"We're here!"
Not long after, Chu Chengzhou stopped walking as they crossed the training ground and arrived at an open space not far from Principal Flender's "office."
At this moment, Zhao Wuji was sitting on a chair near the edge of the clearing, dozing off. Chu Chengzhou stepped forward and said, "Teacher Zhao, I've brought people for the fourth stage of the assessment."
"Hmm? Two more this year?"
Zhao Wuji opened his bleary eyes, looking somewhat surprised at Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing.
Given Shrek Academy's poor conditions, any candidate who reached the fourth stage of the assessment would almost certainly pass and gain admission.
Last year, Chu Chengzhou and Xiao Wu had unexpectedly joined halfway through the process. Zhao Wuji hadn't expected two more students to join the academy this year.
Could it be that Shrek Academy, which had endured twenty years of hardship, was finally turning its fortunes around?
"Mm, not only have they reached the fourth stage, but they've also been exempted from the second and third stages of the assessment."
Chu Chengzhou nodded.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Wuji's eyes lit up, and he sat up straight.
"Both of you are above level 25? Not bad, not bad!
I'm Zhao Wuji. This is your final stage of the entrance exam. If you pass my test, you will officially become members of Shrek Academy. However, passing this test won't be easy.
Practical combat experience is something every soul master must possess, and this stage tests your abilities in that area!"
With that, Zhao Wuji stood up, walked to the center of the clearing, and drew a circle on the ground with his foot, about two meters in diameter. Then, with a sinister smile, he turned to Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing and asked, "Do you see this circle?"
"Mm."
The two girls were unsure what he meant but still nodded.
"The test is simple! Chu kid, you stand inside this circle.
Your task is to force him out of the circle within the time it takes for one incense stick to burn down. Even if just half a foot crosses the line, I'll still consider you as having passed the test!"
Rubbing his chin, Zhao Wuji grinned widely.
Hearing this, Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing immediately widened their eyes.
"Teacher Zhao, our task is simply to force Senior Chu out of this circle?"
Ning Rongrong found Zhao Wuji's instructions hard to believe.
This small circle? It would take just a couple of steps to step over the line. Was Teacher Zhao underestimating her… or rather, underestimating Zhu Zhuqing, who she would assist?
"Simply? Little girl, I must say, your confidence impresses me, Zhao!
Alright, you two have the time it takes for one incense stick to burn down to discuss your strategy. Afterward, the test will begin!"
Giving Ning Rongrong a strange look, Zhao Wuji pulled out an incense stick from his storage device, lit it, and flicked it into the ground nearby.
Then, Zhao Wuji returned to his chair, closed his eyes, and resumed napping.
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged glances. They weren't fools and could clearly sense Zhao Wuji's immense confidence in Chu Chengzhou's strength.
Perhaps this Senior Chu's abilities far exceeded their expectations?
Thinking this, both girls turned to Chu Chengzhou.
Ning Rongrong's bright eyes darted around. She then summoned her Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul and gave Chu Chengzhou a respectful bow. "My name is Ning Rongrong, martial soul: Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, Level 26 auxiliary system soul master. Please instruct me later, Senior Chu."
Before a non-lethal duel, it was customary for both parties to declare their martial souls and soul power levels—a practice widely accepted by most soul masters on the continent.
Since her own martial soul and soul power had already been revealed, why not use this opportunity to extract some information from Chu Chengzhou?
At the very least, she needed to know what type of soul master he was.
"You want to fish for information? Fine, I'll tell you. My martial soul is called the True Spirit Flag, Level 34 weapon-type soul master."
Raising an eyebrow, Chu Chengzhou let blue soul power glow in his hand. Three disguised soul rings—two yellow and one purple—appeared, and a small flag bearing patterns of a tree, a lion, and a phoenix materialized in his hand as he smiled.
"The True Spirit Flag?"
Frowning, Ning Rongrong thought for a moment but couldn't recall any information about this martial soul.
What kind of martial soul was this flag?
An auxiliary or healing type? Definitely not, otherwise Chu Chengzhou wouldn't have been restricted to staying within the circle during the test.
A speed-attack type? Also incorrect; speed-attack soul masters on the continent all had beast-type martial souls.
Strength-attack or control type? Hmm, that was possible.
Afterward, Ning Rongrong pulled Zhu Zhuqing aside to quietly discuss tactics.
Of course, there wasn't much strategy to discuss. Ning Rongrong was just an auxiliary-type soul master with little combat ability. Her duplication effect could boost her teammates' strength and speed by 30%, but everything else depended on Zhu Zhuqing.
True, you handle the rampage, and I'll handle the cackle.
"Have you two little girls finished discussing?"
Soon, the lit incense stick burned out. Zhao Wuji, who had been dozing in his recliner, opened his eyes just in time.
"We can start now!"
Zhu Zhuqing nodded.
"Good! Chu kid, go ahead!
By the way, don't hold back against these two junior sisters just because they're younger than you, or don't blame me for being harsh on you."
Lighting another incense stick, Zhao Wuji issued a warning to Chu Chengzhou.
Chu Chengzhou: "..."
Hold back? How could he possibly do that?!
If he didn't hold back, who would take responsibility if the two guaranteed fish for my pond escaped?
Walking to the center of the circle Zhao Wuji had drawn earlier, Chu Chengzhou crossed his arms and looked at Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing.
"Seven treasures emerge with Glazed Tile light, seven treasures bear names: first, Strength; second, Speed!"
As Ning Rongrong recited her soul skill chant, her first and second soul rings lit up in succession. Two streams of colorful light surged from her Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda and entered Zhu Zhuqing's body, who had her Netherworld Spirit Cat martial soul activated.
"Zhuqing, go ahead!"
Ning Rongrong remained motionless inside the circle and then stepped back a few paces, signaling that she was merely a minor support role.
"Aren't you releasing your martial soul?"
Seeing that Chu Chengzhou had already retracted the flag martial soul he had previously displayed, Zhu Zhuqing frowned and asked.
She did want to enter Shrek Academy, but she didn't need Chu Chengzhou to intentionally give her an advantage during the test.
"To say something arrogant, with your current strength, there's no need for me to even use my martial soul's power."
Chu Chengzhou said indifferently.
Upon hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing cast a deep look at Chu Chengzhou. Then, her soul power surged, and she transformed into a black shadow, charging directly at Chu Chengzhou.
"First soul skill, Netherworld Spirit Pierce!"
Her claws glowed with a purple light, and her sprinting speed instantly doubled as she stabbed toward Chu Chengzhou, who appeared completely unguarded.
However, just as her claws were about to reach his chest, Chu Chengzhou's right hand shot out, precisely grabbing Zhu Zhuqing's wrist.
He then applied force with his wrist, pulling and throwing her. Zhu Zhuqing, who weighed less than a hundred jin (about 50 kg) and wasn't even as heavy as his Heavy Silver Bow, was tossed away.
Fortunately, as a speed-attack soul master, Zhu Zhuqing was agile. Just before hitting the ground, she twisted her body mid-air, landing on her long legs clad in tight leather pants, creating two long grooves in the clearing. She managed to stop herself without rolling like a gourd.
After this initial exchange, Zhu Zhuqing couldn't help but feel heavy-hearted.
Indeed, this Senior Chu's strength surpassed her expectations. He had effortlessly countered one of her two soul skills.
But giving up was not an option. In Zhu Zhuqing's life dictionary, there was no such word as surrender.
Pushing off with the tip of her foot, Zhu Zhuqing charged at Chu Chengzhou again.
Seeing this, and knowing Zhu Zhuqing's fighting style, Chu Chengzhou unleashed a great burst of soul power. A transparent, blue-colored soul shield suddenly manifested.
The next moment, Zhu Zhuqing had already charged close. Her second soul ring lit up, and as her body rapidly spun, her sharp claws became countless claw shadows, slashing and stabbing at high speed.
Ding ding ding ding ding—!
The sound of claws colliding with the shield rang out densely.
But aside from the dense collision sounds, the soul shield Chu Chengzhou had manifested remained completely unmoved, showing no signs of breaking.
Compared to Chu Chengzhou's self-created technique, which rivaled a ten-thousand-year defense-type soul skill, the hundred-year attack soul skills of a two-ring Soul Grandmaster naturally fell far short.
'Netherworld Hundred Claws—each rotation allows two attacks per hand, totaling fifty rotations for a hundred strikes. Won't spinning fifty times make her dizzy?'
Looking at Zhu Zhuqing's attacks, which resembled a kitten scratching, Chu Chengzhou couldn't help but think to himself.
Perhaps it was due to the unique nature of her soul skill? Otherwise, even if a Title Douluo were to come, spinning fifty times in a few seconds would likely turn their brains into mush.
This time, Chu Chengzhou didn't retaliate.
With his defensive skill already upgraded to black level through idle leveling, perfect passive resistance was guaranteed, so there was no need to strike back.
After the hundred claws, Zhu Zhuqing retreated a few steps, looking at Chu Chengzhou with confusion.
For a speed-attack soul master, the nightmare was encountering an opponent with overwhelming defense.
Her Netherworld Hundred Claws, concentrating all her strikes on a single point, represented her strongest possible attack. Yet Chu Chengzhou had completely ignored it. How could this battle continue?
Not only was Zhu Zhuqing confused, but Ning Rongrong, who had been idling nearby, was also dumbfounded.
Even with her amplification, Zhu Zhuqing couldn't even break through Chu Chengzhou's defenses. What was the point of this battle? To showcase how ineffective her attacks were?
Immediately, Ning Rongrong couldn't help but cast a resentful glance at Chu Chengzhou.
Senior, if you act like this, how am I supposed to enroll?
At this moment, Chu Chengzhou's face suddenly turned pale. The soul shield he had formed dissipated, and he clutched his chest, pointing shakily at Zhu Zhuqing and saying, "Junior's soul skill is truly powerful... cough cough... I didn't expect each attack to carry hidden force, penetrating surface defenses to attack internal organs... cough cough, I admit defeat!"
With that, Chu Chengzhou took a few steps back, placing one foot outside the circle Zhao Wuji had drawn.
Hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing looked down at her hands in bewilderment. Is my Netherworld Claw really that strong? Why didn't I know?
Zhao Wuji: "..."
Ning Rongrong: "..."
"Chu kid, are you putting on a show for me?"
With a dark expression, Zhao Wuji gave a menacing look.
"Cough cough... Teacher Zhao, I'm not putting on a show... cough cough. I admit, I was careless this time and didn't dodge, but I must say, this junior's soul skill attack is indeed powerful!"
Chu Chengzhou, his face pale, gasped for breath, pretending to look fine on the surface but actually suffering severe internal injuries.
"Very good! Chu kid, tomorrow you'll attend my practical combat class!"
Zhao Wuji cracked his knuckles menacingly and said with ill intent.
"... Teacher Zhao, remember: thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river, don't underestimate a poor youth!"
Chu Chengzhou lowered his head in silence for a moment, then raised it with a tragic expression, quoting the famous words of Xiao Huohuo, the fire-playing youth from the neighboring continent. (Xiao Yan from Battle Through the Heavens/Dou Po)
"Pfft—!"
Ning Rongrong burst into laughter, unable to contain herself.
From what this Senior Chu implied, was he planning to challenge Teacher Zhao to daily combat lessons once he grew stronger?
"Alright, alright, alright! No wonder you're my student, Zhao Wuji—you've got guts! Chu kid, forget tomorrow—how about we have a combat lesson right now? Let me see where you get the confidence to talk to me like this!"
With that, Zhao Wuji revealed a ferocious grin, clenched his fists, and approached Chu Chengzhou.
However, just as Zhao Wuji took a step forward, Chu Chengzhou activated his movement technique, making a "whoosh" sound as he dashed far away. Only his voice remained: "Teacher Zhao, I have something to do, so I'll take my leave first!"
Take a combat lesson with Zhao Wuji? His brain must have been taken by a ten-thousand-year-old stupid donkey to even consider that!
If his third summon were a ten-thousand-year Dark Golden Terror Claw Bear, he might have been able to tussle with Zhao Wuji. Even if he lost, he could at least show Zhao Wuji that he wasn't a soft persimmon to be squeezed at will.
Unfortunately, his third summon was a ten-thousand-year Fire Phoenix, far weaker than Zhao Wuji. Unless he flew high into the sky before the fight began, he'd only be squeezed like a sponge.
"Hmph~!"
Watching Chu Chengzhou's retreating figure, Zhao Wuji snorted coldly but didn't chase after him. He returned to his chair and said to Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing, "You two pass!"
"Thank you, Teacher Zhao!"
The two thanked Zhao Wuji.
"You two can go do whatever you need to do. Don't disturb my nap."
Waving his hand, Zhao Wuji signaled that they could leave.
"Uh~, Teacher Zhao, where should we go next?"
Ning Rongrong was confused. Being unfamiliar with Shrek Academy, what were they supposed to do now? Wasn't there supposed to be an enrollment guide?
Hmm, wasn't the enrollment guide the one who just ran away?
"You two go find that Chu kid!"
Zhao Wuji waved dismissively, annoyed.
Ning Rongrong: "..."
Zhu Zhuqing: "..."
Chu Chengzhou hadn't run far. Seeing that Zhao Wuji showed no intention of pursuing him, he stopped.
"Senior Chu, thank you for going easy on us earlier!"
Ning Rongrong said with a smile.
Zhu Zhuqing didn't speak but nodded in agreement.
If Chu Chengzhou hadn't intentionally gone easy on them, there was no way they could have passed the assessment.
"No problem. Since you two just arrived today and there's nothing urgent at the academy, I'll take you to the dormitories. By the way, do you want to live together?"
Chu Chengzhou waved his hand.
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing glanced at each other and nodded.
"Alright, follow me!"
Soon, Chu Chengzhou led them to two wooden houses that were close to each other. One of the houses even had a missing corner in its eaves.
Yes, these two wooden houses were the same dormitories he and Xiao Wu had stayed in when they first came to Shrek Academy.
Flender truly lived up to his reputation as a miser. Even though he had some extra money, he still refused to renovate the academy's dormitories.
However, the cafeteria food wasn't bad. Regardless of taste, the nutrition was guaranteed.
"Here~, these two dormitories are empty. You can choose one!"
Chu Chengzhou pointed to the two wooden houses nearby.
"... Senior Chu, is this the academy's dormitory?"
Ning Rongrong's eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at Chu Chengzhou.
"Yes, this is our Shrek Academy's student dormitory."
Chu Chengzhou nodded.
"What about that one?"
Ning Rongrong immediately pointed to a two-story wooden building several dozen meters away.
Compared to the dilapidated small wooden houses in front of them, the distant two-story wooden building was spacious and looked quite exquisite, far superior in quality.
"That one is my dormitory."
Chu Chengzhou shook his head.
Ning Rongrong blinked, puzzled.
As fellow students of Shrek Academy, why did he live in an elegant wooden building while we were stuck in these shabby huts that even dogs would disdain?
Sensing Ning Rongrong's confusion, Chu Chengzhou explained, "The academy's dormitories are old and leaky during rainy days. I couldn't get used to living in them, so I had that wooden building constructed myself. It doesn't belong to the academy's property."
Instantly, the two were shocked.
Coming to study at Shrek Academy, did students really have to pay out of pocket to build their own dormitories?!
If the teaching building broke down one day, would the students have to build a new one for the academy?
Flender: Sorry, the academy's teaching building will never break because we don't have one.
"Senior Chu, your wooden building looks quite spacious. Are there any empty rooms left?"
Ning Rongrong tentatively asked.
As a pampered young lady, Ning Rongrong was unwilling to live in a leaky old hut during rainy days.
As for living in the same building as male students? As long as they weren't in the same room, what was the big deal?
In many smaller soul master academies, male and female students often shared the same dormitory building.
"There are two empty rooms left. If you want to live there, it's not impossible, but you'll need my sister's permission."
Rubbing his chin, Chu Chengzhou said.
"Your sister?"
Blinking, Ning Rongrong was curious.
"Yes, her name is Xiao Wu."
Just as Chu Chengzhou was about to introduce Xiao Wu, a visibly upset Xiao Wu emerged from the wooden building and ran toward the academy gate.
"Xiao Wu, over here!"
Chu Chengzhou called out to Xiao Wu.
Hearing Chu Chengzhou's call, Xiao Wu hurried over.
"What's wrong? Your expression looks troubled."
Seeing Xiao Wu's unhappy face, Chu Chengzhou quickly asked.
"Brother, I'm sick."
Xiao Wu said gloomily.
Earlier, she had been reading a romance novel in her room when, suddenly, she felt some pain in her stomach.
Thinking it was just a stomachache from eating something bad, she went to the restroom. But to her shock, she found blood.
However, this wasn't a big deal. She could rely on Chu Chengzhou.
The Sky Azure Tree Xiao Qing was a healing-type summon with the innate soul skill: Heal, capable of curing injuries.
And the Radiant Lion Xiao Bai was an auxiliary-type summon with the innate soul skill: Purify, able to remove abnormal states like poisoning, curses, or illnesses.
With these two summons, whether it was illness or injury, it could be resolved in minutes.
"By the way, brother, who are they?"
Xiao Wu pointed to Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing.
Both were beautiful, and one had an especially voluptuous figure—it was hard to see her feet if you looked down. If either of them managed to seduce Chu Chengzhou, wouldn't Xiao Wu suffer a great loss?
"Let's not talk about that for now. Tell me what happened. You were fine earlier, so why are you suddenly sick?"
Chu Chengzhou was puzzled. Soul masters had physiques far superior to ordinary people and rarely fell ill. Moreover, Xiao Wu had been fine earlier, so how could she fall sick after only half an hour?
"I don't know what kind of illness it is. I just suddenly felt stomach pain, and there's also blood."
Xiao Wu couldn't explain what kind of illness it was. Her constitution had always been excellent, and since her transformation, she had never fallen ill.
"Stomach pain and bleeding?"
Upon hearing this, Chu Chengzhou raised an eyebrow. Could it be that the little rabbit had gotten her period?
He remembered that most girls experienced their first period around thirteen or fourteen years old, so it wasn't impossible.
Without further thought, Chu Chengzhou summoned his martial soul, calling forth the Sky Azure Tree summon.
Next, he activated its innate soul skill: Heal. A stream of emerald light surged from the Sky Azure Tree summon and entered Xiao Wu's body.
Instantly, Xiao Wu felt her entire body relax. The faint pain in her stomach disappeared, replaced by a warm sensation.
"How about now? Does it still hurt?"
As the emerald glow faded, Chu Chengzhou asked Xiao Wu.
"It doesn't hurt anymore!"
Feeling her stomach, Xiao Wu smiled again.
Chu Chengzhou nodded and said, "Xiao Wu, this isn't an illness. It's something that happens to girls when they reach a certain age. If you feel uncomfortable in the future, just come to me."
It was just her period—no need to worry. With the healing-type Sky Azure Tree summon, he was undoubtedly a friend to all women on the continent.
"Not an illness? Something that happens to all girls?"
Xiao Wu was baffled and couldn't quite understand.
But it didn't matter. As long as she felt unwell, she could rely on Chu Chengzhou.
"Hello, my name is Ning Rongrong. I'm twelve years old, martial soul: Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, Level 26 auxiliary system soul master, and I'm a new student at the academy."
"Zhu Zhuqing, also twelve years old, martial soul: Netherworld Spirit Cat, Level 27 speed-attack system soul master."
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing greeted Xiao Wu in turn.
"My name is Xiao Wu. I'm 17 years old, martial soul: Soft Bone Rabbit, Level 42 strength-attack system Soul Ancestor. You can call me Big Sister Xiao Wu!"
Hearing that the two were new students at the academy, Xiao Wu secretly sighed in relief and introduced herself.
Since they were new students today, they were probably not some random fox spirits.
Of course, Xiao Wu didn't completely let her guard down. It wasn't that she lacked confidence, but the two juniors were quite beautiful. If she didn't keep an eye on them, who knew if Chu Chengzhou might be lured away?
Upon hearing this, Ning Rongrong was somewhat surprised.
It wasn't the age or strength that surprised her. A seventeen-year-old Level 42 Soul Ancestor wasn't outrageous. There were plenty of geniuses at this level on the continent.
What surprised her was Chu Chengzhou's age. Knowing that Xiao Wu was seventeen and called Chu Chengzhou "brother," Chu Chengzhou must be at least seventeen as well.
Something didn't add up!
There were many three-ring Soul Elders in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, but Ning Rongrong had never seen one as formidable as Chu Chengzhou.
Generally speaking, the stronger a soul master was at the same level, the more powerful their martial soul was. And a powerful martial soul often indicated exceptional cultivation talent.
A seventeen-year-old Level 34 Soul Elder might not have bad talent, but it was certainly disproportionate to Chu Chengzhou's combat strength.
"Xiao Wu, are you really seventeen?"
Ning Rongrong couldn't help but ask.
"Is there any doubt? Both my brother and I were born in the 2625th year of the Continental Calendar!"
Xiao Wu said earnestly.
She knew her soul power cultivation speed was extraordinary. Aside from Principal Flender, who had known about their true ages all along, she wouldn't reveal their real ages to anyone else.
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