True Monsters
Li Yusong was equally stunned, his mouth slightly agape.
He glanced at Tang San, then at Xiao Wu, his gaze shifting back and forth between the Soul Rings beneath their feet. His lips trembled, and he couldn't utter a single word.
Four-Ring Soul Ancestor, both twelve years old, and both with the best Soul Ring Configurations.
This has never happened before in the Shrek Academy's admissions history.
This is the real monster!
Li Yusong took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in his heart, and called out to the shadows under a large tree not far away, "Oscar, come here, take them to the final stage."
Under the shade of a tree, a boy stood up. He looked to be fourteen or fifteen years old, tall and thin, with a somewhat cynical smile on his face and a fine stubble around his lips, making him look much older than his actual age.
"Here they come." Oscar walked over, his gaze sweeping over Tang San and Xiao Wu, then looking at Ning Rongrong, a glint of light flashing in his eyes.
Soon, Zhu Zhuqing also passed the first test.
"Gentlemen, please come with me." Oscar said, then turned and walked into the village.
Tang San, holding Xiao Wu's hand, followed. Ning Rongrong walked on Tang San's other side, chattering away, while Zhu Zhuqing walked quietly at the very back.
The four of them passed through the village entrance and walked along a dirt road into the village.
Oscar led the four of them to the center of the village, to a spacious area.
In the center of the field, a middle-aged man who looked very strong was sitting to the side with his eyes closed, resting.
The burly man was only 1.7 meters tall, but his muscles were very solid, bulging out in chunks, stretching his black tight-fitting clothes taut and exuding explosive power.
Tang San's heart skipped a beat. This must be the Immovable Wisdom King, Zhao Wuji. A teacher at the Shrek Academy, a level 76 Soul Saint, renowned for his defense and strength, he is the strongest fighter in the academy besides Flender.
Oscar walked up to Zhao Wuji, stopped, and respectfully said, "Teacher Zhao, these four are here to participate in the Fourth Trial of assessment, and they've come directly to the Fourth Trial. Please conduct the assessment."
Oscar turned to Tang San and the others and said, "This is Teacher Zhao Wuji, the examiner for the final round. Whether you can enter Shrek Academy is up to him."
Good luck to you.
Oscar muttered something under his breath and then stepped aside.
Zhao Wuji opened his eyes, his gaze sweeping over the four people, and slowly said, "I didn't expect that four of you would make it to the final stage this year."
"Originally, the Fourth Trial was supposed to be a battle between one of your seniors to test your combat skills. Unfortunately, you're out of luck; that senior was injured, so now I'll be your opponent."
Zhao Wuji's tone carried a hint of disdain. "The rules are simple. If the four of you can last for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, then all four of you will pass. Now, I'll give you that time to discuss your tactics."
After speaking, Zhao Wuji closed his eyes again to rest.
Xiao Wu leaned close to Tang San's ear and whispered with a smile, "Is this Teacher Zhao a Soul Emperor like the teacher at the door?"
Oscar, standing to the side, shook his head and lowered his voice, saying, "Not Soul Emperor, but Soul Saint. Teacher Zhao's nickname is Immovable Wisdom King; he's a level 76 Power Attack System Battle Soul Saint, with the Martial Soul Great Strength Vajra Bear. He's completely flawless, and his attack power is extremely formidable. You mustn't underestimate him."
Ning Rongrong was surprised upon hearing this. "He's actually Zhao Wuji Immovable Wisdom King? It's said that he used to run rampant across the continent, even escaping being chased by more than a dozen people from the Spirit Hall."
Tang San didn't reply, but turned to the four of them and said, "Let's first talk about our strength and see how we can last for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn."
The four gathered together, Tang San spoke first, "My name is Tang San, my Martial Soul Blue Silver Grass, and I am a level 49 Control-Type Battle Spirit Master."
Xiao Wu quickly spoke up, "My Xiao Wu, my Martial Soul Soft Bone Rabbit, and I am a level 43 Power Attack System Battle Soul Master."
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing were both shocked upon hearing this.
Ning Rongrong's eyes widened, her face showing disbelief. "You two are Soul Ancestor? You're both too freakish! My dad said that reaching level 25 or higher at this age is already genius, and you two..."
"It's nothing, just good luck," Tang San said casually.
Ning Rongrong took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in her heart, and then said, "My name is Ning Rongrong, my Martial Soul is the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, and Twenty-Sixth Rank Support-Type Weapon Soul Master."
Zhu Zhuqing spoke up, her voice clear and cold. "Zhu Zhuqing, Martial Soul: Hell Spirit Cat, Twenty-Seventh Rank Agility Attack System Battle Spirit Master."
Tang San nodded and began to analyze the tactics. "Teacher Zhao is a level 76 Soul Saint, with terrifying defense and strength. We can't fight him head-on; we can only rely on teamwork and attrition. I'll be responsible for control and restraint, Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing will be responsible for finding opportunities to attack, and Ning Rongrong will be responsible for amplification."
Tang San turned to Xiao Wu, his tone serious. "Xiao Wu, Teacher Zhao's Spiritual Power is definitely not weak. You'd better not use your second Soul Skill, Charm, as it's easy to suffer a backlash. If you get attacked by his Spiritual Power, you'll get hurt."
Xiao Wu nodded, a warm feeling rising in her heart.
Tang San then turned to Ning Rongrong: "Ning Rongrong, after you buff us, try to stay away from the battle and find a safe place."
Ning Rongrong nodded as well.
Tang San concluded, "I'll test Teacher Zhao first, to see just how strong his power and defense are. Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing, neither of you should approach him easily. My Third Soul Skill allows me to share information with you; attack only after receiving my commands."
Xiao Wu nodded. Zhu Zhuqing hesitated for a moment, a hint of doubt flashing in her dark eyes, but she didn't ask any further questions, only nodding.
The tactical discussion ended shortly afterward.
Tang San's gaze swept over the three of them, a slight smile curving his lips, "Brothers, no, beauties, activate your Martial Souls."
Tang San Soul Rings rose from the soles of his feet, two yellow and two purple. Xiao Wu also released her Martial Soul, and four Soul Rings rose from the soles of her feet, two yellow and two purple.
Both Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing had two Yellow Soul Rings. Ning Rongrong held a small, exquisite seven-story pagoda in her palm. The pagoda emitted a seven-colored light, and was delicate and luxurious.
Zhu Zhuqing's hands transformed into cat claws, her nails becoming sharp, and she crouched slightly, like a cheetah poised to pounce.
Zhao Wuji frowned slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. "Two Soul Ancestor? The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, interesting."
Zhao Wuji's lips curved into a smile, no longer displaying the disdain of before, but rather a hint of serious interest.
Zhao Wuji took out an incense stick from his pocket, lit it with his Soul Power, and stuck it in the ground beside him.
"Start."
Tang San swung his right hand sharply. Two strands of Blue Silver Grass flew out from his palm, skimming along the ground and instantly wrapping around Zhao Wuji's ankles. The Blue Silver Grass tightened, making a "crackling" sound.
Zhao Wuji strained his legs, thinking he could break the Blue Silver Grass in one go.
But the Blue Silver Grass was only stretched a little looser, emitting a grating friction sound, but it did not break.
Zhao Wuji's pupils contracted slightly, a hint of shock flashing in his eyes. He hadn't expected that a Soul Saint, especially one renowned for his strength, could be unable to break free of a single Blue Silver Grass with his physical power.