Zhu Zhuqing passed the first test without any trouble. The three of them, along with Ning Rongrong, were then led by Dai Mubai deeper into Shrek Academy.
The academy's entrance examination actually had four stages, but because these four candidates were so outstanding, they skipped the second and third stages and proceeded directly to the final test. This last stage was designed to assess practical combat experience. Some applicants might have powerful martial souls and high spirit power, but if they grew up sheltered in aristocratic families, they often lacked real fighting skills. Shrek Academy had no interest in students like that.
Dai Mubai led them to an open clearing, roughly two hundred square meters in size. On one side of the clearing was a chair, where a middle-aged man was dozing with his eyes slightly closed.
It was Zhao Wuji.
"Teacher Zhao, I've brought the applicants for the fourth test," Dai Mubai announced.
"There are four of them this year?" Zhao Wuji was roused by the voice. He looked up, and his eyes lit up with interest. In previous years, it was rare for even one person to make it to the fourth stage, let alone four. It seemed the quality of this year's freshmen was quite high.
While Zhao Wuji was sizing up the four new students, Huo Feng was observing him as well. The man's body was a mass of bulging muscles, with broad shoulders and a powerful frame. Although he wasn't particularly tall, his presence alone created a sense of oppression. This had to be the Immovable Bright King, Zhao Wuji.
[Ding!] [Hidden mission triggered!] [Mission: Sacrifice Zhao Wuji!] [Mission Reward: Spirit Power increased by five levels!] [Sacrifice points increased by 1,000. Bonus of 500 points. Total increase of 1,500 points!]
At that moment, the system's voice sounded in Huo Feng's mind.
A hidden mission? Huo Feng thought, replaying the system's words. Sacrifice Zhao Wuji.
The rewards were incredible. He also had to admit that the system's timing was perfect. The upcoming practical assessment against Zhao Wuji was the best possible opportunity he could ask for.
"If you pass my assessment, you will officially become a member of Shrek Academy," Zhao Wuji's deep voice boomed. He smiled as he glanced at the four of them, nodding with satisfaction. "My name is Zhao Wuji."
"I'll give you the time it takes for this incense stick to burn to get to know each other. After that, the assessment will begin," he continued.
"And what is the assessment?" Ning Rongrong asked.
At this, Zhao Wuji's expression relaxed, and a gentle smile appeared on his face. "The four of you will work together to withstand my attacks for the duration of one incense stick. If even a single one of you is still standing on the field when the time is up, you all pass."
After explaining, he took out a stick of incense, and with a light twist of his fingers, it was lit.
"Swish!"
With a flick of his wrist, the fragile incense stick shot through the air and embedded itself in the ground like a steel needle.
Seeing that Zhao Wuji himself was conducting the test, Dai Mubai's face was full of disbelief. He walked over to the four applicants and lowered his voice. "For this final test, you can only hope for the best."
"What do you mean?" Ning Rongrong asked with a frown. From his tone, it sounded like their chances of passing were very low.
Zhu Zhuqing remained silent, her expression as cold as ever. Huo Feng was also quiet, though his face was much more relaxed. Xiao Wu, however, was curious. She looked from Ning Rongrong to Dai Mubai. "Is this Teacher Zhao Wuji very strong?"
Dai Mubai shrugged helplessly. He took a deep breath and spoke slowly and clearly. "Teacher Zhao is the vice-president of the academy. He's a Level 76 Beast Spirit Battle Soul Saint."
"What?"
When he said that, even Zhu Zhuqing's pupils contracted in shock. A Level 76 Battle Soul Saint? That was beyond outrageous.
Seeing the four of them standing there in a daze, Dai Mubai added, "Teacher Zhao's martial soul is the Mighty Vajra Bear. Not only is his attack power terrifying, but his defense is also nearly flawless. However, he probably won't use his full strength against you. Good luck."
With that, he turned and walked away. Before leaving, he couldn't help but glance at Huo Feng a couple more times. For some reason, with Huo Feng here, he had a strange feeling that these four might actually have a chance.
"Xiao Wu, Beast Spirit, Soft Boned Rabbit. A Level 29 Power Attack-type Spirit Grandmaster," Xiao Wu was the first to introduce herself, making it easier for them to coordinate.
Ning Rongrong quickly followed. "Ning Rongrong, Tool Spirit, Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda. A Level 26 Auxiliary-type Spirit Grandmaster."
Then Zhu Zhuqing spoke, her voice as cool as her expression. "Zhu Zhuqing, Beast Spirit, Hell Civet. A Level 27 Agility Attack-type Spirit Grandmaster."
Finally, Huo Feng said calmly, "Huo Feng, Tool Spirit, Iron Sword. A Level 33 Power Attack-type Spirit Elder."
Level thirty-three?
After hearing Huo Feng's spirit power level, the other three all turned to look at him. Even Xiao Wu had never known his exact rank. Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing were even more surprised. Ning Rongrong, in particular, had been raised as a genius of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, and at her age, she had only reached level 26. Yet Huo Feng, who looked about the same age, was already a Level 33 Spirit Elder.
Her opinion of him changed instantly, and she even found herself sneaking a glance at his face. He's actually quite handsome, she thought.
After their brief introductions, Huo Feng began to plan their strategy. They quickly decided on their positions: Huo Feng and Xiao Wu, as the two power attackers, would stand in the front row. Ning Rongrong, the auxiliary, would stay in the back. Zhu Zhuqing, the agility attacker, would stay on the flank, ready to launch a sneak attack at any moment.
Huo Feng felt it was a pity they didn't have a true tank to absorb damage. That would have made things much easier. But with time so tight, this was the best they could do on such short notice. Besides, against a Level 76 Battle Soul Saint, their strategy probably wouldn't make much difference anyway.
Of course, there was another tactic that Huo Feng didn't mention. His real plan was to find an opportunity during the battle to sacrifice Zhao Wuji. If he succeeded, he wouldn't just get the mission rewards; their chances of passing the assessment would also skyrocket.
"Have you finished your discussion?" Zhao Wuji's loud voice boomed out just as the first incense stick burned down to its end.
The four of them looked at each other and nodded.
"Teacher, we're ready," Huo Feng said, stepping forward to speak for the group.
"Good, good!" Zhao Wuji laughed and stood up. He took two steps forward, pulled out another stick of incense, and was about to stick it in the ground to start the timer.
At that exact moment, he caught a flash of movement from the corner of his eye. It was incredibly fast.
"Hm?"
Zhao Wuji looked up and saw Huo Feng charging at him, holding a dark blue sword. Without any hesitation, he swung the sword in a powerful arc.
The blade was aimed straight for his head.
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