บท 42: 2 Years Later: Examinations

"Brother Jun, will Tang San and Xiao Wu really arrive today?" Ma Hongjun's curious voice cut through the bustling crowd of Suotuo City, drawing glances from passersby who couldn't help but admire the group's striking appearance.

Hearing Ma Hongjun's inquiry, Dai Mubai, Oscar, and Bai Chenxiang couldn't help but share in his curiosity. Tang San and Xiao Wu held a special place within their group, as they were considered Fourth Brother and Fifth Sister respectively. Furthermore, Tang San's rivalry with Ma Hongjun was not a secret either.

"Hmm" Sheng Jun pondered for a moment before responding. "Grandmaster said that he has instructed Tang San and Xiao Wu to arrive first, with him following once he finishes his business there. According to the schedule, they should be arriving today."

With anticipation humming in the air, the group continued their search through the bustling streets of Suotuo City.

"First Brother, but how do we know what they look like? You guys haven't seen each other for five years, right?" Oscar's inquisitive voice cut through the conversation, prompting Sheng Jun to smile awkwardly in response.

"Tang San might not be that easily distinguishable" Sheng Jun replied, scratching his cheek thoughtfully. It was true that Tang San's appearance was relatively unremarkable, able to blend into a crowd without drawing much attention. "But his little girlfriend, ahem, I mean girl-friend" he added with a playful chuckle, "should be easily distinguishable with her unique sense of fashion"

As he spoke, Sheng Jun gestured with his hands, emphasizing his point. "Keep an eye out for a girl with rabbit ears ribbons," he explained, painting a vivid picture of Xiao Wu's distinctive style, a detail that would surely make her easier to spot amidst the people in Suotuo City.

"First Brother…they can't be those two people walking towards the Rose Hotel, right?" At Oscar's sudden exclamation, the group's attention was immediately drawn to the scene before them. With narrowed eyes, Sheng Jun followed Oscar's pointed finger.

"This...they should be Tang San and Xiao Wu" Sheng Jun remarked slowly. Despite his calm demeanor, he couldn't help but scold them inwardly. It seemed that some things never changed, even after five years, these two are as vulgar as ever!

As their eyes fell upon the duo, causing a variety of reactions through the group. Oscar and Dai Mubai stared at them unabashed. Meanwhile, Ma Hongjun turned his head to stare at Bai Chenxiang, his eyes ablaze with determination. He wasn't about to let Tang San win this "fight" either.

Noticing his gaze, Bai Chenxiang blushed and averted her gaze from Ma Hongjun's intense stare, Sheng Jun's expression twitched with a mixture of annoyance and amusement. Dai Mubai and Oscar's faces darkened, at the public display of affection unfolding before them. How dare these two feed them dog food in broad daylight.

Unable to contain it any longer, Sheng Jun swiftly intervened, delivering a sharp slap to the back of Ma Hongjun's head. The sound reverberated through the air, drawing the attention of passersby who glanced curiously at the group.

"Bastard, what are you thinking?" Sheng Jun scolded playfully, his voice carrying a hint of amusement, earning a snicker from Dai Mubai and Oscar.

"But Brother Jun, Tang San and Xiao Wu…" Ma Hongjun opened his mouth to protest, but the sharp glare from Sheng Jun silenced him before he could utter a word, instinctively shielding the back of his head as he sheepishly avoided Sheng Jun's gaze.

"It seems that those two don't need our welcome" Sheng Jun remarked dismissively, and began to walk in the direction of the Academy. The others nodded in agreement, understanding that their presence was perhaps not needed at this moment.

…

"Brother...is this really the Academy where First Brother and Second Brother are at?" the beautiful girl with long brown hair, styled into a scorpion braid that cascaded past her buttocks, asked doubtfully. She surveyed the shabby village with a discerning eye. Apart from the imposing dome looming in the distance, this village is really too shabby!

The average-looking youth with short black hair scratched his head in uncertainty. "This...It should be, I suppose" he replied, his voice filled with doubt as they proceeded into the village.

Upon reaching the location of the examinations, they were greeted by a sign that demanded a 10 gold coin participation fee. The unexpected requirement gave them pause, prompting a moment of surprise. After all, while tuition fees were common, the notion of paying to participate in examinations seemed rather peculiar. However, their concerns were relieved when they read the second part of the sign, which stated that examination fees would be refunded in full for those who passed all the tests.

After paying their fees, Tang San and Xiao Wu naturally joined the long line before them, eager to begin the examinations.

Thanks to Sheng Jun's efforts in advertising the news about their Academy, they had managed to attract some attention. However, they soon realized that their Academy's reputation was too low for it to extend beyond the borders of the Balak Kingdom. Even within the kingdom, only those in proximity to Suotuo City had shown interest in participating.

…

"Hehe, Third Brother, what do you think of another bet? Aside from Tang San and Xiao Wu, how many do you think will pass this time?" Ma Hongjun asked with a mischievous grin on his face, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he glanced towards Oscar.

However, instead of receiving an immediate response from Oscar, there was a noticeable delay. Ma Hongjun and the others exchanged puzzled looks, as they noticed Oscar's stunned expression. Their curiosity piqued, they followed Oscar's gaze to see what had captured his attention.

Their eyes fell upon a girl with long, flowing pink hair and delicate light amethyst-colored eyes. She exuded an air of refinement, giving off the impression of a highly educated noble young lady. Her presence seemed to command attention, drawing the gaze of those around her.

"An… Angel?" Oscar muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible, only to be abruptly woken up by a sharp slap on the back of his head. "Ouch!" he exclaimed, rubbing the spot where Ma Hongjun's hand had landed, shooting him a questioning glare as he prepared to retaliate, igniting yet another playful brawl between them.

As the others laughed at their antics, their attention was suddenly drawn to Li Yusong's exclamation of surprise, causing the group to turn their focus towards him. "You...does your family know you are here?" Li Yusong inquired, addressing the pink-haired girl standing before him.

With an innocent smile, the girl responded playfully, "Why does that matter? I can enter the Academy as long as I pass the examinations, right?"

Upon hearing her response, Li Yusong could only sigh in resignation, gesturing towards Sheng Jun and his group to escort her to the next test.

Oscar stepped forward, a charming smile adorning his features as he introduced himself to the girl in front of him, who revealed her name to be Ning Rongrong. With enthusiasm, everyone greeted her. Observing from Li Yusong's reaction, it became evident to the group that Ning Rongrong was not an ordinary individual, leading them to consider the possibility of her becoming their newest sister.

Meanwhile, Sheng Jun and Ma Hongjun noticed two figures approaching Li Yusong, prompting them to nod in acknowledgment. Tang San and Xiao Wu also exchanged greetings with them before refocusing their attention on Li Yusong, awaiting the outcome of their examination.

As Li Yusong conducted the tests, he found himself surprised once more. Despite his efforts, he couldn't discern Tang San's bone age through his palm alone. Sheng Jun naturally understood the reason behind this anomaly, recognizing it as the result of Tang San's practice of the Mysterious Jade Hand technique.

Adjusting his approach, Li Yusong tested Tang San's calves instead, finally confirming his age and letting him pass the test, along with Xiao Wu after they showed their spirit rings and Martial Soul.

With a nod of approval and slight shock as he looked at Tang San's Martial Soul, Li Yusong instructed them to proceed, gesturing towards Sheng Jun and the others, who smiled warmly and beckoned them to join them quickly.

As they joined the group, Tang San and Xiao Wu greeted Sheng Jun and Ma Hongjun respectfully. With a polite demeanor, they also introduced themselves to everyone else present.

"Say, Tang San, what is your soul power level?" Ma Hongjun inquired with a mischievous grin, his competitive spirit evident. After all, they had never discussed their soul power levels during their conversations on the Dalu Link, opting instead to surprise each other in person.

With a confident tone, Ma Hongjun continued, "I'm already Level 29, and I feel that I'm about to break through" he boasted proudly, though discreetly concealing the fact that his recent progress had been aided by Sheng Jun's Heavenly Treasures. After all, he had only completed his flame controlling training ten days prior.

Tang San smiled calmly at Ma Hongjun's bragging, his expression betraying none of the shock and disbelief that Ma Hongjun expected. "Xiao Wu and I are also at Level 29" he replied nonchalantly, causing Ma Hongjun's smile to freeze in surprise. The revelation earned another round of laughter from Dai Mubai, Oscar and Bai Chenxiang. After all, even with the aid of Heavenly Treasures, he still found himself on equal footing with Tang San and Xiao Wu.

Beside them, Ning Rongrong couldn't help but narrow her eyes in shock. These three individuals couldn't be older than 12 years old, yet their soul power levels were remarkably high, surpassing even those elites in her clan.

As they prepared to move forward, Dai Mubai suddenly froze in place, his body trembling with an inexplicable intensity.

"Mubai, what's wrong?" Sheng Jun inquired, noting his abnormal behavior.

Dai Mubai struggled to compose himself, his voice trembling as he spoke. "First Brother... I can feel it. She's close" he murmured, his words filled with emotion. Only Sheng Jun and Ma Hongjun understood the significance of his statement, having knowledge of Dai Mubai's past. Others, like Oscar, remained puzzled by his words.

Before Oscar could inquire further, Sheng Jun intervened, redirecting their attention. "Let's continue, everyone. Mubai, you should handle this" he directed, taking charge as he led the group onward to the next test, leaving Dai Mubai to confront whatever awaited him.