After six years together, and with Chu Chengzhou teaching her self-created techniques that were practically heaven-defying, Xiao Wu believed that even if her identity as a soul beast in human form were exposed someday, Chu Chengzhou wouldn't covet her hundred-thousand-year soul ring or soul bones.
Moreover, though reluctant to admit it, Xiao Wu knew that her hundred-thousand-year soul ring and soul bones weren't particularly attractive to Chu Chengzhou.
After all, the Soft Bone Rabbit wasn't exactly a powerful species. Even at a hundred thousand years, its combat strength was only marginally better than soul beasts with strong bloodlines at ninety thousand years—beasts like Black Dragons, Hellfire Dragons, or Dark Golden Terror Claw Bears.
Furthermore, Xiao Wu could clearly feel that Chu Chengzhou had always treated her with care—not just as a younger sister, but also as a future bride.
Even when she acted unreasonably, displayed violent tendencies, or tried to act like the big sister, he had always been tolerant of her.
The reason she didn't want him to know her true identity now was simply fear that after learning she was a hundred-thousand-year soul beast in human form, he might distance himself from her.
"Brother, you're really kind!"
Xiao Wu nudged Chu Chengzhou with her head.
"Of course! You're the little wife I've raised since childhood~!"
(T/N: PAUSE)
She was the rabbit-eared girl he had nurtured from a young age. If he didn't treat her well, who would he treat well?
DONG DONG DONG—
At this moment, a series of bell sounds echoed from outside.
Hearing the bells, Chu Chengzhou quickly finished his breakfast and then headed to the training ground with Xiao Wu.
When they arrived, Dai Mubai, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun were already there.
"Huh? Big Sister Xiao Wu, you're back?"
Seeing Xiao Wu, Ma Hongjun looked somewhat surprised.
"Mm, Fatty, your older sister Xiao Wu is now a four-ring Soul Ancestor!"
Xiao Wu nodded proudly, raising her head high.
"Big Sister Xiao Wu is truly impressive, as expected!"
Oscar gave a thumbs-up.
Xiao Wu's strength surpassed theirs, and her apparent age was a few years older, so calling her "Big Sister Xiao Wu" came naturally—and sincerely.
"That's right! How else could I be the big sister?"
With Oscar's flattery, Xiao Wu held her head even higher.
Meanwhile, Dai Mubai's expression shifted between light and dark.
There was no other reason—Chu Chengzhou and he had significant conflicts. Moreover, Chu Chengzhou and Xiao Wu referred to each other as siblings and were practically a couple, so they could be considered one entity.
The opponent's strength increasing naturally made him unhappy.
Unfortunately, being unhappy was one thing; stepping forward to challenge Chu Chengzhou or Xiao Wu was another—he simply lacked the guts.
Or rather, it wasn't about guts—it was about capability.
Not long after, Flender arrived with Zhao Wuji and the others.
Seeing Xiao Wu return from soul hunting, Flender praised her briefly before clearing his throat and addressing everyone: "I notified you all a couple of days ago. Today is the day the academy begins recruitment. Now, let me assign the tasks for the admissions process!"
"Li Yusong, you'll handle the first stage of candidate registration."
"Yes!"
"Lu Qibin, you'll handle the second stage, conducting soul power tests and martial soul identification."
"Yes!"
"Shao Xin, you'll handle the third stage, assessing the candidates' practical application of their martial souls."
"Yes!"
"Zhao Wuji, you'll oversee the final stage of practical exams."
"Yes!"
"Who among you wants to be the candidate guide and the examiner for the fourth stage?"
Flender looked at Chu Chengzhou, Xiao Wu, Dai Mubai, and Ma Hongjun.
"Principal Flender, I'll do it!"
Without hesitation, Chu Chengzhou immediately raised his hand.
If everything went as expected, Shrek Academy would welcome two new students today. Wanting these new students to enter his "pond," Chu Chengzhou naturally had to take the initiative.
Thus, upperclassmen helping new students often have ulterior motives, and more often than not, they're driven by lust.
"I'll help too!"
Seeing Chu Chengzhou step forward, Xiao Wu, who loved joining in on the fun, also raised her hand.
"Alright, it's settled. The two of you will go with Teacher Li!"
Flender nodded.
After finalizing the recruitment arrangements for the day, everyone dispersed to prepare.
Though it was still early, perhaps due to Flender's effective promotion, there were already about ten candidates waiting at the entrance of Shrek Academy.
Upon arriving at the gate, Chu Chengzhou took out a wooden table and three stools from his storage necklace.
After the three sat down, Chu Chengzhou pulled out a wooden sign.
"Brother, what's that sign for?"
Xiao Wu pointed to the wooden sign Chu Chengzhou had taken out.
Chu Chengzhou didn't explain but instead wrote a line of large characters on the sign: Admission requirements for this academy: Age no older than 12, soul power level above 20.
Then, he placed the sign in front of the table.
Xiao Wu: "…"
Was he too lazy to explain?
"The enrollment ceremony for Shrek Academy officially begins!"
Seeing Chu Chengzhou's actions, Li Yusong nodded in satisfaction and announced loudly.
The admission requirements were clearly stated, so candidates who didn't meet the criteria would leave on their own, sparing him the need to waste words.
Li Yusong's announcement drew attention. The candidates and parents who had been waiting at the academy gates immediately gathered around.
"Teacher, after my child graduates from your Shrek Academy, will they really become a viscount of the empire?"
One parent asked doubtfully.
It wasn't that the parent didn't believe—it was just hard to be convinced.
The enrollment ceremony was simple, and the academy itself was quite run-down. It didn't look like a proper soul master academy, making it difficult for these parents to believe that Shrek Academy could cultivate their children into talents.
"That's correct, but only after graduation. This is the requirement for students entering our academy. We at Shrek Academy only recruit monsters, not ordinary soul masters."
Li Yusong nodded and pointed to the sign in front of the table.
Becoming a viscount of the empire after graduation wasn't something Flender exaggerated about.
The graduation requirement for Shrek Academy was achieving the rank of four-ring Soul Ancestor by the age of twenty. A four-ring Soul Ancestor who chose to join the Tian Dou Empire would be granted the title of viscount.
Of course, this title was purely honorary, without any land grants. Compared to nobles with actual territories, the value of an honorary noble title was significantly lower.
As for the original story's mention of a ten-gold-soul-coin registration fee?
Although Flender didn't have money to renovate the academy, its financial situation had improved, and such petty profits were no longer of interest.
"Soul power level above 20 at age 12?!"
After reading the admission requirements on the sign, the parent's eyes widened instantly.
Such a high threshold—did Shrek Academy think it was the strongest academy in the empire, like the Tian Dou Royal Academy?
"Alright, those who wish to register, line up. Those who don't meet the requirements can leave!"
Waving his hand, Li Yusong addressed the crowd.
Soon, most of the ten or so candidates who had come to register left, leaving behind two boys and one girl.
"Extend your hand."
Glancing at the boy in front of the table, Li Yusong said indifferently.
The boy complied and extended his right hand.
Li Yusong squeezed his hand, nodded slightly, and said: "Exactly 12 years old. Release your martial soul for me to see."
"Black Panther, attach!"
The boy called out softly. A black glow of soul power emerged around him, and two soul rings—one white and one yellow—appeared.
"Not qualified. You may leave."
Seeing the white first soul ring on the boy, Li Yusong shook his head regretfully.
Achieving a soul power level above 20 at the age of 12 undoubtedly indicated excellent cultivation talent.
However, the white first soul ring had wasted this boy's potential.
Adding soul rings for soul masters was akin to multiplication.
A low-level first soul ring meant minimal enhancement to various bodily functions upon advancement, which in turn limited the upper threshold for the second soul ring compared to those with optimal soul ring configurations.
Falling behind at one step meant falling further behind at every subsequent step. In the later stages, this would create a significant gap.
Even if he became a high-level soul master in the future, he would still be considered weak among his peers and vulnerable to being challenged by those of higher ranks.
Li Yusong himself had once been a renowned genius soul master in his youth, with the potential to achieve the seven-ring Soul Sage rank.
Unfortunately, without any background, he had to settle for suboptimal soul rings. What should have been a promising path to becoming a seven-ring Soul Sage resulted in him remaining a six-ring Soul Emperor, barely scraping by despite his advanced age.
"Not qualified? My son is a genius in the primary soul master academy. Why is he not qualified here?"
The boy's father couldn't help but speak up.
"Shrek Academy only recruits prodigies. Your son's talent is good, but a first soul ring under a hundred years has squandered his potential."
Li Yusong pointed to the white first soul ring glowing on the boy.
Upon hearing this, the boy's father's expression dimmed.
"Son, it's my fault. I'm sorry!"
The father hugged his son tightly, tears of heartache welling up in his eyes.
If only he had been more capable, his talented and promising son wouldn't be unable to even enter Shrek Academy.
"No, Dad, in my heart, you're the best father in the world!"
Children from poor families mature early. The boy was obedient and comforted his father.
Li Yusong: "..."
"Alright, next!"
Li Yusong waved his hand gloomily. As a single elderly man without descendants, scenes like this were unbearable for him.
Along with the boy who left, the boy behind him also departed.
Clearly, this boy's first soul ring was also under a hundred years.
The girl at the end of the line, however, met Shrek Academy's admission criteria. Though her first soul ring hadn't reached the maximum limit, it was still over two hundred years old.
"Chu kid, take her to the second stage."
After checking her age by feeling her bones and examining her soul ring configuration, Li Yusong instructed Chu Chengzhou.
"Follow me!"
Chu Chengzhou gestured to the girl.
Ask for her name?
No need. The only ones eligible to enroll in Shrek Academy this year were Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing.
Bringing the girl into the academy, Chu Chengzhou immediately spotted Oscar pushing a food cart, preparing to sell his signature sausages to the candidates.
"Yo~, a new female student? Hello, junior. Would you like to try Oscar's special extra-large sausage?"
Seeing Chu Chengzhou bring someone over, Oscar hurriedly approached to promote his product.
Though this girl hadn't passed all the tests yet and technically wasn't his junior, as a sausage salesman, Oscar naturally spoke flattering words.
"Senior, how much does your sausage cost?"
Sniffing the aroma wafting from the cart, the girl asked about the price.
"One silver soul coin per sausage!"
Oscar smiled and held up a finger.
Instantly, the girl stopped reaching for her wallet.
One silver soul coin per sausage? Are you trying to rob people?
Originally, she had planned to support this senior's business because he was handsome, but such an expensive sausage—sorry, she was from an ordinary family and couldn't afford it!
"Senior, where is the second stage of the assessment?"
The girl turned to Chu Chengzhou.
"There~, over there. You can go by yourself!"
Chu Chengzhou pointed to Lu Qibin, who was sitting at a table in the distance.
"Thank you, Senior!"
After thanking him, the girl walked toward Lu Qibin.
"Oscar, are you broke again?"
Chu Chengzhou curiously asked Oscar.
"No~"
Feeling disheartened that the junior didn't even acknowledge him after hearing the price, Oscar sighed.
"If you're not broke, why are you still selling sausages?"
Chu Chengzhou was puzzled. At one silver soul coin per sausage, even if many candidates came to register today, how many could he possibly sell?
"Selling sausages is my hobby! Brother Chu, how about you try one?"
"Can you make sausages without chanting the spell?"
Chu Chengzhou paused, surprised by the question.
Perhaps because he was too familiar with it, the idea of consuming Oscar's "I Have a Big Sausage" spell-made sausages was unappealing to him—it felt hard to swallow.
But without the vulgar incantation, he didn't mind them. After all, Oscar's soul-powered sausages were genuinely excellent.
Oscar's recovery sausages not only healed injuries but also restored stamina and soul power.
After returning from the Great Star Dou Forest, Flender had mentioned training soul power control to Oscar. Chu Chengzhou wasn't sure about the specific results.
"Hehe~, though not perfect, it's close!"
As he spoke, Oscar manifested his sausage martial soul. Two yellow soul rings rose beneath his feet. After the first soul ring lit up, yellow soul power gathered in his palm, and soon, a three-inch-long sausage slowly materialized.
"Not bad, Oscar!"
Seeing Oscar create a sausage without chanting, Chu Chengzhou was genuinely impressed.
Though the process was far less smooth than when using the incantation and couldn't be applied in battle, Oscar's sausages were undoubtedly more acceptable to others now.
Of course, while the sausages were no longer vulgar, Oscar himself remained the same—or perhaps even more vulgar after hanging out with Ma Hongjun.
"Brother Chu, want one?"
Oscar grabbed a bamboo skewer from the cart, threaded the sausage, and handed it over.
"You're not charging me for this sausage, right?"
"How could I? Brother Chu, if you want them, I'll give you as many as you want!"
Oscar patted his chest confidently.
Without Chu Chengzhou lending him startup funds, how could Oscar have enjoyed the happy life of visiting hostess clubs every few days?
One mustn't forget their roots. A few sausages were nothing.
"Not bad, Oscar. Keep it up! I wish you success in becoming the continent's first Food System Title Douluo!"
Taking a bite of the sausage, Chu Chengzhou patted Oscar's shoulder.
Come to think of it, the taste of soul-powered food made by a two-ring Soul Grandmaster was pretty good.
Who knows, after eating a recovery sausage, how many hostess girls Oscar could handle in one night?
An hour later, Chu Chengzhou was the only one left at the academy gate serving as a guide for the candidates.
Being a candidate guide essentially meant showing the way.
And those he led over, unless they were still queuing and hadn't been tested yet, were all eliminated at the second and third stages.
After the initial novelty wore off, Xiao Wu grew restless, found an excuse, and left. Whether she returned to practice or hid in her room to read romance novels, no one knew.
Just as Chu Chengzhou was idly waiting for the next candidate to pass the first stage, he suddenly noticed a girl in a green dress approaching from afar. She had shoulder-length flaxen hair, delicate features, fair skin, and an elegant yet mischievous demeanor.
'Ning Rongrong?'
Comparing her appearance to the anime version from his past life, along with the soul power she exuded that he couldn't fully perceive, Chu Chengzhou immediately recognized her.
Indeed, due to the unique nature of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul, even a nine-ring Title Douluo couldn't discern the soul power level of a Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect soul master.
Of course, the prerequisite for this was that the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Tower martial soul and soul power weren't activated.
Otherwise, based on the number of soul rings and the intensity of soul power fluctuations, any perceptive soul master could easily determine it.
'Not bad, not bad!'
Subtly scrutinizing her, Chu Chengzhou nodded in satisfaction.
This fish had looks, talent, and background—she absolutely deserved a spot in his pond!
Her only flaw was her spoiled princess attitude, which needed some adjustment.
The admission requirements for Shrek Academy were clearly stated. Candidates who didn't qualify would leave on their own, and there weren't many who met the criteria, so there was no need to queue. Ning Rongrong stepped forward directly to register.
After squeezing Ning Rongrong's arm to confirm she was under 12 years old, Li Yusong asked her to release her martial soul.
A surge of multicolored light emerged in Ning Rongrong's hand, and within moments, a foot-tall, colorful treasure pagoda appeared in her palm.
As for her soul ring configuration, as the young miss of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Rongrong's soul rings were naturally optimized.
'Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda?'
Upon seeing the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul, Li Yusong's pupils contracted involuntarily.
As the strongest auxiliary martial soul on the continent, Li Yusong naturally recognized it.
He never expected that a direct disciple of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect—one of the three great sects on the continent—would come to Shrek Academy.
"Do your family members know you're here?"
Coming to his senses, Li Yusong frowned and asked.
"It's said that education knows no bounds. As long as I meet the academy's requirements, you have no reason to reject me, right?"
Ning Rongrong didn't explain but instead pointed to the sign on the table and smiled.
"Chu kid, take her inside!"
After hesitating for a moment, Li Yusong waved to Chu Chengzhou.
Ning Rongrong blinked, her expressive eyes studying Chu Chengzhou.
This tall youth in front of her was probably a student of Shrek Academy?
"Wait a moment. She'll pass the assessment too. I'll take you both over together later."
Chu Chengzhou pointed to a girl walking over from the distance and addressed Ning Rongrong.
"Hmm?"
Ning Rongrong frowned slightly and turned to look in the direction Chu Chengzhou pointed.
'So big?'
As a fellow girl, Ning Rongrong's gaze was immediately drawn to the other girl's impressive chest.
The girl had long black hair cascading down her shoulders, wore a tight-fitting black-and-purple leather outfit, had fair skin, and was tall and slender. Most importantly, her chest was far beyond what a girl her age should possess.
The only downside was that the girl's expression was very cold—an inner coldness, pure and emotionless. Her black eyes showed no signs of vitality.
Needless to say, this ascetic-style girl was Zhu Zhuqing.
Coming to her senses, Ning Rongrong couldn't help but glance down at her own flat chest. For the first time, an unfamiliar feeling of inferiority filled her heart.
If Ning Rongrong felt inferior, Chu Chengzhou was shocked.
Despite being prepared, he was still taken aback by Zhu Zhuqing's impressive chest.
Keep in mind, Zhu Zhuqing was only 12 years old! Definitely a D-cup already? If this continued for a couple more years, what would happen?
After the initial shock, Chu Chengzhou quickly averted his gaze to avoid being labeled a pervert and offending the girls.
As expected, Zhu Zhuqing passed the first stage of the assessment with a soul power level of 27 and an optimal soul ring configuration.
"My name is Chu Chengzhou. May I ask for your names, juniors?"
Leading the two into the academy, Chu Chengzhou asked.
"Zhu Zhuqing."
Zhu Zhuqing glanced at Chu Chengzhou and responded indifferently.
"I'm Ning Rongrong, Senior Chu. I heard the admission requirements for Shrek Academy are very high. How are you so confident we'll pass?"
Ning Rongrong asked curiously.
"The high requirements are for ordinary soul masters. One of you is a 27th-level Soul Grandmaster, and the other is a 26th-level Soul Grandmaster. Your soul power far exceeds that of ordinary candidates. Based solely on the talent you've displayed, the academy couldn't possibly reject you."
"Huh? You can see through our soul power levels?"
Ning Rongrong was somewhat astonished. She hadn't expected this handsome Senior Chu to not only discern Zhu Zhuqing's soul power level but also her own.
"Mm."
Chu Chengzhou nodded.
Due to the unique nature of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul, he originally couldn't see through it. However, when Ning Rongrong released her martial soul earlier, a fluctuation in soul power occurred, allowing him to instantly discern it.
As for the original story? Ning Rongrong wasn't the protagonist, and after so many years, he had long forgotten such minor details.
"It seems my father was right. The world of soul masters is indeed full of geniuses, Senior Chu. May I ask about your martial soul?"
Ning Rongrong began to feel some interest in this senior.
Of course, this had nothing to do with romantic feelings. As the young miss of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Rongrong was considering recruiting an extraordinary genius soul master for her sect.
She had only revealed her martial soul for a brief moment, yet he had instantly discerned her soul power level. Either Chu Chengzhou's soul power level surpassed hers significantly and his perception was sharp, or he possessed a special perception technique.
Either scenario proved that this Senior Chu had potential, making him worthy of befriending.
Recruiting genius soul masters was something auxiliary system soul masters from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect were very enthusiastic about.
For instance, if her father, Ning Fengzhi, hadn't recruited her Sword Grandpa and Bone Grandpa back in the day, the wealthy Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect wouldn't enjoy the stability it did today.
Why did the spoiled young miss leave home and come to a rundown academy like Shrek?
First, it was coincidental. Second, Ning Rongrong had heard that Shrek Academy recruited genius soul masters but lacked backing from any major powers.
If she could build good relationships with her classmates after enrolling, then after graduation, Shrek Academy's students would naturally feel closer to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
Even if they didn't choose to join the sect, they could become potential allies, which would definitely be beneficial!
Not only Ning Rongrong but also Zhu Zhuqing glanced at Chu Chengzhou.
However, this frosty girl was merely curious.
"Your soul power exceeds level 25, so you can proceed directly to the final stage of practical exams. I happen to be the examiner, so you'll find out then!"
Chu Chengzhou didn't elaborate further and directly led the two to the fourth stage.
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