Challenge Zhao Wuji

Everyone's gaze focused on Lin Kun, waiting for his "analysis." The fat merchant who had been pointed out froze, then glared at Flander and Lin Kun in annoyance, feeling insulted.

Lin Kun took a deep breath and looked calmly at the merchant. Neither servile nor overbearing, he spoke with just the right trace of apology. "Sir, forgive the offense. The dean ordered it, so I had no choice but to comply. If I say anything wrong, I hope you'll be understanding."

Courtesy before confrontation—steady the other party's emotions first.

The merchant snorted without speaking, but his expression eased slightly.

Only then did Lin Kun begin slowly, organizing his words according to the information analyzed by the Insight Skill and Book Spirit:

"First, judging from your complexion and the unconscious way you keep rubbing your abdomen, have you been eating overly greasy food lately and suffering some mild stomach discomfort? Perhaps you've been worn out from traveling about, worrying over your son's assessment, and haven't been eating proper meals."

The merchant froze and instinctively stopped rubbing his stomach. Surprise flashed through his eyes. He really had been running around with his son these past few days, eating nothing but quick meals and meat, and his stomach had indeed been uncomfortable.

Lin Kun continued, "Second, there's a trace of inconspicuous green powder on the inside of your sleeve, carrying the faint scent of mugwort powder. Mugwort powder is often used to keep ordinary medicinal herbs dry and preserved. Combined with how heartbroken you were over your son failing the assessment, and how you mentioned the registration fee you'd saved up for years, I'd venture to guess that your family runs a medicinal herb business?"

"And perhaps it isn't very large, requiring you to handle things personally. That would explain why you got medicinal powder on yourself—and why you care so much about a registration fee that may not seem small to an ordinary family."

The merchant's eyes widened instantly, his mouth hanging open as though he had seen a ghost! His family really did run a small herb shop! He really had moved moisture-proof mugwort powder earlier! How had this kid figured it out?! He even knew that he was distressed over the money?!

A low wave of gasps rose from the surrounding crowd, and the way they looked at Lin Kun changed. This power of observation was simply terrifying!

Lin Kun added one final sentence, his tone carrying a touch of consolation. "Also, your son is still young, yet his Soul Power has already reached level twenty-one. His talent is already quite good. Failing to be selected this time may simply mean his fate with this place has not yet arrived; it doesn't mean his future is bleak. There are many excellent academies in the Barak Kingdom, and there may well be somewhere better suited to him. You needn't worry yourself sick, sir."

These words not only laid bare the man's family circumstances and thoughts, but also offered reasonable advice and comfort. They were logical and considerate.

The anger on the merchant's face had long vanished, replaced by shock and a trace of gratitude. He muttered, "A-amazing! Little brother, you got everything right! My family really does run a herb shop... Sigh, I had it all wrong. I put too much pressure on the child..." He sighed, cupped his hands toward Flander and Lin Kun, then silently left with his son.

Silence!

The entire place fell silent!

Everyone had been stunned by Lin Kun's frighteningly precise analysis! This was no simple power of observation—it was practically mind-reading!

Xiao Wu's mouth fell open as she tugged at Tang San's sleeve. "Third Brother, Third Brother! H-how does he know everything? Is he even better than your Purple Demon Eye?"

Tang San's eyes were also filled with shock and gravity. His Purple Demon Eye could spot some subtle traces, but it could never so accurately deduce someone's profession, family circumstances, and thoughts! This Lin Kun was even more mysterious than he had imagined! Ning Rongrong's beautiful eyes glimmered with even greater interest. Even Zhu Zhuqing's cold face showed a trace of surprise. Ma Hongjun was completely dumbfounded.

The elderly Li Yusong stroked his beard, a sharp gleam flickering in his eyes.

As for Flander, the Four-eyed Owl dean, the frivolity on his face had long disappeared, replaced by the keen glint of someone who had discovered treasure! He stared hard at Lin Kun, as though he wanted to see straight through him!

"Good! What superb insight into people! What superb analysis and deduction!" Flander clapped and laughed heartily, his voice filled with undisguised admiration. "Kid, your skills truly deserve the word 'monster'! Your Soul Power may be a bit low, but you're interesting! I'll make an exception! Teacher Li, register him! Let him take the remaining assessments!"

Ding! You have successfully passed Flander's preliminary test and gained his attention. Reward: 100 Plot Breakdown Points.

A new side quest has been triggered: Pass all entrance assessments of Shrek Academy. Quest reward: Officially become a Shrek Academy student, unlock relevant permissions, 300 Plot Breakdown Points.

Lin Kun was ecstatic inside, but his expression remained calm as he bowed to Flander. "Thank you, Dean, for giving me this opportunity!"

Flander chuckled and leaned closer. "Kid, I think highly of this special ability of yours. It might come in handy when the academy haggles over purchases or makes bets with people in the future... Do well in the assessment!"

He patted Lin Kun's shoulder, his tone meaningful, then swaggered back toward the village with his wine gourd in hand.

Lin Kun: ...So that was what the dean had in mind?!

No matter what, he had passed the first stage without incident! And he had even caught Flander's attention.

The elderly Li Yusong also tested Lin Kun's bone age—he was indeed twelve—and registered his name. Looking at Lin Kun's level-eleven Soul Power and platinum-gold Spirit Ring, the old man shook his head and muttered, "There are freaks every year, but this year has especially many." Still, he wrote down Lin Kun's name.

Tang San and the others were happy for him—though their feelings were complicated. Xiao Wu directly wrapped an arm around Lin Kun's neck. "Not bad, Lin Kun! You really kept your abilities hidden! From now on, no one in the academy will be able to lie without you seeing through them!"

Ning Rongrong smiled. "It looks like our team is gaining an 'Eye of Insight.'"

Zhu Zhuqing nodded slightly in acknowledgment. Ma Hongjun scratched his head. "Brother, that was awesome! Before we fight anyone in the future, help me analyze their weaknesses first!"

Lin Kun smiled and went along with them, but inwardly, he did not dare relax in the slightest. He knew this was only the beginning. Shrek's assessments would definitely not be so simple.

There were ten people in total who passed the first stage. Besides Tang San, Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, Ma Hongjun, and Lin Kun, there were four other talented youths.

The elderly Li Yusong led them into the village and arrived at an open space in its center. A figure stood there with his arms folded, waiting for them—it was Zhao Wuji, who had left earlier.

Zhao Wuji swept his gaze across the ten of them, lingering an extra second on Lin Kun. He grinned broadly, revealing a malicious smile. "Yo, there are quite a few little monsters this year. And an especially unusual kid, too."

He rolled his neck, producing a series of cracking sounds. "I'm Zhao Wuji, and I'm responsible for your second-stage assessment. The assessment is very simple..."

He pointed to an incense stick planted at the far end of the clearing. "Last one incense stick's worth of time under my hands. I don't care what method you use—fight alone or join forces. As long as one of you lasts until the end, all of you pass! Of course, if you can't hold on, you can surrender anytime. I... ahem, I'll stop in time."

As soon as he finished speaking, two yellow, two purple, and one black Spirit Rings abruptly rose beneath his feet! The powerful pressure of a Soul Sage descended like a mountain, instantly blanketing the entire area!

Other than Tang San and the few who had been mentally prepared, the other four newcomers and Lin Kun all turned pale, struggling even to breathe!

A Soul Sage! And a strength-type Soul Sage at that! The pressure was far too terrifying!

"Teacher Zhao, this..." Dai Mubai had appeared at some point and was standing nearby. Seeing Zhao Wuji personally take the field—and immediately summon all five Spirit Rings—he was also startled. This assessment was far too difficult!

Zhao Wuji chuckled. "My assessment, my rules! Begin!" He gave them no time to prepare. He announced the start and shot forward like a cannonball, targeting a newcomer standing at the front!

The newcomer was terrified out of his wits and had no time to react!

"Not good!" Tang San shouted. "Everyone, join forces!"

Search by book title not working? Try searching by author instead; perhaps it was simply renamed!

Using Ghost Shadow Perplexing Steps, he flashed before the newcomer in an instant. His Mysterious Jade Hand activated as he attempted to block the attack.

Xiao Wu also darted to the flank and unleashed her Soft Skill, wrapping herself around Zhao Wuji's arm. Though Dai Mubai was helpless about the situation, he immediately possessed his martial spirit as well. Activating White Tiger Body Protection, he attacked from the other side!

The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda shone in Ning Rongrong's hands. "Seven Treasures Manifest Glazed Tile: first, strength! Second, speed!" Two beams of colored light landed precisely on Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Dai Mubai!

Zhu Zhuqing moved like a phantom, her sharp claws striking straight at Zhao Wuji's lower body. Ma Hongjun flew into the air and spat down a Phoenix Fire Line!

The five Shrek monsters, along with Dai Mubai, instantly displayed astonishing coordination and combat strength!

The other three newcomers also came to their senses and released their Spirit Skills to assist.

Only Lin Kun, whose Soul Power was the lowest and who lacked powerful offensive abilities, immediately retreated to a safe distance. At the same time, he fully activated the Insight Skill, while his Book Spirit spun wildly as he analyzed Zhao Wuji's movements, Soul Power circulation, and every companion's condition!

Zhao Wuji. Martial spirit: Great Strength Vajra Bear. Soul Sage. Currently using roughly forty percent of his Soul Power. Habitually attacks first with his right fist; there is a slight opening when his left arm defends—an old injury? His turning speed is comparatively slow. Tang San's Ghost Shadow Perplexing Steps are exquisite, but the Soul Power gap is too great; taking attacks head-on is dangerous. Xiao Wu's Soft Skill is restrained by brute strength, making close combat highly risky. Dai Mubai's attacks are fierce, but breaking Zhao Wuji's defense is difficult. The Phoenix Fire Line is hot, but cannot inflict effective damage and might instead provoke him. The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda's support is excellent, but Ning Rongrong herself is fragile and needs protection. Zhu Zhuqing is the fastest and attacks from tricky angles; she is the main harassing force. ...

An enormous flood of information surged in—process it! Lin Kun's brain was like an overclocked computer!

Just then, Zhao Wuji grew irritated by their combined assault. Ma Hongjun's flames had especially scorched his clothes. He let out a low roar as his second Spirit Ring lit up. "Second Spirit Skill, Great Strength Vajra Palm!"

A massive phantom bear paw slammed toward Ma Hongjun in the air!

"Fatty, watch out!" Dai Mubai cried.

Ma Hongjun was scared out of his wits and could not dodge in time!

At that critical instant—

Silver light flashed in Lin Kun's eyes. First Spirit Skill: Information Overload! Target—Zhao Wuji! Information transmitted: the tiny flaw in Zhao Wuji's left ribs whenever he exerted force, as analyzed earlier, along with an urgent information packet: "If you injure students, Dean Flander will deduct your salary and drinking money!"

Just as Zhao Wuji was about to send Ma Hongjun flying with one palm, his movement abruptly stalled. His mind was instantly flooded with details about flaws in his exertion and warnings about deducted salary and drinking money!

Though his Soul Power was formidable and his Mental Power was not weak, this sudden, extremely precise barrage of information—one that directly concerned his personal interests—still caused him to hesitate and lose focus for an extremely brief moment!

The power of the Vajra Palm immediately dropped by thirty percent, and its speed slowed by a fraction!

That fraction was enough! "Blue Silver Grass, Bind!" Tang San seized the opportunity. A mass of Blue Silver Grass instantly wrapped around Ma Hongjun's feet and yanked him down! Boom! The phantom Vajra Palm grazed Ma Hongjun's scalp, frightening him into a cold sweat!

"Huh?" Zhao Wuji came back to his senses and looked in surprise at Lin Kun in the distance, whose face had gone slightly pale from the immense mental consumption. "Was that... your doing, kid? Interesting!"

He no longer paid attention to Ma Hongjun. Instead, Lin Kun had caught his interest. He strode toward Lin Kun. "Kid! Try this one again!"

An immense pressure descended instantly! Locked onto by a Soul Sage, Lin Kun could barely move!

"Lin Kun, watch out!" Tang San shouted as Blue Silver Grass rapidly spread toward him, trying to block Zhao Wuji.

Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing also launched swift attacks from the sides, attempting to relieve the pressure on Lin Kun by attacking Zhao Wuji.

But Zhao Wuji seemed determined to test Lin Kun's limits. He neither dodged nor evaded, and his third Spirit Ring lit up. "Third Spirit Skill, Gravity Enhancement!"

Boom! A powerful gravitational force instantly enveloped the entire field! Aside from Tang San and the others with greater strength, everyone felt their bodies sink and their movements warp! Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing, who had been rushing over, slowed dramatically!

Zhao Wuji's huge palm was already reaching for Lin Kun! He was about to seize him!

At the moment of crisis, Lin Kun's pupils contracted. He gathered every last bit of his Mental Power—not to attack and not to defend, but to activate Information Overload once more. The target was still Zhao Wuji! But this time, the information transmitted was:

"Hidden weapon prepared behind you to the left: Tang San! Dai Mubai's White Tiger Blazing Light Wave charging at the front right! Ma Hongjun preparing to dive and breathe fire directly overhead! Blue Silver Grass trap on the ground activated! Ning Rongrong's next support will accelerate Zhu Zhuqing! Your belt seems to be loose!!!"

This series of mixed truths and lies, real and false information concerning attacks from every direction and even his personal image, crashed into Zhao Wuji's mind like another bomb!

Especially that final part about his belt... Zhao Wuji instinctively lowered his head and glanced at it!

Now!

Basic Movement Technique Mastery and the Gale Step he had just obtained erupted beneath Lin Kun's feet at the same time! His body slipped away like a loach, taking advantage of the slight chaos caused by everyone's attacks under Gravity Enhancement and Zhao Wuji's instant of distraction. He narrowly slid out from beside Zhao Wuji's hand.

Though the palm wind struck him and made his blood churn, he had at least avoided being grabbed head-on!

"What a slippery little brat!" Zhao Wuji's two attempts had both been neutralized by Lin Kun in such bizarre ways. Rather than becoming angry, he laughed, finding it even more interesting.

At that moment, the incense stick finally burned to its end.

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

Zhao Wuji stopped reluctantly. He looked at the incense burner, then at the panting and mostly injured group, before finally settling his eyes on Lin Kun, whose face was pale but whose gaze was bright. He laughed heartily. "Fine! You pass! This year's little monsters really are interesting! Especially you, kid..."

He pointed at Lin Kun. "Your Soul Power may be at the bottom, but you're first-rate at muddying the waters and staying alive! When the academy goes out to fight in the future... ahem, goes out for training, it looks like bringing you along will save us plenty of trouble!"

Lin Kun: ...Why were all the academy teachers so focused on practical things?!

No matter what, he had passed the second stage after a thrilling ordeal!

Ding! You successfully lasted one incense stick's worth of time in Zhao Wuji's assessment and performed exceptionally. Reward: 150 Plot Breakdown Points.

Side quest, "Pass all entrance assessments of Shrek Academy," completed! Rewards issued: Officially become a Shrek Academy student, unlock academy-related permissions, 300 Plot Breakdown Points.

At last... he had become a member of Shrek Academy! Lin Kun let out a long breath. He felt as though his entire body was about to fall apart, but his heart was filled with joy and accomplishment.

He knew that only now had he 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 seemingly shabby yet infinitely promising starting point.

Life at Shrek Academy had officially begun! And Lin Kun's journey of "breakdown" would stir up new waves among these true "monsters."