Zhu Zhuqing's spirit power, while not as dazzling as Tang San and the others', had still reached around Level 27, which made the examining teacher click his tongue in surprise.
Just then, a clear voice rang out.
"Teacher, I believe I should also be exempt from the second and third tests."
It was Ning Rongrong who spoke. It was the first time Li Chang'an truly got a good look at her.
Her short hair framed her face just past the ears, and her fair, delicate features made her look like a highborn noble girl. Though she didn't have Zhu Zhuqing's voluptuous figure, her body proportions were perfectly balanced, giving her an aura that was elegant and otherworldly.
If Zhu Zhuqing was a glacial mountain, then Ning Rongrong was a gentle spring breeze. Her soft smile could warm and brighten the hearts of everyone around her.
She walked up to Li Chang'an with a smile and nodded slightly. Li Chang'an responded in kind and handed her the crystal.
A bright white light flared once again—although not as intense as that from Tang San or Xiao Wu, it clearly surpassed Level 25, roughly around Level 26.
Thus, the four of them—Tang San, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong—were led to the fourth trial by Dai Mubai, drawing surprised stares along the way. In contrast, few paid attention to Li Chang'an himself.
As they walked, Dai Mubai explained the nature of the fourth test:
"The fourth trial evaluates actual combat experience. Some students have powerful martial spirits and excellent control, but they've grown up pampered in noble families and know next to nothing about the real world—let alone fighting. The academy doesn't accept those kinds of students. As the Dean has said: we don't take in the spoiled and sheltered."
Hearing this, the five students following Dai Mubai—excluding Li Chang'an—fell into a brief silence, until Xiao Wu couldn't help but say:
"This is seriously strict. No wonder that teacher at the gate said your academy only accepts monsters. Anyone who can pass all four trials must be one. I'm curious, how many students does Shrek Academy currently have? How many do you accept each year?"
Dai Mubai could only smile bitterly.
"Since Shrek Academy was founded, it's been twenty years. We've accepted a total of forty-two students. On average, just a little over two per year. If all four of you make it in this year, that'll be a new record. The academy hasn't accepted anyone for the past two years. Including myself, there are currently only three students enrolled."
"Three?!" Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Ning Rongrong all cried out in shock, while only Zhu Zhuqing and Li Chang'an remained calm.
Dai Mubai laughed self-deprecatingly.
"We're probably the only academy on the whole Douluo Continent where there are more teachers than students."
'And if we bring Li Changsheng on board as a teacher too, well… that ratio's just going to skew further.'
Of course, he kept that last part to himself. He wasn't about to risk offending Li Chang'an now.
As they talked, they arrived at the site of the fourth trial—an open training ground about 200 square meters in size, much smaller than the area used for the second trial.
An older man in his fifties was dozing off in a chair nearby.
"Teacher Zhao, I've brought the candidates for the fourth test," Dai Mubai called out.
"Hm? We've actually got people reaching the fourth stage this year? And five of them?" The middle-aged man blinked blearily and looked up at the four boys and girls, clearly surprised by this rare occasion.
Dai Mubai sighed.
"Teacher Zhao, not five—four. This one here is applying to become one of our academy's teachers. Dean Flender already agreed. As long as he can hold out under your attack for the time it takes two incense sticks to burn, he's in."
He pointed toward Li Chang'an as he spoke.
Upon hearing that, Zhao Wuji shot upright from his chair. He wasn't tall, and his face was rather average, but his build was stocky and powerful. Though shorter than the twelve-year-old Tang San, he gave off an intimidating, towering presence.
His broad shoulders were like city walls, and his loose coat couldn't even begin to hide his muscular frame, which looked like it had been sculpted from solid steel. Though his expression remained amicable, his sheer physical presence exerted a palpable pressure.
"You're kidding me, right, Little Dai? That kid's here to apply for a teaching position?" Zhao Wuji looked like he had just seen a ghost.
Dai Mubai had no choice but to lean in and whisper a long explanation in Zhao Wuji's ear. Only then did Zhao retract his dismissive attitude and adopt a more serious expression.
Spirit King… terrifying spirit ring configuration… and only thirteen years old...
"Alright, I get it. Let's test these four kids first. I'll handle it personally." Zhao Wuji nodded at Tang San and the others.
"Teacher Zhao, are you sure about this?" Dai Mubai asked hesitantly.
Zhao Wuji shot him a glare.
"What's wrong with it? I'm the vice-dean. If I say it's fine, then it's fine. Time to light the incense. You don't have much time—get ready. Little Dai, you can brief them on my abilities so they're not completely unprepared."
With that, Zhao Wuji pulled out a stick of incense from who knows where. He flicked his fingers, and it ignited instantly. In one smooth motion, he planted it into the ground—completely still, without a quiver.
Then, he sat back in his chair and closed his eyes, apparently planning to nap through the entire fight.
The four students weren't particularly fazed by Zhao Wuji's unconventional test method, but Dai Mubai looked extremely serious. He gestured for them to gather around.
Li Chang'an joined as well, more as an observer than a participant. He had no intention of interfering in the battle—his only goal was to make sure Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu didn't get hurt.
Dai Mubai's tone was grave.
"I didn't expect this. Teacher Zhao's personally taking the test this time."
Xiao Wu grinned.
"Is he another one of those Spirit Emperors, like that teacher at the gate?"
Dai Mubai shook his head.
"No."
Xiao Wu relaxed a little.
"Then what's the problem? All four of us are close to level 30. With a four-on-one, unless the power gap is just absurd, holding out for the time it takes one incense stick to burn shouldn't be that hard."
Dai Mubai gave her a solemn look.
"If you think Teacher Zhao's attacks are easy to endure, you couldn't be more wrong. He's not a Spirit Emperor… He's a Spirit Sage. Level 76. His martial spirit is a beast-type—he's a Battle Spirit Sage. He's also the Vice-Dean of the academy. His overall strength is second only to the Dean."
The pupils of Tang San, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong all contracted in shock. Level 76?
In their minds, Spirit Sages were practically unstoppable. Forget not being level 30 yet—even a ten-thousand-man army wouldn't stand a chance against a Spirit Sage-level powerhouse.
At this moment, Li Chang'an finally spoke.
"You don't need to be so afraid. Spirit Sages aren't invincible—they have their weak points, too. And besides, if anything goes wrong, I'll step in and pull you out. I won't let any of you get hurt. So go ahead—fight without holding back."
Xiao Wu wasn't particularly bothered by that statement, but the other three felt a little awkward.
Sure, Li Chang'an was a Spirit King, but rescuing people from a Spirit Sage's attacks like it was no big deal?
That was a bit much, wasn't it?
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T/N:
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