This is a Misunderstanding

Jiang Che moved slowly forward with the flow of the crowd, his gaze sweeping over the enrollment assessment point ahead.

Several second and third-year students from Shrek Academy sat at tables, checking registration information with serious expressions. Beside them were soul masters responsible for preliminary soul power testing. The light of the soul power testers flickered constantly, and many children, failing to meet the requirements, could only leave dejectedly, their faces filled with disappointment.

"Next, put your hand on the tester and circulate your soul power," a young student wearing a Shrek uniform said coldly, his tone carrying the unique arrogance of the academy.

A nervous-looking young boy stepped forward, pressing his palm tightly against the tester. He held his breath, his face turning red as he channeled his soul power, but the tester only emitted a faint glow—his soul power level was only 14.

"Not qualified. Next," the examiner waved his hand without hesitation. The boy's eyes reddened instantly, and he retreated from the line silently under the comfort of his family.

Watching this familiar scene, Jiang Che's thoughts drifted back to when he was twelve years old.

Back then, he had been brought here by Mu En to participate in the enrollment, and reaching level 32 at the age of twelve had caused the entire assessment site to erupt in a frenzy. Moreover, because Mu En had personally brought him, he had never experienced these layers of assessments.

Returning to this place with his current identity was, in itself, a peculiar experience.

Soon, it was Jiang Che's turn.

The student in charge of testing was a third-year. He looked up at Jiang Che and, seeing that he was clearly much older than the other applicants, frowned immediately. His tone carried a hint of impatience: "Shrek enrollment is limited to soul masters under twelve. You are well past that age; go back."

In his view, Jiang Che was likely an overage soul master trying his luck, failing to meet the enrollment standards, and he couldn't even be bothered to let him test.

Jiang Che had been prepared. His silver-blue pupils lifted slightly, his tone calm yet carrying an unquestionable power. At the same time, a trace of imperceptible Ultimate Ice soul power quietly overflowed from his fingertips. That soul power appeared weak, yet it contained a chill and pressure that would make anyone below the Title Douluo level tremble: "Classmate, I just turned twelve this year. I just look a bit mature. Please, help me with the test."

That trace of Ultimate Ice soul power flashed and vanished, but it caused the student to stiffen abruptly. The air around him seemed to freeze instantly, and a chill originating from the depths of his soul coursed through his entire body. The way he looked at Jiang Che changed instantly, shifting from initial impatience to shock and wariness.

He had clearly sensed from that trace of soul power a terrifying foundation far exceeding that of his own Soul Emperor teacher, along with the horrifying pressure of an ultimate attribute. This was definitely not power that an ordinary soul master could possess!

The young man before him was absolutely a hidden powerhouse!

The student dared not show the slightest negligence. He stood up hurriedly, his tone becoming incredibly respectful, and pushed the soul power tester forward: "It was my mistake. Please, go ahead and test."

The surrounding applicants and their parents were stunned, unable to understand why the usually strict Shrek student had suddenly become so polite to this older-looking youth.

Jiang Che placed his palm on the tester without changing his expression, deliberately suppressing his soul power to release only a fluctuation of around level 20.

In an instant, the soul power tester emitted a relatively bright light.

"Alright, you passed. Go and prepare for the assessment."

[Ding! Host has completed the soul power test, meeting the Shrek freshman registration standards. Newbie task progress updated: 50%]

[Ding, detected that the host's identity is a Shrek Inner Court student. Newbie task progress updated: 100%]

[Task reward: Second Martial Soul has been locked. Please claim it at your convenience.]

Hmm? What is going on with this system? Why is it so inconsistent? Jiang Che muttered to himself.

Just then, inside the East City Gate, an aged yet highly dignified aura quietly descended. Mu En's figure appeared at the gate at some point. He remained in his frail, candle-in-the-wind state, yet those dim, yellow eyes landed precisely on Jiang Che, filled with doting and gratification.

He had naturally sensed Jiang Che's aura and had come over specifically to take a look. Watching his little junior brother pretend to be a twelve-year-old boy participating in enrollment, Mu En's lips curled into a faint smile, and he thought to himself: This child, he certainly knows how to have fun.

Yan Shaozhe followed closely behind. Seeing Jiang Che's actions at the assessment point, he was stunned for a moment before he couldn't help but chuckle. However, he dared not step forward to disturb him, simply standing beside Mu En, quietly watching this 22-year-old Title Douluo experience this unique freshman enrollment journey.

Jiang Che sensed the gazes of Mu En and Yan Shaozhe and gave a subtle, calm nod. He then withdrew his palm and looked at the still-shocked examiner, speaking lightly: "Classmate, have I passed the preliminary test?"

The student finally snapped out of it and nodded hurriedly, respectfully handing over a freshman assessment tag with both hands: "Of course! Take this tag and head to the next venue for the Martial Soul attribute assessment. With your talent, you will surely enter Shrek successfully!"

Jiang Che took the tag, his fingertips feeling a slight chill. His silver-blue eyes looked toward the assessment venue not far away, a decision already made in his heart.

Although the task was complete, Jiang Che still wanted to see the assessment he had never experienced himself.

He stepped toward the next assessment point. The crowd automatically cleared a path for him, all eyes following his figure—some with envy, some with amazement, some with jealousy—yet no one knew that he was already a Title Douluo standing at the pinnacle of the Douluo Continent.

Jiang Che held the freshman assessment tag in his hand and walked slowly toward the Martial Soul attribute assessment field.

The surrounding noise remained, and the nervous discussions of the boys and girls lingered in his ears, yet he remained entirely detached.

Although the system task was complete and the reward for the second martial soul was waiting to be claimed on the panel, his heart was set on the enrollment assessment he had missed at twelve. He decided to follow his heart, treating it as a unique pastime.

After all, as a 22-year-old Ultimate Ice Title Douluo, being able to blend in with the freshmen to go through an entrance assessment—no one else in the entire Douluo Continent could claim such an experience.

Not far away, the third-year student had already secretly sent a message to the teachers on duty at the Outer Court.

Before long, a middle-aged figure arrived through the air, his aura heavy and steady. The newcomer was an Outer Court teacher around fifty years old, surnamed Zhou. His face was stern, and his soul power fluctuations were calm and powerful. As he landed, he stirred up a gust of wind, and the surrounding crowd was instantly intimidated into silence, retreating one after another.

He locked eyes with Jiang Che, whose unique temperament and obviously overage appearance stood out. His face sank, and his soul rings lit up directly: "Stop! Who are you? How dare you trespass at the Shrek enrollment point? What is your intent in disguising yourself as a freshman?"

Teacher Zhou's voice was loud, carrying the pressure of a Soul Saint. The surrounding boys and girls turned pale with fright and retreated repeatedly, the atmosphere in the field becoming incredibly tense.

Jiang Che paused his steps and turned to look at the approaching Teacher Zhou. There was not a hint of panic in his silver-blue pupils, only a calm indifference.

Just as Jiang Che was about to reveal his identity, a gentle voice suddenly came from outside the crowd.

"Wait a moment, Teacher Zhou. This must be a misunderstanding."