In the intermediate trial, Nan Fusheng's opponent—Beibei—posed power perfectly suitable for a two‑ring soul grandmaster. Seventy percent? Fine, I'll buy it.
But in the advanced level, his opponent was still Beibei, still two‑ring strength… and yet could use Dragon Transformation. That's absurd!
Does the Tang Sect think I'm illiterate? The Blue Lightning Tyrannosaur soul master needs at least three rings to unlock Dragon Transformation—Nan Fusheng had seen that in the Soul Encyclopaedia.
Fine—say this Beibei was exceptionally gifted. But in the final stage, his opponent became Huo Yuhao, whose spiritual power was ridiculous. A single mental strike nearly annihilated Nan Fusheng. That spiritual power must've been peak Spirit Sea, maybe even Spirit Abyss Realm—the level where one can fuse hundreds of thousands of years of soul rings.
Yes, Huo Yuhao had absorbed 400,000 years of Ice Emperor soul rings at around two rings—but that was through sacrificial absorption, a unique case. Sacrificial absorption and fusion absorption are fundamentally different in difficulty.
Sigh, That Tong Sect—I'm certain they tampered with the data.
Especially in melee combat: once Nan Fusheng realized the situation, he used his second soul skill, Gate, to teleport in and fight up close.
But this Huo Yuhao was so muscular that he completely dominated him in hand-to-hand. His physique? If you said he was a Strength-type Soul King, you'd believe it.
He effortlessly pulled off Tang Sect techniques, overwhelming Nan without mercy. Why didn't he just use Steal? No consciousness in the construct to steal. So he stole Huo Yuhao's action ability, since lethal mental assaults can be stolen.
He could've fought physically, but why exhaust himself? His ability had already been showcased. In truth, he got lazy. His performance alone was enough to qualify him to join the Tang Sect.
Wu Zhangkong spoke next:
"There are two reasons I brought you here:
First, soon you'll max out your absorption limits in the Spirit Ascension Platform. After a few more runs, you won't be able to progress further there. So you'll need another real-combat training ground.
Second, the purpose of this assessment is not your final exam—that was effectively completed during the Riot Phase. I have your scores.
By passing here, you are eligible to join. Once enrolled, you can earn merits to use the Hall of Heroes for training."
Xie Xie, from a powerful family, hesitated. The tag Tang Sect felt ominous, but being based in Eastsea's High-Tech Zone, it seemed legitimate.
Wu Zhangkong asked: "Have you heard of the Tang Sect?"
That name caused Tang Wulin, Gu Yue, and Xie Xie to flinch. Nan Fusheng also tensed, an expression of stunned recognition crossing his face.
On the Douluo Mainland, Tang Sect and Shrek Academy are often dubbed "Continental Tumors," "Troublemakers of the Empire."
Twenty thousand years ago, the Martial Soul Hall, led by the infamous Bibi Dong, nearly unified the continent—until the "third brother" (armed with a harpoon in one hand, a sword sheath in the other) and twin gods defeated them. That's when Shrek Academy rose to power.
For almost 5,000 years afterward, two empires remained locked in stalemate across many kingdoms. Some suspected the Tang Sect's involvement—after all, they are essentially arms dealers. If the continent were too peaceful, who would buy their hidden weapons?
Cross-continental conflict shook things up. If not for the intervention of the "god-tier" third brother—Huo Yuhao—who took the Tang Sect under his wing as a subordinate, the Tang Sect might have collapsed.
Under his protection and guidance, the Tang Sect researched powerful weapons and arguably surpassed the Federation in some tech breakthroughs. They secretly supported other continents with soul-guiding devices, preventing Federation domination. Those lands had to rely on the Tang Sect for rare resources.
"No wonder in the original story someone nuked them with a 'God‑slaying Soul‑guided Cannon.' Who can accept a powerful traitor in the family?"
Nan Fusheng mused on their disruptive history, but remained indifferent. United world peace, human‑beast harmony—he was no world-savior.
Tang Wulin had a stunned look. "Teacher Wu—I thought the Tang Sect had disappeared or migrated to other continents?"
Wu Zhangkong shook his head:
"No—they never truly vanished. Sure, they have strongholds on other continents, like the Spirit Tower, which has satellite branches. But on the Douluo Mainland, they always existed, known to the Alliance. They simply avoid public exposure—they have a reputation that is too loud."
"This place is a Tang Sect company. The Hall of Heroes is their advanced training system. The opponents you just fought… were avatars of Tang Sect legendary heroes—the Seven Devils of Shrek."
He continued:
"The one who defeated Tang Wulin was Xiao Xiao, master of the Tri‑Life Soul Cauldron and the Nine‑Phoenix Flute—a member of the Shrek Seven.
The one who beat Xie Xie was Jiang Nannan, the Demon‑Rabbit Douluo of that era.
The ones who defeated Nan Fusheng and Gu Yue were the founder of the Spirit Tower, Huo Yuhao, when he was still at two rings."
Two rings? Nan Fusheng felt his lip twitch—but he kept listening.
"So don't feel discouraged. Everyone who beat you was legendary in their time. If you train well here, you might eventually face the original Shrek Seven."
Tang Wulin, ever the Tang Sect fangirl, swallowed hard and replied almost instantly: "I join."
Xie Xie hesitated, then said, "I join too."
Wu Zhangkong: "No need to rush. Ask your families if you need."
Xie Xie shook his head reflectively: "I don't want to miss this chance, Teacher Wu—I'll join. I believe I can persuade them."
Nan Fusheng nodded as well: I also will join.