Chương 120: Chapter 120: Dai Mubai's Dilemma
The old man's face showed a hint of admiration, as he had already sensed Zhu Zhuqing's soul power level before, but was hesitant to confirm it.
Turning his head, he said, "Mu Bai, take them inside."
Under Dai Mubai's guidance, they entered Shrek Academy, the village behind the admissions office.
During this time, Dai Mubai's eyes couldn't help but drift towards Zhu Zhuqing, who was slightly behind the group.
Zhu Zhuqing seemed oblivious, silently following behind the others.
Before long, they arrived at the next assessment location.
Seeing the queue not far ahead, Dai Mubai patted Tang San's shoulder and said, "Let's go, I'll take you through the exam, no need to wait in line."
With that, he led the few of them towards the front of the queue for the second round of assessment.
The one in charge of the second round of exams was also an older teacher.
Dai Mubai approached the teacher and whispered a few words in his ear, then pointed to Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing.
The teacher nodded and said, "Alright, you can take them directly to the fourth round. If they pass, they're accepted."
Dai Mubai returned to Tang San and Xiao Wu, about to lead them deeper into the academy.
But other candidates waiting in line objected.
One male candidate said, "Teacher, what's going on? Why can they skip ahead to the fourth round while we have to pass each stage one by one?"
The senior teacher replied calmly, "If your soul power is also over level twenty-five, then you can directly go to the fourth round exam, without needing to pass each stage here. But your soul power tested only at level twenty-one, so you must pass each stage."
"Their soul power is over level twenty-five? That's impossible. We're all only twelve years old, how could we have such high soul power?"
Those who could stand here all had soul power over level twenty-one and were under thirteen years old.
In their previous junior academies, students like them were undoubtedly the stars of the academy.
But here at Shrek Academy, they faced continuous setbacks, inevitably causing some changes in mood.
Dai Mubai snorted, "Just because you can't doesn't mean others can't. When I entered the academy, my soul power was already at level twenty-five."
After a moment's thought, he smirked and picked up a white crystal from the table, handing it to Zhu Zhuqing.
But when his gaze met her calm eyes, he inexplicably felt nervous and apprehensive.
He asked softly, "Do you want to test it?"
The testing crystal's color varies based on the level; this white crystal is for testing below level thirty. If the soul power exceeds level thirty, the crystal will shatter.
Zhu Zhuqing glanced at him and didn't refuse.
She took it and infused her soul power.
"Boom!"
The crystal shattered instantly.
The teacher in charge of testing froze, his smile turning into a stiff expression as he turned to Dai Mubai, "What is...?"
"This junior sister, at only eleven years old, has already reached the level of a Soul Elder."
"Impressive. It seems Shrek Academy will welcome some promising talents this year."
This scene not only astonished the teacher but also silenced the other candidates, who now regarded Zhu Zhuqing with strange gazes.
If someone hadn't tested the crystal before, they would have suspected foul play.
Eleven years old, over level thirty soul power? How is that possible!
The testing teacher looked at Zhu Zhuqing again, then said firmly, "Mu Bai, take the three of them directly to the fourth round."
"Yes," Dai Mubai respectfully agreed, leading them towards the inner part of the academy.
This time, no students raised objections; their strength had proven everything.
Tang San looked at the silent Zhu Zhuqing with complex emotions, then asked Dai Mubai, "Brother Dai, are there only four rounds in the entrance exam?"
Dai Mubai nodded.
"There are four rounds in total. The first checks age, the second tests soul power and martial soul, the third tests the application of one's martial soul. However, the academy has a rule that if a candidate's soul power exceeds level twenty-five, they can skip the second and third rounds. As for the fourth round, it tests practical combat skills. Some students may have excellent martial souls and control, but growing up in noble families, they lack understanding of the outside world, let alone combat. Such students, the academy won't accept. The dean once said, 'Those pampered won't be accepted.'"
Listening to Dai Mubai's explanation, the three of them fell into silence, each lost in their own thoughts.
Xiao Wu couldn't help but speak up, "Are you picking students or wives? It's too strict. No wonder the teacher at the door said this academy only accepts monsters. I want to ask, how many students does Shrek Academy have now? And how many students can it enroll each year?"
This time, Dai Mubai smiled bitterly.
"Since its establishment until now, Shrek Academy has only admitted forty-two students in twenty years, averaging a little over two per year. Before that, the academy hadn't admitted any students for two years. Currently, including me, there are only three students studying in the academy."
"Three?" Tang San and Xiao Wu were almost astonished, while Zhu Zhuqing raised her eyebrows, unable to understand what the academy's dean was thinking for a moment.
If he's greedy for money, but obviously, this approach won't make much profit. Moreover, with the strength of the teacher guarding the gate, there are better ways to make money.
If it's about selfless dedication, aiming to cultivate more outstanding soul masters, then recruiting top-tier talented soul masters with such bizarre admission criteria doesn't seem like a suitable method. With their talents, they could excel in any academy.
And this academy, judging from the environment, doesn't seem to be particularly good. Unless there's something extraordinary inside.
But from what they've seen so far, it doesn't seem to be the case.
Or perhaps, this academy simply wants to gather young talented soul masters?
At this point, Dai Mubai laughed self-deprecatingly, "In the entire Douluo Continent, we might be the only academy where the teachers outnumber the students. Even if we admit you, our student count won't exceed the number of teachers."
"Then how does the academy survive? Without students, there shouldn't be any income," Xiao Wu wondered.
Dai Mubai shrugged, casually replying, "Otherwise, why do you think the academy is located in such a small village? It's because of a lack of funds. If it weren't for my family's sponsorship, the academy would have closed last year. If we can't enroll students this year either, then the three of us studying here will be the last batch of students at Shrek Academy."
"Why doesn't the academy relax the admission requirements a bit? There seem to be quite a few applicants," Xiao Wu asked puzzledly.
Dai Mubai's expression showed a hint of respect, explaining earnestly,
"The dean once said, 'Better to lack than to take inferior.' No matter when, even if Shrek Academy closes, it will never accept mediocrity, only monsters.
"Do you know the graduation requirements of the academy? We're neither a middle-level nor a high-level soul master academy; our requirements are different from theirs. We only want students under thirteen years old with extraordinary talent. The graduation condition is surpassing level forty, and before twenty years old, reaching Soul Sage level to be eligible for graduation.
"The academy has admitted sixty-two students in total, but only fourteen have graduated. These fourteen, after leaving the academy, all became renowned figures. The most outstanding among them is now the youngest elder in the Spirit Hall, second only to the Pope.
"The rest who didn't graduate either couldn't reach level forty before twenty or died while hunting soul beasts. The dean said, 'If you're not at least level forty-one, don't embarrass yourself.'"
In the end, Dai Mubai's emotions became excited, indicating his deep respect for the Shrek Academy dean.
Tang San smiled and said to Dai Mubai solemnly, "I'm grateful to have come here."
Zhu Zhuqing remained silent.
As for the conversation behind them, she was too lazy to listen anymore.
"We're here."
Before long, Dai Mubai stopped, and they arrived at another open space.
This area was much smaller than the second round, only about two hundred square meters.
A middle-aged man in his fifties was sitting in a chair, dozing off.
"Teacher Zhao, I brought someone for the fourth round assessment."
"Hmm? Someone came for the fourth round this year? And it's three of them."
Zhao, the teacher, opened his sleepy eyes, looking surprised at the three young boys and girls in front of him as if encountering something unimaginable.
Dai Mubai quickly said, "Not only did they come for the fourth round, but they also skipped the second and third round tests."
Teacher Zhao's eyes brightened, immediately standing up from his chair.
He wasn't tall, with a very ordinary appearance, but he exuded an extremely strong and sturdy aura, giving off a feeling of strength despite being shorter than twelve-year-old Tang San. His broad shoulders were like city walls, his outerwear unable to conceal the steel-like muscles underneath. Though his facial expression was gentle, his robust physique unintentionally gave off a strong sense of oppression.
"All three of you are over level twenty-five, not bad, not bad. It seems there are quite a few little monsters this year.
"I'm the final test. If you pass my test, you can officially become a member of Shrek Academy.
"However, my test isn't that easy to pass. Practical combat experience is a necessary skill for every soul master.
"And what I'll be testing is your ability in this aspect."
His gaze swept over Zhu Zhuqing and the others, looking at them warmly.
"I'm Zhao Wujin. Since all three of you have passed the second and third rounds, I'll personally play with you.
"Now, I'll give you one stick of incense's time to get to know each other and discuss. After one stick of incense, the test begins.
"The test content is for you three to work together to withstand my attacks for half a stick of incense. As long as one of you can hold on until the end, you'll pass.
"I hope you understand, don't try to cheat. No one can escape from this area with speed.
"At the same time, I can remind you, using individual strength alone won't be able to block my attacks. Mutual coordination and cooperation are your only chance of success."
Upon hearing this, Dai Mubai glanced at Zhu Zhuqing and the others before hesitatingly saying, "Teacher Zhao, isn't this a bit too much?"
Zhao Wujin gave him a glare and said, "What's wrong? The dean is not here, and in this academy, I am the highest authority. Whatever I say goes. Alright, I'm going to light some incense. You all don't have much time, so get ready yourselves. Xiaobai, you can also tell them about my strengths to prepare them."
With these words, Zhao Wujin somehow pulled out an incense from somewhere, pinched the tip with his fingers, and lit it directly. In the blink of an eye, the incense was inserted into the ground without any trembling.
After doing all this, Zhao Wujin sat back in his chair, closed his eyes, ready to continue sleeping.
However, at this moment, a cold voice suddenly interrupted.
"I don't want to fight in a team. Are there any other assessment methods?"
Everyone turned to look at the source of the voice.
They saw Zhu Zhuqing calmly staring at Zhao Wujin.
Upon hearing her words, Dai Mubai suddenly looked nervous, while Tang San and Xiao Wu showed surprise on their faces.
Sitting in his chair, Zhao Wujin frowned unhappily, "I've just said it, here, I'm the one in charge."
"In that case, I'm afraid I won't have the chance to join this academy. Goodbye."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded and immediately turned to leave the assessment site.
"... " Zhao Wujin was stunned.
Not only him, but Tang San and Xiao Wu also didn't react for a moment.
Only Dai Mubai anxiously looked at Zhao Wujin and said, "Teacher Zhao, she's an eleven-year-old Soul Elder!"
Hearing this, Zhao Wujin was taken aback. He hadn't really paid attention to Zhu Zhuqing, who had been silent behind everyone all this time. He didn't expect her to have such talent.
"And... sigh!"
Dai Mubai originally wanted to say something more, but seeing the girl's figure gradually moving away, he could only glance at the others and then turned to follow Zhu Zhuqing.
Zhu Zhuqing walked alone on the road leading away from the village.
The reason she refused the fourth test of the Shrek Academy was partly due to her own safety concerns.
She could tell that the Soul Master just now was very strong, much stronger than the teacher at the entrance of the academy, at least reaching the level of a Soul Saint.
Because of this, she was even more unwilling to join forces with others to face the enemy.
Because she didn't know what abilities Tang San and Xiao Wu had.
As for Zhao Wujin's previous statement about understanding each other, Zhu Zhuqing dismissed it as nonsense.
What could you understand in the time it takes for an incense stick to burn?
From the observation just now, Tang San seemed mysterious, a person who kept his abilities hidden.
Zhu Zhuqing, who had been practicing the Nirvana Scripture for years, considered herself to have some understanding of Martial Souls and simply couldn't believe that someone could reach the 29th level of cultivation with a Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul at the age of twelve.
Unless that was not a Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul at all, or the other person had a cultivation technique similar to hers.
Because of this, she was even more reluctant to join forces.
Facing a Soul Saint with two people, if both she and Tang San used extraordinary means to resist Zhao Wujin's attacks, if one couldn't control their power under the stimulation of a Soul Saint, then she would be in danger.
Instead, a one-on-one battle would make her feel more at ease.
In addition, this academy was also somewhat strange.
She felt that even if she didn't accept the fourth test, the other party would not want to give up on her as a student.
On the way to find Zhao Wujin with Dai Mubai just now, Zhu Zhuqing had carefully considered what the academy wanted to do.
From the style of their actions, both the dean and the teachers were obviously not the kind of people who were selfless and dedicated.
Otherwise, they would have chosen to cultivate those commoner children who had Soul Master talent but did not meet the requirements of the Martial Soul Hall and couldn't afford to go to the advanced academies.
But the Shrek Academy didn't do that.
Their admission standards were even higher than those of the Martial Soul Hall.
So, the dean of this academy might be someone who sought fame and reputation.
Even if it wasn't that exaggerated, there was still some desire for comfort.
In Zhu Zhuqing's eyes, such people were not difficult to deal with.
Without desires, they would be firm; once they had desires, they would naturally have weaknesses.
A Soul Elder at the age of eleven, the other party might not easily give up.
Of course, the key point is—
She knew that Dai Mubai would follow up. With the experiences from before, she had a grasp of human nature.
How should she deal with someone like Dai Mubai, who was always immersed in the world of flowers?
Show him kindness, make him feel grateful and dependent on you?
Wrong.
On the contrary, give him a chance to show his abilities, let him help you without violating your will, such as helping you enter the academy successfully.
Let him continuously move himself emotionally, even immerse himself in it.
The higher the sunk cost, the more he couldn't leave you.
In the meantime, give him some emotional feedback, and naturally you can control him easily.
Of course, all this is based on the fact that you have gained a certain degree of attention from the other party from the beginning.
Undoubtedly, all of Dai Mubai's actions of secretly observing before were seen by Zhu Zhuqing.
A moment later.
Footsteps came from behind, followed by Dai Mubai's shout.
"Hey, wait for me."
Zhu Zhuqing stopped in her tracks, turned around with a calm expression, and looked at Dai Mubai who was chasing after her.
She saw his eyes flickering, as if he had something to say but was hesitating.
In fact, his complex emotions at this moment were completely understandable from Dai Mubai's perspective.
From Dai Mubai's point of view.
Originally, he was almost ready to give up the competition for the family heir, preparing to lie down and wait actively for the tragic ending.
But one day, he suddenly discovered that his future comrade-in-arms and fiancée had such extraordinary talent. How could his heart not be stirred?
Zhu Zhuqing watched Dai Mubai, lightly saying, "You already know who I am, right? My name is Zhu Zhuqing, the youngest daughter of the Zhu Family."
"Is it really you..." Dai Mubai, upon hearing this, revealed a complex light in his evil eyes, "I didn't expect you to be so strong and also come to this place."
"Strong?" Zhu Zhuqing's lips curled into a faint smile, like a fleeting blossom, "My eldest sister is much stronger than me."
Dai Mubai stared blankly at her smile, only returning to his senses after a moment.
He hurriedly said, "It's okay, I'll help you."
"You'll help me?" Zhu Zhuqing restrained her smile, her tone tinged with a hint of sarcasm, "How will you help? By escaping from the Star Luo Empire, as you said?"
"I..." Dai Mubai felt a heat rising to his face, but for a moment he didn't know how to explain.
"It's okay." At this moment, Zhu Zhuqing shook her head lightly, "I can understand. You were young at that time, and there was great pressure from the royal family. Leaving there might not have been a bad choice."
Dai Mubai nodded quickly.
"However, I'm only eleven this year, and when you left the Star Luo Empire, I was only six." Zhu Zhuqing looked at him quietly.
Dai Mubai hesitated for a moment, his expression serious as he met her gaze.
"Don't worry, I'll go talk to Teacher Zhao for you. The foundation of this Shrek Academy is very deep. Both the dean and the vice dean are Soul Saints. As long as you're here, you will definitely achieve something. Come back with me."
"Is that Teacher Zhao the vice dean you mentioned? I don't want to fight against a Soul Saint." Zhu Zhuqing shook her head, looking at Dai Mubai, "Do you have any other way?"
Dai Mubai looked at her calm eyes, his heart surging with emotion.
He gritted his teeth and said, "Don't worry, I'll go talk to him. You don't need to fight, you will definitely be able to stay in the academy!"
"Can you do it?" Zhu Zhuqing tilted her head slightly, showing a hint of doubt in her eyes, "I think Teacher Zhao seems quite difficult to talk to."
"Don't worry, there won't be any problem." Dai Mubai nodded firmly.
"Okay, then I'll wait for your good news." Zhu Zhuqing nodded, "Mubai, the past is in the past, don't dwell on it too much."
Hearing this, Dai Mubai's heart trembled, feeling touched.
Then he turned to leave.
"Wait."
At this moment, Zhu Zhuqing suddenly spoke again, "Take this."
As she spoke, she took out a bottle of potion and handed it over.
"What's this?" Dai Mubai looked puzzled as he took it.
"A potion that can increase your cultivation speed." Zhu Zhuqing said lightly, "It also has the effect of enhancing combat power when used in battle. You can try it when you have time."
Dai Mubai looked at the potion in his hand, feeling a surge of excitement in his heart.
Then he looked up at Zhu Zhuqing and said, "Zhuqing, is your cultivation speed so fast because of this thing?"
"It's part of the reason. You can try it first to see how effective it is."
"I won't let you down." Dai Mubai clenched the bottle of potion in his hand, his expression resolute.
As he turned to leave, Zhu Zhuqing's eyes gradually became deeper.
Even if Dai Mubai showed the potion to the teachers in the academy, it wouldn't matter.
Because it wasn't poison at all.
Unlike the one-time potion used by Su Cheng before, this chronic potion was actually something that could assist in cultivation.
Although the effect was mediocre, it could indeed improve cultivation and combat power in a short period of time.
It just caused fluctuations in Martial Souls and Qi when used.
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