Chapter 24 - Battle Exercise

________________

Shrek Academy,

Inside a seemingly spacious room, Tang San and Yu Xiaogang could be found together while having a serious conversation.

"Tang San, you can now tell me what happened to Xiao Wu?" Yu Xiaogang immediately asked and wanted to know the reason behind her leaving as he also felt sad seeing a genius girl he had seen growing up left.

"Teacher, Xiao Wu is a s-spirit beast." Tang San replied as he clenched his fist while still remembering what happened that day. He knew for a fact that she was one a long time ago, but he didn't really care about it.

Yu Xiaogang's eyes widened upon Tang Sang's reply since he clearly saw that he wasn't lying. With that, his mind had turned chaos upon knowing such a fact however, he then decided to set these things aside seeing how unstable Tang San had become, and just asked Flender later instead.

"Then, what about that Lev? Why do I feel like the atmosphere between you and the other children changed when he arrived?" Yu Xiaogang then asked once more but this time on a different person. Though he felt satisfied looking at the others, seeing Lev back then felt like he really met a monster without even seeing his capabilities.

Hearing the name he least wanted, Tang San's face immediately became ugly, but he still replied, "H-He's strong."

This time, Yu Xiaogang finally knew that there really must be a problem. He sighed and ordered, "Okay, you can withdraw for now. Take a rest and prepare for tomorrow."

"Yes, teacher." Tang San replied before leaving. Though the two meet again after a long time of separation, he doesn't have the energy to get joyful as another thing still bugging his mind.

After Tang San left, Yu Xiaogang then thinks, 'What secrets does this Lev have to cause such changes towards the other monsters around him.'

Not having the answer to his questions, Yu Xiaogang then moved towards Flender's office wanting to satiate the curiosity that he had.

________________

Dean's Office,

Yu Xiaogang arrived at the place where Flender was currently and there he saw Zhao Wuji and Flender talking inside the room. His sudden appearance surprised the two as their attention shifted to him.

"Xiaogang, I thought you were making a training plan. Why are you here then?" Flender then asked upon seeing Yu Xiaogang entering his office without prior permission. Though he wasn't feeling bad about it, he felt like there was still a need to maintain proper order.

"I'm sorry for my sudden intrusion but I'm really curious about that student Lev, and I think you have the answers for me." Yu Xiaogang answered before taking a seat.

Upon hearing his words, Flender and Zhao Wuji paused for a bit before sighing.

Yu Xiaogang, meanwhile, saw their reactions just by hearing his name which makes him sure that there really must be something with that student Lev. Knowing about it, he couldn't help but smile faintly thinking that this might be an opportunity.

"Is there any problem with that kid?" Yu Xiaogang curiously asked.

"It's not actually a problem but Lev was really peculiar among the others. Well, it would be better for Zhao Wuji to explain." Flender answered as he passed the explanation to Zhao Wuji which the latter then tell Yu Xiaogang all the things that happened from the beginning until they headed to Star Dou Forest.

For about half an hour, Yu Xiaogang's face can only show amazement and fear at the same time from the things Zhao Wuji had told him. Anyone who has heard about it would probably think that it was a makeup story but since it was Flender and Zhao Wuji, he felt like there was no need for them to tell lies regarding this matter.

"To think such a person exists. Do you know which clan he came from?" Yu Xiaogang excitedly asked. Upon hearing what kind of monster Lev was, he already assessed the potential he had and was confident to say that he was on a different level from the others, and thinking that someone would become his student greatly excites him.

"Unfortunately, we don't." Flender shook his head.

Yu Xiaogang nodded since he would also react the same way. There is a need to approach Lev kindly and slowly uncover his story which he felt confident of doing so. He even feels that Lev's future is very bright and together with his skills and attitude, he is bound to become a powerful existence in the future.

"What do you think? Can you handle him?" Flender asked while looking at Yu Xiaogang. Upon hearing the report of Zhao Wuji, he also felt hopeless about maintaining the good side with Lev since something had already happened and so he kind of hoped Yu Xiaogang would do his work.

"There's no need to worry." Yu Xiaogang confidently answered. He was not just thinking about how to handle Lev, he was also planning to make him his disciple wanting to create the absolute genius around the continent.

"I better go back and prepare for tomorrow." Yu Xiaogang immediately stood up and then left.

After Yu Xiaogang left, Zhao Wuji then asked, "Boss, is it really okay for the grandmaster to teach them?"

"Well, Yu Xiaogang is very intelligent, and I know he can handle them. The problem now is about Lev, however, seeing his reaction, he might have a solution to it. I just hope nothing will happen." Flender answered as he also stood up and looked at the window.

Hearing Flender, Zhao Wuji did not respond and just looked at him. Though he was doubtful about the capability of that so-called Grandmaster and since Flender trusted him that much, what he needed to do was to give his support and see what happened.

"Well, you withdraw as I had also other things to do." Flender ordered which Zhao Wuji then left.

________________

---The next morning---

Shrek Academy,

After settling their relationship yesterday, Lev and Zhu Zhuqing were now running on their way to the academy with sweet smiles on their faces. Though their heart and greed were already prepared to do the last step, Lev still managed to stop as no matter how mature Zhu Zhuqing was, she was still a child in his eyes. With that, Zhu Zhuqing was left to watch and learn how Lev and Sia do the work, but she wasn't really frustrated about it as she felt more cared for knowing that Lev really wasn't that kind of person.

"Lev, Zhuqing, why were you not in the breakfast?" Yu Xiaogang immediately asked upon seeing they just arrived together. A small of anger could heard in his voice thinking that the two had already broken his words yesterday.

Upon hearing Yu Xiaogang, Lev looked at everyone first before replying normally not wavering by the kind of superiority he's showing, "Grandmaster, you might already know that I am not staying in the dorm and Zhuqing will be too. Also, the food we ate in the hotel was way healthier than what we can eat here. So, why would we suffer in this place?"

Yu Xiaogang frowned after hearing Lev's reply. He actually knew that Lev was living in the hotel, but he still hoped that he would go to the academy and eat breakfast together as it was one way for him to observe him and create a bond between them.

While Yu Xiaogang was thinking, Tang San and the others were shocked when Lev said that Zhu Zhuqing would live with him from now on. Knowing about this, they all had different expressions, but the most shocked of them were Dai Mubai and Ning Rongrong.

Dai Mubai intently looked at Zhuqing and then Lev. He was very angry, but he kept it to himself. He knew how strong Lev was and his ability to kill him anytime. He already decided to endure it and let them be for now and wait for the right time to strike.

Ning Rongrong, on the other hand, was thinking about when Zhu Zhuqing hooked up with Lev since they had just met for almost a week. She can't believe that the cold Zhu Zhuqing would end up in Lev's grasp despite him telling them that he already had a lover.

Without caring about their reactions and expressions, Lev and Zhu Zhuqing just found a place to sit on the ground to formally wait for the class to start since it was the very reason why they had come to the academy.

Seeing that everyone was present, Yu Xiaogang then adjusted his look and accepted Lev's arrangement for which his gaze then swept the other students in the field.

"I have already understood each of your spirits and capabilities. Starting today, I will start your strengthening training. Lev, step forward." Yu Xiaogang announced.

Being called by his name, Lev stood up and moved forward not having a clue about what was happening since this arrangement was completely different from what he had known in the story.

"I will give you one task. Starting from now, you have to fight all of them together." Yu Xiaogang said as he looked at Lev with a smile. This was the method he created last night, and it was also one of his to know more about him, especially his battle prowess.

Unlike Lev who didn't react that much, Tang San and the others were startled by Yu Xiaogang's words, but some were also excited like Tang San and Dai Mubai themselves as this was also an opportunity to beat the shit out of him since this is a part of training. Though they know that he's strong it was still a chance and so they wouldn't let it pass easily.

"Now, stand up and take your positions. I want to see how you battle." Yu Xiaogang said.

With that, Tang San and the others then followed Yu Xiaogang's orders and took their position, and not long after, two sides could now be seen on the field. Lev positioned himself on the left while the others occupied the opposite side.

"Lev Hendrix, Spirit: Karyu." Lev said and decided to release three of his white spirit rings seeing them floating above his body. Looking at the serious expressions of the people on the other side, he kind of felt like they were really taking this carefully which makes him smile a little since it was also a chance for him to beat them legally.

This time, Yu Xiaogang was completely shocked upon seeing Lev's white spirit rings whereas Tang San and the others just now realized that Lev was already a spirit elder since he hadn't said anything about it until now.

With that, Tang San and the others' expressions changed after seeing Lev's spirit rings. They all knew the abilities of his first and second however, seeing that he still had another spirit ability that was unknown to them and added by his ability to use another spirit abilities made them think how they would fight such a monster. Despite knowing the odds were against them, they still released their spirit and were ready to engage in battle.

Without waiting for a second, Tang San was the first to initiate an attack, "1st Spirit Ring Ability: Bind."

Upon activation of the skill, Countless blue silver grass then moved towards Lev to bind him. Unfortunately, Lev was already not in his position as if he had disappeared in an instant.

Lev, with great speed, immediately dashed directly at Ning Rongrong.

Upon seeing this, Tang San shouted, "Protect Rongrong!!"

Seeing how Lev manages to get close to Rongrong, Dai Mubai immediately moves forward and uses a spirit ability, "1st Spirit Ring Ability: White Tiger Shield Body Barrier."

Tang San also supported and used his newly acquired spirit ability, "3rd Spirit Ring Ability: Spider Web Restraint."

A web about 6-7 meters in diameter was shot to ensnare Lev. Lev, seeing the ability then thought that Tang San probably also killed a Man-Faced Demon Spider, but it might not be the same spirit beast from where he gained a spirit bone which made him think that he might need to make a visit at Star Dou Forest again later.

Upon seeing their coordination, Lev then used, "Spirit Ability: Swift Flight Mushroom Sausage."

Lev then directly ate it and experienced the greatness of flying.

"W-What!!?" Seeing Lev flying, they were all shocked especially Oscar who then confirmed that Lev could really copy and use their spirit ability. Their guesses have finally come to light however, they didn't have time to think about it since the battle was still ongoing.

***Nadare***

While in the air, Lev had already written something which a dragon then came out and roared before becoming a bunch of several small fireballs and he started his counterattack while controlling them.

Seeing Lev's ability, Tang San and the others didn't waver, and all thought to defend and attack at the same time to maximize their number advantage.

Ning Rongrong then uses, "Seven Treasure Words, First spoken: Strength."

With great buff and support, Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun then lined up and used their spirit abilities at the same time, "1st Spirit Ring Ability: Phoenix Fire Wire.", "2nd Spirit Ring Ability: White Tiger Intense Light Wave."

The combination of the two attacks collided with Lev's fireballs and it created some aftershocks. The aftershock could be heard throughout the Academy which caused Flender and Zhao Wuji to immediately head to the source to see what was happening however, when they arrived, what they witnessed was Lev fighting with the other students while Yu Xiaogang was observing them on the sideline with a smile on his face.

Knowing that it was his intention, Flender then moved closer and asked, "What are they doing?"

"I want to see how they fight to know their limitations and come up with things for improvement." Yu Xiaogang replied as he looked back and saw Flender and Zhao Wuji before shifting his attention back to the battle.

"This is by far the difference between ourselves." Lev said as he went down while looking at Tang San's group. Though he felt like he was bullying some kids, he could still feel a little satisfaction from fighting them since this group was no ordinary as they were all spirits that would cause great change to the continent, though the chance might become slimmer due to his intervention.

Hearing Lev, Tang San, and the others knew from the very fact that they could not win but they were very unwilling to surrender especially when Tang San and Oscar were now also spirit elders and had their strength reach another level.

"I, your father, have a big sausage." Oscar chanted from which six sausages then came out and distributed them to Tang San and the others so that they could recover.

"3rd Spirit Ring Ability: White Tiger Vajra Transformation." After a while, Dai Mubai then used another spirit ability and the most powerful he had by far.

Meanwhile, Zhu Zhuqing finally started to move seeing her running forward as she also wanted to use the skills Lev gave her against them. Though they had been sparring and beaten every day, this time, however, she felt like there might be a small chance since everyone was doing their all.

Seeing them attacking, Ning Rongrong then immediately uses another ability, "Seven Treasure Words, Second spoken: Speed."

After feeling that their speed increased, Tang San, Dai Mubai, and Zhu Zhuqing dashed forward to fight Lev in close combat which Lev welcomed them openly. In doing so, Zhu Zhuqing's attacks and speed cause the others to be shocked and they all thought when she became strong in such a short period of time even though it was all being evaded easily by Lev.

***Homura***

Lev smiled seeing them together as he then wrote something on the air as a completely new dragon came out on his back. Tang San, Dai Mubai, and even Zhu Zhuqing paused and backed off after seeing it as they were wary about what power the 3rd spirit ring ability of Lev had since this would be the very first time they would see it in battle.

The dragon roared and then suddenly became a whip which made everyone think that it was some kind of a weapon spirit ability, but they brushed it off after seeing it wrapping around Lev's arms and legs.

Seeing this, Tang San and the others frowned as what they feared the most was fighting something unknown, and it was what they were experiencing right now. On the other hand, Lev just looked at them with a smile before giving them a provoking gesture.

Seeing this, Tang San and the others looked at each other before they continued to strike forward as they still thought that they still had the advantage in numbers.

"2nd Spirit Ring Ability: Hell Hundred Claws." Zhu Zhuqing uses an ability whereas Tang San supported this by using his 1st and 2nd spirit ring abilities to immobilize Lev. Every now and then, the group of three was doing their best to find an opportunity without worrying about their decreasing spirit power.

Engaging in the battle for a while, Dai Mubai found an opportunity and launched a very powerful punch into Lev's chest however, such a simple attack was nothing to Lev as he blocked it using his arms and used the impact to back off some distance.

Tang San, Dai Mubai, and Zhu Zhuqing started feeling exhausted after all those attacks, and yet they only made Lev back off a little. It was also then that they figured out that Lev's 3rd spirit ring ability allowed him to increase his strength and defenses at the same time, it was an ability especially made for close combat battles.

"Fatty, use all your spirit power and attack." Dai Mubai shouted before falling to his knees as he looked at Lev with a smile on his face. It was also the same with the rest as all of the things that they were doing right now were only a preparation for the bigger plan.

Ma Hongjun, who was just three meters above Lev immediately used, "2nd Spirit Ring Ability: Bathing Fire Phoenix", and "1st Spirit Ring Ability: Phoenix Fire Wire."

Ma Hongjun's attack combined with Ning Rongrong and Oscar's buff and support, unleashed almost all his spirit power through this attack as the finishing move.

Seeing this, Tang San and the others smiled after they saw it. They all think that Lev wouldn't be able to dodge such a close attack leaving him no option but to take it head-on. Though they don't know how much defense Lev had they all trusted Ma Hongjun's attack this time.

Yu Xiaogang, Flender, and Zhao Wuji also thought the same, however, their guesses were immediately broken upon seeing Lev doing something out of their expectation.

"Spirit Ability: Spirit Avatar Vigorous Vajra Bear." Lev uses another ability as he looks up. There was no way he couldn't perceive that plan as after living in the Sunset Forest for five years, he already stopped counting the times he would be targeted with ambush and so this was only a child's play to him.

Following the activation of the skill, Lev then transformed into a bear but unlike Zhao Wuji whose height surpassed five meters, his avatar was just three meters tall. However, it was nothing to scoff off as he just remained standing as he raised his one hand and took Ma Hongjun's attack head-on.

Upon seeing his transformation, all of the people present were completely dumbfounded. Not even in their wildest dreams Lev could also use Zhao Wuji's spirit ability and most especially it was Zhao Wuji's 7th Spirit Ring Ability at that. It was way too abnormal even if he had the ability to copy someone else's skills.

Yu Xiaogang and Flender were also surprised to see it. Zhao Wuji, on the other hand, cannot describe how he feels after seeing his 7th spirit ring ability used by others in front of him as his fists have already clenching from a wave of sudden anger.

Ma Hongjun's attack hit Lev's hand and yet it did not even leave any scratch at all. Seeing that, he could no longer maintain his balance as he fell to the ground after his spirit power was already exhausted he pants heavily while looking at Lev.

The same thing happened to Tang San and the others as they all thought that it was really impossible to win from which they could only surrender unwillingly.

Seeing their frustration, Lev felt satisfied as he canceled his transformation. He looked at Ma Hongjun and the others before using 'Spirit Ability: Big Recovery Sausage' and giving it to them.

Not long after that, a round of applause then could be heard.

Clap.Clap.Clap.Clap

Tang San and the others then looked and saw that it was Yu Xiaogang who was clapping together with Dean Flender and teacher Zhao Wuji beside him. They all thought that they had forgotten their surroundings somehow and didn't even notice their presence until now.

Yu Xiaogang was very astonished by Lev's power as a wide smile could be found on his face. The doubts he has from hearing Flender and Zhao Wuji's words have finally become nonexistent after finally seeing it firsthand. It greatly convinced him that he must really make Lev his disciple at all costs upon seeing how much potential he has.

"Good job, everyone. I know you all did your best but there was still some place for improvement." Yu Xiaogang commented.

"Especially you, Lev, I never thought that you were very powerful as what Dean Flender had said however, you still make a very bad move earlier and that is, letting them eat at Oscar's sausage without stopping them. Why did you let that happen?" Yu Xiaogang followed while leaving a question behind.

"Well. It would be pretty boring if the class would end that quickly." Lev replied nonchalantly.

"T-That." Yu Xiaogang cannot believe the reason behind Lev's reasoning. Though he was happy to know him, his patience was actually growing thinner as Lev's attitude really was not good, but he could only swallow them in and sigh since he also understood that everyone had this side of them, especially those powerful ones.

"Just don't do it next time." Yu Xiaogang sighed and reprimanded.

Yu Xiaogang then was about to say something when suddenly Zhao Wuji walked towards Lev and stared at him.

"I want to question you and I hope to get your reply. Just how can you use my spirit ability? My 7th Spirit Ring ability at that." Zhao Wuji asked while looking at Lev seriously.

Lev, however, only looked at Zhao Wuji before replying with a smile, "And you think you could get an answer from me?"

"Y-You!!!" Zhao Wuji was furious at Lev's reply. He then released his spirit and was about to teach him a lesson when suddenly he heard Flender's voice.

"Zhao Wuji." Flender firmly said. Even though he also wants to know, he doesn't want to force Lev to say it as he still thinks about the power behind him. Just by looking at Lev's abilities, he was afraid to think that maybe all of their clansmen were the same and forcing him might only cause a disaster, not just for themselves but the whole academy itself.

It was only then that Zhao Wuji stopped. He angrily looked at Lev for the last time before leaving the field. He cannot get through the feeling when someone uses his hard work ability just like that without even knowing how.

"I'm sorry and please forgive his behavior this time. I promised that I would talk to him about his actions later." Flender said and took the initiative to apologize before leaving.

Yu Xiaogang also knew what was running on Flender's mind and completely understood him. He then looked at them and said, "Your first class now ended. Come back here again tomorrow. Withdraw."

With that, Yu Xiaogang then left the field with a smile on his face.

Ma Hongjun, who was lying on the ground, looked at Lev and said, "Lev, you really are powerful."

On the other hand, Tang San and Dai Mubai also looked at Lev. They admitted that he was strong, stronger than what they could imagine, and thinking about his future greatly scared them, but it was not enough to let them forget about everything as their hatred was much deeper than that.

Just like Ma Hongjun, Ning Rongrong, and Oscar, also looked at Lev while admiring his strength. Ning Rongrong was about to apologize to appease their misunderstandings when suddenly Lev interrupted.

"Zhuqing, let's go back." Lev said while looking at Zhu Zhuqing.

"Mmm." Zhu Zhuqing nodded.

Without looking back at them, Lev and Zhu Zhuqing then left together from which Tang San, Ma Hongjun, Oscar, and Ning Rongrong then also left leaving Dai Mubai alone behind.

"I need to become stronger." Dai Mubai murmured while looking at their backs. He then just stood up and left with a strong determination to become strong to beat Lev and get back what was originally his.