Chapter 24: Shrek Academy? Never Heard of It

"Father, Your Highness, please forgive me, but there is an academy I have my heart set on attending..." Ning Xi interrupted their conversation to voice her thoughts.

Indeed, having grown up listening to the legends of the Shrek Seven Devils in her past life, she had arrived in this world with the intention of witnessing the Shrek Seven Devils of the current era.

"Oh? Is there actually an academy that Sister Ning Xi wishes to attend? Which one might that be?"

Upon hearing this, Xue Qinghe was immediately intrigued. What kind of academy could possibly capture Ning Xi’s interest?

"It is Shrek Academy," Ning Xi said with a serene smile.

*Shrek Academy? Never heard of it. What kind of school is that?*

Xue Qinghe was momentarily stunned, feeling somewhat puzzled. It was an academy he had never heard of; he would have to have someone look into it later.

"I have never heard of this academy," Xue Qinghe remarked. However, how could he let Ning Xi go to some other school now? How would he be able to cultivate a relationship with her if she went elsewhere? If she attended the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, he would be there too, making it convenient to see her. Given his relationship with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, that would naturally be for the best.

Thinking this over, Xue Qinghe spoke again: "Teacher, in that case, why don't we do this: let Sister Ning Xi and little brother Jun Han come to study for five years. After five years, we can see whether they choose to remain at the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy or head elsewhere."

He was truly going to great lengths to secure these two children. Five years—surely he could manage to keep them here by then, right?

Ning Xi felt a bit helpless. In her memories from her past life, the original story didn't provide much detail about the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. However, at this point in time, Shrek Academy had not yet fully developed. It would be better to attend the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy for now and visit Shrek when the time was right. Besides, as Xue Qinghe suggested, she could just stay for five years.

In later generations, everyone spoke of the various wicked deeds committed by the Spirit Hall. However, since arriving here, Ning Xi had not seen the Spirit Hall do anything evil. On the contrary, they helped commoners awaken their martial spirits for free. Perhaps there was some profit to be gained, but it still gave everyone a chance in disguise. After all, she understood that "every man for himself" was the way of the world, so she could not judge anyone. Furthermore, this was a matter she didn't fully understand. She was not a saint, nor would she demand that others be saints. She only did what was within her power. Attending the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy was fine by her; she could treat it as an opportunity to broaden her horizons.

"Five years? Fine! I agree. It will be a good way to temper my little apprentice's resolve," Sword Douluo replied immediately. It was a sound decision; it was only five years, and they could re-evaluate after seeing Ning Xi’s growth.

"I have no objections either. We can rest assured letting the children go," Bone Douluo added, patting Ning Fengzhi on the shoulder.

"Teacher, and the two seniors, rest assured. I will take good care of Sister Ning Xi," Xue Qinghe said with a satisfied smile. He was exceptionally handsome, exuding an air of gentle refinement.

Hearing the decision of the three, Ning Rongrong felt as if the sky were collapsing. "Ah! No! If my sister leaves, what will I do all by myself?!"

"Father, how could you do this!" Ning Rongrong felt as if her world had gone dark. If no one was left to play with her, what would she do? This was just too much.

Ning Fengzhi patted her little head, knowing exactly what she was thinking. "You only ever think about playing. You need to study hard in the sect. Besides, your sister is just going away to learn, not leaving forever."

Ning Rongrong buried her face in her hands, sobbing, and clung to Ning Xi, refusing to let go. "Sister, won't you stay here? Please don't go!"

Seeing that Ning Xi remained silent, Jun Han did not speak either. He didn't care about school as long as he was with Ning Xi. After all, she was the only person he really knew.

Ning Xi stroked her hair and said softly, "Don't cry. I will come back to see you. It's not as if we're parting forever. You must practice diligently; if I find that you haven't made any progress when I return, I will have to punish you."

The girl gently caressed the other, her eyes like stars, a bright and warm smile tugging at the corners of her lips. With her fair skin and exquisite beauty, the scene was a delight to behold. Such a beautiful moment, witnessed by those around them, couldn't help but evoke a sense of envy. What a wonderful bond. It was something one would truly long to possess.

Xue Qinghe rested his chin in his hand, watching them with keen interest. Without realizing it, he gazed at that beautiful face for a long time. *What pure, bright eyes... If only they were looking at me like that...*

*Why don't I have that? Those people are nothing but schemes and more schemes...*

A faint melancholy flickered across his brow, though he quickly masked it. Only Jun Han noticed, and he felt a sudden discomfort. *He really dislikes that man's gaze. Sister Ning Xi belongs to me!*

Sword and Bone Douluo also looked at the two girls with satisfaction. It was truly a deep sisterly bond. Ning Rongrong was too dependent on Ning Xi; perhaps being apart for a while would be for the best. The three powerful figures all shared this thought, which only solidified their resolve to send Ning Xi to Heaven Dou.

"Ning Xi, Jun Han, if you have no objections, then tomorrow morning, you shall depart with Qinghe," Ning Fengzhi said.

Ning Xi shook her head. "I have no objections. It's a good chance for me to go out and see the world."

Jun Han also shook his head, his expression earnest. "Wherever Ning Xi is, I will be there."

Ning Fengzhi: ...
Sword and Bone Douluo: ...

*Is this another person who is completely dependent on Ning Xi?*

Xue Qinghe smiled upon hearing this, but the warmth did not reach his eyes as he observed Jun Han once more. Even though the boy had talent, he suddenly felt an inexplicable dislike for him.

"Since the teacher has agreed, I shall return tomorrow morning to collect Sister Ning Xi." Xue Qinghe offered his farewells and immediately left the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect with his retinue.

"Ning Xi, Jun Han, go pack your things and get ready. It is a good thing to get out and interact with others," Ning Fengzhi said.

Upon returning to her quarters, she saw Ning Rongrong sitting in the courtyard, seemingly waiting for her.

"Sister!" Ning Rongrong lunged into Ning Xi’s arms like a horse that had broken its tether.

"What's wrong?" Ning Xi asked.

"Nothing. I just feel like we're going to be separated tomorrow, and I can't bear to let you go," Ning Rongrong said dejectedly, remaining motionless in her arms.

"Rongrong, you must understand that parting is for the sake of a better reunion. I hope that when we meet again, you will have become someone different," Ning Xi said earnestly, patting her head.

"But I still don't want to..." Ning Rongrong pulled away and sat down by the edge of the lake.

Ning Xi thought for a moment, then retrieved a barbecue grill and some firewood from her storage space, quickly lighting a fire. She laid out meat, fruit, and seasonings.

"Then, Sister will keep you company with some barbecue, some freshly caught fish, and these fresh fruits," Ning Xi said.

Ning Rongrong immediately sat down before her, resting her chin in her hands and swallowing hard. Her eyes were fixed on the food in Ning Xi’s hands, and she nodded frantically. "Okay then!" She loved her sister the most.

Jun Han could not help but let a faint smile touch his lips.