CHAPTER NINE|Shrek Academy

Huo Yuhao was stunned when he finally reached the gates of the great Shrek Academy. The imposing structure was even more magnificent than he had imagined, its tall, ancient walls brimming with history and power. The majestic arches which towered over him and were adorned with stunning designs left him awestruck.

Beside him, Bei Bei and Tang Ya stood, offering reassuring smiles. Huo Yuhao was still a bit apprehensive about them but as they continued to spend more time together he begun to see them more as friends.

Bei Bei and Tang Ya were good people. That was something he could easily tell. They had initially found him in the forest, and without his help, Tang Ya would not have obtained her third soul ring. The boy had talent and so recognizing his potential, they had decided to enroll him in the academy.

"This place is incredible," Huo Yuhao murmured, his eyes wide with awe.

Tang Ya chuckled softly. "It's even more amazing inside. Shrek Academy is not just a school; it's a symbol of greatness. Are you ready?"

Huo Yuhao nodded, swallowing his nervousness. "I'm ready," he said, his voice firm despite the fluttering in his stomach.

He looked up at the towering gates again. This was his chance to change his life, to grow stronger and fulfill his promise to his deceased mother. He was going to make it.

The trio approached the gates, where a guard stood watch. He eyed them with a mixture of curiosity and authority. "State your business," he said, his tone firm but not unfriendly.

Bei Bei stepped forward, his demeanor calm and confident as he took out his ID card. "We're here to enroll this young man, Huo Yuhao, in Shrek Academy. I'm Bei Bei, a senior disciple, and this is Tang Ya."

The guard nodded, miraculously recognizing Bei Bei after the show of evidence. "Welcome back, Bei Bei. And you, Tang Ya. It's good to see familiar faces."

Tang Ya who stood at the back rolled her eyes, whispering something between the lines of good for nothing gateman.

Huo Yuhao snickered while Bei Bei glared at her. The gate man having not heard anything turned to look at Huo Yuhao, assessing him with a critical eye. The guard seemed to consider something but did not say as he allowed them through with a. "Very well. You may pass."

Bei Bei nodded. " Thank you sir. Come on, little brother. Let's get you inside and start the admission process."

They walked through the gates, the sheer size and grandeur of Shrek Academy became even more apparent. Its grounds were vast, with lush gardens, towering buildings, and statues of legendary figures standing proudly along the pathways. The sprawling campus was a marvel of architecture and nature, with ancient trees and manicured hedges. Buildings of various sizes and styles dotted the landscape, each with its own unique charm.It was beyond anything had seen in his life time.

They continued on their way, Bei Bei taking the opportunity to give a brief history about Shrek. "Shrek Academy was founded thousands of years ago by Flender and his friends. It started as a small academy for underprivileged but talented soul masters. Over time, it grew into the most prestigious institution in the continent. The academy has always stood for nurturing true talent regardless of background. That's why it's called Shrek."

Huo Yuhao listened intently, his admiration for the academy growing with each word as they walked through the beautifully maintained paths, the young boy absorbing every detail.

The tour continued, reaching a courtyard with nine statues prominently displayed. Bei Bei gestured to them. "These are the statues of the great eight Shrek devils and Shrek's first angel. They are some of the few soul masters who managed to break beyond level 99 and become gods."

Tang Ya pointed to the first statue. "This is Tang San, the Sea God and Asura God. He was one of the founders of Shrek's legacy. Beside him is his brother and closest friend Tang Ji, the Lightning God, who wielded the Lightning Ruby Blood Axe as his martial soul."

Huo Yuhao's eyes widened in amazement. "Wow... they all became gods?"

"Yes," Bei Bei said with pride. "Each of them achieved greatness in their own way. Xiao Wu, Tang Ji's beloved wife, became the Goddess of Life. Dai Mubai, known as the White Tiger King, ascended to become the War God. Ning Rongrong, heiress of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, became the Goddess of Wealth."

Tang Ya continued, "Oscar, the Food God, revolutionized the role of food-type soul masters. Zhu Zhuqing, the Goddess of Speed, was renowned for her agility and precision. Some say that her husband the God of War is secretly afraid of her."

"And Fatty—Ma Hongjun," Bei Bei added with a smile. "He became the Phoenix God, known for his unparalleled control over flames. Some say he could even wipe out the whole Star Luo forest with his evil fire."

Huo Yuhao took in the names and their achievements, feeling inspired. But something even more outstanding caught his eye "And who is this last one?" he asked, pointing to the final statue.

Tang Ya's expression softened. "That is Lixue Ling, the first angel. His martial soul was the Blue Silver Icic Moonlight Butterfly and the God of Love and protection. Lixue was unique;  His journey and sacrifices are a significant part of our academy's history. He is also the only person Tang San ever loved."

As those words ended they found themselves just outside the entrance of the Admission office. Huo Yuhao so engrossed by Bei Bei and Tang Ya history lesson was a bit dejected.

"This is where new students register," Bei Bei explained, leading them into the large building which was situated near the center of the campus. "You'll need to fill out some forms and undergo an aptitude test ."

Inside the building, the atmosphere was bustling with activity. New students and their families filled the space, all eager to begin their journey at Shrek Academy. Bei Bei and Tang Ya guided Huo Yuhao to a registration desk, where a stern-looking administrator awaited.

"Name?" the administrator asked without looking up from her papers. Her expressionless eyes telling them that she wasn't paid enough to actually look people in the eye.

"Huo Yuhao," he replied, his voice steady.

She finally glanced up, her eyes briefly scanning him and the people behind him. Tang Ya cheekingly waved at her "Hi Mrs. Long." She sighed,Bei Bei having an apologetic look on his face.

Huo Yuhao saw the strange familiarity between the three but decided to mind his own business. He was pulled out of his thoughts by Mrs. Long firm voice. "Fill out these forms and return them to me," she instructed, handing him a stack of papers.

As Huo Yuhao began to fill out the forms, Tang Ya leaned in to offer some advice. "Remember to be thorough. They'll want to know about your background, your martial soul, and your soul rings. Most are optional but you can never be too sure."

Huo Yuhao nodded, focusing on the task at hand. As he wrote, he couldn't help but feel a some what excited. This was it—the beginning of his journey at Shrek Academy. He glanced around, taking in the sight of other students, each one a potential friend or rival. The air buzzed with the promise of new beginnings and endless possibilities.

Once the forms were completed and submitted, the administrator nodded. "Next, you'll need to undergo a martial soul assessment. Follow your.... friends, they will lead you to were you need to be."

"Thank you." Huo Yuhao said sincerely as Bei Bei led the way. Tang Ya secretly looked back at the woman mouthing a 'thanks aunt Long' before running after here friends.

'That girl will surely be the death of me one of these days.' Mrs. Long sighed,a small smile finding a way to her lips as she attended to the next idiot who thought they were going to revolutionize the Academy.

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The assessment room was a large hall equipped with various instruments and devices designed to evaluate a student's martial soul and soul power. Several instructors were present, each one an expert in their field.

An older instructor, his eyes sharp and discerning, approached Huo Yuhao. "Step forward, young man. Let's see what you have to offer."

Huo Yuhao took a deep breath and stepped into the center of the hall. The instructor nodded, liking the decisive approach of Huo Yuhao. "Release your martial soul."

With a determined expression, Huo Yuhao summoned his martial soul, the Spirit Eyes. His eyes glowed with a faint blue light, and a single white soul ring appeared around him. The instructors murmured among themselves, intrigued by the rare and unusual martial soul but even more the ten year soul ring.

"Interesting," the older instructor said, his tone thoughtful. "A mental-type martial soul. And it seems that you only have one soul ring?"

Huo Yuhao nodded. "Yes, sir. I only recently obtained it."

Some clearly wanted to just out and deny Huo Yuhao admission after his display but since the head instructor seemed to take intrigue in the boy they could only hold their tounge.

Yu Ling, the head instructor gestured for Huo Yuhao to demonstrate his abilities. Huo Yuhao nodded and focused, using his Spirit Eyes to enhance his perception and detect the faintest movements in the room. He showcased his precision and control, impressing the instructor with his potential.

'Hmmm such an unusual skill and to think it was gotten from a ten year old wind baboon. How can this be? Just what secrets are you hiding Huo Yuhao.'  After a few minutes, the instructor nodded, clearly satisfied. "Very well, Huo Yuhao. You have potential. Welcome to Shrek Academy."

A wave of relief washed over Huo Yuhao as he heard those words. He had made it—he was now a student of the prestigious Shrek Academy. He bowed and walked out of the assessment room with a big smile on his face.

Bei Bei and Tang Ya both smiled, their pride evident. They didn't even need to be told that he had passed. "Well done, Yuhao," Bei Bei said, clapping him on the shoulder. "This is just the beginning. Keep working hard, and you'll achieve great things."

Tang Ya nodded in agreement. "We'll be here to support you every step of the way."

As they left the administration office to purchase the essential items needed to compare the admission process, Huo Yuhao felt a renewed sense of purpose. He glanced around the academy grounds, taking in the sights and sounds. This was his new home, a place where he could grow stronger and uncover the secrets of his past. 'Do you see it mother. I have already taken the first step and someday I will be the strongest.'

Bei Bei continued to show Huo Yuhao around while helping him get his items needed to start the school year. He pointed out various buildings and landmarks, sharing more about the academy's facilities and curriculum. "Shrek Academy isn't just about cultivating soul power. We focus on developing character, intelligence, and teamwork. You'll undergo rigorous training and be challenged in ways you never imagined, but it's all to help you grow and unlock your full potential."

Tang Ya added, "The bonds you form here are just as important as the skills you learn. You have the chance to explore and make friends. But be mindful of who you get close to."

Huo Yuhao eyes darkened. He did not need to be told that twice. He knew exactly what it meant to choose the wrong person as a friend and he was never going to make such a mistake again.

Bei Bei did not fail to notice the murderous look in Yuhao eyes but he just kept quiet. Everyone had their own demons to deal with.

They eventually reached the main academic building, a grand structure that exuded both history and innovation. Bei Bei led them inside, where bustling hallways were filled with students and instructors. "This is where most of your classes will be held. You'll learn everything from combat techniques to soul theory, and you'll have access to some of the best resources and instructors in the world."

Huo Yuhao anger immediately subsided, eyes lighting up once more. He was so urgered start lessons and he knew that with Bei Bei and Tang Ya by his side , he could face this new walk of life.

As they continued the tour, Bei Bei shared more about the academy's traditions and famous alumni, painting a vivid picture of the institution's rich heritage. Historical figures such as Micax the Tri-God of Sorrow, Truth and Justice and Grandmaster were people that really interested Huo Yuhao. He absorbed every detail, feeling increasingly connected to the place that would become his new home.

Finally, they reached the dormitory area, where new students would be staying. Bei Bei pointed out the various buildings and explained the living arrangements. "You'll be sharing a room with another  first-year students. It's a great opportunity to make friends and learn from each other."

Huo Yuhao frowned slightly. He didn't want to make friends. Tang Ya, noticing the boy reluctance gave Huo Yuhao an encouraging smile. "There is no pressure. I know it can be hard adjusting to a new place but don't be afraid to try, okay. This is where your journey truly begins, Yuhao. Embrace every challenge, and remember that we're here to support you."

Huo Yuhao nodded, although still not convinced. "Thank you, Bei Bei, Tang Ya. I'll do my best."

With that, they parted ways, and Huo Yuhao turned towards the dormitory building, clutching the key to his new room. He felt nervous as he navigated the winding paths of the campus, finally arriving at the dormitory. He climbed the stairs to the third floor, each step echoing behind him.

When he reached the door marked with his room number, he took a deep breath, his hand trembling slightly as he inserted the key. Just as he was about to turn the knob, the door swung open from the inside.

The person who stepped out took Yuhao's breath away. This boy was strikingly handsome no he was beautiful, his features finely chiseled yet so soft and an air of confidence and poise. His icy blue eyes were so hypnotic, seeming to pull Yuhao into a trance and his light blue hair with pink highlights were so eye-catching. What kind of thing was standing before him?

For a moment, Yuhao was taken aback by the unexpected encounter. But his awe quickly faded as the boy brushed past him without so much as a greeting, his expression cold and dismissive.

"I'm Wang Dong," the boy said curtly, not bothering to look back at Yuhao. "There are a few rules if we're going to be roommates."

Huo Yuhao blinked, taken aback by the boy's abruptness. His dazed wearing off immediately."Oh, uh, sure," he stammered, trying to keep up.

Wang Dong didn't wait for a response. He continued walking down the hallway, his voice carrying back to Yuhao as if to say I'm moving so follow me. "First, keep your side of the room clean. I can't stand mess."

Yuhao nodded, though Wang Dong couldn't see him. "Got it," he mumbled.

"Second," Wang Dong went on, "no loud noises after lights out. I need my sleep, and I won't tolerate any disturbances."

"Understood," Yuhao replied, trying to keep pace with Wang Dong's brisk walk.

"Third," Wang Dong continued, "don't touch my stuff. I don't care if you're curious or whatever, just don't."

Yuhao's eyes widened slightly at the sternness in Wang Dong's tone. "I won't," he promised.

"Fourth, if you have any issues, deal with them on your own. I'm not here to be your caretaker," Wang Dong added, his voice hard and unyielding.

Yuhao swallowed, feeling a mix of frustration and resignation. " That's reasonable. I can handle that."

"And finally," Wang Dong concluded, stopping abruptly and turning to face Yuhao, his eyes cold and piercing, "respect my space. I don't need or want a friend. We're just roommates. Got it?"

Yuhao met Wang Dong's gaze, feeling a spark of defiance ignite within him. "Got it," he said firmly, his voice steady despite the unease swirling inside him. He was okay with that. Huo Yuhao didn't want to make friends either so Wang Dong's last rule was going to be the easiest to follow.

Wang Dong nodded once, seemingly satisfied, and then turned on his heel, striding away without another word. Yuhao watched him go, a mixture of emotions churning in his chest. He hadn't expected his first encounter with his roommate to be so...hostile.

He sighed and walked back to the door, entering the room that was now half his. The space was neatly divided, with Wang Dong's side meticulously organized and decorated. Yuhao glanced at his own empty half, feeling a sudden urge to make it his own, to claim his place in this new environment.

As he began to unpack his belongings, he couldn't help but think about Wang Dong. There was something about him that intrigued Yuhao, despite the cold reception. Maybe, with time, he could break through that icy exterior and find out what lay beneath. He immediately shook the thought away. What was he thinking like that for. He wasn't in Shrek to make friends. He was there to become the strongest.

He however had a long way to go so for now, though, he focused on settling in, arranging his books on the desk and his clothes in the wardrobe. He knew that his journey at Shrek Academy was just beginning, and there would be many challenges ahead. But he was determined to face them head-on, to prove himself and achieve the goals he had set with Bei Bei and Tang Ya.

The first day at Shrek Academy had been a whirlwind of emotions, but as Yuhao lay in his bed that night, he felt a sense of hope. He was in a place where he could grow stronger, surrounded by people who believed in him. And despite the cold shoulder from his roommate, he was ready to give it his all.

Tomorrow would be a new day, filled with so many possibilities and Huo Yuhao was prepared to meet them, one step at a time.

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'Unedited.'