What Kind of Proper Academy Would Open in a Place Like This? New Mission

"Huh?!" The couple and the parents nearby who had been eavesdropping were stunned. "Young lady, according to you, as long as this academy can produce a fortieth-level student, they can grant a Viscount title?"

"Then why is it still so...?"

"The title is granted by the Empire; it doesn't really have much to do with the academy itself." Xiao Wu waved her hand dismissively.

"...Could they be scammers? Can an academy like this really produce a Spirit Ancestor?"

At this moment, Ning Rongrong, who had been following behind to watch the excitement, squeezed her way over.

She stood daintily beside Zhao Linchuan, first blinking at him before turning to the couple, speaking in a crisp, clear voice:

"Auntie, Uncle, I can't guarantee whether they can produce a Spirit Ancestor or not."

She pointed at the surrounding environment, her tone carrying undisguised disdain. "But, I can tell you for certain—this is absolutely a 'back-alley academy'!"

"Back-alley academy?" Everyone looked confused.

"It means bottom-tier, unqualified, the kind that just scams people out of their money!"

Ning Rongrong explained it simply and brutally. "Look at this place. What kind of legitimate academy would open in a dump like this?"

"Would any Spirit Master academy with even a shred of reputation be built in such a godforsaken place?"

"Setting aside the quality of education, just look at this dilapidated state—it's impossible for them to even have the most basic simulated cultivation grounds!"

"Without simulated cultivation grounds, a Spirit Master's cultivation speed is at least thirty percent slower!"

Her little mouth kept moving, rattling off one point after another. "How important is a child's future? If you send them to a place like this, forget about becoming a Viscount—it'll be a miracle if they can even graduate without ruining their health!"

"Uncle, Auntie, you need to keep your eyes peeled. Don't be fooled by gimmicks like 'graduate and become a Viscount,' or you'll ruin your child's entire life!"

These words were like cold water splashed into a hot frying pan; the parents, who were already harboring doubts, immediately erupted!

"So that's how it is!!"

"I knew something felt off! There's no such thing as a free lunch!"

"Thank you for the reminder, young lady! We almost got swindled!"

"Let's go, let's go! We can't stay in this dump!"

The couple with their child were especially grateful, pulling their child away without looking back.

Seeing this, the others in line also wavered, taking their children and leaving the queue one after another.

In just over ten minutes, more than half of the hundred or so people originally in line had left!

Only a few parents remained, looking particularly impoverished or having no other options, still hesitating and watching.

Ning Rongrong looked at her "masterpiece," proudly lifting her little chin, then turned around and generously extended her hand toward Zhao Linchuan with a bright, radiant smile.

"Hello there, let's officially introduce ourselves. My name is Ning Rongrong."

The moment her voice fell—

[Key plot character 'Ning Rongrong' has initiated contact. As a core support of the future Shrek Seven Devils, she is of great significance to the Child of Destiny (Fake) Tang San, and her 'Resurrection Divine Light' grants 'Tang San' a second life.]

[Choice mission triggered:]

[Option 1: 'Coax' her home and 'train' her well. This girl is spoiled by nature but not inherently bad; she has huge potential and is worth investing in and correcting.]

[Reward: God-level second martial soul endowment card—Nine-Colored Glow Sword, System Points *60,000]

[Option 2: The little witch is already beyond saving; let her be and let her fend for herself.]

[Reward: Attribute-less Tier 3 God Core *1, System Points *60,000]

'An attribute-less Tier 3 God Core?' Zhao Linchuan scanned the reward quickly, feeling a sense of disdain.

For someone like him, who aspired to higher realms, this thing was like a chicken rib—tasteless to eat but a waste to throw away.

'I choose one. Ning Rongrong... she is indeed a good seedling, and the support ability of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda is also very valuable.'

'More importantly, it cuts off one of Tang San's important arms and escape routes.'

[Choice confirmed. Mission "Successfully 'coax' Ning Rongrong home" accepted...]

[Ding! Detected that the host has had a substantial impact on the target, and the target has proactively shown goodwill with clear intent. Mission completed early!]

[Reward distributed...]

'Huh?!' Zhao Linchuan's thoughts stalled, somewhat surprised. 'It's already done? That simple?'

'It seems this girl is quite interested in me, or perhaps... the rebellion and curiosity of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's young miss are stronger than I imagined?'

"Hey! What are you spacing out for?" Ning Rongrong shook her extended hand in the air. Seeing no reaction, she waved it in front of his face and asked with a pout.

Zhao Linchuan snapped back to reality, a gentle smile appearing on his face as he reached out and lightly grasped Ning Rongrong's fair, soft hand. "My name is Zhao Linchuan."

"Hello, my name is Xiao Wu, the 'Wu' for dancing." Xiao Wu also offered a gentle smile as she introduced herself.

She had a good first impression of this lively, straightforward girl who didn't seem to have any ulterior motives.

Just as the three were chatting in a harmonious atmosphere, Li Yusong, who was sitting behind the registration table, suddenly noticed the line in front of him shrinking rapidly and the crowd dispersing. Feeling that something was wrong, he quickly stood up to look.

Seeing many parents leaving with their children, his expression changed. He shouted toward the inside of the academy at the top of his lungs, "Mu Bai! Get out here! Something's wrong, we've got trouble!"

"It seems... trouble has arrived~" Ning Rongrong's ears twitched. Upon hearing the shout, she wasn't afraid at all; instead, her eyes lit up, revealing an excited expression as if she were eager to try something.

Zhao Linchuan released Ning Rongrong's hand and cast his gaze toward the dilapidated gate of Shrek Academy, his tone gentle, even carrying a hint of a smile. "It seems, indeed, that trouble has arisen."

He glanced at Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong beside him and proposed, "Let's go. We should head over... and see if we can help them out?"

"After all, the fact that their academy can't recruit any students is, in a way, partly our 'contribution'."

"Yes, yes, let's go!" Ning Rongrong immediately clapped in agreement, her smile radiant. "If a fight actually breaks out later, I can provide support for you guys!"

"Don't look at me like that; I'm a very formidable support Spirit Master!" She puffed out her small chest, wearing an expression that practically begged, "Hurry up and praise me!"

"Not necessary." Zhao Linchuan took Xiao Wu's hand and walked toward the entrance of Shrek Academy.

Watching his upright back, Ning Rongrong mischievously stuck out her tongue and made a cute face behind him, then quickly picked up her pace, skipping along to catch up.

She wanted to see exactly what this man—who had crippled Dai Mubai in a single move and whom she found so intriguing—would do next.

The three of them walked slowly to the worn-out wooden table, while Zhu Zhuqing followed silently, stopping at a slightly greater distance.

In front of the table, a father and his son were arguing with flushed faces.

Li Yusong spoke without a shred of politeness: "Once the registration fee is paid, it is non-refundable."