Two nights later, thirteen figures sat in a circle in a certain area of the central Star Dou Great Forest.
Besides the ten from Shrek Academy, Dragon Duke Meng Shu, Snake Dowager Chao Tianxiang, and their granddaughter Meng Yiran were also present.
Two days ago, Oscar agreed to Chao Tianxiang's invitation, promising to join their family after graduating from Shrek. As for the conditions, Oscar didn't say, but he had been constantly trying to curry favor with Meng Yiran recently, and Chao Tianxiang didn't try to stop him. From this, one could infer a thing or two.
The moment Oscar agreed, Chao Tianxiang naturally regarded him as one of her own. So, she stayed, intending to return with the Shrek students later.
That same night, Dragon Duke Meng Shu came looking for them and was persuaded by Chao Tianxiang to stay as well.
Flander and Zhao Wuji were also found by Dragon Duke Meng Shu; their spirit power was nearly 10 ranks lower than his, so they naturally couldn't hide their tracks.
From that moment on, a powerful small team was formed.
Over these two days, the Shrek Seven Devils plus Meng Yiran had to endure dozens of battles daily, and their coordination naturally became more and more tacit. Meng Yiran had also successfully hunted her third spirit ring, a 1700-year-old Man-faced Demon Spider, which was very suitable for her.
Unfortunately, although they encountered many spirit beasts, Tang San still hadn't found a spirit beast he liked. This was why everyone had moved from the outer regions of the Star Dou Great Forest into the central area to search.
The moment the group stepped into the central area, Ye Zhiqiu began to pay close attention, guessing that the Titan Giant Ape should be on its way.
Don't misunderstand, Ye Zhiqiu had no intention of hunting the Titan Giant Ape. He merely wanted to use Xiao Wu's connection to try and interact with the Titan Giant Ape and the Azure Ox Python.
There was no need to mention that simpleton, the Titan Giant Ape. The Azure Ox Python should know a lot of things, right? For example, the hiding places of other 100,000-year spirit beasts.
As for whether they would help Ye Zhiqiu, a human, Ye Zhiqiu just wanted to try through Xiao Wu's relationship. After all, it's impossible that all 100,000-year spirit beasts are law-abiding, right? Da Ming and Er Ming might also have enemies among spirit beasts who wish to get rid of them quickly?
If that were true, then Ye Zhiqiu's opportunity would arise. He might even gain two more 100,000-year spirit beasts as helpers.
At the group's resting place.
"Brother Flander, what do you think of my previous suggestion? Although Yiran's talent isn't comparable to these little ones, it's still considered top-tier across the entire continent. You've been pondering for a long time; what have you decided?"
The speaker was an old man who looked to be sixty or seventy years old, with white hair, wearing a noble purple-blue long robe. A large, well-groomed white beard adorned his chin, and despite his age, he was still full of vigor. This man was Dragon Duke Meng Shu.
"This..." Flander's expression was a bit troubled, but he didn't want to reject Meng Shu's suggestion. He couldn't help but look to Zhao Wuji next to him for help.
Zhao Wuji looked up at the sky, feigning an expression that implied the moonlight was beautiful tonight, which made Flander's face twitch.
The Shrek students, even more, adopted an attitude of indifference, pretending to cultivate and not hear anything.
In fact, ever since Meng Shu learned about Shrek Academy, he had been determined to get Meng Yiran enrolled. Flander, however, didn't want to deviate from his original intention of founding the academy to only accept 'monsters,' which led to the current stalemate.
Meng Yiran, at 16 years old and rank 31, was indeed considered talented on the Douluo Continent, but she was far too inferior compared to the Shrek students.
Take Dai Mubai, for instance; he was one year younger and at spirit power rank 36. How could she compare?
Seeing that no one was speaking up for him, Flander felt a bit helpless and could only say, "Although I am the dean of Shrek Academy, the two vice-deans also hold crucial positions. Senior Dragon Duke, why don't you ask for their opinions?"
"..." Zhao Wuji.
"Ahem, I'm fine with it, you ask Vice-Dean Qiu!" Zhao Wuji chuckled and then passed the buck.
At this, everyone present turned their gaze to Ye Zhiqiu, waiting for an answer.
Ye Zhiqiu grimaced, feeling a headache, and reluctantly stated, "The original intention of Shrek Academy was to only accept monster-level geniuses. Although Meng Yiran's talent is very good, it clearly hasn't reached that level."
Meng Shu and Chao Tianxiang both frowned instantly. This kid actually showed no respect for them as a couple.
Meng Yiran's expression grew somewhat dim, and she gave a self-deprecating smile. She had always thought of herself as a favored child of heaven until she met these students from Shrek, only then realizing how short-sighted her previous perspective had been.
After two days of interaction, her arrogance had long been shattered, and now she found that she didn't even qualify to enter an academy.
"However, while she cannot join Shrek Academy based on her talent, she can live there as a family member of a student, and train with them. Of course, if she feels this is charity and hurts her self-esteem, then pretend I didn't say anything." Ye Zhiqiu ignored everyone else's expressions. After stating his position, he closed his eyes and leaned against a large tree to rest.
Everyone else frowned, looking at Meng Yiran, whose expression was constantly changing. Ye Zhiqiu's words indeed easily struck at one's self-esteem. This kid really didn't beat around the bush; he was too direct.
"I agree." Meng Yiran gritted her teeth, glared fiercely at Ye Zhiqiu, and then suddenly said.
Oscar next to her instantly beamed. Meng Yiran joining the academy as a family member of a student naturally referred to him. This meant there was at least a nominal connection between him and Meng Yiran, and their relationship instantly became much closer.
Oscar couldn't help but secretly thank Ye Zhiqiu in his heart.
Dragon Duke Meng Shu and Snake Dowager Chao Tianxiang exchanged glances, about to say something to Meng Yiran. The next moment, Meng Shu's eyes suddenly changed, revealing an unprecedentedly grave expression.
He abruptly stood up, and as his spirit power surged, eight spirit rings—two yellow, two purple, and four black—rose from his feet. A bright golden dragon-head scepter materialized in his hand.
"Be on alert! A powerful spirit beast is rapidly approaching!" Meng Shu growled, his eyes fixed on the dense forest in the distance.
Flander and Zhao Wuji were both startled by Meng Shu. Their Perception range wasn't as far as Meng Shu's, so they didn't yet know that the Titan Giant Ape was rapidly approaching.
But seeing Meng Shu's solemn expression, neither of them dared to be careless. They hurriedly released their martial spirits, shielding the Shrek students behind them.
"Is it here?" Ye Zhiqiu murmured softly, turning to look at Xiao Wu, who had a nervous expression. It seemed it was indeed the Titan Giant Ape.
Without time to think further, Ye Zhiqiu took a few steps forward, arriving at the front of the group, and quickly said, "No time to explain! Do not attack later, no matter what happens, do not make a move to attack, especially you, Xiao San." Ye Zhiqiu specifically pointed at Tang San.
Tang San: "..."