Days slipped by—the first semester neared its end.
Throughout this time, First Year Class One maintained unwavering unity and fervor, the entire class immersed in relentless cultivation.
From classrooms to training grounds to meditation chambers—disciples toiled everywhere, pushing limits without respite.
---
That day, Shen Yi stood on the podium—her smile unusually radiant.
That unnatural grin sent shivers through the class.
"Senior Teacher Shen… your smile… it's scary," Xie Xie muttered under his breath.
"Hm?" Shen Yi arched a brow—smile intact, eyes sharp.
Xie Xie immediately ducked his head—silenced.
The class held its breath—tense, awaiting her words.
"The first semester draws to a close," Shen Yi finally spoke—tone laced with mischief.
"Your long-awaited final exam approaches."
The class stiffened—silence thickening.
Long-awaited?
No disciple truly "awaited" Shrek's finals!
Known for brutal rigor—every exam claimed casualties.
Anxiety coiled in the air—faces etched with dread.
After tasting Shrek's blessings—none wished to be the ones expelled.
"Per tradition—five students will be eliminated," Shen Yi announced, gaze sweeping the room.
"Take this seriously—don't become one of them."
She paused—smile sharpening:
"Though—if everyone passes the minimum threshold—no one will be expelled."
"But next exam's passing score rises by five points."
Then, she explained the rules:
"Starting tomorrow at dawn—you have fifteen days to reach Mingdu alone."
"En route—you must pass through ten cities (including Mingdu), defeating one opponent per city who exceeds your level by five ranks."
"No external aid is permitted. Finding opponents, securing victory, reaching Mingdu—these are all your responsibility."
"Solo journeys only. Before departure—all storage soul-guided devices, comm devices, resources, currency—must be surrendered."
"Teachers will shadow you—recording battles—but will not intervene. Even if you face death."
"Choose your opponents wisely. Lest you challenge beyond your limits—and perish."
Shen Yi finished—and left without hesitation, leaving behind a classroom frozen in dread.
First Year Class One exchanged glances—then fell into grim contemplation.
The first hurdle loomed starkly real:
How to secure travel funds?
"Fang Yang—how do we earn money?" Tang Wulin asked, brow furrowed.
Fang Yang replied calmly: "Simple."
"Hm?" All eyes locked onto him.
"Embrace Shrek Academy's tradition," Fang Yang smirked—meaningful.
"You mean… robbery?" Gu Yue mused, understanding dawning.
"Robbery?" Fang Yang shook his head—matter-of-fact.
"We're Shrek disciples—how is this robbery? It's borrowing."
"I see…" Tang Wulin's group nodded slowly—grins spreading.
---
"Fang Yang."
Ye Xinglan and Wu Siduo approached.
"What is it?" Fang Yang turned.
"How do we earn money?" Ye Xinglan asked bluntly; Wu Siduo nodded in agreement.
"Simple," Fang Yang replied.
"Borrow some funds."
"This…"
They exchanged glances—unconventional, yet undeniably efficient.
After brief consideration—they conceded the logic.
---
Next day at dawn—Spirit Ice Square.
All First Years assembled—ready to depart.
Storage soul-guided devices were mandatory for Shrek disciples.
Wu Zhangkong and Shen Yi's first task: inventory and confiscate all devices.
Only clothes permitted. Nothing else.
Fang Yang remained serene—his true treasures resided within the Heavenly Flame Orb.
His storage ring held mere trifles.
Body searches were merciless—male/female segregated.
Most complied—but a few clung to hope.
Until—a teacher with the Eye martial soul and "X-Ray Vision" soul skill appeared.
All hope evaporated.
---
Beyond Shrek's gates—cold wind bit.
Though Shrek disciples' physiques defied chill—they shivered nonetheless.
"So… clean…" a student wailed.
Farewells exchanged—all scattered swiftly.
Fifteen days seemed long—but tasks loomed immense.
First step: money. Without it, they were stranded.
"Let's split up," Fang Yang said.
"Agreed," Tang Wulin's group nodded.
"Gu Yue, Xiaoyan—stay safe," Fang Yang instructed.
"Mm," they replied.
As precaution—he left a sliver of black flame on each.
Enough to handle most emergencies.
---
Shrek Academy Main Gate.
Fang Yang arrived first.
A familiar face—Le Zhengyu approached.
He spotted Fang Yang—but intended to ignore him.
As Le Zhengyu moved to pass—Fang Yang stepped sideways—blocking his path.
"Fang Yang—what do you want?" Le Zhengyu scowled.
"Robbery. Hand over one million Federation Credits—then you can pass," Fang Yang said—casual as discussing weather.
Le Zhengyu laughed bitterly: "Daylight robbery?! Where's the law?!"
"You don't want a beating, do you?" Fang Yang remained placid.
"You—!" Le Zhengyu trembled, face crimson.
"Will you pay?" Fang Yang stepped closer.
"Fine… I'll pay!" Le Zhengyu ground out.
"But having money won't save you—enjoy your short life!"
"I'll wait," Fang Yang smiled, hand extended.
Le Zhengyu reluctantly withdrew one million credits—slamming them into Fang Yang's palm.
Fang Yang nodded in satisfaction: "You may go."
"Hmph!" Le Zhengyu stormed off—shooting a venomous glare back.
Fang Yang watched him vanish—smile deepening.
This sum would cover his entire journey.
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