Zhao Wuji

Oscar could only smile awkwardly at that, unable to explain anything.

Because their academy really was poor.

But he had to change the subject, so Oscar began talking about Shrek Academy's graduates.

Chatting along the way, they soon arrived at an open clearing.

Oscar then pointed ahead. "That's your test."

Following his finger, they saw a recliner sitting there.

Lying on it was a rugged-looking man who was dozing off.

"Teacher Zhao!"

Oscar let out a shriek that startled Zhao Wuji awake.

"What is it? Is there a fire?"

Zhao Wuji scrambled to his feet and looked around. Only then did he spot Oscar cowering behind a tree. The corner of his mouth twitched as he rolled up his sleeves. "You little brat, are you itching for a beating? You dare mess with me?"

"No, Teacher Zhao. This year's new students have arrived."

Oscar poked his head out from behind the tree.

"Oh?"

Zhao Wuji's gaze was indeed drawn to Tang San and the others. "Interesting. There are actually four monsters this year who've reached above Level 25 at the age of twelve? Come on, come on, let me have a look!"

"Not four. Five."

Dai Mubai's voice Rang Out at that moment.

He walked over with the Young Lady who had still been waiting in line earlier and introduced her. "This is Zhu Zhuqing. Her Soul Power is also above Level 25."

For some reason, Dai Mubai's expression seemed rather strange.

The girl's face was frosty as well, as though someone owed her money.

Xiao Tianyang watched everything with clear understanding. Though he knew exactly what was going on, he said nothing.

Some matters were not his to interfere with just because he knew about them, especially when they were not familiar with each other.

"Forget it. Whether it's four or five, this year's admissions have turned out quite well."

Zhao Wuji waved a hand dismissively, completely unconcerned. Looking at Tang San and the others, he said, "My name is Zhao Wuji, and I'm a teacher at this academy. I've now decided that your fourth test will be to have all five of you hold out against me for the time it takes an incense stick to burn. As long as someone is still standing at the end, you pass!"

Dai Mubai was startled when he heard the test. "Teacher Zhao, I'm afraid that isn't according to the rules, is it?"

"Since when was it your turn to speak?"

Zhao Wuji glared with tiger-like eyes. "The dean isn't here, so I'm in charge. What, do you have a problem with that?!"

"Oh, that's not what I meant."

Dai Mubai walked over to Zhao Wuji and whispered into his ear, "This year's new students are exceptionally strong, so I suggest making it two incense sticks instead..."

Zhao Wuji: "..."

If reaction memes existed, Zhao Wuji would definitely have had a huge question mark hanging over his head.

"Do you think I'm senile, or do you think my legs don't work? Fighting five children who haven't even outgrown their childishness for the time it takes two incense sticks to burn?"

There was already a trace of coldness in his tone. Dai Mubai retreated several steps and did not dare persuade him further.

Zhao Wuji ignored Dai Mubai and looked at Tang San and the others instead. "You have the time it takes an incense stick to burn to discuss things!"

After saying that, he crossed his arms over his chest and closed his eyes for a short rest.

"Looks like you won't be able to avoid this trouble."

Dai Mubai returned to Tang San's group and said solemnly, "Teacher Zhao's Martial Soul is the Great Vajra Bear, an exceptionally powerful Beast Spirit. Not only does it possess incomparable Defense Power, it also gives him strength no weaker than a Soul Beast's!"

Tang San frowned. "Then speed should be his weakness, right?"

"If you were at the same level, that would indeed be the case."

Dai Mubai swept his gaze over them. "But he's more than enough to deal with you."

Ning Rongrong asked, "What level is he exactly?"

Dai Mubai replied seriously, "I don't know. In any case, ten years ago, when Spirit Hall was hunting him, he was already above Level 60. Back then, not only did he break out of an encirclement by sixteen bishops, he also injured three of them. His nickname was the Immovable Ming King!"

"By now, his level must have surpassed Level Seventy!"

Xiao Tianyang interrupted them. "There's no turning back once the bow is drawn. Even if we tried to persuade Teacher Zhao, he wouldn't take back his words. We might as well discuss what to do next."

"That's right."

Tang San nodded and looked at everyone. "Why don't we introduce ourselves first, so we can get to know each other?"

As expected, the girl Dai Mubai had brought over was indeed Zhu Zhuqing.

However, when it was his turn to introduce himself, Xiao Tianyang paused for a moment before saying, "Xiao Tianyang, Level 27 All-rounder Battle Soul Master. Martial Soul: Three-Colored Fire."

That introduction left everyone completely bewildered.

They knew of the Control System, Assault System, Support System, and Agile Attack System, but what was an All-rounder?

The confusion over this even made them forget to ask whether Ning Rongrong was from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

Of course, there was no need to confirm it.

The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda was the inherited Martial Soul of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. There was no mistaking that.

Knowing that everyone was confused, Xiao Tianyang smiled. "You can think of me as an all-purpose player on the field. Wherever I'm needed, that's where I'll be."

"In this test, you'd better take the role of main attacker. Otherwise, you won't last the time it takes an incense stick to burn."

Dai Mubai reminded them from the side, "Teacher Zhao's seven soul rings are basically all focused on defense and strength. You can imagine how terrifying that becomes when added together!"

"I..."

Xiao Tianyang had just been about to say that he had no problem with it when the system issued a prompt.

"Ding!"

Congratulations, Host, on triggering a side quest: [Support]. Objective: Serve as support so Tang San, Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing can fully display their strength!

Mission Reward: Increased Host Charm!

Is this telling me not to interfere with the plot?

That's not right. If so, why did the system make me Contact Tang San and the other important figures in the first place?

"Brother Tianyang, what's wrong?"

Xiao Wu stepped forward and shook his arm.

"Nothing."

Xiao Tianyang came back to his senses and said, "I'll only provide support in this match."

"Why?"

Xiao Wu could not understand.

Zhao Wuji's strength was plain for all to see.

The four of them would have a hard time lasting the time it took an incense stick to burn.

But if Xiao Tianyang joined them as the main attacker, then while success would not be absolutely guaranteed, it would be close enough!

Why did he suddenly want to play support?

And had anyone ever seen a support who could kick a Soul Elder in his thirties flying with one kick?

"If I take the field, will you still have a chance to shine?"

Xiao Tianyang's expression was serious as he said in a deep voice, "Little San, Xiao Wu, I can tell you clearly that during our usual sparring sessions, I've never been serious."

"If I join the fight, you can indeed pass the test. But what about your own worth?"

"Remember, everyone has potential. Sometimes pressure is motivation. Squeeze it out, and what you gain will definitely be far greater than simply passing this test!"

"Kid, you're pretty arrogant!"

Zhao Wuji opened his eyes, rose to his feet, and looked down at Xiao Tianyang. "Since that's the case, forget about playing support. In a moment, you'll fight me one-on-one!"

Everyone was stunned, Xiao Tianyang included.

Congratulations, Host, on triggering a side quest: [Challenge]. Objective: Spar with Zhao Wuji and remain undefeated for the time it takes an incense stick to burn!

Mission Reward: Level 2 Draw ×2!

Upon receiving the system notification, Xiao Tianyang became even more uninhibited. The corners of his lips curled upward, Battle Intent blazing On Its Body. He turned and stared directly at Zhao Wuji. "That's exactly what I want!"