Shrek's Sausage-Hawking Uncle

A few days later, Jiang Huai and Gu Yue walked side by side on his right, while Xiao Wu clung to Jiang Huai's back, refusing to get down. Tang San walked beside him on the left.

The group chatted and laughed as they made their way along the village road. Before long, Jiang Huai and the others reached the end of a long line.

Jiang Huai looked ahead, then set Xiao Wu down and said, "We'll be up soon."

Two people behind them were watching Jiang Huai. One looked curious, while the other seemed carefree and thought Jiang Huai was quite handsome.

Just then, Dai Mubai, who had fought Jiang Huai some time ago, walked out of the academy. Jiang Huai's lips curled into a faint smile. "So this is what you meant when you said we'd see each other again."

Dai Mubai was looking down as he reported something to the admissions teacher at the gate. Then he raised his head and spotted Jiang Huai and the others.

Dai Mubai waved at them and called out, "Hey! Jiang Huai, you really came!"

Jiang Huai nodded with a smile. "Yeah. We're here to register."

Dai Mubai punched him lightly on the shoulder and laughed. "You're incredible! How old are you, and you've already reached level thirty-nine?"

Jiang Huai replied calmly, "I'm twelve this year, but my birthday isn't until July."

Dai Mubai's eyes widened and his mouth fell open in an "O." The students and parents waiting in line were staring at him, too.

Jiang Huai noticed everyone looking at him and asked in confusion, "What's wrong?"

At Jiang Huai's words, Dai Mubai slung an arm around his shoulders. "Come on, come on. You don't need to go through all this. I'll take you straight to the final trial."

Jiang Huai smiled and pushed his arm away. "I came with my friends. At least let us pay the registration fee."

Dai Mubai glanced at Gu Yue, Xiao Wu, and Tang San, then thought it over. "I'll cover the registration fee. You can go straight to Teacher Li for the test, and then I'll take you inside."

Jiang Huai nodded and was about to return to the line when Dai Mubai pulled him to the front. Then he turned around and called, "Aren't you coming? I'll let you cut in line."

At that, Gu Yue went straight to Jiang Huai's side. Xiao Wu and Tang San exchanged a glance, then followed.

Dai Mubai tossed eighty Gold Soul Coins into the registration box. The teacher, who was called Li, stood up and felt Jiang Huai's hand. His expression turned to shock. Then he felt Jiang Huai's calf, and his astonishment grew.

Teacher Li said respectfully, "My name is Li Yusong. I'm a level-sixty-six Power Attack System Battle Soul Emperor, and my Martial Soul is the Dragon Pattern Staff. I—uh, that was my introduction."

In the shadows, Jiang Yi's expression nearly darkened. If Li Yusong exposed her younger brother's identity, she really would kill someone that night.

Soon, Jiang Huai and the others were taken inside to take the Second Trial. After exchanging a few words with Jiang Huai, Dai Mubai turned and headed back toward the academy gate.

Just then, a sausage seller pushed over a cart, calling out, "Here we are! Oscar-brand sausages, great quality at a great price! Come and get them!"

Gu Yue tugged at Jiang Huai's sleeve. "I want one."

Jiang Huai nodded, then asked Xiao Wu and Tang San, "Do you want any?"

Xiao Wu nodded. "Yes, yes, yes!"

Tang San nodded, too. "Then thanks, Brother Huai."

Jiang Huai smiled. "You don't have to be so polite with me."

Jiang Huai went up to Oscar's cart and tapped it. "Four sausages, please."

Oscar smiled. "Sure, sure! Three Copper Soul Coins each. Just a moment!"

Oscar took out four fresh sausages and put them on the grill. Jiang Huai struck up a conversation. "Your sausages look pretty fresh."

Oscar replied proudly, "Of course!"

Before long, the sausages were ready. Oscar skewered them and handed the four over. Jiang Huai set down twelve Copper Soul Coins and was about to take them.

"Jiang Huai, what are you doing?"

At the sound of Dai Mubai's voice, Jiang Huai stopped reaching for the sausages and turned around. He saw Dai Mubai with two young women behind him.

Still unaware of what was going on, Jiang Huai said, "Gu Yue was hungry, so I was buying her a sausage."

Dai Mubai glared coldly at Oscar and snapped, "Didn't I tell you not to sell sausages outside? What's wrong with you? Do you have to make everyone throw up before you're satisfied?"

Oscar touched his index fingers together. "Boss Dai, can you at least spare me a little dignity? This junior is the first person who's been willing to buy one today."

Dai Mubai grew even angrier. "Don't give me that. Jiang Huai is my brother. I'll deal with you later."

Then Dai Mubai turned to Jiang Huai. "Jiang Huai, you can't eat those sausages."

Jiang Huai asked in confusion, "Why?"

"Because..." Dai Mubai looked at Oscar with an amused smile. "Come on, make Jiang Huai a fresh sausage."

Oscar immediately went pale. He clasped his hands together, nearly dropping to his knees before Dai Mubai. "Boss Dai, we've been classmates for years. Can't you spare me a little dignity?"

Dai Mubai clenched his fist, his expression icy. Oscar shivered at the sight and had no choice but to give in.

Oscar recited the incantation: "Laozi Has a Big Sausage!"

Jiang Huai's money pouch fell to the ground. Gu Yue blushed and turned away. Xiao Wu buried her face in Gu Yue's back. Tang San tried to stay calm and murmured, "Brother Huai," but he still turned around.

Dai Mubai caught the money pouch and pressed it into Jiang Huai's hand. Jiang Huai came to his senses, grabbed Dai Mubai by the collar, and shouted, "Why didn't you tell me earlier?!"

Dai Mubai awkwardly tried to change the subject. "Uh! We'd better get on with the test. Right, the test first."

Dai Mubai went over to the teacher in charge of the second trial and spoke into his ear. Then he picked up a crystal ball and walked over to Jiang Huai and the others.

Jiang Huai had put his money pouch away, but his expression was still grim. His aura was so cold that only Gu Yue dared to approach him.

The crystal ball in Dai Mubai's hand could test levels ten through fifty. He handed it to Jiang Huai and awkwardly said, "Test your Soul Power."

Jiang Huai put his hand on the crystal ball, which erupted in a dazzling light. Dai Mubai showed it to the teacher in charge of the second trial, who nodded.

Then Dai Mubai brought over a crystal ball that could test levels twenty through thirty. He handed it to Gu Yue. When she placed her hand on it, the ball shone brightly and began to tremble, showing that Gu Yue was above level twenty.

Dai Mubai stared wide-eyed at the broken crystal ball in his hand. Jiang Huai patted his shoulder. "My girlfriend's Soul Power is level thirty-five."

At that, Dai Mubai turned to look at Jiang Huai and saw the smug expression on his face. Only then did he realize Jiang Huai had kept it from him to get back at him for earlier.

Then someone behind them said bluntly, "Childish."

Jiang Huai and Dai Mubai didn't mind. Dai Mubai went back and picked up the crystal ball Jiang Huai had used earlier.