Challenging Zhao Wuji

All eyes were on Lin Kun, waiting for his "analysis." The obese merchant who was pointed out was startled and then looked at Flander and Lin Kun with annoyance, feeling offended.

Lin Kun took a deep breath, looked calmly at the merchant, and spoke neither subserviently nor arrogantly, with a touch of appropriate apology: "Sir, please forgive my offense. The Dean ordered me to do this, and I had no choice. If I say anything incorrect, I hope you will bear with me."

Courtesy before force, to stabilize the other party's emotions.

The merchant snorted but said nothing, though his expression softened slightly.

Lin Kun then slowly began to speak, organizing his words based on the information deciphered by the [Insight Skill] and his Book Spirit:

"Firstly, judging by your complexion and the subconscious action of rubbing your abdomen, have you been eating too greasy food recently, causing slight discomfort in your stomach? Perhaps it's due to the stress of rushing around and worrying about your son's assessment, preventing you from eating properly."

The merchant froze for a moment, instinctively stopped rubbing his stomach, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. He had indeed been rushing around with his son these past few days, eating nothing but fast food and meat, and his stomach had been quite uncomfortable.

Lin Kun continued, "Secondly, there's a trace of barely perceptible green powder on the inside of your sleeve, with a faint scent of 'Artemisia powder.' Artemisia powder is commonly used to prevent moisture and decay in ordinary medicinal herbs. Combined with your distress over your son's failure and your mention of 'registration fees saved for many years,' I venture to guess that your family might be in the medicinal herb business? And perhaps not a very large one, requiring you to be hands-on, which is why you've gotten medicinal powder on yourself and are so concerned about this registration fee, which is not a small amount for an ordinary family."

The merchant's eyes widened instantly, his mouth agape, looking as if he had seen a ghost! His family did indeed run a small medicinal herb shop! He had also just moved some moisture-proof Artemisia powder! How could this kid have figured it out?! He even knew he was worried about money?!

The surrounding crowd also let out a low gasp, their gazes towards Lin Kun changing. This observation ability was too terrifying!

Lin Kun added a final sentence, his tone carrying a hint of comfort: "Furthermore, your son is still young, yet his Spirit Power has already reached level twenty-one. His talent is quite good. His failure to be selected this time might simply be a matter of not being destined for this place, not that his future is bleak. There are many excellent academies within the Balak Kingdom; there may be a more suitable place for him. You needn't worry yourself into poor health, sir."

These words not only revealed the other party's family background and thoughts but also offered reasonable advice and comfort, appearing well-founded and considerate.

All anger had long since vanished from the merchant's face, replaced by shock and a hint of gratitude. He murmured, "Incredible! Little brother, everything you said is absolutely correct! Our family does indeed run a pharmacy... Sigh, I was overthinking it and putting too much pressure on my son..." He sighed, cupped his hands towards Flander and Lin Kun, and quietly left with his son.

Silence!

The entire place fell silent!

Everyone was stunned by Lin Kun's terrifyingly accurate analysis! This was no longer simple observation; it was as if he could see into people's hearts!

Xiao Wu's mouth was wide open as she tugged on Tang San's sleeve, "Xiao San, Xiao San! How... how does he know everything? Is he even more amazing than your Purple Demon Eye?" Tang San's eyes were also filled with shock and seriousness. His Purple Demon Eye could discern some subtle traces, but it was impossible to deduce the other person's profession, family background, and psychological activities so accurately! This Lin Kun was even more mysterious than he had imagined! Ning Rongrong's beautiful eyes flickered, her interest piqued. A hint of surprise also appeared on Zhu Zhuqing's cold face. Ma Hongjun was simply dumbfounded.

Old Master Ling Yusong stroked his beard, his eyes gleaming.

As for Flander, the Four-eyed Owl Dean, his playful demeanor had vanished, replaced by a sharp glint like that of someone who had discovered treasure! He stared intently at Lin Kun, as if trying to see through him completely!

"Good! What excellent insight into people's hearts! What brilliant analysis and deduction!" Flander clapped his hands and laughed, his voice filled with undisguised admiration. "Kid, this ability of yours truly earns you the title of 'monster'! Although your Spirit Power is a bit low, you're quite interesting! I'll make an exception! Teacher Ling, register him! Let him participate in the subsequent assessments!"

[Ding! Successfully passed Flander's initial test and gained his attention. Reward: 100 Plot Breakdown Points.] [Triggered new side quest: Pass all Shrek Academy entrance assessments.] [Quest Reward: Officially become a Shrek Academy student, unlock related permissions, 300 Plot Breakdown Points.]

Lin Kun was overjoyed inwardly but maintained a calm exterior, bowing to Flander: "Thank you, Dean, for giving me this opportunity!"

Flander chuckled and leaned closer, whispering, "Kid, I really value this special ability of yours. In the future, when the academy needs to haggle for purchases or make bets, you might come in handy... Good luck with the assessment!" He patted Lin Kun's shoulder meaningfully before swaying his wine gourd and wandering back into the village.

Lin Kun: "..." So that's what the Dean had in mind?!

Regardless, the first stage had been passed without any major incident! And he had also made an impression on Flander.

Old Master Ling Yusong also conducted a bone age test for Lin Kun (confirming he was twelve), and registered his name. Looking at Lin Kun's level 11 Spirit Power and his white and gold Spirit Ring, the old man shook his head and muttered, "There are freaks every year, but this year there are especially many," yet he still recorded his name.

Tang San and the others were also happy for him (a complex kind of happiness). Xiao Wu directly hugged Lin Kun's neck, "Not bad, Lin Kun! You're quite the hidden talent! From now on, no one in the academy can lie to you anymore!"

Ning Rongrong said with a smile, "It seems our team will have a new 'Eye of Insight'." Zhu Zhuqing also nodded slightly in acknowledgment. Ma Hongjun scratched his head, "Brother, you're awesome! Help me analyze the opponent's weaknesses before fights from now on!"

Lin Kun smiled and dealt with them, but his heart didn't dare relax in the slightest. He knew this was just the beginning; Shrek's assessments would definitely not be that simple.

Ten people passed the first stage. Besides Lin Kun, Tang San, Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ma Hongjun, there were four other talented young boys and girls.

Old Master Ling Yusong led them into the village and to an open space in the center. Standing there with his arms crossed, waiting, was Zhao Wuji, who had left earlier.

Zhao Wuji's gaze swept over the ten people, lingering on Lin Kun for an extra second. He grinned widely, revealing a mischievous smile, "Well, quite a few little monsters this year. And an extra special kid."

He twisted his neck, making cracking sounds. "I am Zhao Wuji, and I'm in charge of your second assessment. The assessment is very simple..."

He pointed to an incense stick stuck in the ground on the other side of the clearing: "Last for the time it takes for this incense to burn under my hands. No matter what method you use, individually or together, as long as one person can hold out until the end, you will all pass! Of course, if you can't hold on, you can call out surrender at any time, and I... oh no, I will stop immediately."

After speaking, five brilliant Spirit Rings, two yellow, two purple, and one black, surged from beneath his feet! A powerful Spirit Saint's pressure descended like a mountain, instantly enveloping the entire area!

Except for Tang San and a few others who were mentally prepared, the other four newcomers and Lin Kun all turned pale, their breathing becoming difficult!

A Spirit Saint! And a Strength-type Spirit Saint! The pressure was terrifying!

"Teacher Zhao, this..." Dai Mubai, who had arrived at some point, stood nearby and was also surprised to see Zhao Wuji about to personally intervene, and with five Spirit Rings activated! The difficulty of this assessment was too high!

Zhao Wuji chuckled, "My assessment, my rules! Begin!" He didn't give the group any time to prepare, directly announcing the start, and then charged forward like a cannonball, directly targeting a newcomer standing at the very front!

The newcomer was so terrified that he was completely unable to react!

"Not good!" Tang San exclaimed, "Everyone, team up!"

He stepped on the Ghost Shadow Perplexing Steps, instantly blocking in front of the newcomer, activating his Mysterious Jade Hand, and attempting to block. Xiao Wu also instantly moved to the flank, activating her Soft Skill, and wrapping around Zhao Wuji's arm. Dai Mubai, though helpless, immediately activated his Martial Soul, engaged his White Tiger Body Protection, and attacked from the other side!

Ning Rongrong's Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda flashed with light: "Seven Treasures Manifest Glazed Tile, first: Strength! Second: Speed!" Two streams of colorful light accurately landed on Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Dai Mubai! Zhu Zhuqing's figure was like a phantom, her claws striking directly at Zhao Wuji's lower body. Ma Hongjun flew into the air, spitting out a Phoenix Fire Line!

The Shrek Five (plus Dai Mubai) instantly displayed astonishing teamwork and combat prowess!

The other three newcomers also reacted, releasing their Spirit Skills to assist.

Only Lin Kun, with the lowest Spirit Power and no offensive capabilities, retreated to a safe distance at the first opportunity. Simultaneously, he activated his [Insight Skill] to the fullest, his Book Spirit spinning madly, analyzing Zhao Wuji's movements, Spirit Power circulation, and the status of each of his companions!

[Zhao Wuji, Martial Soul: Great Strength Vajra Bear, Spirit Saint. Current Spirit Power usage approximately 40%. Habitually attacks with his right fist first, left arm defense has slight openings (old injury?). Turning speed is relatively slow.] [Tang San, Ghost Shadow Perplexing Steps are exquisite, but the Spirit Power gap is too large; direct confrontation is dangerous.] [Xiao Wu, Soft Skill is suppressed by strength; close combat is extremely risky.] [Dai Mubai, attacks are fierce, but breaking through defenses is difficult.] [Phoenix Fire Line, high temperature, but cannot cause effective damage; may even enrage the opponent.] [Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda's support is excellent, but Ning Rongrong's body is fragile and needs protection.] [Zhu Zhuqing, fastest, attacks are tricky; she is the main point of harassment.]...

A massive amount of information poured in and was processed! Lin Kun's brain was like an overclocked computer!

Just then, Zhao Wuji became somewhat agitated by the group's combined attack, especially when Ma Hongjun's flames singed his clothes. He let out a low roar, and his second Spirit Ring lit up: "Second Spirit Skill, Great Strength Vajra Palm!"

A giant bear paw phantom fiercely slammed towards Ma Hongjun in the air!

"Fatty, be careful!" Dai Mubai exclaimed!

Ma Hongjun was so terrified his soul almost flew out of his body; he couldn't dodge at all!

At this critical moment—

A silver light flashed in Lin Kun's eyes, activating [First Spirit Skill: Information Overload]! Target—Zhao Wuji! Information injected: the tiny flaw in Zhao Wuji's left rib when he exerted force just now, and an urgent information packet: "Harming student Flander, the dean, will deduct your salary and drinking money!"

Zhao Wuji, who was about to slap Ma Hongjun away, suddenly paused. His mind was instantly flooded with details about his own flaws in exerting force and warnings about "deductions for salary and drinking money"! Although his Spirit Power was strong and his mental power was not weak, this sudden, extremely precise information bombardment that concerned his personal interests still caused him a very brief moment of stunned distraction!

The Vajra Palm he had unleashed had its power reduced by thirty percent, and its speed slowed down by a hair's breadth!

It was precisely this sliver of an opportunity! "Blue Silver Grass, entangle!" Tang San seized the chance, and a large amount of Blue Silver Grass instantly wrapped around Ma Hongjun's feet, yanking him down hard! Boom! The Vajra Palm phantom flew past, grazing Ma Hongjun's scalp and making him break out in a cold sweat!

"Huh?" Zhao Wuji snapped back to reality and looked at Lin Kun in the distance, whose face was a bit pale (due to immense mental exertion), with surprise. "Was it you, kid, who caused that just now? Interesting!"

He no longer paid attention to Ma Hongjun, but instead became interested in Lin Kun and strode towards him. "Kid! Try this move again!"

Immense pressure descended instantly! The lock-on from a Spirit Saint made Lin Kun almost unable to move!

"Lin Kun, be careful!" Tang San cried out, his Blue Silver Grass rapidly spreading to try and block. Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing also attacked from the sides, attempting a pincer movement to rescue Zhao.

But Zhao Wuji seemed determined to test Lin Kun's mettle. Without dodging or evading, his third Spirit Ring lit up: "[Third Spirit Skill: Gravity Enhancement]!"

Boom! A powerful gravity instantly enveloped the entire arena! Except for those with stronger abilities like Tang San, everyone else felt their bodies sink, their movements distorted! Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing, who were charging over, suddenly slowed down drastically!

Zhao Wuji's massive palm was already reaching for Lin Kun. He was about to be grabbed!

In this moment of crisis, Lin Kun's pupils contracted. He concentrated his remaining mental power, not for attack or defense, but to activate [Information Overload] again, still targeting Zhao Wuji! But this time, the information injected was:

"Tang San is preparing a hidden trap to your rear left! Dai Mubai is charging the White Tiger Fierce Light Wave to your front right! Ma Hongjun is preparing a dive and spitting fire directly above you! The Blue Silver Grass trap on the ground is triggering! Ning Rongrong's next support will accelerate Zhu Zhuqing! Your belt buckle looks like it's loose!!!"

This series of information packets, a mix of truth and falsehood, reality and illusion, concerning attacks from all directions and even personal appearance, struck Zhao Wuji's mind like a bomb once more!

Especially the last piece of information about his belt buckle... Zhao Wuji instinctively glanced down!

Now!

Lin Kun's [Basic Movement Technique Mastery] and the recently acquired [Gale Step] erupted simultaneously! His body moved like an eel, using the slight chaos caused by everyone's attacks under the Gravity Enhancement and Zhao Wuji's momentary distraction, he narrowly slipped past Zhao Wuji's grasp. Although he was brushed by the palm wind, his blood churned, but he managed to avoid being directly captured!

"What a slippery kid!" Zhao Wuji's two attempts to capture Lin Kun were foiled in such bizarre ways. Instead of getting angry, he laughed, finding it even more amusing.

And at this very moment, the incense stick finally burned down to its end.

Dai Mubai immediately shouted, "Teacher Zhao! Time's up!"

Zhao Wuji stopped his movements, clearly not having had his fill. He looked at the incense burner, then at the panting, mostly injured students, and finally his gaze landed on Lin Kun, whose face was pale but whose eyes were bright. He laughed heartily, "Alright! You've passed! This year's little monsters are indeed interesting! Especially you, kid..."

He pointed at Lin Kun. "Although your Spirit Power is at the bottom, your ability to stir up trouble and save yourself is top-notch! In the future, when the academy goes out to fight... cough, when they go out for trials, bringing you along should save a lot of trouble!"

Lin Kun: "..." Why are all the deans and teachers so practical in their focus!

Regardless, the second trial was passed, albeit precariously!

[Ding! Successfully persisted for one incense stick during Zhao Wuji's assessment with excellent performance. Reward: Plot Breakdown Points +150.] [Side Quest [Pass All Shrek Academy Entrance Assessments] completed! Reward issued: Officially become a Shrek Academy student, unlock academy-related permissions, Plot Breakdown Points +300.]

Finally... he had become a member of Shrek Academy! Lin Kun let out a long sigh of relief, feeling like his whole body was about to fall apart, but his heart was filled with joy and a sense of accomplishment.

He knew that from this point on, he had truly stepped onto the core stage of the Douluo Continent. The road ahead was still full of challenges, but at least he now had a starting point that seemed tattered but possessed infinite potential.

Life at Shrek Academy officially began! And Lin Kun's "breakdown" journey would stir up new waves amidst these true "monsters."