The early morning mist had not yet lifted from the remote corner of Balak Kingdom when Tang San and Xiao Wu arrived at the entrance of what looked more like a proper academy but that's not at all impressive.
There seem to be wooden plaque hanging above a seemingly new gate that read only two characters:
"Shrek Academy."
Above there seem to be an emblem—an ogre's head surrounded by laurels and beside it a stylized crest of a black and blue mask.
Xiao Wu glanced at Tang San. "Is this really it? Doesn't look like much."
Tang San can only explain. "Well, we came all this way. Might as well check it out."
Standing at the gate was a sharp-eyed elder with a thinning hairline and a black soul master badge pinned to his robe. He was seated behind a rickety table, a thick ledger in front of him. Despite his aged appearance, the man's posture and gaze held firm authority.
This was Li Yusong, one of the few teachers currently staffing Shrek Academy.
A girl with brown hair walked toward Li Yusong. She quietly dropped a gold soul coin into the box and held out her hand.
Li Yusong examined her, then stood up abruptly, shocked by her identity. He exchanged a few quiet words with her before signaling to Dai Mubai, who stood nearby.
Dai Mubai nodded and called the girl over.
Li Yusong then sat back down and resumed waiting for the next applicant.
As the line moved forward again, it was finally Tang San and Xiao Wu's turn. They stepped up and placed their gold coins in the registration box.
"Teacher, both of us would like to register," Tang San said respectfully.
Li Yusong looked up slowly, eyeing the two teenagers.
Xiao Wu held out her hand first. He checked her age and nodded slightly before turning to Tang San.
"Hmm… Did you practice some kind of spirit technique using your hand?"
"Yes, Teacher."
Li Yusong then checked the calf of Tang San to confirm his physical development.
"Your ages are suitable. Both of you, release your martial spirits."
At the command, Tang San and Xiao Wu released their spirits. Xiao Wu's Soft Bone Rabbit emerged gracefully, while Tang San's Blue Silver Grass flowed like threads of light from his palm.
Li Yusong's eyes widened. "Even Blue Silver Grass… trained to this extent?"
He checked their spirit power levels and nodded in mild astonishment.
"Not bad… but still not as shocking as the boy from last year."
He straightened slightly. "Looks like both of you can be considered little monsters. Mubai, take them."
Tang San and Xiao Wu followed Dai Mubai through the academy gates.
____________________
Inside, the academy courtyard resembled a training ground more than a schoolyard. Broken dummies, a worn-out ring, and a thick aura of residual spirit power filled the air.
Behind Dai Mubai, four more students trailed him toward the testing field—two at spirit rank 29, one at 27, and one at 26. They are the one that can skip the previous test and can straight away take the last test.
Waiting under a tree near the training ground was a large, muscular man lounging casually. He resembled a lazy tiger in human form.
Zhao Wuji, vice principal of Shrek Academy. Nicknamed the Unmovable King, his reputation was enough to frighten even experienced soul masters.
"Alright, you brats," he said with a yawn, standing and cracking his knuckles. "You want in? Show me what you've got. All of you, at once."
Tang San, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong glanced at one another. A group battle? Against him?
They hadn't expected that.
Xiao Wu leaned toward Tang San and whispered, "He's a Soul Saint. This might be a little overkill"
"I don't think he plans to hurt us," Tang San murmured. "It's probably a test of coordination and teamwork."
Zhao Wuji grinned. "Come at me. Let's see if you're really worthy of being called monsters."
The battle erupted in an instant.
Tang San's Blue Silver Grass lashed out like serpents, binding Zhao Wuji's arms and limiting his movement. Xiao Wu blurred forward with teleportation, using her Waist Bow technique to strike his weak points with insane precision. Zhu Zhuqing vanished into shadows, attacking from blind spots, while Ning Rongrong stayed in the rear, casting radiant support buffs.
Despite their well-coordinated tactics, Zhao Wuji barely budged. He broke bindings with brute strength, endured Xiao Wu's strikes like mosquito bites, and swatted at them with casual strength, forcing them to dodge for their lives.
Yet, he never struck to kill. He simply endured.
Ten minutes in, Tang San's eyes gleamed with blue light.
"Everyone, back off."
Zhao Wuji raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Something special coming?"
Tang San activated his Purple Demon Eye, and in that critical instant, launched a barrage of hidden silver needles coated in numbing agents—each aimed at Zhao Wuji's pressure points.
Even the mighty Soul Saint staggered for a breath.
"Good!" he laughed, sweeping his arm and knocking Tang San back. "This kind of talent… it's been a while!"
He finally raised a hand. "That's enough. You all pass."
The four collapsed in a heap, panting. Behind the exhaustion, grins slowly spread across their faces.
They were in.
—
Later, the group gathered again in the academy courtyard. Dai Mubai folded his arms, nodding with renewed appreciation.
"You passed. Not bad at all," he said with a smirk. "Now that you're all have enter Shrek academy, we might as well get to know each other. We'll be training together for a long time."
He took a step forward. "I'll start. My name is Dai Mubai. Age fifteen. Martial spirit: White Tiger. Rank 37 assault-type spirit master."
Tang San gave a polite nod. "Tang San. Age twelve. Martial spirit: Blue Silver Grass. Rank 29 control-type spirit master."
Then the cheerful girl beside him grinned. "Xiao Wu. Age twelve. Martial spirit: Soft Bone Rabbit. Rank 29 assault-type spirit master."
She gave a playful hop and winked. "Hehe, I like throwing people. Don't take it personally."
Dai Mubai turned to the quiet girl who had said little so far.
"Zhu Zhuqing. Age twelve. Martial spirit: Hell Civet. Rank 27 agility-type spirit master," she said with a small nod, face expressionless.
Finally, Dai gestured toward the elegant girl with noble bearing.
"Ning Rongrong. Age twelve. Martial spirit: Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda. Rank 26 support-type spirit master."
Just then, footsteps echoed from the academy gate.
A black-haired boy in a long coat stepped into view, casually brushing dust from his shoulders. His presence was calm, but a subtle pressure accompanied him.
"You're late," Dai Mubai commented, raising an eyebrow.
"Had something to pick up in the city," the newcomer replied, voice casual but steady.
Tang San eyed him. "You're also a student here?"
The boy nodded. "Li Wei. Age thirteen. Rank 41."
A brief silence followed.
Xiao Wu's eyes widened. "Rank forty-one?! At your age?!"
Even Zhu Zhuqing showed a flicker of surprise, while Ning Rongrong eyed him with new curiosity.
Dai Mubai chuckled. "Yeah. He's a year older than you guys and already a Soul Ancestor. That's the kind of monsters this academy takes in."
Li Wei offered a faint smile. "Monsters, huh? I guess I fit in, then."