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"Just as expected, you truly are my ideal candidate!" Leng Jiuming gazed at Bai Xu's figure on the surveillance screen as if beholding a future invincible sovereign who would dominate the world.
Deep in his heart, Leng Jiuming had always harbored a dream—to nurture someone capable of surpassing the Shrek Seven Monsters. No matter how legendary the tales of the Seven Monsters' undefeated reign over ten thousand years were, in the end, the strongest position would always belong to a single individual.
"In this era where power is consolidated in oneself, believing that a team can protect you is far inferior to believing that you alone can stand atop the continent, looking down upon all insignificant challengers."
This arrangement for Bai Xu to attend Shrek Academy was also Leng Jiuming's deliberate decision. The previous generation of the Seven Monsters had passed, and the current generation would soon be selected. When that time came, it would prove that his resolve was no empty talk.
The Spirit Ascension Platform could no longer pose any threat to Bai Xu. After slaying the Darkgold Terrorclaw Bear, he voluntarily exited without lingering. It was worth mentioning that the bear had dropped a spirit bone.
Due to the unique nature of the Spirit Ascension Platform, the items within existed in a state between reality and virtuality. Thus, this spirit bone could not be taken out of the platform—it had to be absorbed on the spot or abandoned.
Bai Xu held it in his hand, weighing its heft while gradually increasing the pressure to test its durability.
Crack!
The appearance of a fissure made Bai Xu pause in surprise. Then, the entire spirit bone crumbled into powder, scattering into the wind.
"This thousand-year external spirit bone seems a bit too fragile! Without soul power reinforcement, it can't even compare to my physical body. Still, it's a shame to waste it like this."
Bai Xu didn't dwell on it too much. Pressing the assistance button, he exited the Spirit Ascension Platform.
"Teacher! How was my performance?"
Leng Jiuming smiled in satisfaction, applauding. "Exceptional. You're several tiers above your peers—you've graduated!"
Then, leading Bai Xu away, he continued, "In a few days, it'll be Shrek Academy's triennial enrollment day. We'll head to Shrek City ahead of time to visit that Deputy Tower Master. After that, you'll study there."
It seemed the teacher and student were approaching their parting. Leng Jiuming had been stuck at Rank 79 for a long time with no signs of progress. With such strength, he couldn't force his way into the core circles of the Spirit Pagoda's power. He was self-aware enough to know that staying in Eastsea City to earn money was far more enjoyable. Now that he'd also taken in Zhang Wa, there was no way he could go to Shrek City.
"If everything goes smoothly for you there, do me a favor and overshadow the current Shrek Seven Monsters—prove that what I've always believed in is correct. If things don't go well, then once you graduate and return to the Eastsea City Spirit Pagoda, our teacher-student duo can continue living happily here!"
"Teacher, though I don't fully understand why you're so insistent, rest assured—in the future, you'll surely hear the name Bai Xu resounding across the soul master world!"
"Good!"
---
The Next Day.
After a tedious ride on the soul-guided train, Bai Xu arrived in Shrek City once again.
In the distance, a towering pagoda seemed to pierce the clouds, majestic and imposing, shimmering with a faint silver glow. The octagonal structure stretched so high that its peak was already shrouded in mist.
That was the headquarters of the Spirit Pagoda.
Leng Jiuming made a soul communication call. "Deputy Tower Master, we've arrived at the headquarters' entrance."
"Good. I'll arrange for someone to bring you up."
Before long, a staff member in a silver uniform hurried over, guiding them to a dedicated elevator that ascended straight to the upper levels.
The number of people coming and going here was sparse—most were high-ranking officials, such as the Four Great Spirit Envoys or direct descendants of the Thousand Antiquity Family, who could come and go as they pleased.
Bai Xu and Leng Jiuming's attire made them stand out conspicuously in such company.
Knock, knock!
"Deputy Tower Master, Leng Jiuming has arrived."
"Let them in."
Even after so many years, Leng Jiuming still couldn't remain calm in the presence of this Titled Douluo. This was the core of the Spirit Pagoda's authority, second only to the Tower Master, Thousand Antiquity Dongfeng—a figure he could only look up to in awe.
"Deputy Tower Master," they both greeted.
"Your disciple passed the branch pagoda's assessment?" Leng Yaozhu asked.
"Yes. He single-handedly defeated the guardian of Eastsea City's Spirit Ascension Platform, clearing the assessment set by the Eastsea Spirit Pagoda. After evaluation, he has been deemed qualified for training at the headquarters."
"Oh? Single-handedly?" Leng Yaozhu's interest was immediately piqued. "Impressive. A true genius. He does have the qualifications to come to the headquarters. Given that you're only thirteen and still require further education, you may choose to attend the Spirit Pagoda Academy here at the headquarters... or apply to Shrek Academy. The choice is yours. However, after graduation, you must return to serve the Spirit Pagoda. Do you agree?"
"Deputy Tower Master, I've already decided to study at Shrek Academy for a time. Afterward, I will return to the Spirit Pagoda," Bai Xu replied.
"Mmm, understandable. Shrek Academy is the dream of countless young souls, a place many yearn for but few attain. Compared to it, the Spirit Pagoda Academy is indeed far less renowned. Still, do not forget your origins. Once you join an organization, you cannot pledge allegiance to another."
"This student will remember."
"Go, then. Your information will be recorded in the headquarters' system. From now on, you'll also enjoy certain privileges when using the Spirit Ascension Platform. Other internal benefits will require your formal employment to access."
---
Shrek Academy Enrollment Day.
The number of applicants was massive, with a line stretching nearly a kilometer long. Most were students accompanied by their teachers, orderly proceeding to the examination grounds for their assessments.
Leng Jiuming had already departed. He had few connections in Shrek, and there were no backdoors he could open for Bai Xu. After leaving some money for his disciple, he had set off on his return journey. To Leng Jiuming, Shrek was more like a land of past sorrows.
Thus, Bai Xu found himself at the end of the line, waiting patiently.
However, a sudden tap on his shoulder made him turn in surprise. Gu Yue stood behind him, though he hadn't noticed her approach.
Bai Xu was taken aback. "What are you doing here?"
"Actually, I saw you at the Spirit Pagoda yesterday. I guessed you'd come to apply for Shrek Academy, so here I am."
Gu Yue added, "Don't misunderstand. My teacher said that graduating from Shrek would give me the credentials to secure a stable position within the Spirit Pagoda."
"Oh, then let's queue together."
Bai Xu didn't press further, nor did he bring up their parting in the Star Dou Great Forest. However, Gu Yue seemed more cheerful now, and more mature.
"By the way, what's your current rank?" Bai Xu asked.
"Rank 37, almost Soul Ancestor. Can't compare to you."
"Haha, I just got lucky. Besides, my spirit soul has also revived." Bai Xu's tone carried a deeper meaning.
Gu Yue was puzzled. "Spirit soul revival?"
The next moment, Da Huang flew out from Bai Xu's eyes, materializing as a hazy mist. Through telepathy, it greeted, "Hello, Silver Dragon."
Gu Yue's heart jolted. "The Plane's Will!"
"He goes by Da Huang now—just my spirit soul, nothing to worry about."
Gu Yue sighed, then pointed ahead. "You really are the Chosen One. But the line has moved quite a bit. The Chosen One should probably catch up."
Bai Xu had been so engrossed in talking to Gu Yue that he hadn't noticed the ten-meter gap ahead. He quickly hurried forward to avoid holding up the line.
"I heard you're applying as a working student?" Gu Yue asked.
*****
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