The Shadow of Spirit Hall, First Steps on the Journey

Salas's visit was like a stone cast into a lake, sending ripples through Lin Ye and Tang San's hearts that lingered for a long time. Over the next few days, the two of them noticed several unfamiliar gazes at the academy. Sometimes they came in class, sometimes on the way to the little grove. Those gazes were scrutinizing and probing, making their hearts tighten.

"They seem to be following us everywhere," Xiao Wu mumbled through a mouthful of carrot. Her rabbit Martial Soul had a natural sensitivity to danger. "Yesterday, when I went to the kitchen to steal some snacks, I saw two people dressed in black lurking around the dormitory entrance."

Tang San's brow furrowed even more tightly. Blue Silver Grass slipped quietly from his fingertips, sensing the movements around them. "They're from Spirit Hall. Their Soul Power fluctuations are very subtle, but they carry a kind of... oppressive superiority."

Lin Ye leaned against a tree trunk, the Golden Crow's power circulating slowly within him to form an invisible barrier. "Salas didn't show up by chance. He must have come for us. Blue Silver Grass with Innate Full Soul Power and my 'golden Soul Power' are enough to put Spirit Hall on guard."

"Then what do we do?" Xiao Wu asked, somewhat worried. "Why don't we run? We could go back to Holy Soul Village!"

"Running isn't the answer." Tang San shook his head. "Spirit Hall's influence extends across the continent. Where could we run? Besides, we're still too weak. Running away won't solve the problem."

Lin Ye nodded in agreement. "Little San is right. Instead of hiding, we should make the most of our time and get stronger. Nuoding Academy doesn't have much left to teach us. Maybe... we should go somewhere else."

"Somewhere else?" Xiao Wu blinked. "Where?"

"Shrek Academy." Lin Ye spoke the name. "I heard an old hunter in the village talk about it. It's a very special academy that accepts only monsters, not ordinary people. The teachers there are very strong. Maybe they can offer us a better environment to grow in."

Tang San had also heard of Shrek Academy, but it was too mysterious, its location uncertain. Few people knew exactly where it was. "How do we find it?"

"I remember the old hunter saying that Shrek Academy was in a village somewhere near Suotuo City," Lin Ye recalled. "Suotuo City isn't far from here. We can go there first and ask around."

The three exchanged glances, each seeing determination in the others' eyes. Though Nuoding Academy was peaceful, it had become the focus of Spirit Hall's attention. Staying would only grow more dangerous. Going to Shrek Academy would not only let them avoid the heat, but also give them a chance to grow stronger.

"When do we leave, then?" Xiao Wu rubbed her hands together, apparently full of anticipation for the new journey.

"Tonight." Tang San's voice was firm. "The longer we wait, the more could go wrong. The sooner we leave, the better."

They told no one, not even Yu Xiaogang, who had always taken particular care of Tang San. Lin Ye knew that Yu Xiaogang had countless ties to Spirit Hall. Though he might not betray them, letting him know would inevitably invite unnecessary trouble.

Night fell like a vast black cloth, silently covering Nuoding Academy. Lin Ye, Tang San, and Xiao Wu carried simple packs and, under cover of darkness, avoided the patrolling teachers and Spirit Hall's watchers before climbing over the academy's rear wall.

The path outside the wall was silent except for the chirping of insects and the sound of the wind. The three hurried onward, not daring to stop for a moment. Only when the horizon turned fish-belly white did they stop to rest in a small grove.

"We should have shaken them off." Tang San released his Blue Silver Grass to sense the movements around them, only breathing a sigh of relief after confirming no one was pursuing them.

Xiao Wu leaned against a tree, panting heavily. "I'm exhausted... If I'd known it was this far, I would've brought more food."

Lin Ye took the last few wheat cakes from his pack and shared them with the other two. "Eat sparingly. We'll restock when we reach Suotuo City."

After eating and taking a short rest, the three continued on their way. Suotuo City was three days' travel from Nuoding Academy, and without a carriage, they had to go on foot. They avoided the gazes of passersby during the day and camped in the wild at night. Tang San built a simple tent with Blue Silver Grass, Lin Ye used Golden Crow Fire to drive away wild beasts and insects, and Xiao Wu kept watch. The three worked together so well that they didn't find the journey too difficult.

On the evening of the third day, a vast city finally appeared on the horizon. Its towering walls stretched into the distance, and people, horses, and carriages crowded its gates. It was more than ten times as prosperous as Nuoding City.

"That's Suotuo City!" Xiao Wu pointed at the city, her eyes sparkling.

Entering the city went smoothly. The guards merely checked their Soul Master credentials before letting them through. As soon as they entered, a clamor of voices washed over them. Vendors' cries, the clatter of hooves, and children's laughter mingled together, full of life and vitality.

"Let's find somewhere to stay first," Tang San suggested. "Then we can ask about Shrek Academy."

In the city center, they found an inn called the Rose Hotel. It wasn't too expensive, and the place was reasonably clean. As soon as they had settled in, Xiao Wu pulled Tang San out shopping, saying she wanted to try Suotuo City's local snacks. Lin Ye stayed in the room, sorting through his thoughts from the past few days.

Spirit Hall's attention was like an invisible thorn lodged in his heart. He knew that with Spirit Hall's strength, it would never easily give up on two extraordinarily gifted youths. Sooner or later, their whereabouts would be exposed. They had to find Shrek Academy and grow stronger as soon as possible to have the ability to deal with future crises.

Toward evening, Tang San and Xiao Wu returned carrying bags of snacks, large and small, as well as a new outfit. Tang San had bought it for Xiao Wu: a pink dress that made her look like a delicately carved doll.

"We asked around. Shrek Academy really is near Suotuo City," Tang San said after taking a drink of water. "It's in Shrek Village, just south of the city. But I heard the academy is strange. Its admission requirements are especially strict, and only a few people get in each year."

"The stricter, the better," Xiao Wu mumbled around a mouthful of candied hawthorn. "It means they really know what they're doing."

Lin Ye nodded. "Tomorrow we'll go take a look at Hanhu Ke Village. No matter how strict the requirements are, we have to try."

Early the next morning, the three hired a carriage and set out for Shrek Village south of the city. As the carriage left the bustling city behind, the surroundings gradually grew desolate. Low, single-story houses and muddy dirt roads lined the way, and a faint fishy stench hung in the air.

"This is Shrek Village?" Xiao Wu wrinkled her nose. "Why is it so rundown?"

The driver was a local. Hearing her, he laughed. "You wouldn't know it, miss, but Shrek Academy may look shabby, yet it's got real strength! They say its teachers are all experts at the Soul Saint level. They just have rather odd tempers."

The carriage stopped at the entrance to a dilapidated village. A crooked wooden sign stood there with the words "Shrek Village" written on it. Beside it was a line of smaller writing: "Shrek Academy, this way."

The three got out and followed the path into the village. It was quiet, and the occasional villagers they saw all looked somewhat wary. After walking for about a quarter of an hour, they stopped in front of a rundown wooden hut. An even shabbier sign hung on its door, reading "Shrek Academy registration."

An old man with a pipe in his mouth sat in a rocking chair by the door, squinting as he basked in the sun. His clothes were covered in patches, and his hair was a mess. He looked like an ordinary old country man.

"Excuse me, is this where we register for Shrek Academy?" Tang San stepped forward and asked respectfully.

The old man opened one eye, glanced at them, and blew a smoke ring. "Registration fee: ten Gold Soul Coins."

"What?" Xiao Wu cried. "Ten Gold Soul Coins? That's robbery!" Ten Gold Soul Coins were enough to support an ordinary family for a year.

The old man rolled his eyes. "Too expensive? Then get lost. We don't take paupers at Shrek Academy."

Lin Ye and Tang San exchanged glances, each seeing surprise in the other's eyes. But they didn't back down. Tang San took ten Gold Soul Coins from inside his clothes and handed them to the old man. "We're registering."

The old man took the coins and weighed them in his hand before slowly rising to his feet. "Follow me."

He led the three through a weed-choked courtyard to a rudimentary training ground. Several children were already waiting there. They looked about the same age as the three, and every one of them had a fierce, unruly look in their eyes.

"You lot, stand over there." The old man pointed to a corner of the training ground, then shouted to a muscular, powerfully built man in the middle of it, "Zhao Wuji, time to work!"

The man came over at his call. He had a towering build, a bald head, and a vicious-looking scar on his face. His Soul Power fluctuations were terrifying-he was at least above level sixty!

"More kids here to throw their lives away?" Zhao Wuji loosened his muscles, his joints cracking. "You know the rules, right? Last one incense stick's time against me, and you pass the first test."

The children immediately stirred. Several youths who looked quite capable seemed eager to try, while others looked frightened, evidently intimidated by Zhao Wuji's presence.

"The first test is a fight?" Xiao Wu was a little surprised.

"Looks like this academy really is unusual," Lin Ye said quietly. "Testing actual combat ability directly is much more reliable than those academies that only look at Soul Power Level."

Zhao Wuji's gaze swept over the children in line before settling on Lin Ye, Tang San, and Xiao Wu. "You three, you're first!"

The three exchanged glances and stepped forward together.

"All three at once?" Zhao Wuji raised a brow. "Interesting. Give me your names."

"Tang San."

"Lin Ye."

"Xiao Wu."

"Good." Zhao Wuji grinned, revealing a mouthful of yellow teeth. "I'll give you three moves. Come on!"

Before his words had even faded, Xiao Wu moved! Her figure flitted like a ghost, appearing behind Zhao Wuji in an instant. Her slender leg swept toward the back of his head with a fierce gust of wind-the Soft Bone Charming Rabbit's signature skill, Waist Bow!

"Good speed, but a pity you're too weak." Without even turning his head, Zhao Wuji reached back and caught Xiao Wu by the ankle. With a light swing, he threw her away.

Fortunately, Tang San reacted quickly. Blue Silver Grass erupted in an instant, forming a great green net that caught Xiao Wu securely.

"My turn!" Tang San gave a low shout, circulating his Soul Power at full force. A Blue Silver Cage abruptly formed and descended over Zhao Wuji! The deep-green blades of grass were covered in golden patterns and coated with sticky sap. It was more than twice as strong as it had been at Nuoding Academy!

"Oh? Control-type?" Zhao Wuji was a little surprised, but he paid it no mind. His figure shifted, and he slammed straight into the Blue Silver Cage!

Bang!

The Blue Silver Cage shook violently, blades of grass snapping one after another. But strangely, the broken blades quickly grew back and continued to coil around Zhao Wuji's body.

"Some resilience," Zhao Wuji remarked appreciatively. A Yellow Soul Ring erupted with a brilliant glow around him-his first Soul Skill, Immovable Bright King Body!

A golden halo enveloped him, and Zhao Wuji's muscles swelled in an instant. The Blue Silver Grass could no longer hold him and snapped apart!

Just then, Lin Ye moved!

He didn't approach Zhao Wuji. Instead, he stood where he was and formed seals with both hands. The phantom image of a Three-Legged Golden Crow slowly unfurled behind him! This time, he held nothing back. The Golden Crow shone more brilliantly than ever before, radiating scorching heat like a miniature sun!

"First Soul Skill, Golden Crow Fire!"

Golden flames surged toward Zhao Wuji like a tide. Unlike ordinary flames, they contained a vast power of life and the sun. They looked scorching, yet carried an indescribable pressure!

Zhao Wuji's expression changed slightly. He could sense that the flames were unusual and hurriedly activated his second Soul Skill, Gravity Enhancement!

An invisible gravitational field descended, noticeably slowing the flames. Yet they continued to burn stubbornly, and a few tongues of fire even broke through the field and landed on Zhao Wuji's clothes!

Sizzle!

His clothes caught fire instantly, and a scorched smell spread through the air. Startled, Zhao Wuji hurriedly patted out the flames and looked at Lin Ye in astonishment. "What kind of fire is that?"

Lin Ye didn't answer. He simply recalled the Golden Crow Fire. He knew that with his current strength, he couldn't hurt Zhao Wuji at all. Forcing him to use his second Soul Skill was already a success.

"Not bad, not bad." Zhao Wuji dusted himself off, an approving smile appearing on his face. "You three brats have some skill. Tang San's control, Xiao Wu's speed, and that strange fire of yours, Lin Ye... all rather interesting." He glanced at the sky. "The incense stick hasn't finished burning, but you've passed the first test."

The three breathed a sigh of relief and returned to the corner. The way the other children looked at them had changed. Some were surprised, some jealous, and some admiring.

The tests that followed were even harsher. Some children were told to run ten li within a set time, some had to lift a stone weighing a thousand jin, and others were sent flying by a single punch from Zhao Wuji and ran off in tears.

In the end, only five children, including Lin Ye, Tang San, and Xiao Wu, passed all the tests.

The old man with the pipe-they later learned his name was Flender, and that he was the dean of Shrek Academy-looked at the five remaining children with a satisfied smile. "From today onward, you're students of Shrek Academy. Remember, there's only one rule here: stay alive, and grow stronger!"

The last rays of the setting sun fell over the dilapidated training ground, stretching the five boys' and girls' shadows long. Lin Ye looked at Tang San and Xiao Wu beside him, then at the other three unfamiliar faces-a tall youth, a somewhat gloomy-looking boy, and a little girl holding a cat-and a sudden, inexplicable surge of heroic spirit rose in his heart.

He knew a new journey had begun. Life at Shrek Academy would be anything but easy, but this place might be the best soil for them to avoid Spirit Hall's edge, build up their strength, and wait for the moment to bloom.

Meanwhile, far away in Suotuo City, a figure stood at a hotel window, looking in the direction of Shrek Village, a cold smile curling at the corner of his mouth.

"I've found you..." Salas's voice was low and icy. "Two interesting little fellows. Don't disappoint me."

In the shadows, several black-clad figures knelt on one knee, awaiting his orders.

A new storm was quietly brewing.