As for the Tang Sect?
It only had two or three kittens and puppies, a declining sect with no oil or water left in it.
Going there would not only bring no benefits, but they would also have to work themselves to the bone as beasts of burden for the so-called "God King Tang" to revive the sect.
Only a fool like Dai Yu would do such a losing business.
"The two of us brothers are used to freedom and cannot stand the constraints of a sect."
Dai Yu glanced calmly at Tang Ya and added an unsparing slice:
"Besides, a sect with only two people...
Pardon my frankness, but I really don't see any need to join."
"You..."
Tang Ya was choked until her pretty face turned red, yet she could find no words to retort.
After all, what he said was the unvarnished truth; the current Tang Sect was indeed pathetic enough to bring one to tears.
Seeing that her recruitment pitch was about to fall through, Tang Ya grew so anxious that sweat beaded on her forehead.
She gritted her teeth, as if making some immense resolve, and abruptly played her final trump card:
"Wait!
As long as you join the Tang Sect, I'll give you this year's 'exemption spot' for Shrek Academy!"
"An exemption spot?"
Huo Yuhao froze for a moment.
Seeing this, Tang Ya hurriedly pressed her advantage to explain:
"That's right!
Although Shrek Academy has strict admissions, in consideration of the Tang Sect's past contributions, every year they specially grant the Tang Sect a single exemption from entrance exam spot!
With this spot, even if someone's talent is slightly lacking, they can directly enter the Outer Court of Shrek Academy to study!"
Bei Bei, who had remained silent all this while, also chimed in at the opportune moment.
His gentle gaze swept over Dai Yu and finally landed on Huo Yuhao, analyzing the situation in a sincere tone:
"Little Brother Dai, your talent is truly peerless. Even relying purely on your own strength, getting into Shrek Academy is hardly a difficult task.
However..."
Bei Bei changed the subject, looking at Huo Yuhao as he spoke:
"Little Brother Yuhao's situation, I'm afraid, is not quite so optimistic.
Shrek Academy's admission standards are extremely high, looking not only at soul power level, but also at martial soul potential and combat capability.
Though Little Brother Yuhao's First Soul Ring is special, his soul power fluctuation doesn't seem very strong.
Without this exemption spot, trying to pass the assessment will likely be harder than ascending to heaven."
Though Bei Bei's words sounded a bit grating, they struck straight at the heart of the matter.
Upon hearing this, Huo Yuhao's complexion instantly paled by a few shades.
He lowered his head, his hands resting on his knees clenching tightly into fists.
That's right.
Yu Ge was a genius and would surely pass the exams.
But what about himself?
If he couldn't pass, wouldn't that mean he would be separated from Yu Ge?
And even... become a drag on Yu Ge?
Huo Yuhao's heart tightened, his originally firm resolve to refuse instantly wavering.
In order to stay by Yu Ge's side, in order to enter Shrek Academy and grow stronger...
Joining the Tang Sect seemed to be his only choice.
"Yu Ge..."
Huo Yuhao raised his head, a tangled gleam flickering in his eyes as he instinctively opened his mouth to persuade Dai Yu to accept.
"There's no need for that."
Dai Yu spoke up once more, his voice still calm, yet brimming with an unquestionable self-assurance.
Dai Yu casually tossed away the twig in his hand, stood up, and brushed the dust from his body, looking down from on high at Bei Bei and Tang Ya:
"Many thanks for the kind intentions of the two of you.
However, mere entrance assessment for Shrek Academy isn't enough to stump us."
Bei Bei frowned slightly and couldn't help advising:
"Little Brother Dai, confidence is a good thing, but Shrek's assessment..."
"I said, there's no need."
Dai Yu directly cut Bei Bei off, his gaze sweeping past the worried-looking Huo Yuhao as the corners of his mouth hooked into a faint arc:
"Since I brought Yuhao out with me, naturally I have a way to let him walk through the gates of Shrek with his head held high.
There is no need to rely on charity from others, nor is there any need to use joining some sect as a trade."
With that, Dai Yu turned his gaze to Huo Yuhao and extended a hand:
"Are you full?
If you're full, let's go. We still have to hit the road."
"Ah?
Oh!
I'm full!"
Huo Yuhao froze for a moment, then immediately snapped to his senses, hurriedly shoving the remaining grilled fish into his mouth in two or three bites and giving a muffled response.
Though he still felt unconfident in his heart, he held a blind trust in Dai Yu.
Since Yu Ge said there was a way, there would definitely be a way!
Huo Yuhao hurriedly wiped his mouth, hoisted his pack, and trotted closely behind Dai Yu.
"Thanks for the hospitality."
Dai Yu waved a hand without turning his head, his pace not pausing for even a second as he led Huo Yuhao straight into the dense jungle.
Leaving only Bei Bei and Tang Ya behind to blankly stare at their departing backs, left in disarray by the wind.
"This..."
Tang Ya watched the empty campfire and stamped her feet in exasperation:
"This guy!
Why is he so impervious to reason!
That's an exemption spot for Shrek! Countless people would beat their heads bloody trying to get it!
And he actually called it charity?!"
Bei Bei gazed in the direction where Dai Yu had vanished, a thoughtful glint flashing through his eyes as he softly muttered:
"What an interesting fellow...
It seems this year's New Student Assessment is going to be quite lively."
Days later.
Southeastern Heaven Dou Empire.
Passing through the vast Lima Plain, the outline of a magnificent city gradually emerged on the horizon.
It was an immensely massive city, its walls soaring into the clouds and constructed entirely of grayish-blue giant boulders, exuding an ancient and heavy aura.
And directly above the city gate, several powerful and vigorous characters gleamed brilliantly in the sunlight—
Shrek City!
Gazing at this legendary sacred land before him, Huo Yuhao found it hard to suppress the excitement in his heart.
He tightened the pack on his back, a look of excitement flashing in his eyes as even his breathing grew a few fractions faster.
This was Shrek Academy!
The sacred land in the hearts of all soul masters across the entire continent!
As long as one could graduate from here, even if it were only the Outer Court, it would be enough to secure a title above a viscount in any nation on the continent.
From then on, one would want for nothing and bring honor to one's ancestors!
"Yu Ge, we've finally arrived!"
Huo Yuhao turned his gaze to Dai Yu beside him, his tone brimming with ebullience.
Dai Yu kept his hands in his pockets, his expression remaining detached as he merely gave a slight nod.
Compared to Huo Yuhao acting like a country bumpkin entering the city, Dai Yu appeared poised and calm.
After all, as a transmigrator, he knew the foundation of this city very well, and he knew even better what was about to transpire here.
Amidst the bustling stream of people, the two arrived outside the East Gate of Shrek City.
It was already a sea of humanity here, with young soul masters from all over the continent, accompanied by their parents, swarming toward the registration point like crossing carp.
Looking at the winding queue that stretched out like a dragon, Huo Yuhao, who had originally been excited, suddenly felt a wave of unease well up in his heart.
Huo Yuhao tugged at Dai Yu's sleeve and asked with some apprehension:
"Yu Ge, um... we don't have that recommendation letter thing, nor do we have the Tang Sect's exemption spot...
How on earth are we going to get into Shrek Academy?"
Along this journey, Huo Yuhao had also heard about it.
Wanting to apply to Shrek Academy typically required a recommendation letter from a city lord of a primary city level, or a nomination from a prestigious sect.
Before you continue