Tang San: You again?

Three years later.

Tang San stood at the gates of Shrek Academy, filled with ambition. As he cast his gaze once more toward Suotuo City, memories from three years ago flashed back, vivid and clear.

According to Grandmaster, this was an academy that only recruited monsters. Here, his potential could be fully unleashed. Of course, the more important reason was his unprecedented desire to grow stronger and defeat the nightmare that haunted his heart.

Every deep night, when he awoke from his dreams, a handsome face with a devilish smile would always appear, causing him to wake up drenched in cold sweat.

He secretly resolved that this time, he would reclaim all the face he had lost!

"Although that brat Chu Qing is somewhat of a genius, without a truly good platform or a proper academy, he is destined to achieve nothing of note. Tang San, work hard at Shrek Academy, and your future achievements will surely surpass his! Never be discouraged; that brat Chu Qing is a classic case of 'early to bloom, late to wither'."

Grandmaster's earnest words still echoed in his ears. He finally made up his mind and stepped into this place that only recruited monsters—Shrek Academy!

The entrance exam was passed quickly. Afterward, Tang San took Xiao Wu to report to the Academic Affairs Office of Shrek Academy. Though called an office, it was actually just a dilapidated shack. Flender was currently speaking with a tall youth who had his back turned to them, his expression serious.

Memories flashed through Tang San's mind again. He shook his head uneasily and walked to the door, knocking gently on the open frame.

"Is this Dean Flender? I am a new student here to report, Tang San."

"Xiao Wu," Xiao Wu added.

Flender stopped his conversation and nodded, saying to the tall youth before him, "Chu Qing, go and help the new juniors get settled."

The tall youth nodded and turned around.

For a moment, their eyes met.

"Chu Qing?! Why is it him again!" Tang San nearly collapsed on the spot, though he forced himself to maintain a facade.

Xiao Wu, meanwhile, involuntarily shrank back two steps. She had not expected that the youth who had seen through her identity back then would be here, and she felt a complex mix of emotions.

Chu Qing, however, remained calm. He spoke, "Greetings, juniors. I am Chu Qing. We are classmates from now on, so please take care of each other." His enthusiastic smile shone like sunlight, his demeanor radiant and dashing.

Tang San looked at Chu Qing, then at himself. Over the past three years, other than growing taller, his appearance and temperament had not changed much. Though unwilling to admit it, he couldn't help but feel inferior in the presence of the god-like Chu Qing. He forced a bitter smile and said in a trembling voice, "G-Greetings, Senior."

Xiao Wu also spoke with mixed feelings, "Greetings, Senior."

Flender observed the situation and asked, "Chu Qing, do you know each other?"

Chu Qing replied, "We were classmates at the junior academy. We know each other."

Flender beamed, "Good! Excellent! You are all classmates now, so look out for one another."

Chu Qing said, "Follow me. I will take you to arrange your dorms."

Chu Qing then walked ahead, leaving his back exposed to the two of them, seemingly without a shred of caution.

Tang San calculated in his heart—this was the perfect opportunity! To be so careless; the brat was nothing more than this.

Xiao Wu seemed to sense something, gently gripping Tang San's hand and shaking her head.

But at this moment, Tang San was blinded by hatred. He tore his hand away from Xiao Wu's, glaring at her viciously as if to say, "Don't meddle in my business!"

Xiao Wu was stunned. She suddenly felt that the Tang San before her was a stranger. The "Third Brother" who had once been wholeheartedly kind to her now seemed like a completely different person.

Tang San kept his eyes fixed on Chu Qing's back with a sinister gaze, his hidden weapons ready to be unleashed. He was searching for the perfect moment to take his revenge!

After turning a corner, just as Tang San was about to strike, he discovered that Chu Qing, who had been walking in front of him, had suddenly vanished like a ghost!

Tang San activated his Purple Demon Eye. Over the past few years, he had practiced diligently, and his Purple Demon Eye had reached a high level; ordinary movement techniques could not escape his sight.

But eerily, he could not find a trace of Chu Qing anywhere. Drenched in cold sweat, he searched frantically, refusing to give up.

Suddenly, a hand rested on Tang San's shoulder, and a nightmarish voice rang out:

"What, are you trying to kill me?"

Tang San's entire body went rigid. He turned his head stiffly, forced a smile, and said, "Senior is joking..."

In that moment, he understood just how vast the gap between them truly was!

Chu Qing gave a devilish smile, "Better not be. Let's go. We have plenty of time to spend together in the future. If you want to spar with me, Junior, I am at your disposal anytime!" He then released his grip.

Tang San offered a fawning smile, "Senior, you've misunderstood. How could I ever dare to go against you? My life here will depend on you, Senior!"

He squeezed out a smile, bid farewell to Chu Qing, and said to Xiao Wu, "Follow Senior closely and don't cause any trouble."

Xiao Wu glanced at Tang San with disgust. The Tang San before her was so sycophantic, dark, and sordid; he was no longer the Third Brother she had once loved.

Ignoring him, she followed Chu Qing toward the girls' dormitory on the other side.

The Chu Qing before her, though he had threatened her in the past, acted with integrity and would never resort to sinister revenge. If Tang San was like a venomous snake lurking in a dark sewer, then the Chu Qing before her was like a magnificent tiger in the mountains, exuding an aura of dominance.

Chu Qing seemed to sense something and looked back. Xiao Wu happened to be watching him. She was startled and lowered her head, while Chu Qing gave a devilish smile, "What? Worried I'll tell others your secret?"

Xiao Wu glared at him indignantly and said, "What exactly do you want?"

Chu Qing found it increasingly interesting. He stepped closer, his tall frame blocking her path, and whispered in her ear, "What, afraid I'll eat you?" His masculine scent brushed against her earlobe. Xiao Wu shifted her hair uneasily, said nothing, and silently walked away.

The usually headstrong Xiao Wu felt completely uncomfortable in Chu Qing's presence, yet she didn't dislike the feeling. Not knowing how to handle it, she chose to flee for the moment.

Chu Qing called out, "Xiao Wu!"

Xiao Wu paused.

"The girls' dorm is on the left. You're going the wrong way!"

Xiao Wu shot him a shamed and angry glare before turning toward the correct direction.

Watching her back, Chu Qing muttered to himself, "Perhaps Xiao Wu is a good choice."

Three years ago, he had already reached level 28. After three years of cultivation, he had only just reached level 29, unable to break through the threshold of level 30. He was secretly anxious, unable to find a solution.

After repeated experiments, he seemed to have secretly realized the reason he could not break through.