Before long, Shuofang Si returned to Shrek Academy.
A long line had already formed in the clearing outside the academy gates. Far more people had come for the entrance test than he had expected.
As he approached, Li Yusong, who was handling registration, stood up and said respectfully, "Dean Zhou, you're back."
The address "Dean Zhou" made the parents and children waiting in line all look up.
Shuofang Si looked barely into his twenties, and hushed murmurs soon spread through the queue.
"He's so young. Can he really teach the children properly?"
"Don't talk nonsense. Maybe his Soul Power is so strong that it keeps him looking young."
Shuofang Si couldn't be bothered with idle gossip from strangers. He asked Li Yusong directly, "Any children worth watching this year?"
"Yes, yes." Li Yusong hurriedly flipped through the registration book.
"There are no fewer than four children under thirteen whose Soul Power has already reached rank twenty-five or higher. This is the best intake we've had in years."
"Oh? What's their situation? How far have they gotten in the tests?"
"There are two rank twenty-nine little monsters whom Dai Mubai just took over, plus one with a special background. They should all be at the fourth stage by now. Zhao Wuji is overseeing that one."
Shuofang Si nodded and headed into the academy. After passing through two testing sites, he spotted Zhao Wuji in the clearing at the fourth testing ground, rubbing his hands in anticipation.
Several boys and girls stood opposite him. Both sides were poised for battle, clearly about to begin.
"Wait, Teacher Zhao." Before Shuofang Si had finished speaking, he was already beside Zhao Wuji, one hand resting on his shoulder.
"Let me do it. I'll test this year's new students."
Zhao Wuji shuddered. When he turned and