The group of boys followed Xiao Wu and the two new girls at a leisurely pace, eventually arriving at the open ground outside the Grandmaster's quarters. Their chatter soon drew the attention of Grandmaster and Flender, who had been discussing matters inside. The door creaked open, and the two men stepped out.
"Well, well! So this year we actually recruited students—and two young ladies, no less. Not bad, not bad. But let's see if they can pass Xiaogang's test." Flender chuckled, rubbing his hands together with satisfaction.
"Who told you to set the requirements so high? It's been four years without a single new student! I've had to live alone in the girls' dorm for four years straight!" Xiao Wu puffed her cheeks in resentment.
"This is called 'better none than substandard,' you silly girl." Flender rolled his eyes, ignoring her complaint.
"All right, Flender. Let's test their soul power first. You two, release your martial spirits for me to see," Grandmaster said, ever pragmatic. He gestured to Flender, who brought out a soul power testing crystal ball.
"Seven Treasures, Glazed, Shine!"
Ning Rongrong was the first to act. A dazzling, seven-colored pagoda about a foot tall spun gracefully into existence above her hand.
"My soul power is at Level 26. I have two hundred-year spirit rings, which can increase strength and speed by thirty percent each," she said in a clear voice, then stepped forward and placed her hand on the crystal ball. Instantly, light flared outward, its brilliance consistent with her declared level.
"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda… How did you end up here? Did your family allow this?"
The crowd collectively gasped. In Grandmaster's Spirit Theory classes, they had learned well: the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda belonged only to direct disciples of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, one of the Upper Three Sects. It was arguably the strongest auxiliary-type martial spirit known. Such heirs rarely appeared alone outside their clan. Yet here stood Ning Rongrong, introducing herself as if it were nothing. Grandmaster's eyes sharpened, and he questioned her directly.
"I don't know! But I came here to study as an ordinary student. You don't need to treat me differently! And don't worry about my family—I guarantee they won't cause trouble for the Academy." Ning Rongrong's tone was impatient, but she was firm in her assurances.
Grandmaster studied her carefully. 'A direct heir of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan wouldn't normally be allowed to roam freely. If she's here without restraint, then most likely her family let her come on purpose, to temper her. A girl of her status… she must hold a very high position, even among the direct bloodline. But since she's here, enrolling in Shrek Academy, there's no way we'll let go of such a top-tier support spirit.'
Without delay, he leaned over and whispered something into Flender's ear. Flender's brows shot up in surprise, but he nodded silently, turned, and left without a word—leaving everyone else baffled.
"Ahem. Very well. Your martial spirit and spirit skills are fine. Now then—what about you?" Grandmaster shifted the focus to Zhu Zhuqing.
"Zhu Zhuqing. Martial spirit: Hell Spirit Cat. Level 27 Agility-attack type Battle Spirit Master." As she spoke, she released her spirit. A sleek, black cat-shaped phantom flashed and fused into her body. Her eyes shifted color—one deep green, one bright blue—and sharp claws extended from her hands.
"The Hell Spirit Cat… You must have come for Dai Mubai, then?" Grandmaster's expression tightened in recognition. He, of course, knew the connection between the Dai royal family's White Tiger and the Zhu Clan's Netherworld Civet. Their spirits were bound by fate. The moment she revealed her spirit, her intent was obvious—or so he thought.
"No. I came here to grow stronger." Zhu Zhuqing's voice was as cold as her gaze. There was no way she would admit to chasing Dai Mubai, so she lied stubbornly, claiming she was here only for her own cultivation.
"Fine. Your spirit skills are no issue either. Perfect—you're an agility-attacker, and Ning Rongrong is a support. For the practical test, you will choose between Qian Jue and Mubai. If the two of you can last one stick of incense against either of them, you'll pass."
Grandmaster didn't bother asking about their spirit abilities further. Both the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and the Zhu Clan were established families. The first few spirit skills of their lineages had been tested countless times and were fixed. There was no doubt about their quality. What mattered was actual combat.
Hearing this, Qian Jue immediately stepped forward, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Dai Mubai. His heart stirred with excitement. He knew the other Shrek Devils like family after all these years. But these two girls—Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing—were still unfamiliar. This was the perfect chance to gauge their abilities.
"Pick me, pick me!" Dai Mubai mouthed silently, winking furiously at Zhu Zhuqing.
Xiao Wu, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar all held their breath, waiting to see their choice.
"I choose him!"
"I choose him!"
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged a glance—and both chose Qian Jue.
Ning Rongrong had already seen Dai Mubai's martial spirit and knew he was at Level 39, a Spirit Elder. Qian Jue looked younger, so she assumed his cultivation was lower. Facing him would be easier.
Zhu Zhuqing, meanwhile, misread Dai Mubai's signals. She thought his winks meant he would go easy on her if she picked him. With her pride, she would never accept that. And so, like Ning Rongrong, she chose Qian Jue.
"Doomed…" Oscar groaned, covering his face.
Ma Hongjun bared his teeth, remembering vividly the agony of being struck by Qian Jue's wolf spirits.
Even Tang San shook his head, pity in his eyes.
"A-Jue, go easy on them, all right? If possible… maybe don't use the wolf spirits?" Dai Mubai sighed helplessly, begging on the girls' behalf.
"Relax. I treasure beauty too much to harm it. Don't worry!" Qian Jue grinned, patting Dai Mubai's shoulder before striding into the field. The others quickly stepped back to give the three space.
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing both noticed the reactions of those around them. Clearly, their choice had been… wrong. But how could they know without testing it themselves? They had chosen, and they would not regret it. At worst, they would fail.
"Hurry up and release your martial spirit! We're coming at you." Zhu Zhuqing slid into a battle stance, her body taut and ready to pounce.
"Hehe, very well." Qian Jue smiled faintly. To show respect, he didn't hold back in form. He raised his hand, and the Kindred Bow shimmered into existence. At his feet, two yellow and one purple spirit rings rose and rotated slowly.
"A bow-type martial spirit?" Zhu Zhuqing's eyes narrowed. 'A ranged attacker? Shouldn't I restrain this type? Why then do the others react as if it's dangerous…? Never mind. I'll just strike first!'
Shaking her head to banish distractions, Zhu Zhuqing let out a low cry. Her figure blurred, leaving behind a faint afterimage as she lunged straight at Qian Jue.
"Be careful!"
…