The next morning, Tang San and Xiao Wu made their way toward Shrek Academy, walking along the dusty road lined with crooked fences and wild grass.
When the broken, lopsided wooden gate entered his sight, Tang San felt a strange nostalgia.
The gate was exactly as he remembered— old, patched, splintered, barely holding itself together.
Xiao Wu tugged on his sleeve and whispered, eyes sparkling:
"Little San, this academy your Teacher recommended… it looks like a junkyard!"
Tang San coughed lightly.
----
In front of the gate, Dai Mubai stood guard as the temporary bouncer. His arms were crossed over his broad chest, exuding dominance and laziness at the same time.
The money collection scene played out similarly to Tang San's memories:a boy protested, Dai Mubai crushed his arrogance, and the atmosphere shifted.
Xiao Wu leaned in and whispered:
"So only soul masters above level twenty-five can enroll in this so-called monster academy?"
The raised admission requirement surprised Tang San as well.
'In the original timeline… the requirement was level twenty.'
Tang San replied calmly, though even he didn't believe his own words:
"Teacher recommended us because of our talent. This academy… will help us reach our full potential."
As the words left his mouth, he silently added in his heart:
'This academy has no decent facilities. It survives only because of the talented soul masters it gathers.'
Tang San released his Blue Silver Grass, and had his soul power checked.
Li Yusong's eyes widened."Level 29?"
Xiao Wu patted her chest proudly and released her Soft Bone Rabbit, revealing her Level 28 soul power.
Li Yusong muttered in shock:
"Two… two twelve-year-olds approaching the Soul Grandmaster limit? Little monsters, truly."
Then he followed procedure.
"Kid, let me check your bone age."
He held Tang San's wrist, channeling a thin wave of soul power. His brows furrowed.
"Huh?"
Li Yusong's expression shifted from confusion to deep suspicion.
"Kid… are you practicing some kind of bone-tempering martial art? Your bone age feels… fuzzy."
He frowned harder.
"Let me check your leg bones. That will work."
Xiao Wu passed easily. As a 100,000-year soul beast in human form, her rebuilt body gave no trouble.
Just as Li Yusong was trying to make sense of Tang San's strange bone condition, Dai Mubai walked over with a grin.
"Well, Tang San, Xiao Wu—looks like you made it through."
Tang San nodded politely.Xiao Wu huffed and crossed her arms:
"We'll see if this academy is really that amazing!"
Dai Mubai laughed loudly.
"You'll understand soon. Only the most talented geniuses can enter Shrek Academy."
Dai Mubai gestured toward the forest path.
"Come, I'll take you to the next test point."
Tang San nodded."Sounds good."
Xiao Wu hopped beside him."I'm curious what monster teachers you have here!"
Dai Mubai smirked.
"You'll find out soon."
Just then, another girl stepped forward.
She looked to be around their age, but everything about her screamed nobility—her posture, her refined features, and especially her luxurious clothes embroidered with silver threads. Her pink hair, cascading like silk, shimmered beneath the morning sun, and her amethyst eyes glowed with confidence.
When she pressed her palm onto the crystal globe, it lit up brilliantly. Level 27.
Before anyone could react, she extended her delicate hand. A swirl of seven-colored light condensed into reality.
Martial Soul: Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
The miniature pagoda emitted a soft, radiance—impossible to mistake.
Li Yusong's eyes widened sharply.
With a startled voice, he blurted,"Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda? Does… does your father know you're here?"
The girl smiled sweetly, a hint of mischief in her expression."Of course he does."
Tang San's eyelids twitched.'So Rongrong has arrived too… the Shrek Seven Devils really are gathering one by one.'
Dai Mubai, who had been leaning lazily by the gate, straightened up and scanned her with interest.
"Alright," he announced, "we'll wait a little longer. Maybe someone even more capable will come."
Li Yusong rubbed his hands together excitedly."Mubai, our academy will finally have more students this year!"
Dai Mubai chuckled."I hope so. Though with these strict criteria… it'll be a miracle."
Tang San's gaze drifted to him, lips curling in amusement.'You won't believe who's supposed to show up next, Mubai.'
But time passed. One by one, applicants came—and failed.None could reach the Level 25 threshold.
Dai Mubai eventually sighed and waved his hand."Let's head to the next testing area. Looks like we're done here."
Tang San followed but couldn't stop the small crease forming between his brows.
'Zhuqing… why haven't you arrived yet? Is something delaying her? But she'll come for sure. Her fiancé is right here… There's no way she won't come.'
Still, doubt lingered in his heart.
----
The remaining examiners barely gave them any trouble. Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Ning Rongrong passed straight through until they reached the fourth assessment venue.
Ning Rongrong twirled proudly, her voice melodic."Of course I passed! I am a genius. This much is only natural."
Xiao Wu raised her hand triumphantly."Let's breeze through the next one too!"
The two girls giggled in perfect harmony, instantly bonding in their shared arrogance.
Dai Mubai nearly lost his footing hearing them."Hah… you two really don't know who the next examiner is, do you?"
Ning Rongrong blinked innocently."And who might that be?"
Dai Mubai pressed his lips together, then grunted."…You'll see."
Tang San, walking silently beside him, already knew the answer.
'Zhao Wuji'.A cold glint flashed in Tang San's eyes. His hand subconsciously brushed his space soul tool (Soul guide) Twenty-Four Moonlit Bridges.
Inside rested the Godly Zhuge Crossbow—a weapon he personally reforged under Tang Hao's guidance using special metals he had requested earlier.
His expression grew dark.
'Zhao Wuji… last time you had hurt Xiao Wu..... If you dare to lay a finger on her again—'
His killing intent surged silently.
'—I won't hesitate. Next year around this time, they might be lighting incense for your death anniversary.'