Time flew by, and before Yue Ling knew it, the assessment day had arrived.
With a trace of unease in his heart, Yue Ling strode toward the Soul Fighting District. He spotted his teacher and Yan Shaozhe at a glance.
He hurried over and bowed slightly.
"Teacher, Dean Yan."
Yan Shaozhe smiled. "No need for formalities. We're both here today for your Shrek Inner Court assessment. Heroes really do emerge young... It hasn't been that long since I last saw you, yet you're already preparing to enter the Shrek Inner Court..."
"You flatter me."
Yue Ling met his kindly gaze and smiled back.
Beside them, Xuan Zi took a swig of wine and smacked his lips. Looking relaxed, he said, "Kid, don't be nervous. Take it easy. Show us that confidence of yours."
"Teacher, how did you know I was nervous?"
"Just a guess... The Shrek Inner Court assessment has always been difficult. In a sense, you only truly become a disciple of Shrek once you get in."
"Then, Teacher, Dean Yan, what's my assessment?"
Yue Ling's curiosity about the assessment displaced his nerves. An eagerness to try showed on his face; he was ready.
Xuan Zi gave Yan Shaozhe a look. Yan Shaozhe understood at once and said, "There are three parts to the assessment. The first tests your strength. You only need to hold out against a Shrek Inner Court disciple for the time it takes an incense stick to burn to pass."
Yan Shaozhe paused, then added,
"Of course, because your strength far exceeds that of Spirit Masters your age, the standard for your combat assessment will be adjusted separately."
"An ordinary Spirit Master with four Spirit Rings only needs to fight a Soul King, and the result depends entirely on their performance. But your strength has