SS - 14

Chapter 14: The Fourth-Level Test

"Hey, in all my life, I've never met anyone as bold as Ah Xiao," Tang San said with a helpless shake of his head.

Only then did everyone realize that the twenty gold coins Su Xiao had handed over were compensation for the broken soul power testing crystal.

"Teacher, do you have another crystal? I'd like to test mine too," a girl in a pure white dress asked with a warm smile.

Her presence immediately drew everyone's attention. Her gentle demeanor and radiant smile made people feel as if they were basking in a refreshing spring breeze. She moved with the grace of a princess, captivating everyone around her.

The teacher handed her another white crystal. She channeled her soul power into it, and it glowed brightly—though not as intensely as Tang San's—indicating a soul power level of twenty-six..

"My name is Ning Rongrong. Please take care of me," she introduced herself warmly.

Before the group could respond, the white crystal was suddenly taken by the cold girl from earlier. Without a word, she infused her soul power into it, and the crystal emitted an even stronger light, revealing a soul power level of twenty-seven.

"Please register your name," the teacher said.

"Zhu Zhuqing," she replied succinctly.

The teacher made a note and smiled with approval. "Mubai, take them to the fourth level. There are quite a few little monsters this year!"

Dai Mubai paused a little, his gaze lingered on the girl before he nodded and led the group deeper into the academy. This time, no one dared question their qualifications.

"The fourth level of the entrance exam is the practical test," Dai Mubai explained as they walked. "Fail this, and you won't be admitted. Shrek hasn't recruited new students in two years."

Tang San asked, "How many students are currently enrolled in the academy?"

Dai Mubai raised three fingers. "Including me, there are three of us. You've already met Xiao Ao. The other one is a lustful and greedy fat guy."

Tang San and the others were stunned by the small number of students, but Su Xiao remained unfazed. "This is Shrek, an academy that only nurtures monsters. Probably the only academy in the Douluo Continent with more teachers than students."

His words left everyone momentarily speechless, recalling the admissions teacher's earlier statement: Shrek only accepts monsters.

"Su Xiao's right," Dai Mubai agreed. "The dean said Shrek would rather shut down than admit a waste."

The group was starting to grasp the rigorous standards of the academy. Graduating from Shrek seemed even more daunting.

"The graduation requirements include reaching soul power level 40 before the age of twenty. Since the academy's founding twenty years ago, only fourteen people have graduated," Dai Mubai continued.

The group was shocked by the difficulty. Xiao Wu, quick-witted as always, asked, "If the requirements are so strict, how strong are the teachers?"

Dai Mubai thought for a moment. "Teacher Li, who handled the first test, is a level sixty-three Soul Emperor. As for the second test—"

Xiao Wu interrupted, "Forget about the others. Who's the examiner for the fourth level?"

Dai Mubai smirked and pointed at himself. "I am."

"Just you?" Xiao Wu raised an eyebrow mockingly. "Didn't you get beaten up by Stinky Su Xiao yesterday? I heard you couldn't handle even one attack."

Embarrassed, Dai Mubai shot back, "Believe it or not, I can fail you right now!"

"Why? Because your eyes don't match?" Xiao Wu teased.

"..."

As the two bickered, a burly man approached. Su Xiao guessed it was Zhao Wuji, Shrek's vice dean.

"Stop arguing. Let me handle this test. I'll show them what qualifies as a real challenge," Zhao Wuji announced confidently.

"Are you sure about this, Vice Dean?" Dai Mubai asked hesitantly.

Zhao Wuji ignored the concern and produced a small hourglass. "If you can hold out against my attacks until the sand runs out, even if just one of you is still standing, you pass."

Resigned, Dai Mubai sighed and pulled Su Xiao and Tang San aside to whisper, "You're in trouble now. Vice Dean Zhao is a level seventy-six Soul Saint with the Martial Soul of a Vigorous Vajra Bear. Back when he was a Soul Emperor, he escaped an ambush by sixteen Soul Emperors."

Su Xiao thought nonchalantly, 'Zhao Wuji, huh? I've heard of him. We'll probably end up beating him often in the future.'

Throughout Douluo, Zhao Wuji was notorious for being beaten repeatedly. Su Xiao even joked silently about how Zhao Wuji's misfortunes would continue.

"Ah Xiao, isn't this the Soul Saint Grandpa Jack once said could rival an army? I'm finally seeing one today," Tang San said, his voice tinged with excitement.

"Are you scared?"

"No."

Su Xiao clapped Tang San on the shoulder with a grin. "Good. Let's beat him!"