# Chapter 18: Fourth Stage
Zhu Zhuqing stepped forward with deliberate composure, her movements precise and controlled.
When she displayed her martial soul, the Civet materialized beside her, sleek and dangerous with cold aura.
"Zhu Zhuqing, Spirit Hell Civet, Spirit Power level twenty-seven," she announced in a cold, measured tone.
Ning Rongrong's delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly as she processed the name and martial soul.
Her gaze immediately flickered toward Dai Mubai, who stood rigidly beside Li Yusong, his eyes fixed intently on Zhu Zhuqing with unmistakable tension.
Surname Dai?
Star Luo Empire?
The implications crystallized in Ning Rongrong's mind, though she kept her observations private.
Li Yusong's eyes lit up with undeniable satisfaction. Over many years of presiding over new student admissions, this was undoubtedly the strongest cohort he had encountered.
The concentration of talent was remarkable—a boy with exceptional spirit rings, the daughter of a noble sect, and now someone bearing the imperial family name.
After briefly testing the bone ages of each candidate to confirm their eligibility, Li Yusong turned to Dai Mubai with clear resignation.
"Mubai, take them directly to the fourth stage. The rest is up to you."
Dai Mubai's face immediately twisted into an expression of pure anguish.
He couldn't escape this responsibility. Forcing a smile, he gestured to the group. "Follow me."
---
As they walked, Dai Mubai briefly explained Shrek Academy's general structure and operations, his tone suggesting that Chen Sheng and the others would easily progress through the assessment.
After all, he had already suffered a humiliating defeat—he wasn't eager to repeat that experience.
Once they were somewhat isolated from the others, Dai Mubai leaned close to Chen Sheng, lowering his voice. "Chen Sheng, how about we just go through the motions later? I know I was wrong about yesterday's incident, and I'm already reflecting on it."
Chen Sheng smiled benevolently, his expression warm and understanding. "Of course. I'm sure we can reach an understanding."
However, Chen Sheng's internal monologue continued, my opponent later won't be Dai Mubai at all. It will be Zhao Wuji and that Vigorous Vajra Bear. Even knowing that Flender is present in the academy, when he sees these geniuses, he won't be able to resist stepping in, will he?
A wicked smile played at the corners of Chen Sheng's mouth. If Zhao Wuji really dares to go all out, I'll make that bear a little blind later. Let's see who bleeds more.
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THE TRAINING GROUNDS
The group arrived at a spacious training area that had clearly seen extensive use. Zhao Wuji sat on a wooden bench with his eyes closed, his massive frame entirely still.
As he sensed movement, his eyes slowly opened, revealing the sharp gaze of a true warrior.
"Oh? Mubai, this year you're bringing so many students directly to the fourth stage," Zhao Wuji observed, rising to his feet with deliberate slowness.
His movements suggested someone comfortable with power. "Their spirit power must be at least level twenty-five?"
Dai Mubai approached the Vice-Dean, quickly providing introductions. "This is Teacher Zhao Wuji, our academy's Vice-Dean. He possesses a Spirit Power level of seventy-six, is a Battle Spirit Saint, and his martial soul is the Vigorous Vajra Bear. He also holds the title of Immovable King."
Ning Rongrong's small mouth fell open in genuine shock.
She had clearly recognized the name immediately. "What? You are the Immovable King? You once faced the pursuit of sixteen Spirit Emperors from Spirit Hall and managed to escape unscathed. I didn't expect you to be hiding here all these years?"
Zhao Wuji's expression shifted into something between amusement and irritation. "Oh, little girl, I didn't expect that after so many years, you still know my name. But when you say I'm hiding here?" He chuckled, though there was an edge to it. "I'm not particularly happy about that characterization. If Spirit Hall had sent Spirit Emperors capable of fighting me one-on-one back then, why would I have needed to run at all?"
Chen Sheng managed to suppress his reaction. They were chasing you in a group. Who would fight you one-on-one? The logic was conveniently selective.
Dai Mubai began listing the spirit power levels of the candidates, but Zhao Wuji immediately interrupted. "Stop! Don't tell me yet. I will be the examiner for the fourth stage this year. Let them keep their advantage for now."
Dai Mubai's initial relief quickly evaporated as he realized the implications. "Teacher Zhao, I was the examiner in previous years! The strongest among them is only a Spirit Elder. Even if they all attack together, they're no match for you, a Spirit Saint!"
Dai Mubai's voice grew increasingly desperate. "And the dean just arrived. These are all talents that the dean values highly. If they lose later, I won't be able to explain myself to him—"
Zhao Wuji's temper flared instantly. He grabbed Dai Mubai by the collar and pulled him close, his irritation evident. "This is none of your business! I'll speak with Flender later!"
With that, Zhao Wuji released Dai Mubai and turned his attention to the candidates. He conjured an incense stick from his storage ring, lit it with a small flame from his finger, and planted it firmly into the ground.
"You have the duration of this incense stick to discuss your strategy,"
Zhao Wuji announced, then settled back onto his bench with apparent ease. "For the fourth stage, what you need to do is survive. Defeat me if you can, but survival is the minimum requirement."
Internally, however, Zhao Wuji was thrilled. It had been far too long since he'd engaged in actual combat. Staying in this academy, he felt like he was slowly withering away.
This was precisely the opportunity he needed—a chance to stretch his muscles and remind himself why he had earned his fearsome reputation.
Let's see who ends up bleeding more, Chen Sheng thought with matching intensity.
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Dai Mubai slowly approached Chen Sheng and the others, motioning for them to huddle and discuss.
His advice was practical but uninspired. "Teacher Zhao's Vigorous Vajra Bear is both offensive and defensive in nature. His only weakness is speed, but the spirit power gap is far too large. Honestly, your best strategy is to simply stall and run out the time."
Chen Sheng shook his head firmly. "No. No matter how much we stall, we won't be a match for Teacher Zhao in a battle of attrition. Our total combined spirit power isn't on the same level, and as a Spirit Saint, he definitely possesses several control abilities and area-of-effect techniques. We must go all out from the start."
His gaze shifted to Tang San with clear intent. "Tang San, you'll handle overall field control with your Blue Silver Grass. You must use your full strength and your poison capabilities."
Then his expression grew serious as he turned to Xiao Wu. "Xiao Wu, you're forbidden from using your second spirit ability. The level gap is too severe—you'll suffer backlash damage. Understood?"
Xiao Wu hesitated only briefly before nodding in agreement.
Tang San understood immediately what Chen Sheng meant—he should be prepared to deploy his Eight Spider Lances external spirit bone when the opportunity presented itself.
The venom from the Man Faced Demon Spider was potent enough that even against a vastly stronger opponent, it could cause significant damage.
The group formulated their approach: Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing would attack from both flanks, attempting to divide Zhao Wuji's attention.
Tang San would maintain field control from the rear, constantly establishing barriers and creating opportunities.
Chen Sheng, possessing their strongest individual combat capability, would directly engage Zhao Wuji's attacks and maintain pressure.
Dai Mubai voiced his concern, his expression troubled. "Chen Sheng, are you absolutely certain about going head-to-head with Teacher Zhao? I acknowledge that you're strong, but the difference in spirit power between you and Teacher Zhao is enormous. It's simply too vast."
Chen Sheng smiled without responding. A massive difference in strength? That's exactly what I want. He understood that Zhao Wuji was merely testing them—the Vice-Dean wouldn't employ his Martial Soul True Body against potential academy recruits. That would be overkill and frankly embarrassing.
Chen Sheng directed his attention to Ning Rongrong, his expression becoming serious. "Oh, by the way, Ning Rongrong, when we start, remain highly vigilant. Teacher Zhao's first target will definitely be you. Your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda is a support-type spirit—he'll prioritize neutralizing support first."
Ning Rongrong smiled brightly. "I know, I'll be careful. You all will protect me, right?"
Chen Sheng's response was deliberately measured and honest. "Protect you? That's honestly still a bit difficult. The difference in strength between us and Teacher Zhao is so significant that even if Tang San's Blue Silver Grass manages to catch you in time, facing the spiritual pressure of a Spirit Saint, breaking free isn't impossible. Moreover, Tang San will need to participate actively in the offense, so he might not be available quickly enough. You must be highly vigilant and protect yourself first."
Ning Rongrong's smile froze. She sensed there was a hidden meaning in Chen Sheng's words, but with the assessment about to begin, she set aside her confusion.
Zhao Wuji, satisfied that the candidates appeared ready, re-lit another incense stick and inserted it into the ground. "Activate your spirits!"
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THE BATTLE BEGINS
At Chen Sheng's command, all five candidates displayed their martial souls simultaneously, their spirit rings manifesting around them.
Zhao Wuji's gaze locked onto Chen Sheng's spirit ring configuration, and his eyes widened noticeably. "Holy carp—those spirit rings? Yellow, purple, black—"
『DING! DETECTED Zhao Wuji's Shock and Amazement emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
Before Zhao Wuji could complete his assessment, Chen Sheng was already moving. His White Tiger martial soul surrounded him with crackling thunder, purple lightning dancing across his form as he rushed forward with explosive speed.
Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing weren't far behind, launching coordinated attacks from both flanks with impressive synchronization.
Ning Rongrong seized the crucial moment, raising her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda in both hands. Her voice rang clear across the training ground. "Seven Treasures have names! First, strength! Second, speed!"
Two brilliant waves of golden light cascaded over their allies. The enhancement effects settled over Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Chen Sheng, amplifying their capabilities by a significant margin—approximately thirty percent according to the reputation of the world's number one auxiliary spirit.
Chen Sheng felt the surge of amplified power coursing through him. His speed increased noticeably, his strength responding more immediately. The combination of Ning Rongrong's enhancement and his own Phantom Steps technique created a devastating acceleration.
Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing's attacks struck Zhao Wuji's body almost simultaneously—the rabbit spirit master striking at the neck, the hell civet targeting the waist. However, both impacts failed to penetrate Zhao Wuji's defenses. His skin was already protected by a layer of passive spirit power, a defensive measure that required no active channeling.
Chen Sheng recognized this immediately. His body is inherently reinforced through accumulated spirit power. Direct physical attacks won't break through without significant force.
His third spirit ring began to glow with dark intensity. "Third Spirit Ability, White Tiger Transformation!"
Instantly, Chen Sheng's form exploded with power. His White Tiger martial soul blazed with thunder-wreathed fury, his body augmented by combat enhancements that pushed his capabilities far beyond the boundaries. His claws extended, wreathed in brilliant purple lightning, eyes filled with thunder, each movement radiating deadly intent.
Zhao Wuji's composure shattered. His years of combat experience screamed warning—this spirit ability possessed an unusual quality, a depth of power that suggested careful cultivation and exceptional potential.
He immediately clenched his fists, raising them to block Chen Sheng's incoming strike.
It proved useless.
Chen Sheng's thunder-enhanced claws, boosted by Transformation and Ning Rongrong's amplification, tore through Zhao Wuji's defense with devastating efficiency. The attack landed directly on his forearm, and blood immediately welled up from the wound, visible against his skin.
The Vice-Dean stumbled backward from the impact's force.
In that instant of disruption, Tang San's Blue Silver Grass wrapped around Chen Sheng and the others, pulling them back to their original defensive positions.
"What kind of spirit ability is this?!" Zhao Wuji demanded, his voice carrying genuine shock. "It can actually penetrate my defense?"
『DING! DETECTED Zhao Wuji's Shock emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
Dai Mubai stared in disbelief. Even he hadn't anticipated such a direct breakthrough.
『DING! DETECTED Dai Mubai's Shock emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
Chen Sheng smiled slightly, genuinely satisfied with the combat performance. "Oh, that's my third spirit ability. It boosts my combat power significantly, and the claws generated by my martial soul are more sharper then weapons of war. As you can see from your wound, Teacher Zhao—though it's small, the bleeding won't simply stop, will it?"
Zhao Wuji examined the wound on his forearm, watching blood continue to flow steadily. His pride bristled at having been wounded by someone so much weaker, but his battle instincts also recognized the danger. These weren't ordinary students.
"Hahahaha, not bad, not bad," Zhao Wuji laughed, his competitive spirit clearly ignited.
"I didn't expect this year's new students to be so talented. A little freak like you, and someone from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect!"
He paused, rolling his shoulders with deliberate movements. "However, I was careless just now. Based on my experience, your third spirit ability should be limited to close-range combat—you lack long-range capabilities, correct? It's certainly effective against opponents of similar strength, but against me?" He smiled wickedly. "You're still far from it."
The group's brief moment of optimism immediately dampened. The assessment was far from over.
"Second Spirit Ability, Great Strength Vajra Palm!" Zhao Wuji roared.
His hands transformed into massive bear paws, infused with spirit power. He charged forward with terrifying momentum, his massive frame moving with surprising speed.
"Oh no!" Tang San instantly recognized the danger. He desperately summoned Blue Silver Grass, trying to establish barriers before Zhao Wuji's advance, but the Vice-Dean's momentum simply shredded through the botanical obstacles as though they were paper.
Tang San reacted immediately, wrapping Ning Rongrong securely with Blue Silver Grass and launching her sideways toward Chen Sheng, ensuring the support master would be protected.
Chen Sheng caught her smoothly, moving both of them to safety as Tang San himself activated Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, his speed increasing dramatically to evade the charging Vice-Dean.
Tang San gritted his teeth, recognizing that passive defense would lead to inevitable defeat. He summoned his Eight Spider Lances external spirit bone, causing eight enormous spectral spider legs to erupt from his back, each one reinforced with his accumulated spirit power.
The Eight Spider Lances provided immediate full-body amplification. Tang San's confidence surged with the power boost.
He immediately began employing his Tang Sect techniques—Mysterious Jade Hand, Controlling Crane Catching Dragon—circling Zhao Wuji with precision, using the spider lances to strike from unconventional angles while maintaining distance.
"Xiao Wu, Zhuqing, your attacks won't penetrate Teacher Zhao's defenses," Chen Sheng called out, his voice carrying strategic authority. "Protect Ning Rongrong. I'll assist Tang San."
Though both Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing appeared unconvinced by their sidelined role, they understood the tactical necessity. They repositioned themselves near Ning Rongrong, forming a defensive perimeter.
Zhao Wuji's eyes registered the eight spider legs extending from Tang San's back, and his expression shifted to one of grudging respect. "An external spirit bone? Good heavens, Flender—that old fellow must be absolutely delighted! This year is definitely going to be a promising start!"
Tang San moved with exceptional fluidity, using Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track to navigate Zhao Wuji's powerful strikes. He successfully employed Mysterious Jade Hand and Controlling Crane Catching Dragon to redirect and neutralize the Vice-Dean's offensive momentum, buying precious seconds with each exchange.
Simultaneously, Tang San controlled his Eight Spider Lances, positioning them to strike from behind during Zhao Wuji's forward momentum. The combined attack strategy was elegant in its coordination.
However, Zhao Wuji possessed decades of combat experience.
"First Spirit Ability, Immovable King Body!" he roared.
The effect was instantaneous and devastating. A sphere of crushing spiritual pressure exploded outward from Zhao Wuji's position, slamming into both Tang San and Chen Sheng, who had moved close enough to support the assault.
Both young men were sent flying backward, sliding three meters across the training ground before managing to stabilize themselves.
Tang San's mouth filled with blood, droplets streaming down his chin as he struggled to catch his breath.
Chen Sheng used his White Tiger claws to tear furrows into the earth, stopping his momentum through sheer physical leverage. Internally, he chuckled. That was significant, but manageable. Zhao Wuji, the harder you beat Tang San, the worse you'll suffer tonight when Flender inevitably discovers I've been deliberately holding back my actual power level.
"Chen Sheng, what should we do?" Tang San gasped, his voice strained. "Teacher Zhao's defense is too formidable, and now he's wary of my Eight Spider Lances. I have no opportunity to land a meaningful strike."
Chen Sheng's mind worked through tactical possibilities even as his body remained battle-ready. "Use your hidden weapons. Attack from range, and leave the defense-breaking to me. Also, establish a few Blue Silver Grass plants near my position—I'll need anchors for rapid repositioning."
Tang San hesitated only briefly, internal conflict evident on his face. He had just met Zhao Wuji and the others minutes ago. Was exposing his hidden weapons this early truly wise?
Then realization crystallized. This was actually an excellent opportunity. Allowing Ning Rongrong and the others to witness the effectiveness of his hidden weapons would facilitate future contact with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect—an invaluable connection for eventually rebuilding the Tang Sect.
Tang San activated his hidden weapon storage belt, and his entire demeanor shifted. His aura transformed—his previous desperate defense transformed into something far more lethal and calculated. His movements became fluid and precise, the actions of someone trained in assassination and covert warfare.
Chen Sheng's aura similarly shifted, now radiating pure thunder and ruthlessness—a predator fully engaged in active hunting.
Zhao Wuji watched these transformations and, inexplicably, felt a chill run down his spine. For a moment, he sensed danger—as though encountering something fundamentally more lethal than a simple student assessment.
At that precise moment, Flender burst through the academy doors, Yu Xiaogang close behind him. The Dean had sensed Zhao Wuji's earlier spirit power fluctuations and grown concerned about what might be happening in his academy.
This is probably disaster, Flender thought grimly as he approached.
What greeted him was the sight of Dai Mubai standing to the side, watching helplessly, while Zhao Wuji appeared significantly more bloodied than any student should have rendered a Spirit Saint.
"Why would this be happening?" Flender muttered, then noticed Yu Xiaogang beside him, unperturbed and almost expectant.
"Don't rush into this," Yu Xiaogang said calmly. "Since it has already started, use this opportunity to observe the true strength of Tang San and Chen Sheng. I assure you, their capabilities will exceed your expectations. As long as Zhao Wuji doesn't deploy his Martial Soul True Body, I believe he'll find their combined assault remarkably challenging."
Flender raised an eyebrow. "You're that confident in them?"
"Observe," Yu Xiaogang replied simply.
Zhao Wuji, noticing Flender's arrival but seeing no intervention signal, felt a surge of tacit approval. The Dean had essentially given him permission to continue.
Tang San and Chen Sheng immediately escalated their assault.
Tang San's hidden weapons—both poisoned and unpoisoned variants—streamed toward Zhao Wuji in calculated patterns. However, the Vice-Dean's instinctive defensive techniques easily deflected most projectiles, their trajectories disrupted by his spirit power aura.
There has to be a weakness, Tang San thought with determination, cycling through Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track to reposition continuously. No one is perfectly defended in all directions—it's impossible to achieve 360-degree coverage without blind spots.
Tang San attacked from the front, sides, and even from behind, each assault coordinated with Chen Sheng's thunder-wreathed strikes.
Chen Sheng's White Tiger Transformation claws repeatedly found purchase against Zhao Wuji's body, each strike opening fresh wounds. Though individually minor, the accumulated bleeding began to create a concerning pattern—Zhao Wuji was slowly being saturated with his own blood.
Zhao Wuji grew increasingly exasperated with the predicament. His wounds multiplied. His confidence, so recently restored, began to waver.
Then, during a moment when Chen Sheng's claws struck simultaneously with Tang San's strike, an opening appeared.
"Purple Demon Eye!" Tang San activated one of his most significant techniques.
"Mysterious Jade Hand!" His movements became impossibly precise, deflecting Zhao Wuji's counter with minimal effort.
Several tiny golden projectiles—specially crafted hidden weapons of exceptional sharpness—penetrated directly through gaps in Zhao Wuji's defenses, embedding themselves in his flesh.
"Dragon Beard Needle!" Tang San's voice carried grim satisfaction. These particular weapons he had discovered in Flender's shop, purchased for merely one hundred gold coins. They had proven to be a tremendous bargain.
"~AAAAAHHHH...!"
Zhao Wuji's scream of pain echoed across the training ground.
The Dragon Beard Needles contained a paralytic venom, and their presence throughout his body created a cascading agony that nearly brought the Vice-Dean to his knees.
"Bastard!" Zhao Wuji roared, his pride wounded as much as his body.
"Third Spirit Ability, Gravity Enhancement!"
The training ground suddenly became heavier. A crushing downward force pressed against all three combatants, but Tang San bore the brunt of the technique. His speed decreased noticeably as the additional weight bore down on him.
"Fifth Spirit Ability, Gravity Compression!"
Flender, observing from the sidelines, sighed deeply. "Wuji has been completely outmaneuvered."
He glanced at the incense stick burning steadily in its holder. Only a quarter of it remained unconsumed.
"Old man, are you really going to lose to a bunch of freshmen?" Flender couldn't resist a mocking comment. This was the first time in years he'd witnessed Zhao Wuji being backed into such a corner. And this is still the man who escaped from sixteen Spirit Emperors?
Zhao Wuji felt his pride shatter entirely. He had intended to conduct a simple assessment, perhaps enjoy some light exercise with weaker opponents. Instead, he found himself bleeding profusely, suffering from paralytic toxins, and rapidly losing ground to teenagers.
His aura transformed. The casual confidence evaporated, replaced by focused intensity.
Everyone present sensed the immediate shift in the Vice-Dean's spirit power. His presence became more oppressive, more dangerous.
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