Douluo V: Starting with daily check-ins, I'm trying to trick Xiao Wu into becoming my wife.

"Your Highness, are you aware that your momentary personal grudge today has completely disrupted the Empire's meticulously planned talent development program!"

"Do you know the irreparable and enormous damage your reckless actions have caused to the Heaven Dou Empire and the Royal Academy!"

Prince Xuexing was publicly and sternly rebuked, and his anger surged. He was about to speak in rebuttal.

But before he could finish speaking, Meng Shenji coldly interrupted him.

"No need for further explanation! I will report every single detail, every mistake, to King Dou tomorrow!"

"Do you intend to stay here and continue your idle chatter, or come with me to hear how the King will determine right and wrong?"

These words struck Prince Xuexing like a thunderbolt.

Prince Xuexing, who had just been smug and arrogant, suddenly froze, his smile instantly turning to ice.

He only acted recklessly because of his royal status, and what he feared most was facing the emperor's accountability.

But what's done is done, and he had no way out.

After a long stalemate, Prince Xuexing gritted his teeth and forced a cold snort, feigning strength.

"Hmph! Those three old fools, all they do is complain and pressure! Go if you want! I have no fear of you!"

...

Inside the main hall, the smell of gunpowder exploded.

Enraged, Meng Shenji abandoned his usual refined demeanor and confronted the aloof Prince Xuexing in public.

The two argued fiercely, neither willing to back down, creating a tense atmosphere throughout the Education Commission hall.

At that moment, Ao Yin, who had just stepped out of the Education Commission building, clearly heard a series of arguments coming from behind him.

Although Shrek and his group were forced to leave in a sorry state, and the atmosphere was somber and oppressive, Ao Yin's face did not show the same sense of loss and frustration as Flander's.

Instead, a subtle and mysterious smile curved his lips, and his eyes held a profound meaning that others could not understand.

"Brother Ao, what are you secretly laughing at?"

Xiao Wu, who was standing next to him, had just recovered from the tense confrontation when she looked up and met Ao Yin's ambiguous smile. She was instantly filled with doubt.

Ao Yin gently raised his hand and lightly rubbed Xiao Wu's soft rabbit ears. He then reached out and pulled her petite body to his side, firmly pressing her against his waist.

"Ugh! Brother Ao, what are you doing all of a sudden!"

Caught off guard, Xiao Wu's cheeks flushed slightly, and she muttered in a flustered voice.

"Aren't you curious about what I'm laughing at? Well, I'll show you something good." Ao Yin lowered his voice, his tone tinged with amusement.

Xiao Wu followed his gaze and looked down, her eyes landing on the object hanging from his waist. She couldn't help but reach out her little hand and gently touch it.

It has a hard, cool feel and a very high-quality texture.

Xiao Wu's eyes widened in surprise: "Wow! It's so hard!"

"What is this? It looks so beautiful, the craftsmanship is so exquisite!"

She looked up, her big eyes filled with confusion and curiosity, her mind brimming with doubt.

Ao Yin smiled calmly, slowly raised his hand, and took a finely carved, noble-patterned silver token from his waist, gently waving it in front of Xiao Wu.

This was the exclusive token of the Heavenly Dou Empire's Education Committee that Meng Shenji had secretly slipped to him while everyone was distracted during the chaos of the argument.

"This thing is hard enough, of course."

Ao Yin explained casually, "It's not some divine weapon or treasure; it's just an identity token. But with it, our actions throughout the entire Heavenly Dou Empire will be infinitely more convenient."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wu suddenly understood and nodded emphatically, finally grasping its purpose.

Ao Yin's smile deepened.

This trip to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy seemed to be full of setbacks and a miserable departure, but from the moment he stepped into it, he had already foreseen the outcome.

Shrek's journey was destined to encounter setbacks, and they were destined to fail to successfully enter the Royal Fighting Academy.

Unexpectedly, the Dream God would give him a token?

...

The group walked in silence and soon arrived at the main gate of the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy.

Just then, a hurried figure quickly caught up.

It's Qin Ming!

He quickly caught up with the group, his face filled with deep remorse, and looked at Flander in front of him, bowing his head deeply.

"Dean Flander, I'm so sorry! What happened today has brought shame and disgrace to the academy and to everyone."

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere within the Shrek team instantly plummeted, and everyone felt a heavy weight on their hearts.

Looking at Qin Ming, who had resolutely resigned and given up his stable job, Flander felt a surge of guilt and mixed emotions.

He raised his hand and patted Qin Ming's shoulder heavily, his voice filled with apology and heartache.

"Qin Ming, don't talk nonsense. It's the dean who has wronged you. We've dragged you down and ruined your bright future at the Royal Academy."

But Qin Ming, upon hearing this, showed no sign of disappointment or dejection. Instead, he threw his head back and laughed heartily, his expression open and carefree.

His eyes were bright, and his tone was unwavering: "Dean! You're not one to give up easily!"

"The Shrek we knew before started from scratch, with nothing, and he still made it through! You're just facing a minor setback now, so you absolutely mustn't get discouraged!"

"If you give up now, you'll truly be letting down everyone who follows you! Cheer up, my dear Dean!"

Those few powerful words, like warm sunshine breaking through ice, instantly swept away all the gloom and despondency in Flander's heart.

He stared blankly at the magnanimous Qin Ming before him, his eyes slightly warm.

"Qin Ming..."

Before Flander could say anything more, Qin Ming spoke again with a smile, his tone tinged with a hint of humor, instantly easing the heavy atmosphere.

"Haha! I, Qin Ming, am like a brick in Shrek Academy, ready to be moved wherever needed! Dean, if you still need teachers, could I return to teach at the academy? The condition is that you keep Shrek Academy running; I don't want to become unemployed!"

Listening to Qin Ming's lighthearted teasing and heartwarming advice, Flander quietly turned his head and quickly wiped away the hot tears that were about to fall from the corner of his eye.

He turned to look at Qin Ming, his eyes filled with solemnity, his tone full of approval and emotion.

"You brat... after saying all this, you want to come back to Shrek, don't you?"

As soon as he finished speaking, his expression suddenly became solemn.

"Qin Ming, I knew I hadn't misjudged you. Shrek Academy will always be your root, always your home!"

"From this day forward, I officially grant you permission to return! Shrek Academy, welcome back!"

Encouraged by Qin Ming, Flander completely emerged from his slump, his emotions stabilized, and his eyes once again ignited with fighting spirit and light.

Upon hearing this, Qin Ming felt a huge weight lifted from his heart. He smiled with relief and nodded gently, "This is the Dean Flander I know!"

After a brief moment of exhilaration, Flander couldn't help but sigh deeply, looking at his disciples in front of him with a heart full of helplessness.

"We traveled a long way from afar, full of expectations, only to end up with such a setback. Now the future is uncertain, and I don't know where to go next."

"The most important thing right now is to settle you little ones in. I can't let you all suffer and sleep on the streets with me."

Just then, Ao Yin calmly stepped out of the crowd, his expression indifferent, and his voice steady.

"Dean, the current predicament is only temporary. The affairs of the academy cannot be rushed; we can only plan for the long term and proceed gradually."

"Everyone has been traveling and confronting each other for days, and they are all exhausted, both physically and mentally. The most important thing now is to find a safe place to rest and recuperate. We can't let everyone be forced to wander around."

Qin Ming immediately nodded in agreement: "Junior Brother Ao Yin is right! The reconstruction of the academy can be postponed; settling down first is the right thing to do."

Ao Yin gathered his thoughts and then turned to look at Yu Xiaogang, who had been silent the whole way and looked slightly embarrassed.

Yu Xiaogang touched the tip of his nose guiltily, then looked at Qin Ming and said softly, "Qin Ming, I'm not familiar with the area around Tiandou City. Could you please lead the way to the nearest town inn where we can rest and recuperate?"

Qin Ming readily agreed: "Don't worry, Master! This place is right next to the main city of Tian Dou, a bustling and lively area. You won't have to worry about finding a place to stay."

Having decided on their destination, Qin Ming took the initiative to lead the way, guiding all the teachers and students of Shrek Academy toward the nearest inn in Tian Dou City.

Everyone was exhausted and just wanted to find a place to rest as soon as possible.

Just as everyone was about to step into the hotel and settle in, a brand-new, eye-catching paper notice at the entrance instantly caught everyone's attention.

The handwriting on the paper is clear, and the title is extremely eye-catching.

[Blue Tyrant Academy is now recruiting instructors!]