The Final Showdown

The old man looked at Dai Mubai's Evil-Eyed White Tiger martial soul and the two yellow soul rings beneath his feet, his eyes full of bewilderment and uncertainty.

He knitted his brows and sized Dai Mubai up, his gaze sweeping over the boy's understated but finely made combat attire, then over Huo An, who stood behind him as silent as a mountain, his aura deep and steady. Hesitantly, he asked, "Boy, does your family know you're here?"

This young man had an extraordinary bearing, and with such a powerful guard at his side, his background was likely far from simple.

Though Shrek Academy accepted only monsters, it also feared inviting unnecessary trouble, especially when major clans, great sects, or even imperial families were involved.

At his words, Dai Mubai offered a perfectly measured smile and replied calmly, "Of course."

The old man stared into his eyes, seemingly trying to discern something within them.

But Dai Mubai's gaze was calm and his smile open. Aside from the pride of a genius, there was no trace of guilt or evasion.

After a moment's hesitation, the old man finally made his decision. He waved to the young man beside him and said, "Take him inside."

Whatever this boy's background, his talent met their standards, so the academy had no reason to turn him away. As for anything else, the dean and the others could deal with that headache.

Barely had he finished speaking when a soft, languid voice sounded beside him. "Come with me, junior. I'll take you to the second test."

Dai Mubai turned to look and saw that a young man had approached at some point without his noticing.

The young man sported a full beard, yet had large, alluring eyes that darted about keenly as he grinned at Dai Mubai.