoon class, I'll have Zhou Yi gather the Class One students on the training field. Then you'll make your grand entrance, first verbally mocking them harshly, then physically mocking them harshly, and finally ending with more harsh verbal mockery for a perfect conclusion!"

Ling Bai was speechless. "Why does it have to revolve around 'harsh mockery'?"

Du Weilun scratched his head, puzzled. "To ignite the first-years' fighting spirit, of course! Mockery is very effective!"

"Times have changed, Director Du!"

Ling Bai was exasperated. To think that the esteemed Director of Shrek Academy's Martial Spirit Department lacked creativity to this extent!

"Can we perhaps think differently?"

"Please elaborate!"

"First, it's unfair to target only Class One. Director Du, you might as well summon all the first-years, and I'll take care of them in one fell swoop."

"Huh? I feel like you're being even more mocking than me."

"That's not the point... Next, you and I will do this and that... like so and so..."

"Tsk tsk tsk, just listening to you is giving me the creeps. You kid have too many ideas!"

An hour quietly slipped by. Ling Bai and Ning Tian walked out of the Martial Spirit Department's teaching building. Suddenly, Ning Tian remembered something and exclaimed:

"Bai-ge, I forgot to give Director Du the 10,000-year Seventh Grade Ginseng King!"

Ling Bai snorted coldly, "Give my ass! There are over four hundred students in your first year; better keep it to replenish me!"

Ning Tian couldn't help but chuckle. She asked curiously, "Bai-ge, why did you take the initiative to increase the difficulty and challenge the entire first year?"

"In for a penny, in for a pound. Since we're doing a good deed, might as well help Old Du solve all his problems at once."

Ning Tian nodded lightly, seeming convinced by Ling Bai's words. However, her woman's intuition vaguely told her that Ling Bai's purpose wasn't that simple.

Ling Bai gazed into the distance, his brilliant golden eyes unusually deep and unfathomable.

Xiao Tian, someone needs to stand up for you and for the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.

Challenging three Outer Courtyard freshmen would be bullying, but going against all four hundred is not!