"Are you kidding me? This is supposed to be a Soul Master Academy? And it's even claimed that graduates can become viscounts!" A parent accompanying their child voiced doubts similar to Ning Rongrong's.
The father of one of the boys said uncertainly, "This is what the people from the Spirit Hall said, so it shouldn't be wrong, right? But this academy seems way too rundown."
The boy complained persistently to his father, "Dad, I don't want to go to school here. It's so embarrassing. I'd rather go to the Souto Intermediate Soul Master Academy. At least I was considered a genius back in the primary academy."
"Since we're already here, let's wait a bit. Maybe this is just some kind of test, and the real academy isn't here," the boy's father tried to persuade him.
Similar conversations could be heard in the queue. Most of the teenagers and their parents wore expressions of disappointment. Having studied with Tian Lin for so long, Ning Rongrong had already learned how to observe and read people's expressions.
She noticed that, apart from herself, there were three other people in the crowd who stood out—they showed no visible reactions.
These three included a pair of young men and women standing three places behind her in line, as well as a girl standing at the very back of the queue. Thanks to the perception techniques taught to her by Tian Lin, along with the Drunken Immortal Moon Step, Ning Rongrong developed an extraordinary sensitivity to soul power. The soul power emanating from these three individuals was only slightly weaker than hers. If these people were also joining this academy, then she started to believe that this academy indeed had the potential to rival the Spirit Hall Academy.
The person in charge of registration was an old man in his sixties. He appeared lazy, with plain clothing, looking no different from an ordinary villager. However, Ning Rongrong could sense that his soul power was extraordinary—at least that of a Soul King or higher.
For an academy to have someone of Soul King-level strength handling registrations, it was fair to assume the teaching faculty would be excellent.
At this moment, a boy approached the desk to register. The old man said lazily, "Registration fee is ten gold spirit coins. Put it in that box over there."
The boy's father hastily took out ten gold coins and placed them into a box cobbled together from wooden planks.
"Stretch out your hand."
The boy did as instructed, extending his hand. The old man pinched it twice and shook his head. "Your age doesn't meet the requirements. You can leave now."
The boy froze, looking toward his father, clearly hoping he would plead on his behalf.
His father immediately forced a smile and said, "Teacher, my son just turned thirteen. Could you make an exception?"
The old man responded impatiently, "Don't hold up the line. Move along."
Seeing the old man's stern attitude, the father had no choice but to comply. He attempted to retrieve the registration fee, but the old man refused.
"Mu Bai, someone wants their registration fee refunded. Handle it," the old man called lazily.
A handsome young man leaped down from a nearby tree. "If you want your registration fee back, you'll have to beat me first. Then I'll refund it in full."
As he spoke, three spirit rings—yellow, yellow, and purple—rose from beneath his feet.
The appearance of the thousand-year soul ring immediately silenced the father and son. Not daring to cause further trouble, they left in a hurry.
"This guy is probably only two or three years older than my Sword Brother," Ning Rongrong thought to herself. "Judging by the fluctuations in his soul power, he's at least level 37. Although he isn't stronger than my Sword Brother, among the younger generation, he's a rare talent."
If the members of the Emperor Team hadn't consumed immortal herbs, their talents might not even match this Dai Mu Bai.
After the troublemakers left, the old man, eager to save time, stood up and addressed the crowd. "This is Shrek Academy. 'Shrek' means 'monster.' Our academy only accepts monsters, not ordinary people. Anyone over the age of twelve or with soul power below level 21 should stop wasting their time!"
As he finished, the old man unleashed his martial soul. A long staff appeared in his hand, and six soul rings—white, yellow, purple, purple, and black—rose around him. Ning Rongrong immediately realized she had underestimated him. This old man wasn't just a Soul King—he was a Soul Emperor.
"Interesting!" Ning Rongrong smirked mischievously and stepped forward to pay the registration fee, extending her hand for the test.
The old man examined her hand and showed a look of surprise.
"May I ask if I've passed the preliminary test?" Ning Rongrong asked sweetly.
Her charming demeanor instantly caught the attention of Dai Mu Bai, who was lecherous. Seeing his reaction, the girl at the back of the line frowned and clenched her fists tightly.
"Does your family know you're here?" the old man asked, concealing his surprise.
"They say education shouldn't discriminate. As long as I meet the academy's requirements, you have no reason to reject me, right?" Ning Rongrong replied with a rhetorical question.
Hearing this, the old man chuckled. She was right. They were just an academy, not a sect. Rejecting qualified students would be unreasonable. He instructed Dai Mu Bai to take her aside.
Soon, it was the turn of the pair Ning Rongrong had noticed earlier—Tang San and Xiao Wu, the protagonists of the original story.
After testing, their ages were confirmed to meet the requirements. They revealed their martial souls: Blue Silver Grass and Soft Bone Rabbit.
Though neither martial soul was particularly powerful, their rapid cultivation speed surprised the old man. But wasn't this exactly what Shrek Academy's standards for monsters were all about?
While the old man was merely surprised, someone else observing from the shadows was utterly shocked. Yin Yang stared at Xiao Wu in disbelief. He hadn't noticed her before, but the moment she unleashed her martial soul, her aura became unmistakable.
"This little girl is a hundred-thousand-year soul beast in human form. I came here to protect the little princess, but I didn't expect to stumble upon such a find!" Yin Yang was thrilled and prepared to act immediately.
A hundred-thousand-year soul beast wasn't just a source of a soul ring—it also came with a hundred-thousand-year soul bone.
If Ning Fengzhi, now level 80 or higher, could absorb this Soft Bone Rabbit, his ninth spirit ability would undoubtedly be incredibly powerful. Alternatively, it could be saved for Xiao Tian's future use. Either way, it would greatly enhance the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's strength.
But just as Yin Yang was about to make his move, a more terrifying aura locked onto him. Even as a Titled Douluo, he didn't dare move.
"Who's there?" Yin Yang looked around, but he couldn't find anyone. This only proved the other party's strength far exceeded his own.
"It seems someone else is after this Soft Bone Rabbit. But there's no way I'll let a hundred-thousand-year soul beast slip away." Seeing that Ning Rongrong had safely entered Shrek Academy and wouldn't face immediate danger, Yin Yang decided to retreat and seek reinforcements. If he couldn't handle it alone, he'd bring Chen Xin.
A hundred-thousand-year soul beast was the ultimate prize for any soul master. He was determined to claim it!