Ning Rongrong was truly taken aback. Not only was this academy in such poor condition, but they actually charged a registration fee! Worse still, it was rather expensive for an academy that wasn't famous or advanced. She'd done some research before sneaking out of her sect, drawn by curiosity and a desire to break the monotony.
"Who's making all this noise?" The white-haired old man suddenly lost patience. With a flick, he summoned his martial spirit—the Six-Ring Soul Emperor Dragon Pattern Stick!
The stick slammed into the ground, sending out an oppressive aura that made everyone instinctively step back. No one had expected that this unassuming old man was actually a Soul Emperor!
"I'll repeat the rules. If you're under twelve years old and have at least level 20 soul power, you're eligible to take the exam. The registration fee is ten gold soul coins, non-refundable! Don't be shameless and test us!"
The young man who had protested dared not reply. Nearby, a parent took him by the hand, reassured by the child's talent that he could succeed elsewhere. Still, those precious ten gold soul coins were lost to this ordinary family.
"We've said it before—is that wrong? I've never seen a place hold a registration fee without refunds. You haven't even enrolled yet!" Ning Rongrong said boldly, standing up as Li Yusong, the white-haired Soul Emperor, quietly listened.
Dai Mubai's eyes flickered when he spotted Ning Rongrong. But seeing Xiao Tian and company by her side, his mood soured quickly. Were they allied? He thought of his humiliations yesterday and decided against confronting them—Xiao Tian could hardly challenge Li Yusong head-on, could he? After all, Li Yusong was a formidable level 63 Soul Emperor!
Dai Mubai edged aside to watch the developing scene when Li Yusong abruptly commanded, "Mu Bai! Get rid of these troublemakers; let them see the power of Shrek Academy students. Trash isn't welcome here—only monsters!"
Caught in a whirl of dread, Dai Mubai's face darkened. "Teacher, I don't stand a chance!"
Xiao Tian gazed at Dai Mubai beside Li Yusong with playful interest. "What? Wasn't yesterday's beating enough? Want another round?"
Zhu Zhuqing, Xiao Wu, and Tang San all observed silently, eyes sharp.
Ning Rongrong was puzzled by Dai Mubai's expression. After a moment's thought, he decided risking his life for pride wasn't worth it. Besides, losing meant humiliation without gain.
So he whispered the previous day's events into Li Yusong's ear, surprising the Soul Emperor.
Li Yusong glanced at Xiao Tian, amazed a young boy could fight to the point of needing intervention. His gaze then landed on Yu Xiaogang beside him—the famed theoretician Yu Yuanzhen, the "Wisdom Corner."
Interesting...
Just as Li Yusong prepared to take action against the intruders, Flanders emerged from the shadows.
"There's more!" Flanders said, knowing his presence was needed to diffuse tensions. Losing such prodigies would end his academy's prospects, especially with a Seven Treasures Glazed Sect princess among them. If Li Yusong got hurt...
"Dean, aren't you returning tomorrow?" Li Yusong asked, confused.
Flanders' lips twitched as he pulled the dean aside for a whispered chat.
Li Yusong reluctantly relented, then handed ten gold soul coins to the young man. "Once again: if you don't meet requirements, leave immediately!"
Suddenly, the long queue at the courtyard gate shrank to a dozen.
Flanders smiled warmly, "Xiao Tian, I'm sorry for the embarrassment. We don't usually admit students this way. Though admission standards are clear, some always try to bypass them."
Xiao Tian nodded lightly. He wasn't one for dwelling on past issues. He helped when he wished, but didn't concern himself with unrelated matters.
"Xiao Gang, come with me first. Since you're likely to reach level four sooner or later, I'll take you for some tea," Flanders said, eyeing the jade jar.
Yu Xiaogang didn't object. Given Tang San and company's strength, passing entry exams would be easy.
"But what's the level four assessment?" Yu Xiaogang asked.
Flanders eyed the nervously pretending Dai Mubai and answered, "You need to endure an incense stick burning under Mubai's hands."
Dai Mubai:
Jade Vat:
Okay, that sounds manageable.
"Alright, I'll go in with you."
Yu Xiaogang looked at Tang San and the others before entering with Flanders, hoping to learn more about the academy and its plans.
Li Yusong sheathed his martial spirit, expression blank. "Who'll go first?"
The group quietly revealed their martial spirits and spirit rings to avoid trouble.
"Xiao Tian, Wuhun Sword Fifteen, level thirty-eight."
"Xiao Wu, Soft Bone Charm Rabbit, level thirty-four."
"Tang San, Spirit Blue Silver Grass, level thirty-two."
Li Yusong: ???
What?
What level of soul power?
His hearing seemed to fail until he verified each spirit ring.
Seeing Xiao Tian's three-thousand-year spirit rings, his eyes widened in disbelief. He rubbed his eyes, questioning the reality.
"Brother? When did you hit level 38? Weren't you 36 just yesterday?"
Xiao Wu blinked, surprised and adorable.
Xiao Tian offered a calm excuse: "Oh, my sword realm broke through."
Tang San groaned. Why could Xiao Tian boost soul power so rapidly, while his own efforts yielded no catch-up?
Tang San trusted Xiao Tian's word; it had happened before. While now a Soul Master, jumping two levels was extraordinary.
Zhu Zhuqing also looked puzzled. Level 38? She'd been shocked by Xiao Tian's rings yesterday.
Ning Rongrong, drawn by curiosity, bounded to Xiao Tian's side. "Hey, Xiao Tian, how did you do this? I've never seen anyone like you in the sect!"
For the first time, Ning Rongrong realized there were always people better than oneself.
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Brothers, a question: if the protagonist takes the girls later, which academy would suit them best?
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