The group walked deeper into the academy grounds, passing crooked fences and sparse trees, until the path opened into a wide grassy clearing.
At its center sat a stout, burly man, his back leaning lazily against a wooden post. He looked unremarkable at first glance—plain clothes, messy hair, relaxed posture—but the oppressive aura radiating from him made the air itself feel heavier.
Dai Mubai stopped and pointed subtly.
"That's him," he said in a low voice."Zhao Wuji, Vice Dean of Shrek Academy. His nickname is King Kong Vajra Bear."
The girls blinked.
Dai Mubai leaned closer and whispered:
"It's said that once, several Spirit Hall bishops surrounded him… and he still managed to escape without serious injuries."
That alone made Ning Rongrong's pupils shrink slightly, as the daughter of Clan Leader Ning Fengzhi she had some knowledge.
'Bishops… those were Soul Sages at the very least.'
Before anyone could react further, Dai Mubai strode forward enthusiastically.
"Vice Dean! We have many students this year!"
Zhao Wuji slowly opened his eyes, stood up, and cracked his neck. His movements were casual.
"Huh?" Zhao Wuji muttered."Let's see what kind of little monsters you've brought."
He reached into his pocket, pulled out a stick of incense, and planted it into the ground.
"Rules are simple," he said with a grin."After this incense burns out, whoever's still standing passes."
Then he laughed loudly.
"Ha! Ha! Ha!"
Dai Mubai's expression changed.
He stepped forward urgently."Vice Dean, this isn't appropriate. You're a Soul Sage!"
Zhao Wuji waved him off impatiently.
"I'm the Vice Dean," he barked."And in Flender's absence, I am the rule!"
His eyes gleamed with excitement.
Truthfully, Zhao Wuji had no intention of truly harming them.Anyone who could reach this stage already proved they were monsters among monsters.
He had simply been sitting too long and felt bored, so he wanted to have some fun.
Tang San observed everything quietly, eyes sharp, calculating.
He stepped forward calmly.
"Mubai," Tang San said, voice steady,"thank you for your concern. But since this is the academy's test… it's only right we prove ourselves."
Zhao Wuji's gaze snapped to him.
A faint smile crept onto the Zhao Wuji's face.
"Oho?"
Behind Tang San, Xiao Wu suddenly raised both hands excitedly, hopping in place.
"Yes! Yes!" she cheered."Let's do it!"
Ning Rongrong swallowed dryly, but joined them.
----
Before long, Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Ning Rongrong stood facing Zhao Wuji across the grassy clearing.
They had already exchanged quick explanations of their abilities. So that each of them understood their role clearly.
One by one, their martial souls were released.
Blue Silver Grass unfurled behind Tang San like a living web, vines glimmering faintly under his soul power.
Xiao Wu's figure blurred as Soft Bone Rabbit traits emerged—rabbit ears rising, her body becoming lighter, more agile, every movement brimming with explosive power.
Behind them, Ning Rongrong lifted her hand gracefully.
A Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda materialized, seven layers glowing with prismatic light, bathing her allies in a holy aura.
Zhao Wuji glanced at them casually.
"Tch," he scoffed."Three kids?"
He didn't even bother summoning his martial soul.
Ning Rongrong wasted no time.
Her voice rang out clearly:
"First Soul Skill—Strength Amplification!"
A beam of warm light shot from the pagoda and enveloped Tang San. His muscles tightened, soul power surging through his limbs.
"Second Soul Skill—Agility Amplification!"
Another ray flashed and wrapped around Xiao Wu, her figure becoming even lighter, her speed surging explosively.
The battle had already began.
Tang San's eyes sharpened.
"First Soul Skill—Bind!"
Countless strands of Blue Silver Grass erupted from the ground like a forest awakening, twisting, intertwining, shooting toward Zhao Wuji from every direction.
Xiao Wu launched herself forward at the same time, her feet barely touching the ground as she closed the distance in a heartbeat.
Tang San followed behind her, hands glowing faintly jade-green. As he used Tang Sect's Martial arts Mysterious Jade Hand and Controlling Crane Catching Dragon.
His movements were crisp, precise—each strike aimed at joints, pressure points, and vulnerable angles.
Zhao Wuji laughed heartily.
"Good!""Very good!"
He took the attacks head-on.
His massive arms swung with terrifying power, deflecting Xiao Wu's strikes while brute force alone shattered Tang San's vines. The Blue Silver Grass snapped apart as if made of straw.
With a casual flex of his muscles, he tore the remaining vines from his body.
Tang San smiled.
"Second Soul Skill—Parasite."
The severed Blue Silver Grass scattered across Zhao Wuji's body suddenly pulsed.
In the next instant, the seeds embedded earlier burst into life.
Vines exploded outward, wrapping tightly around Zhao Wuji's limbs and torso. At the same time, a paralysis toxin surged directly into his body.
Zhao Wuji's laughter faltered.
"Hm?"
His movements slowed for a fraction of a second.
Xiao Wu's eyes flashed pink as she leapt high into the air, coming close to Zhao Wuji
"Second Soul Skill—Charm!"
Her voice softened unnaturally, carrying a bewitching allure. For a fleeting moment, Zhao Wuji's gaze dulled, his mind clouded.
The clearing fell eerily silent.
But only for an instant.
Zhao Wuji shook his head violently, roaring as he snapped back to reality.
"Interesting!" he bellowed."Very interesting indeed!"
Just as Zhao Wuji raised his arm, ready to pummel Xiao Wu into the ground—
Tang San shouted loudly,"Hey—short, bear!"
Zhao Wuji's expression twisted instantly.
He snapped his head toward Tang San, fury burning in his eyes. Height was a sore point for him—one that had been mocked far too many times in his life.
That single phrase hit harder than any attack.
During that brief moment of distraction, Xiao Wu retreated swiftly, her figure blurring as she leapt away from danger.