"However, Na'er, are you really not going back tonight?"
Tang Luochuan looked at Na'er before him and spoke softly.
"I still have to go back..."
"Otherwise, Teacher and Madam will come to drag me back."
Na'er wore a serious expression as she spoke frankly.
"But..."
"If Brother Luo Chuan doesn't want me to go back, I can stay here to keep you company."
The next moment, she blinked her eyes and said earnestly.
"There will be plenty of opportunities in the future. After I take you for a walk later, I'll escort you back to Shrek."
Hearing this, Tang Luochuan chuckled lightly, gently patting her small head as he spoke slowly.
He hoped the pure and adorable Na'er...
Could always remain this happy and carefree.
"..."
The next day.
Wu Zhangkong stood in front of the villa, and before him, the group from Eastsea, led by Tang Luochuan, was already prepared.
Today was finally the day of Shrek Academy's entrance examination. Years ago, when he had taken charge of Zero Class and brought Tang Luochuan and the others under his wing, he had long looked forward to this moment.
Now, it had finally come to pass.
Leading these talented youths into Shrek Academy, he too would return to the place that had shaped him...
"Senior Brother, it's time for us to depart."
Beside him, Shen Yi stood quietly and spoke slowly.
"Yes, it's time to go."
"Shrek Academy, here we come..."
Wu Zhangkong took a deep breath and murmured under his breath.
"Good luck."
"Everyone, do your best to pass the entrance exam!"
Nearby, Mu Xi cheered them on.
Unlike the others, as a forging prodigy with the skills of a sixth-rank Forging Master, she naturally didn't need to take the exam. After all, no examiner could surpass her uncle.
"We will, Sister Mu Xi."
Tang Luochuan and the others smiled faintly in agreement.
Then, under the guidance of Wu Zhangkong and Shen Yi, the group boarded a car and headed toward Shrek Academy.
At this moment, Shrek City was bustling with activity, crowded and lively. Most of the people had come from all corners of the Douluo Continent, all gathered here for Shrek Academy's once-every-three-years enrollment.
With such a rare opportunity, the excitement was palpable. Even though nine out of ten would fail the exam, countless people were still willing to try.
"So many people this early?"
"Let's take the side entrance."
Shen Yi's driving was swift yet steady, but with the main gate currently packed, it wasn't suitable to enter there. After a few twists and turns, she maneuvered the soul-powered car to a small gate.
She pressed a button in the car, and the next moment, the small gate opened automatically, revealing a passage. The soul-powered car accelerated and slipped inside quietly.
As the gate closed, the clamor outside was instantly replaced by serene silence within. The scenery outside the window suddenly turned ancient, as if passing through that gate had transported them back in time.
As Shen Yi gradually slowed the car to a stop, everyone disembarked one after another—they had unmistakably arrived at their destination.
"Teacher Shen."
"Is this Shrek Academy?"
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi looked at the scene before them and couldn't help but ask. At the moment, they found themselves in what appeared to be a plaza-like area.
The flow of people around them was still considerable, but compared to before, it had undoubtedly diminished significantly. Most of those present were older individuals, touring the square with an air of reverence.
"That's right. This is Shrek Academy, also known as the inner city of Shrek. Only those certified by Shrek can enter, and it's directly managed by the academy's higher-ups..."
Shen Yi spoke slowly, a faint smile on her face.
"Next, I'll take you to the examination site. But there will indeed be more people today, so everyone will have to queue patiently. By the way, Luo Chuan and Gu Yue can come with me directly."
"Your cultivation levels have already surpassed the preliminary examinations. I'll take you straight to the final stage."
As she spoke, her gaze quietly shifted toward Tang Luochuan and Gu Yue.
Both were twelve-year-old Soul Kings and One-Word Battle Armor Masters. Not only would the outer academy's examinations pose no challenge to them, but even the inner academy's tests would hardly be difficult.
For geniuses among geniuses, Shrek had its own set of protocols.
"Hmm?"
"Alright."
Tang Luochuan and Gu Yue exchanged a glance and nodded in agreement.
"Understood, Teacher."
Hearing this, the others nearby voiced no objections. In truth, they were even more aware of just how formidable these two were.
"This square before us is called Shrek Square. It bears the legacy of Shrek Academy's outstanding graduates throughout the generations—Sea God Tang San, War God Dai Mubai, Spirit Ice Douluo Dai Yuhao, and many others..."
Shen Yi gestured toward the bustling square where countless people were clamoring to take photos. Towering several meters high, numerous statues stood there, with one man holding a trident particularly prominent at the center—his lifelike image exuding an air of grandeur.
"We won't linger here too long. There will be plenty of opportunities to see it later. Follow me."
With practiced ease, Shen Yi led the group around Shrek Square toward a massive circular building—the examination site for Shrek Academy.
Inside, the building was already filled with many young aspirants.
Without exception, none were over twelve years old, and all had cultivation levels above the thirty-fifth rank, with quite a few even at the Soul Ancestor tier. Those who arrived on the first day of examinations were naturally among the most talented candidates.
"Teacher Shen, you're here..."
"Brother Zhangkong, it's been a while!"
As soon as they entered the building, a male instructor approached the group. The moment he saw Wu Zhangkong, a smile spread across his face—he was clearly a former student from their generation.
"It has been a long time."
Wu Zhangkong smiled faintly, his eyes flickering with emotion. After so many years, he had finally returned to this place.
"Instructor Li, these children will proceed with the standard examination. As for these two, I'll take them with Senior Brother to meet the Elders first."
Shen Yi handed Tang Wulin's group over to the instructor before gesturing toward Tang Luochuan and Gu Yue.
"Of course, of course."
"I'd heard the Elders mention these two prodigies. Take them there quickly—no need to waste their time."
Instructor Li laughed heartily and nodded immediately.
"Very well."
Shen Yi and Wu Zhangkong exchanged a glance before immediately leading Tang Luochuan and Gu Yue toward the highest floor, leaving the crowd of waiting examinees stunned.
"Teacher, why did those two get to advance directly?"
A tall young man with a pensive expression couldn't help but ask. Beside him, the others also looked bewildered.
His name was Yang Nianxia, ranked twenty-seventh on the Teenage Genius List, and he considered himself a top-tier talent.
Everyone here was a proud genius who had lined up out of respect for Shrek Academy's prestige. Seeing others bypass the process like this…
How could this be?
Where was the fairness?
"If any of you are five-ringed Soul Kings,"
"You can do the same—go straight to the final round, even face the Academy Elders directly."
Teacher Li spoke calmly, his tone indifferent.
"How many?"
"Twelve years old, five rings?"
Hearing this, Yang Nianxia froze, so shocked he could barely speak. "Twelve years old and already a Soul King…"
Was that even human?
If even he, one of the top talents among teenage geniuses, reacted this way, the others were utterly speechless, trembling in awe. Shrek Academy truly lived up to its fearsome reputation.
A twelve-year-old Soul King…
And even geniuses of that caliber had to undergo examinations. What did that imply? Fairness? This was beyond fair!
"Geniuses."
"Are just stepping stones to meet our boss."
Beside him, Wei Xiaofeng scoffed and said seriously.
There were many geniuses in this world, but in front of their boss, none dared call themselves one!
"Oh?"
"So, Xiaofeng, you're pretty brave, huh?"
Suddenly, a teasing voice rang out right beside Wei Xiaofeng's ear.
"Of course."
"I'm super brave, okay?"
Wei Xiaofeng answered reflexively, but soon realized the gravity of the situation. He stiffly turned toward the source of the voice.
There, standing beside him at some unknown moment, was a bewitching woman in a purple qipao.
"Sis?"
-Support me in Patreon for more chapters 35+ chapters in there
patreon.com/QueenTL
Thanks!