Chapter 239: Feiyan Express
While Hu Liena and the other accepted candidates were busy exploring the mysteries of their new phones, those who had yet to receive their admission notices were far less at ease.
Lijing Grand Hotel
Despite its grand sounding name, Lijing Grand Hotel was actually just a narrow three story guesthouse.
In White Cloud City, where land was now extremely valuable, finding affordable accommodations was a challenge especially in the inner district, where even renting a small room was outrageously expensive for the average person.
Of course, that was for legitimate hotels.
Lijing Grand Hotel, however, was not exactly legitimate.
While cheaper, its hygiene, environment, and services were far inferior to proper hotels.
Situated on the outskirts of the inner district, it was at least well connected by White Cloud City's extensive road system, making transportation relatively convenient.
Currently, the Shrek Academy group was staying here.
Their goal?
To enroll in White Cloud Academy, uncover the secrets of the Condensation Ring Method, then drop out immediately and return to revive Shrek Academy!
Leading the group was Dean Flender, accompanied by Zhao Wuji, their newly joined "grandmaster" Yu Xiaogang, and their only three students Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar.
At this moment, the three students were gathered inside their small hotel room, engaged in discussion.
"Will we even get accepted…?"
Oscar asked, sounding unsure.
"Come on, Oscar, you're overthinking it!"
Ma Hongjun slapped his shoulder, his nostrils flaring with arrogance.
"With our talent, there's no way they'd reject us! If they do, they must be blind!"
A sleazy grin spread across his face.
"Heh heh, I just wonder if there are a lot of pretty girls at White Cloud Academy…"
He began daydreaming, picturing himself as the center of attention, adored by countless young women, basking in their admiration every day.
A classic delusional fantasy.
"Fatty, you better keep yourself in check once we get in."
Dai Mubai shot him a warning look.
"This academy was founded by a god. If you keep acting like before, you might get expelled."
'And if you get expelled, don't drag me down with you!'
Of course, he didn't say that part out loud.
After all, Ma Hongjun was talented, and Dai Mubai wanted him on his side.
Without Ma Hongjun, Shrek Academy was already a joke. If not for his own personal ambitions, he would've left ages ago.
"Pfft! As if they'd expel me with my talent!"
Ma Hongjun waved him off, completely unconcerned.
In ordinary academies, his logic wasn't entirely wrong.
On Douluo Continent, most schools prioritized talent over everything else.
As long as you had strong abilities, you could get away with anything.
No matter what crimes you committed, the academy would cover for you.
Talent meant power. Power meant freedom.
But White Cloud Academy was different.
Its founder, Ye Cheng, valued character over talent.
If he wanted to, he could grant anyone immense talent.
However, changing someone's morality? That was far more difficult.
Character was shaped from birth.
While a child was like a blank slate, their environment and education determined what was written upon it.
And once a personality was set, it was almost impossible to change.
That's why Ye Cheng rejected students with poor morals, no matter how talented they were.
It was better to have good people than strong people.
Meanwhile, in the Adjacent Room…
In another equally cramped room, Flender, Zhao Wuji, and Yu Xiaogang were also discussing their situation.
"The written test shouldn't be a problem for our students," Yu Xiaogang declared confidently.
"I've already given them a crash course on soul beasts and cultivation theory. The exam questions will likely be based on that. After all, when I applied to be a teacher here, most of the questions were similar."
"Xiaogang, your foresight is truly remarkable!"
Flender sighed in relief.
He had assumed that the second round would be a combat assessment after all, that was how every academy did things.
Never in his wildest dreams did he expect White Cloud Academy to conduct a written test instead of a battle exam.
"Exactly! This school is ridiculous!"
Zhao Wuji grumbled.
"Why does a Soul Master need to study so much? If you've got talent and strength, that's all that matters! Why bother learning all this useless theory? It's not like we're training scholars!"
He scoffed then suddenly froze.
Wait…
Didn't Yu Xiaogang only study theory because he had no talent?
Realizing that he had accidentally insulted him, Zhao Wuji's face twisted awkwardly.
"Uhhh…"
Yu Xiaogang's expression stiffened for a moment
But he quickly forced a calm smile, pretending not to care.
"Well, learning still has its benefits," he said smoothly.
"A Soul Master needs both strength and wisdom."
"Yes, yes, of course! You're absolutely right!"
Zhao Wuji nodded furiously, his flattery mode activated.
While he didn't respect Yu Xiaogang personally, he knew better than to offend him.
After all, Yu Xiaogang was the son of Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's patriarch.
With a Titled Douluo father backing him, Yu Xiaogang was not someone he could afford to offend.
And besides, Zhao Wuji had accidentally put his foot in his mouth.
Best to play it safe and apologize indirectly.
A Knock at the Door
As the three were chatting, a voice suddenly called out from the hallway.
"Excuse me, is Oscar here?"
"I'm a delivery worker, bringing your admission letter."
"What?!"
Flender, Zhao Wuji, and Yu Xiaogang instantly jumped to their feet.
Rushing to the door, they flung it open
Only to see a young courier standing in the narrow hallway, holding a small package.
Meanwhile, from the next room, footsteps thundered toward the door.
Oscar, Dai Mubai, and Ma Hongjun burst out, their expressions filled with excitement and anticipation.
The moment of truth had arrived.
Had they made it in?
(End of Chapter)
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