Following the map in Tang San's hand, the group walked for about an hour before a small village appeared before them.
The village wasn't large, with only about a hundred households. The houses lining both sides of the dirt road were mostly low, humble adobe structures, exuding a simple, rustic charm.
The village entrance, however, was unusually lively, crowded with many children around twelve or thirteen years old.
Most were accompanied by their parents, their faces a mix of nervousness and anticipation.
Standing before them was an elderly man in his sixties, dressed in patched coarse cloth, hands behind his back and eyes closed like a stone statue, seemingly waiting for something.
Looking further back, above the crooked wooden archway at the village entrance hung a dark, tattered plaque.
On it were five crookedly carved characters: "Shrek Academy."
In front of the characters was a green head portrait with round eyes and a large mouth, truly resembling the ugly Soul Beast known as a Shrek.
Xiao Wu's eyes widened as she tugged Tang San's sleeve, her voice full of disbelief:
"Xiao San! Did we come to the right place? This... this is Shrek Academy?!"
Tang San repeatedly checked the map against the surroundings, then looked up at the shabby plaque before nodding firmly:
"No mistake, the map marks this exact location. Let's observe the situation first—perhaps there's more to it than meets the eye."
He coughed lightly, trying to mask his current astonishment.
Meanwhile, Ning Rongrong and Xue Na gathered beside Su Yu, their faces filled with confusion.
Ning Rongrong tugged Su Yu's sleeve: "Brother Husband, are we really going to study in a place like this? It looks so... so shabby!"
Xue Na also frowned slightly, whispering in agreement: "Yes, it doesn't even have a proper school gate..."
Su Yu looked at the dilapidated plaque, equally surprised that the academy could be this run-down.
He patted their shoulders and said in a relaxed tone: "Let's assess the situation first."
"If you really don't like it, we can leave. After all, we're out here for training—any place will do."
Just as he finished speaking, the elderly man with closed eyes suddenly stirred, slowly opening them.
His cloudy gaze swept over the children before him as he called out in a raspy voice:
"Registration for Shrek Academy has begun! Children wishing to enroll, form an orderly line!"
The noisy village entrance instantly fell silent, all eyes focusing on the elderly man.
One by one, children stepped forward, yet almost none passed the first assessment.
After some time, another boy returned dejectedly.
Seeing this, his father's face darkened as he stepped forward to confront the elderly man, his voice filled with obvious anger:
"Hey! What's going on with your Shrek Academy? My child was recognized as a genius at his previous academy—how come he can't even get through your gates?"
He stared at the elderly man, his voice unconsciously rising and drawing the attention of those around them.
When the elderly man didn't even lift an eyelid, as if he hadn't heard, the parent grew even angrier and raised his voice further:
"My child is only thirteen and already has level 21 Soul Power! Numerous Advanced Soul Master Academies are competing to recruit him—we've received invitation letters from all of them!"
"If it weren't for the rumor that graduating from your Shrek Academy guarantees a dukedom in the kingdom, my child would never have come to this dump! And now you're refusing admission just like that?"
He grew increasingly agitated as he spoke, pointing at the wooden box on the ground:
"If you won't accept him, then return our registration fee! Ten Gold Soul Coins is no small amount!"
The old man slowly lifted his gaze, his murky eyes settling on the parent's face, his voice raspy like sandpaper:
"Want the registration fee back? Fine."
He raised his voice and called toward the academy, "Mubai, someone wants their registration fee back. Handle it."
As soon as he finished speaking, a figure emerged from Shrek Academy.
The young man stood tall and straight, with fairly handsome features—at least possessing a more flamboyant vigor than Tang San.
However, his left arm was suspended in a thick sling around his neck, making him look somewhat disheveled.
It was none other than Dai Mubai, whose arm had been broken by Su Yu at the Rose Hotel the day before.
His face still carried a lingering ferocity; clearly, his injuries hadn't fully healed, yet he maintained an intimidating demeanor.
"Want a refund?" Dai Mubai walked up to the parent, his voice cold and hard. "Defeat me, and I'll return your money."
Before the words faded, his Soul Power erupted around him. Yellow, Yellow, and Purple Soul Rings rose in sequence, and a powerful aura instantly spread out.
The parent, being an ordinary person, had never witnessed such a scene. He stumbled back two steps in fright, his face pale.
"F-fine! We don't want the registration fee anymore! We don't want it!"
Not daring to say another word, he grabbed his child and fled without looking back, afraid that any delay would bring disaster.
Dai Mubai snorted coldly, withdrew his Martial Soul, and swept a warning gaze over the onlookers.
The crowd immediately fell silent, no one daring to mention refunds again.
After dealing with the matter, he was about to turn back to the academy when his eyes inadvertently caught Su Yu in the crowd.
His pupils contracted sharply, a flicker of fear and anger crossing his face as he instinctively clenched his fist.
Remembering his miserable state from the day before, Dai Mubai ultimately didn't dare to approach. He merely glared fiercely at Su Yu before quickly retreating behind the old man.
Su Yu paid no attention, acting as if he hadn't noticed the stare.
Ning Rongrong and Xue Na, however, recognized Dai Mubai. Exchanging a glance, they saw surprise in each other's eyes.
"It's that bully from yesterday!" Xue Na whispered.
Ning Rongrong nodded as well, tugging at Su Yu's sleeve. "He's a student here?"
Su Yu said calmly, "It seems Shrek Academy does harbor some interesting characters."
While they were whispering among themselves, the old man stepped up to the platform, cleared his throat, and suddenly, Soul Power surged around him.
A two-meter-long, pitch-black rod materialized in his hand.
Following that, White, Yellow, Purple, Purple, Purple, and Black—six Soul Rings—lit up beneath him in succession.
He slammed the rod heavily onto the ground with a dull "thud," causing the earth to tremble slightly.
"All applicants, listen up!" The old man's voice, amplified by Soul Power, rang clearly in everyone's ears.
"Our academy is called Shrek Academy!"
"What is a Shrek? It's an extremely rare Monster Soul Beast, known for its ferocity, cunning, and tenacious vitality!"
"Therefore, our Shrek Academy can also be called the Monster Academy!"
He scanned the children before him, his tone stern: "Our admission criteria are only two—age twelve or younger, and Soul Power must reach level twenty-one!"
"Those who fail to meet these requirements may turn around and leave now. Don't waste your time here!"
"Alright, continue with the registration!"
After speaking, the old man retracted his Martial Soul and sat back down on the worn-out wooden chair, gesturing for the next child to step forward.