I'll Cover the Medical Bills!

Oscar smiled and looked at Ma Hongjun.

"There are no useless Martial Souls, only useless Soul Masters. Then why is he only at level twenty-nine?

"That was just an excuse he'd made for himself, something that let him find a sense of worth in his miserable life.

"Do you remember Shrek's admission requirements?"

"Applicants must be no older than thirteen, have reached at least level twenty, and possess two Yellow Soul Rings."

"Then think about it. If a Soul Master has low Innate Soul Power and comes from a family without resources, could he reach level twenty before turning thirteen?

"Junior Brother, in this world, without talent, you have no future. That's decided the moment you're born."

There was something Oscar kept to himself. It was also one of the reasons he wanted to change the world.

This world was completely warped. At least in the other world, people still had room to advance. But this one was utterly merciless: everything was set in stone from the moment of Martial Soul Awakening.

"Then is hard work useless?"

Ma Hongjun furrowed his brow and asked.

"Of course hard work matters. It's the icing on the cake. Those with talent who also work hard are truly heaven's favorites. All right, there's an admissions ceremony today. Let's go see what's happening."

With that, Oscar led Ma Hongjun toward the school entrance.

"Senior Brother, people should help themselves. I agree with your idea of teaching people to fish, but why help those who can't learn a trade?"

As they walked, Ma Hongjun raised his head and asked Oscar.

"Some people are slow-witted. It's not that they don't want to learn; they really can't. They work hard too, laboring in the fields.

"These people deserve help. We only give up on those who aren't willing to learn at all.

"And, Junior Brother, although being a Soul Master is a prestigious profession, that's only because people fear our power.

"What truly makes this profession noble are the predecessors who led humanity in opening up new territories, drove the Soul Beasts back into the Star Dou Great Forest, and protected everyone.

"We enjoy the blessings left by those who came before us, thanks to our own talent. We enjoy the grain grown through the hard work of the countless common people, and the support and service of those without talent."

Ma Hongjun followed Oscar, lost in thought.

Before long, the two of them had reached the entrance to Shrek Academy.

A crowd had already gathered outside. Li Yusong sat behind a table by the entrance, checking applicants' ages and Soul Power.

"Didn't we ask the dean to fix the gate? Why is that shabby signboard still hanging there?"

Oscar looked at the battered signboard by the entrance, exasperated. It wouldn't cost much to make a new one, but his adoptive father was so stingy. He'd promised several times, but never got around to it.

Sure enough, Oscar heard someone voice their doubts.

"Is this some kind of joke? This is the so-called Soul Master Academy? The one that claims its graduates can become imperial barons?"

The speaker was a boy's mother, eyeing the Shrek signboard with disdain.

"That's what the people from Spirit Hall said, so it should be true. But this academy is awfully run-down."

The boy's father tried to reassure her, unaware that Shrek Academy had paid people off.

Ever since the last batch of students had graduated when Oscar was eight, more than two years had passed without the academy getting a single new student.

That was why Flender had finally been forced to part with some money and bribe people from several Spirit Hall branches to put in a good word for him.

"Dad, I don't want to study here. It's too embarrassing. I'd rather go to Suotuo Intermediate Spirit Master Academy. I was considered a genius at my junior academy, after all."

The boy's father frowned. "We've already come all this way, and it's almost our turn. Let's take a look before we decide."

There were plenty of similar conversations among the people waiting in line. Most of the boys and their parents wore deeply disappointed expressions.

At last, the family reached the front of the line. Li Yusong gave the boy a lazy glance.

"Hold out one hand."

The boy did as he was told and held out his hand. Li Yusong squeezed it twice, then shook his head.

"You're too old. You can leave."

The boy froze for a moment, then turned to look at his father.

The boy's father hurriedly put on a smile. "Teacher, my son only just celebrated his thirteenth birthday. Could you make an exception?"

Li Yusong was already irritated. Since Shrek Academy had stopped charging an application fee, its reputation had indeed improved.

That had also led to a clear increase in applicants each year, but only one in a thousand could get through!

If you already knew Shrek's rules, why come here to test them?

Didn't I need to cultivate, too?

"I've said this many times: Shrek Academy only accepts monsters! We only take geniuses under thirteen. Anyone older than that is rejected. Move along. Don't waste everyone's time!"

The family knew they were in the wrong. They had indeed known about the rule.

But they'd thought their child, who was considered a genius at his junior academy, might get an exception. They hadn't expected reality to be so harsh.

Just as they were about to leave, a voice came from the back of the line.

"I've heard that Shrek Academy only accepts monsters. May I test my skills against one of your students?"

Everyone's gaze instantly turned toward the speaker. When Oscar saw a familiar face, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.

Just as expected, he'd come. Dai Mubai.

Li Yusong glanced at Oscar and Ma Hongjun. Although the two children were young and hadn't yet reached level twenty, their total Soul Power was at least two or three times greater than that of Soul Masters at the same level.

Every year, these two children dealt with the troublesome new applicants who came to sign up.

"Hongjun... Xiao Ao, you go. Hongjun doesn't know how to hold back. He could easily hurt him."

Oscar nodded to Li Yusong. With his hands behind his back and a calm expression, he walked forward.

"I don't think you need to make trouble for yourself. I'll give you a chance to return to the line. This fight will only cause you problems."

Dai Mubai looked at Oscar's fair face and slender build, then snorted.

"Go ahead. I'll cover the medical bills."

Dai Mubai could tell that this pale, pretty boy in white wasn't even twelve!

Shrek really was arrogant!

Seeing that Dai Mubai was set on this, Oscar sighed, stepped forward, and took up a stance.

"Oscar, of Shrek Academy. Please, instruct me."

"Beat me, and you'll learn my name."

Although Dai Mubai knew he was in the wrong, every time he thought of the things Half-Immortal Ma had said, he got irritated all over again.

He'd gone out at dawn that morning to find the Shrek Academy Half-Immortal Ma had praised.

He hadn't expected the academy to be tucked away in a village—and to be in such a terrible state!

He felt like he'd been played. A flash of wickedness crossed his eyes, and he abruptly raised his right fist. With a sudden lunge, he aimed a punch straight at Oscar's chest.

His move was simple, without any unnecessary flourishes.

But Oscar's expression turned slightly grave. Those who knew what they were doing recognized skill when they saw it.

With strength and speed behind it, the momentum of Dai Mubai's punch instantly reached its peak. Anyone without extensive combat experience couldn't have done that!

He might have to reveal just a little of his strength!

Oscar planted his foot and charged forward. His speed was neither fast nor slow, but his stance was extremely steady.

Facing Dai Mubai's fierce straight punch, Oscar turned slightly sideways, pressed one hand against Dai Mubai's elbow, and used the fifth form of Taiji Fist: Hand Playing Pipa.

Realizing something was wrong, Dai Mubai tried to pull his arm back, but he felt a strange force in the other boy's hand, as if his arm had been clamped in a vise!