"Next!"
The departure of that parent did not cause any stir. Shrek Academy's enrollment continued. More parents stepped forward in turn to have their children's bone age tested, yet much like that parent before, all of them were filled with confidence but lacked the qualifications. Li Yusong no longer lost his temper—who knew if a truly exceptional child might appear? Still, he didn't waste his breath persuading them anymore. If they didn't meet the requirements, that was that—he dismissed them directly. The parents all obeyed without protest; none dared to provoke the ire of a Spirit Emperor. At last, it was the turn of a cold and aloof young girl.
The moment the girl stepped forward, Dai Mubai's gaze, which had been wandering toward a pretty girl nearby, instantly shifted onto her. His eyes flickered with a strange light.
"What is this feeling…? Why does she feel so familiar, so close?" Dai Mubai muttered to himself, frowning as he looked at the girl.
"Hmm, bone age is suitable. What level is your soul power?" asked Li Yusong.
"Level 27." The aloof girl answered crisply.
"Good. Then stand aside and wait. You'll proceed to the next test together."
When the girl came to stand beside him, Dai Mubai couldn't help but stare, eyes fixed on her. Yet she didn't spare him a single glance. At last, unable to restrain himself, he asked, "Hello, may I ask—what is your spirit?"
At this, the aloof girl finally turned her head. But instead of answering directly, she countered with her own question: "Your soul power has already reached Level 39?"
Dai Mubai froze.
"Yes… why do you ask?"
Still, she ignored his question and murmured to herself, "Three years younger, already at Level 39… at least you didn't waste your time."
"What do you mean 'three years younger, not wasting time'? What are you talking about?" Dai Mubai grew ever more puzzled.
Finally, the aloof girl answered his original question.
"My martial spirit is the Hell Spirit Cat."
With just that one sentence, she turned away again, refusing to engage further.
Hearing this, Dai Mubai stood dumbfounded, muttering to himself. A strange memory stirred, as though the spirit had deep meaning to him.
"Hell Spirit Cat"
Suddenly, realization dawned. He gasped sharply.
"You're from the Zhu Clan! How did you end up here?? Wait—could it be, you're the Zhu Clan's chosen partner for me?!"
Dai Mubai's eyes widened in shock as he stared at Zhu Zhuqing. The Zhu Clan was a powerful noble family of the Star Luo Empire, tied by blood to his own Dai royal family. Their spirits—one White Tiger, one Hell Spirit Cat—were naturally compatible. With proper training and tacit understanding, a pair could unleash the formidable 'Hell White Tiger' Spirit Fusion technique. For this reason, the two families had a longstanding pact: whenever both had children of similar age, they would be joined as lifelong partners, sharing honor and disgrace. His elder brother, Dai Weisi, was already paired with Zhu Zhuyun, the Zhu Clan's eldest daughter. When Dai Mubai left home, his own partner had yet to be decided. Thus, he had never met Zhu Zhuqing—yet here she was, standing before him now.
To his questions, Zhu Zhuqing gave no response. She stared straight ahead, cold and unyielding, as though she hadn't heard him at all. Beside her, however, a sweet-looking girl watched with bright interest, eyes sparkling with gossip.
Indeed, the aloof girl and the sweet girl were none other than Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong. Four years later, they too had arrived at Shrek Academy, walking the same path as history foretold.
Ning Rongrong seemed unchanged—still the same as in the original story, a princess with a sweet smile masking a mischievous temper. Zhu Zhuqing, however, was different. Having investigated Dai Mubai's conduct over the past few years, she found that he had lived with restraint and diligence. Thus, her attitude toward him was no longer as cold and heartless as in the original. Perhaps this was the reward for his years of effort.
"Well, Boss Dai, did you recruit anyone worthwhile this year?"
At that moment, a group of young people approached—four boys and a girl. Leading them was Qian Jue, with Xiao Wu, Tang San, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun following close behind.
Yes—one year earlier, Flender had returned with Ma Hongjun from who-knew-where and taken him as a disciple. After a year of adjustment, he had perfectly blended into the Shrek family.
In past years, Qian Jue hadn't bothered with recruitment, but by his calculations, this should be the year when the last two girls of the Shrek Seven Devils arrived. Curious, he had come to see for himself. On the way, he met the others, and since no one was busy, they all tagged along.
"Not bad," Dai Mubai replied. "But what about you guys? Why did you come watch this year? In the past, you left me to suffer alone. And you, Fatty—why aren't you with your girlfriend?"
"Don't even mention it," Ma Hongjun groaned, covering his face. "Cuihua couldn't take it anymore and broke up with me. Sigh… looks like I'll have to spend my days in the brothels again."
"Hahahahaha…"
The five Shrek students burst into laughter at his tragic expression—even Xiao Wu couldn't resist. They all knew Ma Hongjun's martial spirit flaw compelled him toward such urges, but he never forced anyone and treated his girlfriends with kindness. Thus, they had no objections to his frequent breakups. In truth, Ma Hongjun was a good man.
Of the newcomers, Ning Rongrong had no idea what "brothel" meant, leaving her a little dazed. Zhu Zhuqing, however, reacted differently—her gaze grew even colder as she turned toward Dai Mubai. Feeling her eyes, Dai Mubai flinched and quickly tried to explain.
"D-don't look at me like that! I've never gone to such places. All these years I've only focused on cultivation."
"Eh? This year we've got two girls!" Oscar suddenly noticed Dai Mubai's companions. One was sweet and short-haired, the other cold with long black hair—both rare beauties. Eagerly, he stepped forward and introduced himself.
"Hello, I'm Oscar. What are your names?"
"Zhu Zhuqing," she said, still cool and curt.
"I'm Ning Rongrong. Hello! Are you all students of Shrek Academy?" Ning Rongrong greeted warmly, full of friendliness.
"Hehe, I'm Xiao Wu! Yes, we're all students here. But don't mind that sausage uncle—he's a pervert. So, you two have already passed the first test?" Xiao Wu bounced happily forward. For years, she had been the only girl among the six Shrek students. In the dormitory, she slept alone every night. She could no longer share a bed with Tang San, so she eagerly welcomed the chance to have female companions. Her enthusiasm for the two girls was plain.
Qian Jue, too, observed Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing openly, admiration in his gaze. Inwardly, he sighed:
"Tsk, so these are Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing… Truly stunning beauties, each with her own charm. No wonder Dai Mubai and Oscar went crazy pursuing them in the original story. Well, that's it then—the Shrek Seven Devils… no, including me, it should be the Shrek Eight Devils now. At last, we are complete."
"All right!" Li Yusong's voice cut in. "It seems this year only two children qualified. Mubai, take them to the Grandmaster. I need to rest—these old bones can't take it anymore…"
Because of the Academy's higher standards, in the end only Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong had passed. Perhaps it was fate.
"Yes, Teacher Li. We'll go now."
Dai Mubai turned to Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong.
"Come with us. I'll take you to Master Yu. If you can pass his test, you'll be admitted into Shrek."
"That's right, let's go meet the Grandmaster! After that, we'll all be partners!" Xiao Wu cheered, taking both girls by the hand and bouncing toward the training grounds at the back. The boys exchanged helpless glances, then followed after them.
…