After Countless Hardships, They Finally Entered Shrek

"The assessment is simple. Release your Martial Souls and maintain them until this incense stick burns out. Then you pass." The Middle-aged Man took out an incense stick and spoke to the two of them.

Wang Xiaofeng and Oscar were both clever people and immediately understood. The key to this test was "time."

The higher the grade of a Martial Soul, the harder it was to control. Maintaining a released Martial Soul continuously consumed a Soul Master's soul power. Without sufficient control, the Martial Soul would drain all the soul power from its master in a short time.

"Looks like you both understand." The Middle-aged Man lit an incense stick with fire. "Then let's begin."

Wang Xiaofeng and Oscar exchanged a glance and simultaneously activated the soul power within their bodies. Green and pink light rose from them as a Green Calabash and a Sausage appeared in their respective hands.

The Middle-aged Man had just planted the incense stick in the ground when he saw the sausage in Oscar's hand.

"You're a Food System Soul Master? And already a Great Soul Master?" The Middle-aged Man became inexplicably excited. He flashed to Oscar's side, grabbed his hand, and stared blankly at the Sausage Martial Soul.

"This is the first time I've seen a Food System Soul Master cultivate this quickly."

"Big brother, save me!" It was Oscar's first time encountering such a scene. He was so frightened that he froze, desperately signaling Wang Xiaofeng with his eyes.

"Oscar, you're on your own." Wang Xiaofeng spread his hands, indicating that he could do nothing. The teacher responsible for the First Trial had been a Soul Emperor. This teacher with what seemed like a special fetish had to be at least a Soul Emperor too, right?

Just as the atmosphere became awkward, a burly man suddenly appeared and pulled the two apart, his face clearly saying, So this is the kind of person you are.

"Shao Xin, what are you doing? Is that any way to assess students?!"

The burly man berated the Middle-aged Man, then turned to Wang Xiaofeng and Oscar with an apologetic look. "Shao Xin is usually pretty reliable. Who would've thought he'd suddenly turn into this? You really can't judge a person by appearances."

"Zhao Wuji! You bastard, slandering me again!" After being cursed out thoroughly, the Middle-aged Man seemed to return to normal. He laughed and cursed at the burly man, then turned to Oscar. "Would you be willing to take me as your master? I'll do everything in my power to teach you and make you the first Food-Type Titled Douluo in the history of Douluo Continent!"

But his words did not reassure Oscar. Instead, they frightened him even more, making him hide behind the burly man. Wang Xiaofeng also felt that this teacher might have had too much to drink. But it was not even noon yet.

The Middle-aged Man seemed to see their distrust. "I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Shao Xin, a level sixty-nine Food System Soul Emperor. My Martial Soul is Sugar Bean."

Wang Xiaofeng and Oscar were dumbfounded. A level sixty-nine Soul Emperor, and a Food System one at that. With that status, any faction would worship him like an ancestor.

The burly man called Zhao Wuji also spoke up for Shao Xin. "Although Shao Xin is a bit perverted, this is the first time I've seen him so serious. I think you should consider it."

Oscar was caught in a dilemma when Wang Xiaofeng seemed to remember something and asked curiously, "Oscar, I'd nearly forgotten you were a Food System Soul Master. What level was your Innate Soul Power? How did you level up so quickly?"

(Food System Soul Masters were publicly recognized as the slowest-cultivating Soul Masters on Douluo Continent.)

"I had full Innate Soul Power."

It was Wang Xiaofeng's first time seeing such a monster with full Innate Soul Power. Unable to help himself, he began feeling Oscar up and down, hoping some of that luck would rub off on him.

Shao Xin, who was pretending to be an expert beside them, was actually eavesdropping on their conversation. When he heard that Oscar had full Innate Soul Power, his eyes lit up. It was even one level higher than he had guessed. With his guidance, Oscar would certainly fulfill his dream.

"Ahem. How about this? I've seen both your Martial Souls anyway, and they both have tremendous potential. I'll count this trial as passed."

Zhao Wuji wanted to say something, but when he saw Shao Xin's expression screaming, If you dare disagree, I'll quit, he shrank back and muttered, "Flanders isn't here anyway. I'm the one in charge of the academy." Then he said to Wang Xiaofeng and Oscar, "Since Teacher Shao Xin thinks so highly of you, you can pass the Third Trial directly."

So this was what it felt like to use connections? Wang Xiaofeng hoped someone would pull strings for him one more time and let him pass directly.

"Follow me. I'm the teacher for the Fourth Trial." Zhao Wuji beckoned for Wang Xiaofeng and Oscar to hurry after him.

"We're here." Zhao Wuji stopped walking. They had arrived at another clearing. It was much smaller than the previous one, only around two hundred square meters. Two people were fighting in the clearing: Dai Mubai and the arrogant youth from earlier.

"Why are those two fighting?" Oscar asked doubtfully. Could Wang Xiaofeng have been right? Had the senior found that youth unpleasant and used the opportunity to get revenge?

Zhao Wuji explained, "My final trial tests practical combat experience. Pass my test, and you'll officially become members of Shrek Academy. Of course, since you're support types, your assessment differs from that brat's."

Neither Dai Mubai nor the arrogant youth had used their Martial Souls. They were fighting solely with strength and technique, but the outcome was obvious. The arrogant youth was simply taking a one-sided beating.

"Damn it!" The arrogant youth was knocked back several steps again. For the first time, his prideful self felt so weak before someone his own age. Unable to endure it any longer, he stirred the soul power within him and prepared to use Martial Soul Avatar.

A wicked gleam flashed in Dai Mubai's eyes. His right fist shot up, and with a forward lunge, he punched straight toward his opponent's chest. The movement was simple and without any flourish, but the arrogant youth's expression changed. Dai Mubai had timed that punch perfectly, striking during the instant when he could not move while using Martial Soul Avatar.

With a dull bang, the arrogant youth was sent flying. If not for the soul power blocking his chest, he would have been bedridden for days. Even so, he still felt short of breath.

"Your practical combat experience is terrible. You actually used Martial Soul Avatar in the middle of battle? Were you trying to become a living target? As a Power Attack Battle Soul Master, your own strength and technique are both substandard. I really don't know how your elders taught you."

Standing at the side, Zhao Wuji spoke bluntly and criticized the arrogant youth until he was worthless. The youth was so angered that he fainted on the spot. Dai Mubai burst into laughter, and his irritation dissipated as he dragged the arrogant youth aside.

Zhao Wuji waved at Dai Mubai, telling him to come over quickly.

"Mubai, you'll take the assessment with these two. I'll only use my First Soul Skill. If they can last for One Incense Stick's Time, they pass. If they can't, you know what happens."

Dai Mubai's face changed drastically. "Teacher Zhao, I didn't provoke you, did I?"

"Hmph. Go discuss your strategy." Zhao Wuji rolled his wrists, making it clear that his hands had been itching lately and he needed something to beat up.

With a grief-stricken face, Dai Mubai said to the two of them, "It's over. I'm going to get beaten up again."

Wang Xiaofeng asked in confusion, "Just who is Teacher Zhao? You seem pretty afraid of him."

"Teacher Zhao is a level seventy-four Soul Saint. His Martial Soul is the Vajra Bear. His First Soul Skill is the Immovable Wisdom King Body, a soul skill that combines offense and defense. Even if he only uses his First Soul Skill, the three of us can't possibly last One Incense Stick's Time. We can only hope he goes easy on us."

"Giving up before the fight even starts isn't my style. Let's get to know each other first and see how we can work together to hold out." Wang Xiaofeng could not accept defeat so easily when they had come this far.

"That's right!" A sharp fighting spirit suddenly erupted from Dai Mubai. "Being afraid before battle isn't my style either."

"My name is Dai Mubai. I'm thirteen years old, my Martial Soul is the White Tiger, and I'm a level twenty-nine Power Attack Battle Soul Master."

"My name is Oscar. I'm twelve years old, my Martial Soul is Sausage, and I'm a level twenty-four Support Tool Soul Master."

"My name is Wang Xiaofeng. I'm twelve years old, my Martial Soul is the Green Calabash, and I'm a level twenty-three Support Tool Soul Master."

Dai Mubai looked at them and asked, "Since you're both support types, your Soul Ring effects don't conflict, right?"

"My First Soul Skill can coat you in a layer of film. All damage passing through that film is reduced by twenty percent. Of course, the film is ineffective against attacks above the Great Soul Master level. My Second Soul Skill increases strength by twenty percent and attack power by ten percent."

Oscar said that his soul skills were not so exaggerated. "My First Soul Skill restores a teammate's condition. My Second Soul Skill removes abnormal conditions and is strongest when it comes to detoxification."

"Recovery, detoxification, enhancement, and damage reduction. I can't wait to welcome you to Shrek, but first we need to pass this test. Tonight, I'll take you to Suotuo City to have some fun." Dai Mubai happily hooked his arms around their necks.

"Are you three ready yet? Stop dawdling." Zhao Wuji was getting impatient.

"Ready." Dai Mubai shouted to Zhao Wuji. "This assessment is mainly about stalling for time. If anything goes wrong, run immediately."

Wang Xiaofeng and Oscar nodded.

Zhao Wuji took out an incense stick, but before he could light it, Wang Xiaofeng made the first move.

The Green Calabash, which he had summoned at some unknown time, appeared in his hand. The two Soul Rings around him glowed faintly. "I have a Purple Calabash. I have a Red Calabash."

A shadow flashed across Dai Mubai's body, followed by a red glow that instantly enveloped him. He immediately felt his entire body fill with strength, and even the soul power within him began to boil.

"Awesome! White Tiger, possess me!" Dai Mubai roared. Pale white light suddenly erupted from his body as he spread both arms wide and thrust out his chest. His bones crackled, his muscles instantly swelled, and his clothes stretched taut against his body. Even the air around him seemed to become violent.

His golden hair instantly turned black and white, with white making up most of it while several black strands stood out clearly. Four faint markings emerged on his forehead, three horizontal and one vertical, forming the character for king.

His hands changed the most, growing more than twice their previous size. White fur covered his palms, and as his ten fingers flexed, dagger-like claws constantly extended and retracted from his hands. Every claw was like a blade, fully eight inches long and gleaming with a cold, sinister light.

"Xiaofeng, catch." Oscar tossed Wang Xiaofeng a sausage. Wang Xiaofeng caught it and stuffed it into his mouth. As it entered his stomach, a warm current flowed through him, making his entire body feel comfortable as his soul power recovered somewhat. This was Oscar's First Soul Skill, the Recovery Big Sausage.

"Since you're ready, let's begin." Zhao Wuji rubbed two fingers together lightly, lighting the incense in his hand. With a casual toss, he planted it in the ground.

"Teacher Zhao, here I come!" Dai Mubai roared and charged straight at Zhao Wuji. Wang Xiaofeng was instantly dumbfounded. What happened to playing it safe? Why did you just rush in?

At that moment, Zhao Wuji moved. He bent his legs halfway and smashed both fists into the ground. With a muffled boom, the earth shook violently, and a ring of earthen-yellow waves surged toward Wang Xiaofeng and the others along with the trembling ground.

"Watch out!" Without needing Dai Mubai's warning, Wang Xiaofeng and Oscar both leaped upward, dodging the shockwave.

"Mm, not bad. You even know to dodge an attack." Zhao Wuji stood there, commenting on Wang Xiaofeng and Oscar.

"Teacher Zhao, getting distracted during a fight isn't good!" Dai Mubai had somehow already closed in before Zhao Wuji.

"First Soul Skill, White Tiger Barrier!" Intense white light suddenly flared. Dai Mubai's first Soul Ring shone brilliantly, forming a circle of white light around him.

At the same time, the claws on all ten fingers sprang out and slashed toward Zhao Wuji.

"Let me see whether you've improved, brat." Zhao Wuji let out a low roar, and his body suddenly expanded. His already terrifying muscles nearly doubled in size, and in an instant, he grew over two meters tall. His entire body became exceptionally massive, like a giant bear.

Seven dazzling Soul Rings rose around him at once. Just as Dai Mubai had said, two yellow, two purple, and three black Soul Rings—the seven terrifying rings attached themselves to his body.

Dai Mubai attacked Zhao Wuji, but Zhao Wuji's body was like forged steel. Even when Dai Mubai swung his tiger claws with all his strength, he could only leave white marks on Zhao Wuji's body.

No. Even with Xiaofeng's enhancement, my attack still can't break Teacher Zhao's defense. Looks like I'll have to fight dirty.

Dai Mubai changed his broad, aggressive fighting style. His tiger claws suddenly stabbed toward Zhao Wuji's eyes.

"Brat, are you trying to make me blind?!" Zhao Wuji's expression did not change as he raised his fan-like hand to shield his eyes.

"Teacher Zhao, you fell for it. Second Soul Skill, White Tiger Light Wave!"

Dai Mubai's attack had only been a feint. Immediately afterward, his second Soul Ring lit up. Enormous white light instantly condensed, and with a tiger roar from Dai Mubai, a milky-white ball of light shot from his mouth. Its target was Zhao Wuji's lower body.

The skills attached to Dai Mubai's first two Soul Rings activated simultaneously, displaying terrifying power.

"Not bad! But I never taught you that move." An angry roar suddenly rang out as a cold light burst from Zhao Wuji's eyes and his fists clenched tightly. Of his seven Soul Rings, the first yellow ring instantly lit up.

Intense golden light erupted almost instantly. Dai Mubai's White Tiger Light Wave was shattered at once, and the light barrier before him could not hold either. When the violent shockwave struck Dai Mubai's body, it seemed to absorb some of the damage, but he was still blasted into the air. He spat out a mouthful of blood in midair, flew more than ten meters, and crashed to the ground.

"Dai Mubai, eat these quickly!"

At some point, Oscar had slipped over to Dai Mubai's side and put the sausage and cured sausage in his mouth.

Dai Mubai's complexion immediately improved. The numb feeling in his body vanished, and he could use his strength again.

"Mm, both of your support skills are pretty good. But the assessment isn't over yet."

"Oscar, give me another sausage. Stay farther away."

Oscar handed the sausage in his hand to Dai Mubai and prepared to leave.

"Wait, where's that brat Wang Xiaofeng?" Zhao Wuji looked at the two people before him. Why could he not find the other one?

"Xiaofeng said that since this tests combat experience, a support type should run away the moment they face danger, so..."

"So after using his soul skills, he secretly hid himself, right?" Zhao Wuji rubbed his forehead helplessly. Yet he could not refute it. For a support type, that really did count as practical combat experience.

"Sigh, forget it." Zhao Wuji looked at the incense stick, which had already burned halfway down. He truly had no confidence that he could find Wang Xiaofeng before it finished burning. "You pass this trial. Oscar, go call Wang Xiaofeng back and tell him he's passed."

"Yes, Teacher Zhao!" Oscar said excitedly.

Suddenly, the bark of a large tree nearby trembled, and Wang Xiaofeng jumped out. "I'm right here."

Only then did the three realize that Wang Xiaofeng had been watching the battle from nearby all along. They just did not know what method he had used to conceal himself so completely.

When Wang Xiaofeng saw Zhao Wuji rolling his wrists, he immediately became frightened.

"Teacher Zhao, you can't go back on your word. We passed the assessment."

"That's right. You're already students of Shrek." Zhao Wuji withdrew his Martial Soul, but used the soul power of a Soul Saint to suppress all three of them.

"So now I'll teach you your first lesson: how to take a beating."

"No! Can you not hit my face...?"

That day, the villagers heard cries of agony that continued for an entire afternoon.