Assessment

After Mu En withdrew the Soul Power Shield, Lin Yi found himself already on Sea God Island, with the Golden Ancient Tree right before his eyes.

Mu En's lips moved slightly, as though he had said something.

A moment later, figures darted over one after another, gathering before Mu En. They were the Elders of Sea God Pavilion.

"Elder Mu."

Without further pleasantries, Mu En said directly, "I called you all here today because there are several matters to discuss."

Pointing at Lin Xing and Lin Guang, Mu En introduced them. "These are two Starfall Unicorns, Lin Xing and Lin Guang. From today onward, they will live on Sea God Island. No one in the academy—remember, no one, including all of you—is to harm them for any reason or in any manner. So long as they do not actively harm anyone or damage the Golden Ancient Tree, let them roam freely."

The Elders had scarcely heard of Starfall Unicorns, but Mu En held absolute authority within Sea God Pavilion. Seeing how seriously he spoke, they all agreed.

Lin Xing and Lin Guang lowered their heads slightly in thanks. Mu En waved a hand. "Go have a look around and familiarize yourselves with the place."

Seeing this, Lin Yi summoned Lin Yao. "I have nothing to do for the moment. Your family has just arrived, so go keep them company first."

Lin Yao nodded and left with Lin Xing and Lin Guang.

When the Elders saw this little child suddenly summon a Spirit Body that retained its consciousness, they exchanged looks. Why did it resemble an Evil Soul Master's methods so much? And what was with that Radiance aura? Still, this child had been brought back by Elder Mu, so there should not be a problem...

Mu En pointed at Lin Yi. "This child is my newly accepted disciple, Lin Yi."

The Elders were all surprised. It had been decades since Mu En had last taken in a disciple. Who would have thought that he would accept another one today?

Without giving the Elders a chance to ask questions, Mu En continued, "He is Qingxuan and Xi Yatou's child..."

The Elders had already been curious as to why Lin Qingxuan and Ouyang Xi, that famous Divine Couple, had suddenly returned. Upon hearing Mu En's words, they could no longer hold back. In particular, an old man brimming with life aura strode over to Lin Qingxuan and patted him on the shoulder. "Haha, not bad, kid. Your child is already this big."

Lin Qingxuan hurriedly bowed respectfully. "Elder Zhuang."

Seeing that the other Elders were also about to swarm forward, Mu En raised a hand to stop them. "Enough. Catch up later. Let this old man finish first."

"This old man has decided to grant Lin Yi special permission to enter the Inner Court, where I will personally teach him."

The Elders erupted in an uproar. Yet out of respect for Mu En, none voiced opposition. They merely looked at Lin Yi with greater scrutiny, wanting to know what was so extraordinary about this child that Mu En, who had always been utterly impartial, would personally make an exception for him.

Lin Qingxuan and Ouyang Xi's expressions changed as well. Lin Qingxuan could not help saying, "Elder Mu, isn't this inappropriate? The academy has its rules..."

Mu En raised a hand to stop him. "Qingxuan, you have always been wise, but you also have a flaw. You are always constrained by rules, afraid of stepping out of line. Within the rules, you are often flawless, but once there are no rules, your performance falls short."

Faced with Mu En's assessment, Lin Qingxuan was unable to refute it. He could only obediently fall silent. "Yes. Thank you for your guidance, Elder Mu."

Lin Qingxuan had fallen silent, but Lin Yi was somewhat displeased. Fine, make an exception if you want, but why drag my father into it?

"Master, does the Inner Court have any rules?"

Hearing the odd note in Lin Yi's tone, Lin Qingxuan inwardly sighed that he had not raised this son for nothing, while quickly explaining, "Xiao Yi, the academy is divided into the Inner Court and the Outer Court. However, compared with the Outer Court, the Inner Court is the true Shrek Academy. It upholds the First Dean's principle from ten thousand years ago that only monsters are worth cultivating, with strict admission and graduation requirements. Generally speaking, students who graduate from the Outer Court must be under eighteen and have reached the level of a Four-Ring Soul Ancestor before they qualify to apply for the Inner Court. Only after passing the assessment may they enter."

"Elder Mu values you highly, which is why he has specially approved your entry into the Inner Court for study. Outsiders entering the Inner Court directly are exceedingly rare even in all of Shrek Academy's Academy History."

Only after hearing his father's explanation did Lin Yi understand. His master truly did take good care of him.

But since he had already asked, he could only continue.

"Then what are the assessment standards?"

Mu En did not take offense and explained with a smile, "The assessments vary, but ultimately, they test one's strength. Generally speaking, enduring an Inner Court student's attacks for the time it takes an incense stick to burn counts as passing."

"What Cultivation Level do Inner Court students have?"

Hearing the implication behind Lin Yi's words, Mu En said, "Naturally, we would not have a Six-Ring Soul Emperor fight a Four-Ring Soul Ancestor. Usually, it is a Four-Ring student of the same rank. But even among those of the same rank, students who have received Inner Court instruction for some time will have their strength multiply. It is quite challenging for Outer Court students."

Lin Yi fell silent for a moment before looking up at his master. "Master, can I try?"

"You want to try?" Mu En had thought Lin Yi was merely curious due to a child's nature. He had not expected him to actually want to try, and he found himself in a difficult position. "You are still too young. If you feel this is inappropriate, you can make up the assessment after cultivating for another two years."

Hearing Mu En's words, Lin Yi shook his head. "Master, that is not what I mean. I merely want to try and see where my strength stands. As for special permission or anything like that, my talent is worthy of it."

Hearing Lin Yi's confident words, several Elders frowned. This little child was rather arrogant.

Yet Mu En, Lin Qingxuan, and Ouyang Xi did not find anything wrong with his words. They secretly nodded.

Lin Qingxuan asked, "Then what if you lose?"

The implication was clear: if you lost, would you still have the nerve to enter the Inner Court through special permission?

"Isn't losing perfectly normal?" Lin Yi answered casually, stunning everyone present.

This little brat was not merely arrogant. He was downright shameless!

Lin Yi did not care. They had all said that Inner Court students were true monsters. He was only six years old; was it not perfectly normal for him to lose?

But...

"Master, if I win, do I get anything?"

Mu En laughed despite himself. "You little rascal. Losing is normal, but if you win, you want a reward. Either way, you do not lose out, is that it?"

Lin Yi merely nodded smugly and waited for Mu En's answer.

Mu En thought for a moment, then smiled. "Very well, as you wish. If you win, this old man will grant you one reasonable request."

"Alright. Thank you, Master."

Mu En looked toward the Elders. "You all heard him, yes? This saves us the trouble of explaining. Seeing it with your own eyes will make things clearer. Arrange the assessment."

An elderly man in white stepped forward. "Teacher, I will act as the Referee. Mei'er, go bring over a Four-Ring Inner Court student."

A beautiful middle-aged woman departed at once.

Lin Yi looked curiously at the old man. Dressed in white, the elder had a gentle temperament that naturally inspired goodwill at first sight. Though he had grown old, the traces remaining on his face told everyone that he must have been a rare handsome man in his youth.

However, the way Lin Yi looked at him was somewhat strange—so obvious that even Mu En beside him noticed.

"Xiao Yi, what is it?"

"Master, is this the Dean with the Bright Phoenix Spirit, like my mother?"

Mu En did not think much of it and nodded. "That is right. His name is Yan Shaozhe. He is also my disciple, so he is your Senior Disciple Brother."

Yan Shaozhe looked at Lin Yi with some curiosity, not understanding what he wanted to say.

Lin Yi hesitated, unsure whether he should say it. But upon seeing his master's probing, encouraging gaze, he finally said, "Radiance does not like him."

"???"

Several question marks seemed to pop up over Yan Shaozhe's head. Where had that come from? He, Yan Shaozhe, possessed the Bright Phoenix Spirit and Light Attribute, was a level ninety-five Super Douluo with the title Bright Phoenix—and this junior disciple of his was saying that Radiance did not like him?

Mu En's expression instantly turned grave. "Xiao Yi, this is not something to joke about. Are you certain Radiance truly told you this?"

Seeing Mu En's solemn expression, Lin Yi immediately became serious. "Master, I am willing to swear upon my Martial Soul..."

Before he could finish, Mu En covered his mouth with one hand. "Alright. Master believes you."

Mu En had a headache as well. Where had this little fellow learned such things? Had he read too many travelogues and strange tales? Swearing upon his Martial Soul at the drop of a hat—it was frightening.

The Elders beside them began whispering among themselves. Yan Shaozhe was startled when he heard Lin Yi mention swearing upon his Martial Soul. Those were heavy words. Could there really be something wrong with him? But he had not sensed anything unusual.

By then, Mu En had already calmed down. "Enough. We will discuss this later. Mei'er has returned."

As soon as Mu En finished speaking, the middle-aged beauty who had left earlier appeared, carrying a female student in a red academy uniform in one hand.

Seeing that female student, Mu En frowned. Why had she brought this student here? This student's abilities somewhat restrained Xiao Yi.

When the female student saw the Elders, she hurriedly stood upright, straightened her clothes, and bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Elders and Dean."

Yan Shaozhe suppressed the doubts in his heart. "Wu Ming, do not be nervous. We called you here because a student wishes to enter the Inner Court, and we would like you to conduct his practical assessment."

Wu Ming relaxed. "Oh, that is all? No problem, Dean Yan. Leave it to me."

After speaking, she looked around. Yet everyone here was either old or young. Where was the student of suitable age?

Confusion appeared in Wu Ming's eyes. "Dean Yan, which junior brother or sister is taking the assessment? Why do I not see anyone?"

Lin Yi stepped forward. "Hello, Sister. I am the one taking the assessment."

Wu Ming looked at the little fellow before her, doubting her own eyes. "Little brother, how old are you?"

"Six."

"Stop joking, little brother. Hurry and bring the actual student over. With those little arms and legs of yours, I am afraid one blast of Golden Crow True Fire will burn you away."

Yan Shaozhe said, "Wu Ming, there is no mistake. It is this student. Prepare for the assessment!"

Wu Ming looked as though her entire worldview had collapsed, but the authority of the Martial Soul Department Dean made her instinctively obey.

The two sides pulled apart. Once the assessment began, Wu Ming could not help saying, "Little brother, if you cannot hold on, remember to admit defeat immediately."

Lin Yi did not answer. He merely released his Martial Soul.

A small tree of brilliant golden color appeared, two black Soul Rings rising and falling around it...