Chapter 16: Seraphim vs. Berserk Lightning Leopard (III)

"Thank you, Director Du. We'll be heading back now. Bai-ge, Xiao Feng and I will be waiting for your good news."

Ning Tian raised her willowy eyebrows at Ling Bai, her smile mischievous and inscrutable. After bowing, she turned and left with Wu Feng. Huo Yuhao hurried to catch up upon seeing this and cautiously asked:

"Um... you all seem very relaxed. Aren't you worried that Ling Bai might fail the examination?"

"Fail?"

Wu Feng seemed to have heard the funniest joke in the world. She exclaimed:

"Shrek Inner Courtyard freshmen are merely Spirit Ancestors. Do you think an examination targeting Spirit Ancestors can stop that guy? Are you underestimating the Seraphim, or have you forgotten how he slew the Blazing Bone Dragon Vulture when he only had three rings?"

"Ah, right..."

Huo Yuhao suddenly recalled that while Shrek Academy was indeed strict, Ling Bai was a monster in his own right!

Ning Tian clasped her hands behind her back and said with a mischievous smile, "When I was young, my mother often said the Inner Courtyard students are all incredibly arrogant. It would be good for Bai-ge to show them what real strength is."

"Ning Tian, you're so bad!" Wu Feng giggled. "But I love it!"

…

Meanwhile, Du Weilun led the Ling Bai trio past several buildings of various colors. Bei Bei and Tang Ya explained to Ling Bai, "These are the Outer Courtyard teaching buildings—the colors white, yellow, purple, and black represent each grade."

After passing the white freshman teaching building, the four of them finally arrived at the examination area. It resembled an enclosed stadium surrounded by a low wall.

It was already late; stars and the moon had gradually replaced the dim sunset. Bright incandescent spirit guidance lamps were lit inside the examination area, an indication that there were still people inside.

A woman noticed them as soon as they entered.

"Director Du?"

The woman appeared to be in her early twenties. Her silky black hair cascaded down to her waist. Her fair face was exquisite and flawless, her eyes like limpid water, seemingly veiled in morning mist, giving her an ethereal and dreamlike aura.

"Ah, it's Lexuan."

Du Weilun's face broke into a kind smile.

'Zhang Lexuan...'

Ling Bai heard Du Weilun's address and immediately recalled the woman's identity.

Zhang Lexuan was the adopted child of Dragon God Douluo Mu En. Her talent was exceptional, her cultivation profound, and her character exemplary. She was recognized as the Big Senior Sister of Shrek Academy's Inner Courtyard.

She was also Bei Bei's...

Childhood fiancée.

Out of the corner of his eye, Ling Bai noticed that Bei Bei's body visibly stiffened upon seeing Zhang Lexuan. He subconsciously tightened his grip on Tang Ya's hand, causing her to yelp in pain.

Inside the examination area were five others aside from Zhang Lexuan—three men and two women—each standing differently but all brimming with confidence and excitement.

"Not bad; all of you have passed the Inner Courtyard examination." Du Weilun nodded slightly to the five individuals.

As the Director of the Outer Courtyard, Du Weilun was extremely familiar with its geniuses. The five present were the core students he had previously designated, seed candidates for the Inner Courtyard.

"Hehe, we were lucky, and we also owe thanks to the guidance and care from the Outer Courtyard and the Director over the past few years."

A tall, handsome young man among them scratched his head and said with a smile.

"Alright, you rascal no need to butter me up here. Work hard in the Inner Courtyard. If I find out you've been eliminated, just wait and see how I'll deal with you!" Du Weilun scolded with a laugh.

"Uh..."

The young man was dumbfounded. Just like the Outer Courtyard, Shrek's Inner Courtyard had a very strict elimination system. He wasn't confident he could make it all the way to graduation!

"Brother Chu, the road ahead is long."

The other two male students beside him patted his shoulder, shook their heads, and sighed.

'Brother Chu' suddenly felt that getting into the Inner Courtyard wasn't as exciting as he had thought; the pressure seemed even greater!

After putting pressure on the student surnamed Chu, Du Weilun turned his gaze to Zhang Lexuan. "Lexuan, are you preparing to take them to the island?"

Shrek Academy's Inner and Outer Courtyards had separate teaching areas. Ling Bai had seen the Outer Courtyard on his way here, and it wasn't much different from a university campus in his previous life. The Inner Courtyard, however, was located on Sea God Island in the center of Sea God Lake. It was a sacred place that most Spirit Masters could only dream of reaching.

"Yes, Director Du," Zhang Lexuan replied calmly, her gaze steady.

"Now that the Inner Courtyard examination is over, I'm responsible for taking this year's five new students to the island to help them integrate into the Inner Courtyard as soon as possible."

"It's over?"

Du Weilun was momentarily stunned but quickly realized.

That's right; when Ling Bai and the others registered, it was already dusk. Now the moon was high in the sky. How could there be an examination so late at night?

"Lexuan, I have a student who wishes to enter the Inner Courtyard as an outsider. His talent is quite exceptional, and I thought it might be worth giving him a chance."

Du Weilun chose his words carefully. Despite being the Director of the Outer Courtyard and known for his strict demeanor, the Outer Courtyard was, after all, just the Outer Courtyard. In the eyes of Shrek's higher-ups, his status couldn't compare to Zhang Lexuan's. They weren't even in the same league.

"An outsider?"

Zhang Lexuan looked past Du Weilun to the three people behind him. More precisely, her gaze instantly locked onto Ling Bai. She was very familiar with Bei Bei, and because of him, she knew a bit about Tang Ya.

Not only Zhang Lexuan but the five Inner Courtyard freshmen reacted similarly. Bei Bei and Tang Ya were well-known in the Outer Courtyard, so by process of elimination, everyone knew who the outsider was.

"So young!"

"So handsome!"

The five of them couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

The male students focused more on Ling Bai's age. From his appearance, he seemed younger than Bei Bei and Tang Ya, yet he was at least a 4-ringed Spirit Ancestor.

Such talent was somewhat frightening.

The female students were captivated by Ling Bai's looks at first glance. Even in Shrek Academy, his appearance was unrivaled. One of the female students in particular couldn't help but show a glint of interest in her eyes.

"Since Director Du highly recommends him, I have no objections. Let's arrange an additional examination for this student."

Zhang Lexuan was a decisive person. She had also studied in the Outer Courtyard back then and knew that Du Weilun wouldn't suggest this without reason; Ling Bai must possess something extraordinary.

"Ling Bai, quickly thank Big Senior Sister."

Du Weilun hurriedly reminded.

"Thank you, Big Senior Sister."

"No need to thank me. I haven't done anything yet. Whether you can pass the additional examination depends entirely on yourself."

Zhang Lexuan smiled lightly, extending her fair hand to gesture at the freshmen behind her.

"It's getting late, so let's not waste any more time. Ling Bai, I'm going to grant you a small privilege. These are this year's new students who have advanced from the Outer Courtyard to the Inner Courtyard. Choose one among them, and if you can defeat them, we'll have six new Inner Courtyard students this year."

"Is the Inner Courtyard assessment always this... straightforward?"

Ling Bai looked at the charmingly smiling woman and changed the 'casual' he was about to say to 'straightforward.'

Zhang Lexuan smiled faintly and shook her head. "This is a simplified version.

Why make things complicated when they can be simple?

No matter what kind of education a Spirit Master receives, it's ultimately for the purpose of actual combat. Being a Spirit Ancestor at such a young age indicates exceptional cultivation talent. For an outsider to defeat a Shrek disciple is proof of outstanding combat talent. Shrek only accepts monsters, not ordinary people. If you can achieve these two points, then you are a monster!"

"Well said."

The greatest truths are the simplest.

Ling Bai acknowledged the validity of Zhang Lexuan's words. The value of actual combat far exceeded any test; it could reveal what a person had learned in the past and their potential for future development.

However...

"Are you sure you want me to choose?"

He raised a question.

"You're not afraid I'll pick someone from the Auxiliary System?"

"Feel free to try. See the difference between Shrek's Auxiliary System and those from the outside. As a friendly reminder, the only auxiliary-type Spirit Master among them also specializes in Spirit Guidance Devices."

 The smile on Zhang Lexuan's face didn't waver in the slightest. This absolute confidence drew everyone's attention. Ling Bai thought Tang Ya must have some serious skills to have won Bei Bei's heart over such a woman.

He turned his head just in time to see Tang Ya's clear yet foolish eyes.

Mystery solved—fortune favored the simple-minded.

With that, Ling Bai said no more and began to size up the five Inner Courtyard freshmen opposite him.

Five people, three men and two women, each with their own unique characteristics.

Low-ranked Spirit Masters often inadvertently reveal details about their Martial Spirits and abilities, and Ling Bai was particularly adept at capturing and analyzing these nuances.

'Brother Chu', who had joked with Du Weilun earlier, had well-proportioned, slender limbs. His hanging hands rested close to his body, occasionally forming cat-like claws. It was an indicative of a feline-type Martial Spirit, likely an Agility Attack System Spirit Master.

Another male student was tall and muscular, burly and robust, exuding vigorous vitality. He was likely a Strength or Defense System Spirit Master.

The third male student had an ordinary appearance but emitted a faint aura of life. He was likely a plant-type Spirit Master.

One of the girls was the Auxiliary System Spirit Master who also specialized in Spirit Guidance Devices. Her expression had changed when the possibility of choosing someone from the Auxiliary System was mentioned. It was an eager expression that clearly showed her desire to fight.

Lastly, there was the girl with short emerald-green hair. She was the most striking among the new Inner Courtyard students, almost on par with Ning Tian in terms of beauty. Her figure was extremely mature, with slightly upturned, red-tinted eyes that sparkled alluringly, captivating anyone who met her gaze.

From her appearance, it was hard to tell what type of Martial Spirit she possessed. There was a faintly sweet metallic scent in the air around her. Ling Bai deduced that she might specialize in using poison!

"I choose that guy, Brother Chu, right?"

From analyzing micro-expressions and details, Ling Bai concluded that the girl with short emerald-green hair was likely the strongest among the five, with 'Brother Chu' closely following.

Not wanting to bully a girl, Ling Bai opted for the next best and chose 'Brother Chu.'

"Go ahead, Chu Qingtian. The rest of you, step aside. You two can fight without holding back. Director Du and I will ensure your safety," Zhang Lexuan instructed.

"Yes, Big Senior Sister!"

Chu Qingtian strode confidently and stood firmly opposite Ling Bai. At this moment, Du Weilun and Bei Bei moved to the side, leaving a wide-open space for the two of them.

"Chu Qingtian, rank 47 Agility Attack System Spirit Ancestor, Martial Spirit: Berserk Lightning Leopard. Please guide me," Chu Qingtian announced loudly, clasping his fists.

Two yellow and two purple spirit rings—the perfect configuration—shone brilliantly around him. A faint layer of tawny fur appeared on his body, and three camouflage-like black marks emerged on each side of his face.

Berserk Lightning Leopard Manifestation!

"Ling Bai, rank 41 Power Attack System Spirit Ancestor, Martial Spirit: Seraphim.

Please guide me..."

Four spirit rings—yellow, purple, purple, and black—rose impressively around him!