The morning sun painted the sky in brilliant shades of gold and crimson as Lin Tianyu soared through the air above the countryside surrounding Shrek Academy. His Merchant's Blade gleamed beneath his feet, the telekinetic control allowing him to fly with remarkable speed and stability. The wind whipped through his hair as he guided the sword with practiced ease, following the well-worn roads that led to the academy.
From his aerial vantage point, Lin Tianyu could see the academy's location nestled within what appeared to be nothing more than a rustic village. The contrast between the humble wooden buildings and the academy's legendary reputation for producing elite spirit masters was striking. No grand towers or impressive architecture marked this as one of the continent's most prestigious institutions - just simple structures that suggested either profound humility or severe financial limitations.
As he approached the village outskirts, Lin Tianyu spotted the gathering crowd near what must be the academy's entrance. Even from this height, he could make out the organized lines of prospective students and their families, all hoping to gain admission to the exclusive academy. The sight reminded him of market days in Notting City, though the nervous energy radiating from the crowd suggested much higher stakes than simple commerce.
Descending toward a secluded grove just outside the village, Lin Tianyu carefully landed and dismissed his sword back into its martial spirit form. His Astral Shroud armor shimmered briefly before becoming nearly invisible, providing protection while maintaining the appearance of well-made but conventional clothing. The ethereal quality of his elven bloodline had continued to refine his features over the past week, giving him an otherworldly handsomeness that drew attention wherever he went.
He made his way toward the academy entrance, easily spotting Tang San and Xiao Wu among the waiting applicants. His friends stood near the middle of the registration line, Tang San's analytical gaze cataloging their surroundings while Xiao Wu bounced slightly with barely contained excitement.
"Tang San! Xiao Wu!" Lin Tianyu called out as he approached, his voice carrying easily over the morning bustle.
Both friends turned at the sound of his voice, their faces lighting up with genuine pleasure at his arrival. Tang San stepped forward with a warm smile, while Xiao Wu practically bounded over to greet him.
"Lin Tianyu!" Xiao Wu exclaimed, practically bouncing over to him. "We were wondering if you'd make it! They started early this morning."
Tang San smiled as he clasped his friend's hand. "Good to see you. How'd things go in the city? Get your workshop sorted out?"
"Pretty well," Lin Tianyu replied. "Got everything set up and even found someone to run it while I'm here. Actually, I made something for you two."
He reached into his storage ring and withdrew two elegantly crafted items wrapped in fine silk cloth. The anticipation in his friends' expressions made him smile as he carefully unwrapped the first gift.
"These are storage rings," Lin Tianyu explained, holding up the beautifully crafted devices. "I crafted them myself using techniques I discovered in that ancient inheritance. They're far more advanced than anything currently available on the market."
Tang San's eyes widened as he examined the ring Lin Tianyu offered him. The craftsmanship was exquisite, with intricate runic patterns etched into the band that seemed to shift and flow in the morning light. The metal itself appeared to be some form of silver that felt surprisingly warm to the touch.
"This is incredible work," Tang San said, immediately recognizing the superior quality. "The craftsmanship is far better than any soul guide I've heard of. How much storage space does it provide?"
"Fifty cubic meters," Lin Tianyu said, grinning at their amazed expressions. "Plus it's got different sections for organizing stuff, and anything perishable won't go bad in there."
Xiao Wu slipped her ring on and gasped. "Whoa! I can feel the space inside - it's huge! And these different areas... they're all color-coded?"
"Figured you'd like that," Lin Tianyu said. "Yours has sections for clothes, accessories, food, whatever. Should make finding things pretty easy."
"This is amazing, Lin Tianyu!" Xiao Wu said, admiring how the ring looked on her hand. "Thank you so much! I can't wait to try it out."
Tang San picked up a small stone and made it disappear into his ring, then brought it back out. "That's instant. And barely uses any spirit power either. Lin Tianyu, your crafting skills are incredible."
"These must be worth a fortune. Thanks for thinking of us."
"You're my best friends," Lin Tianyu said simply. "What's the point of making cool stuff if I can't share it? Besides, we're starting academy together - figured we should all be prepared."
Their conversation was interrupted by movement at the front of the registration line. An elderly man with a weathered face and sharp eyes had taken his position behind a simple wooden desk, while a younger man with distinctive heterochromatic eyes lounged in a chair nearby. The registration process was about to begin.
"Looks like things are starting," Tang San observed. "We should probably get in line and prepare for whatever tests they have planned."
As they joined the queue of prospective students, Lin Tianyu couldn't help but notice the nervous energy radiating from most of the other candidates. Parents whispered encouragement to their children while reviewing last-minute strategies, while the students themselves fidgeted with a mixture of excitement and anxiety.
The registration process moved steadily forward, though Lin Tianyu noted that a significant portion of applicants were being rejected during the initial screening. The elderly examiner seemed to have very specific requirements that many candidates failed to meet.
When they finally reached the front of the line, the old man looked up at them with interest. His experienced gaze assessed their bearing and confidence before speaking.
"Registration fee is ten gold soul coins," the examiner stated matter-of-factly, gesturing toward a wooden collection box beside his desk.
Lin Tianyu stepped forward and placed thirty gold soul coins into the collection box, covering the registration fees for all three of them. The examiner nodded approvingly at the prompt payment before continuing.
"Age verification first," the examiner said, extending his hand toward Lin Tianyu. "Let me check your bone age."
After confirming that all three were indeed twelve years old, the examiner's expression became more serious. "Now for spirit power testing. You should know that Shrek Academy only accepts monsters - students with exceptional potential. If your spirit power is below the twenty-first rank, you're wasting everyone's time."
Lin Tianyu stepped forward first, accepting the white crystal used for measuring spiritual energy. As he channeled his power into the device, the crystal erupted in brilliant light that was so intense the examiner had to shield his eyes. The radiance continued to build until it seemed the crystal might shatter from the energy coursing through it.
"Thirty-eighth rank," the examiner breathed in amazement. "At twelve years old. That's... unprecedented."
Tang San accepted the crystal next, and while his display was slightly less overwhelming, the bright white light clearly indicated his thirty-third rank cultivation. The examiner's expression grew increasingly astonished as he witnessed power levels that defied conventional understanding.
Xiao Wu's demonstration of her thirtieth rank spirit power completed their trio's display of exceptional abilities. By this point, a small crowd had gathered to witness the spectacle, including several other candidates who stared in open-mouthed amazement at the three friends.
"Monsters indeed," the examiner muttered, making notes on his paperwork with slightly trembling hands. "In thirty years of conducting these examinations, I've never seen anything approaching these power levels in twelve-year-old candidates."
"Are we qualified to proceed to the next test?" Lin Tianyu asked politely, though the answer was obvious.
"Qualified?" the examiner laughed. "Young man, you three have just shattered every record this academy has for incoming student capabilities. You'll be proceeding directly to the final examination. The intermediate tests would be insulting to students of your caliber."
As they stepped aside to wait for the remaining candidates to be processed, Lin Tianyu noticed two other girls who had caught the examiner's attention. One was a petite young woman with short hair and an air of refined nobility, while the other was a striking girl with long black hair and an expression of cold detachment.
The noble girl stepped forward with practiced grace, introducing herself as Ning Rongrong before demonstrating her twenty-sixth rank spirit power. When her martial spirit manifested as the legendary Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, even the normally composed examiner gasped in recognition.
"Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School," he whispered reverently. "We are truly honored by your presence, young lady."
The final candidate was the cold, beautiful girl who identified herself as Zhu Zhuqing. Her twenty-seventh rank spirit power and Hell Civet martial spirit created an aura of dangerous elegance that made even Lin Tianyu take notice. Unlike Ning Rongrong's warm demeanor, Zhu Zhuqing radiated an icy reserve that suggested significant personal struggles.
With the initial screening complete, the heterochromatic young man who had been observing from his chair finally stood and approached their group. His confident bearing and expensive clothing marked him as someone important within the academy structure.
"I'm Dai Mubai," he introduced himself with a slight smile. "Third-year student and your guide for the remaining examinations. I have to say, this is the most impressive group of candidates I've ever seen. All five of you have spirit power levels that exceed most graduates from lesser academies."
Dai Mubai led them through the village streets, explaining the academy's unique philosophy as they walked. "Shrek Academy has one simple principle: we only accept monsters. Not just talented students, but true prodigies who have the potential to reshape the spirit master world. Our graduation requirements reflect this philosophy."
"What are the graduation requirements?" Tang San asked with interest.
"Reach the fortieth rank before age twenty," Dai Mubai replied seriously. "Most academies would consider that an ambitious goal for exceptional students. Here, it's the minimum standard. Fail to meet it, and you don't graduate."
Lin Tianyu nodded approvingly. Such demanding standards would ensure that only the most dedicated and capable students succeeded. It also explained why the academy had so few enrolled students despite its legendary reputation.
They arrived at an open area where a middle-aged man with an intimidating presence waited behind a simple desk. His compact but powerfully built frame radiated an aura of barely contained violence that made several of the candidates instinctively step back.
"This is Teacher Zhao," Dai Mubai announced. "He oversees the final examination, which tests practical combat capabilities. Teacher Zhao, these five candidates all demonstrated exceptional spirit power levels and were cleared to skip the intermediate tests."
Teacher Zhao - Zhao Wuji, as he introduced himself - stood and assessed each candidate with experienced eyes. When his gaze lingered on their group, Lin Tianyu could sense the man's growing interest and approval.
"Impressive," Zhao Wuji rumbled in a deep voice. "It's been several years since we've had even one candidate qualify for direct advancement to the final test. Five at once is unprecedented. I suppose this calls for a special examination format."
He gestured for them to gather in the center of the testing area while he retreated to a safe distance. "Your final test is simple in concept but challenging in execution. You must work together as a team to survive my attacks for the duration of one stick of incense. Success means admission to Shrek Academy. Failure means immediate departure."
"All of us together against you?" Ning Rongrong asked uncertainly.
"That's correct," Zhao Wuji confirmed as he lit the incense stick and planted it firmly in the ground. "And before you underestimate the challenge, allow me to demonstrate why this test has eliminated countless previous candidates."
The air around Zhao Wuji suddenly erupted with spiritual energy as his martial spirit manifested. His body expanded dramatically, growing more than a meter in height while thick brown fur covered his increasingly massive frame. Seven spirit rings rose from the ground around him - two yellow, two purple, and three black rings that marked him as a seventy-sixth rank Spirit Sage.
The overwhelming pressure that radiated from his transformed state made all five candidates unconsciously step backward. Even Lin Tianyu, despite his improved abilities and combat experience, felt a chill at the raw power being displayed before them.
"A Spirit Sage," Tang San breathed, immediately grasping the enormous challenge they faced. "Teacher Zhao, we're honored that you would personally oversee our examination."
"Honor has nothing to do with it," Zhao Wuji replied with a slight grin that displayed his enlarged canine teeth. "I'm curious to see what these supposed 'monsters' can accomplish when faced with genuine adversity. You have one minute to discuss strategy before the test begins."
Lin Tianyu immediately took charge of their tactical planning, his natural leadership abilities and analytical mind making him the obvious choice for coordination. "Everyone gather close. We need to establish roles and coordination quickly."
As the five students huddled together, Lin Tianyu rapidly outlined their optimal strategy. "Ning Rongrong, you're our force multiplier. Your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda buffs will be crucial for giving us any chance against a Spirit Sage. Stay in the center of our formation and maintain maximum distance from Teacher Zhao."
"Got it," Ning Rongrong said, already manifesting her beautiful pagoda spirit. "I'll stay back and keep the buffs going."
"Tang San, your Blue Silver Grass will be our primary control mechanism. Focus on binding and restricting Teacher Zhao's movement while creating opportunities for the rest of us to attack. Your vines should be strong enough to briefly slow even a Spirit Sage."
Tang San nodded grimly. "I'll coordinate with everyone else's attacks. My grass can provide tactical positioning for all of you."
"Xiao Wu, you're our primary close-combat specialist. Use your agility and soft skills to exploit any openings we create. Your rabbit spirit's speed will be essential for hit-and-run tactics."
"Leave it to me," Xiao Wu said with fierce determination. "I'll show Teacher Zhao what Notting Academy students can do."
"Zhu Zhuqing, your Hell Civet gives you the best combination of speed and stealth among us. Focus on flanking attacks and strike at moments when Teacher Zhao is distracted by our other efforts. Your agility should let you avoid his counterattacks."
The cold girl nodded silently, her heterochromatic eyes already calculating optimal attack vectors.
"What about you?" Tang San asked.
"I'll provide ranged support and tactical coordination," Lin Tianyu replied. "My sword techniques should give me enough versatility to adapt to changing battlefield conditions while staying mobile enough to avoid his devastating attacks."
"Time's up," Zhao Wuji announced, settling into a combat stance that somehow made his already imposing presence even more threatening. "Let's see what you monsters can do."
Ning Rongrong immediately began casting her abilities, her melodious voice ringing out across the testing area. "Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda! Seven treasures speak its name! First treasure: Power!" Streams of golden light enveloped each of her teammates, increasing their physical strength by thirty percent.
"Second treasure: Speed!" Another wave of magic followed, boosting their agility and reaction times to superhuman levels.
The combined effect of Ning Rongrong's buffs was immediately apparent. Lin Tianyu could feel his already considerable physical capabilities surge to new heights, while his senses detected similar improvements in his teammates' spiritual energy signatures.
Zhao Wuji observed their preparation with approval before launching his first attack. Rather than charging directly at them, he slammed both massive fists into the ground, sending shockwaves rippling outward in all directions.
"Scatter!" Lin Tianyu shouted, even as Tang San's Blue Silver Grass erupted from the earth to grab Ning Rongrong and pull her to safety. The rest of the team used their boosted speed to leap clear of the earth-shaking impact, which left a crater several meters wide where they had been standing.
"Impressive reflexes," Zhao Wuji rumbled approvingly. "But dodging one attack won't be enough to pass this test."
Zhu Zhuqing was already in motion, her Hell Civet transformation making her nearly invisible as she circled toward Zhao Wuji's blind spot. Her speed allowed her to close the distance in seconds, cat claws extending to strike at pressure points along his massive back.
However, Zhao Wuji's experience and overwhelming spiritual power made him far more dangerous than even their boosted capabilities could easily handle. He spun with surprising speed for his size, one enormous hand swatting at Zhu Zhuqing like she was an annoying insect.
Only her supernatural agility saved her from being crushed outright. She twisted in midair, using her soft body techniques to minimize the impact as she was sent flying backward. Tang San's Blue Silver Grass caught her before she could hit the ground, cushioning her landing and immediately pulling her back into the fight.
"He's incredibly fast despite his size," Zhu Zhuqing reported tersely, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth. "Direct attacks won't work without better coordination."
"Then let's give him some coordination," Lin Tianyu replied, manifesting his Merchant's Blade and immediately activating his Shadow Doppelganger ability. Three additional shadow swords materialized around him, each one under his telekinetic control and capable of independent movement.
Using his Sword Control technique, Lin Tianyu sent his multiple blades streaking toward Zhao Wuji from different angles while simultaneously preparing his next tactical move. The shadow swords struck the Spirit Sage's defensive aura and were deflected, but they served their purpose by forcing him to split his attention.
In that moment of distraction, Xiao Wu launched herself into the air using Tang San's Blue Silver Grass as a springboard. Her rabbit spirit's powerful leg strength, boosted further by Ning Rongrong's buffs, allowed her to achieve tremendous height and speed as she descended toward Zhao Wuji in a devastating drop kick.
"Soft Skill!" Xiao Wu called out as her attack connected with Zhao Wuji's shoulder. Her unique fighting style allowed her to use his own momentum and mass against him, redirecting his movements in ways that even his overwhelming strength couldn't easily counter.
For a brief moment, it seemed like their coordinated assault might actually affect the Spirit Sage. Zhao Wuji staggered slightly under the impact of Xiao Wu's technique, while Tang San's Blue Silver Grass wrapped around his legs in an attempt to topple him completely.
However, the power gap between them remained insurmountable. Zhao Wuji's first spirit ring flared to life, and golden light erupted from his body as he activated his Motionless Bright King Body ability. The defensive technique not only destroyed Tang San's binding vines but sent shockwaves through the air that knocked all five students backward.
"Excellent teamwork," Zhao Wuji acknowledged as they regrouped. "Your coordination is far superior to most students who attempt this test. However, raw power can overcome even the best tactics when the disparity is great enough."
Despite his praise, Lin Tianyu could see that their teacher was becoming more serious about the examination. The Spirit Sage's next attack would likely test the absolute limits of their capabilities.
"We need a different approach," Lin Tianyu called out to his teammates. "Direct confrontation isn't working. Let's focus on mobility and endurance - we just need to survive until the incense burns out."
What followed was an intense game of cat and mouse as the five students used every technique at their disposal to avoid Zhao Wuji's increasingly powerful attacks. Lin Tianyu's Shadow Step ability allowed him to appear and disappear across the battlefield while his floating swords provided constant harassment. Tang San's Blue Silver Grass created a network of tripwires and obstacles that forced their opponent to constantly watch his footing. Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing worked in tandem, using their superior speed to strike from unexpected angles before vanishing again.
Throughout it all, Ning Rongrong maintained her buffs while carefully positioning herself to avoid the worst of Zhao Wuji's area attacks. Her tactical awareness and spiritual energy management proved just as crucial as the combat abilities of her teammates.
As the incense stick burned down to its final third, Zhao Wuji decided to escalate the test to its ultimate level. His third spirit ring activated, creating a gravity field that made movement exponentially more difficult for all five students.
"Gravity Increase," he announced as the purple ring flared around his body. "Let's see how well you can coordinate when every step becomes a monumental effort."
The effect was immediate and devastating. Lin Tianyu felt as though he had gained twice his normal body weight, while his teammates struggled to maintain their previous speed and agility. Even with Ning Rongrong's buffs, they were now operating at a severe disadvantage.
But rather than despair, Lin Tianyu felt a surge of fierce determination. This was exactly the kind of challenge that would forge them into true spirit masters. Drawing upon every technique he had learned through his simulations and training, he began to adapt their strategy to the new conditions.
"Formation change!" he called out. "Defensive circle around Ning Rongrong. Use the gravity field to our advantage - Teacher Zhao has to move through it too."
"Everyone, grab onto one of my shadow swords," Lin Tianyu called out, directing his blades toward his teammates. "They're under my control and can move freely even in this gravity field."
Tang San immediately grasped the concept, reaching out to take hold of the nearest shadow blade. "The swords aren't affected by the gravity increase because they're spirit constructs."
Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing each grabbed another sword, while Ning Rongrong maintained her position in the center, protected by their formation. Lin Tianyu kept the original blade for himself, using his Sword Control to coordinate all four weapons simultaneously.
"Hold tight," Lin Tianyu warned before activating his telekinetic control. The shadow swords lifted their passengers smoothly into the air, breaking free from the crushing gravity field. Their mobility instantly restored, the team began a complex aerial dance around Zhao Wuji, moving with perfect synchronization as Lin Tianyu guided their movements.
"Clever solution," Zhao Wuji rumbled approvingly, watching as his gravity field became effectively useless against their airborne tactics. "Using spirit constructs to bypass physical limitations - that's exactly the kind of innovative thinking we look for at Shrek Academy."
Tang San's Blue Silver Grass proved particularly effective under these conditions. The increased gravity actually helped his vines maintain their binding positions, while the roots he could sprout from the ground became anchoring points that his teammates could use for rapid directional changes.
As the final moments of the test approached, all five students were breathing heavily and showing signs of exhaustion. However, they had successfully avoided any serious injuries while demonstrating remarkable teamwork and adaptability. More importantly, they had managed to survive the full duration of the incense stick against a Spirit Sage level opponent.
When the last wisps of smoke rose from the extinguished incense, Zhao Wuji slowly returned to his normal form. The seven spirit rings faded away, and his intimidating presence diminished to merely formidable rather than overwhelming.
"Congratulations," he said with genuine respect in his voice. "In twenty years of conducting this examination, I have never seen a group of candidates perform at such a level. You demonstrated not only individual strength but tactical coordination that rivals experienced teams with years of training together."
Lin Tianyu supported himself on his sword, using the blade as a crutch while he caught his breath. Around him, his teammates showed similar signs of exhaustion but also unmistakable pride in their achievement.
"Does this mean we pass?" Xiao Wu asked hopefully.
"Pass?" Zhao Wuji laughed heartily. "Young lady, you five just set a new standard for entrance examinations. Not only do you pass, but you've earned my personal respect and interest in your future development."
A new voice interrupted their celebration as a young man with an incredibly thick beard approached the group. Despite his facial hair making him appear much older, his youthful features and energetic movement suggested he was actually close to their own age.
"Selling sausages! Fresh sausages with special healing properties!" he called out in a surprisingly melodious voice. "Perfect for recovering from strenuous examinations!"
"That's Oscar," Dai Mubai explained with a somewhat pained expression. "He's one of our current students and... well, you'll understand once you hear his spirit incantation."
As if summoned by Dai Mubai's words, Oscar began the process of manifesting his food-type martial spirit. "I your father have a big sausage!" he announced in his soft, feminine voice.
The reaction from the new students was immediate and varied. Tang San's face turned slightly red as he processed the implications, while Xiao Wu burst into giggles at the absurd incantation. Ning Rongrong looked scandalized, and Zhu Zhuqing maintained her usual cold expression though her eyes showed a hint of amusement. Lin Tianyu simply shook his head in bemused understanding.
"That's why we call him Big Sausage Uncle," Dai Mubai explained apologetically. "His spirit abilities are actually quite useful for healing and nutrition, but the incantations are... unfortunate."
Zhao Wuji stepped forward to address the group formally. "As of this moment, you five are officially enrolled as first-year students at Shrek Academy. Tomorrow morning, you'll begin your formal education under the guidance of our faculty. I should warn you - passing the entrance examination was the easy part. Our curriculum is designed to push even exceptional students to their absolute limits."
"We wouldn't expect anything less from an academy that only accepts monsters," Tang San replied with a confident smile.
As the excitement of their successful examination began to settle, Lin Tianyu reflected on how different this experience had been from what he remembered of the original story. Their improved training and preparation had allowed them to perform far better than their canon counterparts, while the addition of his own strategic coordination had elevated their teamwork to new heights.
More importantly, he could see the bonds forming between his new teammates. Ning Rongrong's noble background hadn't prevented her from working effectively with common-born students, while Zhu Zhuqing's cold exterior showed signs of thawing in response to their acceptance and tactical competence.
"Welcome to Shrek Academy," Dai Mubai said as he prepared to escort them to their dormitory assignments. "You're about to embark on the most challenging and rewarding educational experience of your lives. Try to get some rest tonight - tomorrow, your real training begins."
As they walked toward their new home, Lin Tianyu couldn't help but smile at how perfectly everything was falling into place. His friends had storage rings that would serve them throughout their cultivation journey, they had all gained admission to the continent's most prestigious academy, and they had formed a team with tremendous potential for future growth.
The next phase of their adventure was about to begin, and Lin Tianyu looked forward to seeing how his careful preparations would serve them in the challenges ahead.