The Fourth Test Begins!

"Mubai?"

Li Yusong's gaze fell on Dai Mubai, and a questioning look appeared on his face.

Although he felt that Du Cheng's words made some sense, Li Yusong still chose to ask Dai Mubai about it:

There was no helping it. After all, this was the student currently enrolled in his academy.

There was a difference between close and distant relations, and Li Yusong understood that very well.

"There's no need to trouble Teacher Li."

After Li Yusong spoke, Dai Mubai quickly shook his head.

"Since you've refused to spar, I naturally won't force you. Let's head to the fourth test first."

As soon as he finished speaking, Dai Mubai turned and headed into the academy.

Though he was unwilling to admit it, after Du Cheng's earlier remarks, even if he defeated him, he likely still wouldn't win Zhu Zhuqing's favor.

Since that was the case, it would be better to give up for now and think of a way to slowly work on it later.

The moment he thought of Zhu Zhuqing's cool face and fiery figure, Dai Mubai's heart filled with regret.

If I'd known Zhu Zhuqing would grow up to be so beautiful, I should have taken her with me when I ran away.

"Sigh, young people these days~"

Watching Du Cheng and the others leave, Li Yusong could not help sighing.

Soul Masters ought to focus on improving their strength. How could they casually get involved with something as terrifying as love?

"But did I forget something?"

As he packed up the tables and chairs before him, Li Yusong rubbed his chin and muttered to himself.

It was not until he spotted the box for collecting registration fees that Li Yusong's expression changed drastically.

"You little brats, you actually ran in without paying the registration fee!"

He was upset, deeply upset.

If it had not been too embarrassing, Li Yusong would have wanted to drag Du Cheng and the others back for a proper scolding.

How had they developed such a bad habit as fare-dodging at such a young age?

And that Ning Rongrong, the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect—was she really short on ten Gold Soul Coins?

"Hey, you're just following him like that?"

As Du Cheng and the others followed Dai Mubai into the academy, a crisp voice arrived beside Du Cheng along with a fragrant breeze.

"From the looks of him, I'm afraid he hasn't given up on his nasty intentions yet."

"What if he leads you into some trap of his, and then..."

The girl before him did not say the rest, but the look in her eyes made her meaning obvious.

"If that really happens, I trust that you, the righteous little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, won't stand by and do nothing?"

Hearing Ning Rongrong's words, Du Cheng could not help smiling.

Saying something like that right in front of Dai Mubai... that really is you, Ning Rongrong!

"Of course!"

The moment Du Cheng finished speaking, Ning Rongrong slapped a hand against her chest.

"I hate scumbags full of nasty thoughts like that the most. If he dares try anything, I'll teach him a harsh lesson!"

After speaking, Ning Rongrong extended a hand toward Du Cheng.

"Nice to meet you. My name is Ning Rongrong, twelve years old, level twenty-one Soul Grandmaster."

"Du Cheng."

Du Cheng gently squeezed the little hand that had just patted Ning Rongrong's chest, wearing a broad smile as well.

"I never expected the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to be not only beautiful, but kind-hearted too. You've truly opened my eyes."

"Hahahaha, lots of people say that."

Hearing Du Cheng's words, Ning Rongrong's smile grew even brighter.

Ever since she was little, she had been called things like little Witch and little devil. Du Cheng was the first person to praise her for being beautiful and kind!

That alone was enough for Ning Rongrong to make up her mind.

If Dai Mubai dared harbor any bad intentions, she would uphold justice and rid the people—Du Cheng—of this menace!

Ding! Host's Bond Value with Ning Rongrong has reached 20. At 30, an Intermediate Lottery can be conducted!

Ding! Congratulations, Host, you have obtained one Beginner Lottery opportunity.

Ding! A third bond has been detected. You have been rewarded with one Top Lottery opportunity.

Hearing the system's voice in his ear, Du Cheng could not help freezing.

As expected of a girl I, Du, have always admired. Even her initial Bond Value is this high!

Ning Rongrong had a straightforward personality. Though she was somewhat spoiled, she did not show it too obviously.

Moreover, they shared a common target for ridicule—Dai Mubai. In just a few minutes, she had hit it off with Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing, smoothly integrating into Du Cheng's little group.

Listening to the laughter and chatter of Du Cheng and the others behind him, Dai Mubai nearly cracked on the spot.

If he had not retained some sense of reason, Dai Mubai would have wanted to pry open Ning Rongrong's eyes and make her take a good look.

I'm the scumbag, but isn't Du Cheng, who's flirting with several of you at once, a scumbag too?

Turning to look at Tang San, who occasionally shot Du Cheng jealous looks, Dai Mubai paused slightly.

This feels familiar. It's the scent of a loser!

"This is the place."

Wanting to end this agonizing situation as soon as possible, Dai Mubai had not said a single word along the way.

Only when they arrived at an open clearing did Dai Mubai finally stop.

"The fourth test will be held here."

After speaking, Dai Mubai turned toward a middle-aged man in the distance who was sitting in a chair, dozing off.

"Teacher Zhao, please conduct the fourth test."

"Hm?"

Teacher Zhao sleepily lifted his head from the table and could not help pausing.

"Why are there so many people taking the fourth test this year?"

Before Dai Mubai could speak, Teacher Zhao's face filled with disdain.

"Could that old bastard Li have secretly accepted someone else's bribe again?"

"Teacher Zhao, you've misunderstood."

Hearing Teacher Zhao's words, Dai Mubai's mouth twitched.

Although Li Yusong had pulled similar stunts a few times before, was that really something he could just say aloud?

"They all passed the tests properly, and they even skipped the second and third tests."

"What?"

Teacher Zhao raised a brow, and his eyes immediately lit up.

Shrek Academy's entrance examination had four tests in total. Skipping the second and third tests was a privilege reserved only for true monsters.

"Not only that, this Du Cheng greatly surprised Teacher Li."

Pointing at Du Cheng, Dai Mubai's eyes flashed with ill intent.

"If the academy didn't have rules, Teacher Li would probably have approved his admission on the spot."

"That impressive?"

Teacher Zhao rose from his chair and quickly walked over to Du Cheng.

"To make that old Li take him so seriously, he must really have some skill."

"However..."

After a brief pause, Teacher Zhao continued.

"If you want to truly become a member of Shrek Academy, you must pass my fourth test."

"Since you're the most special, you'll undergo an individual assessment later."