New Student

"Young Miss, please reconsider! Surely Heaven Dou Imperial Academy is a better choice!" A girl pleaded, her voice tinged with concern, as she addressed the beautiful purplish-blue-haired girl standing before her.

"Xiao Ai, say no more. I have already decided" the girl stated firmly, her gaze unwavering as she surveyed the shabby village before her. "You can go back to the clan now"

"But miss, you Grandfather!" Xiao Ai persisted, her tone filled with worry. However, she was swiftly interrupted by the determined girl. "Enough. My decisions are final"

With a decisiveness in her voice, the girl turned and began to walk away, her resolve unshakeable as she moved forward.

As the purplish-blue-haired girl approached the sign indicating a 10 gold coin fee to participate in the examination, she couldn't help but feel a pang of surprise. She had diligently researched Shrek Academy after that fateful day, uncovering its intriguing history along the way.

Shrek Academy, once renowned and respected, had fallen from grace due to its desire for independence. Schemed against by the nobles of the Heaven Dou Empire, it had been reduced to nothing more than a forgotten institution. However, in recent times, it has experienced a remarkable resurgence, thanks to the support of an anonymous faction.

As the purplish-blue-haired girl gazed upon the towering dome of the top-tier mimicry training ground, visible even from her current point, she couldn't help but marvel at the scale of influence wielded by the faction supporting Shrek Academy.

However, her astonishment was tinged with a hint of confusion as she contemplated the unusual fee required for participation in the examination. Normally, fees were paid upon enrollment, after passing the test and officially registering as a student. The idea of having to pay for the testing process itself seemed unusual and raised questions in her mind. She wondered if it was motivated by greed, but then she quickly dismissed the thought as unlikely. After all, the academy should be relatively wealthy with the support of the anonymous faction.

Nevertheless, the girl shook off her doubts, reasoning that the sum of 10 gold coins was relatively insignificant. With a shrug, she proceeded to pay the fee. Having completed the transaction, she obediently positioned herself in line.

...

"Third Brother, do you think we will manage to recruit anyone this year?" Ma Hongjun queried, his mouth full of grilled meat as he turned towards Oscar. Due to his boring flame control training over the past years, Ma Hongjun's eating habits had only worsened, yet he remained unconcerned, knowing that his unique physiology prevented him from gaining weight, unless the side effects broke out.

"I doubt it" Oscar replied calmly, his demeanor composed. "It's already a miracle that you guys managed to find Sixth Brother a year ago, breaking the three-year streak of no new students"

Ma Hongjun nodded thoughtfully in response to Oscar's assessment, his mind contemplating the slim chances of recruiting any additional members to their group. Meanwhile, Dai Mubai remained silent, his focus solely on getting this over with so he can try to advance to Level 30 as soon as possible, as the completion of the top-tier mimicry training ground suitable for him coincided with the day's events, he was exited to try it out.

The three of them were present in case someone desired a refund after being rejected by the academy.

"Not qualified, not qualified, not..." Ma Hongjun grinned mischievously as he listened to the judgments being passed on the candidates.

"Hehe, how about we make a bet" Ma Hongjun proposed, his eyes alight with excitement. "The loser will pay for the winner's feast at the new restaurant that opened last week. I heard the food there is delicious"

Oscar, catching onto Ma Hongjun's challenge, nodded in agreement. "Sure, I'm in. I bet that no-"

But before Oscar could finish his sentence, Ma Hongjun interjected, seizing the opportunity to make his own wager. "I bet that no one will pass this year" he declared with a gleam of mischief in his eyes.

"You!" Oscar exclaimed, pointing accusingly at Ma Hongjun as he lunged forward.

Observing the playful brawl unfolding between Ma Hongjun and Oscar, Dai Mubai couldn't help but shake his head with a fond smile, a light chuckle escaping his lips. However, his amusement was short-lived as the two combatants suddenly turned their attention toward him, launching a surprise attack.

Caught off guard, Dai Mubai found himself entangled in the fray, exchanging playful blows with his friends as laughter filled the air. Just as the friendly brawl reached its peak, a commanding voice cut through the commotion, drawing their attention.

"Pass, Mubai, Oscar, Hongjun" came the voice of Li Yusong, breaking through the chaos with authority. "Take her to the next test."

Startled by the sudden instruction, Dai Mubai, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun brawl turned into a stunned silence as their attention shifts to the purplish-blue-haired girl standing before them, a pair of blue wings on her back and two yellow spirit rings hovering around her.

"Hahaha! Second Brother, it seems like it's your treat today!" Oscar exclaimed, unable to contain his amusement, while Ma Hongjun's expression faltered slightly. The realization dawned on him that his streak of bad luck had struck at the most inappropriate moment. "Don't be so sure yet" he retorted with a glimmer of hope in his voice. "She hasn't passed the other tests yet, and she'll probably fail like the others before her"

However, his hopes were dashed as the girl calmly placed her hands on a crystal ball, the aura of confidence surrounding her. In a moment that felt like an eternity, the crystal ball emitted a brilliant glow before displaying the verdict.

"Level 28, pass. Take her to the fourth test" came the decisive proclamation, shattering any lingering hope from Ma Hongjun.

With the weight of the girl's success settling upon them, Dai Mubai, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of surprise, joy and begrudging acceptance.

"What's the fourth test?" the pleasant voice sounded as the girl inquired.

"The fourth test is the test of your combat experience" Oscar explained, as he addressed the purplish-blue-haired girl's inquiry. "You can choose any one of us three to be your opponent"

As they made their way into a towering building specially designed for combat, Oscar continued, gesturing to the expansive arena within. "Here, the floor can withstand the attacks of a Spirit Emperor, so don't worry about anything and go all out" he added, emphasizing the durability of their surroundings.

Stepping into the center of the arena, the purplish-blue-haired girl wasted no time in making her selection, her finger pointed with unwavering resolve. "Then I choose that pervert" she declared, her gaze fixed squarely on Ma Hongjun, who blinked in confusion before glancing over his shoulder as if searching for the alleged pervert.

Realization dawned on Ma Hongjun as he pointed to himself, seeking confirmation. "Me?" he ventured, his expression a mix of bewilderment and disbelief. The girl's response came swiftly, laced with sarcasm. "Are there other perverts here?" she retorted, her tone sharp and cutting.

Suppressing their laughter, Dai Mubai playfully draped his arms around Ma Hongjun's shoulders, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Second Brother, what have you done to her for her to say that?"

With an exaggerated sigh, Dai Mubai continued, feigning exasperation. "I didn't expect you to be this kind of person" he remarked teasingly.

It had been a year of dedication and training, during which Ma Hongjun had finally come to acknowledge Dai Mubai's efforts and determination. Finally accepting him as his sixth brother not long ago.

"Get off me, you bastard! I am not a pervert! This lady is surely mistaking me for someone else!" Ma Hongjun retorted angrily, shrugging off Dai Mubai's playful embrace as he strode into the arena, his frustration evident in his voice.

Facing the purplish-blue-haired girl with a mixture of confusion and indignation, Ma Hongjun attempted to clarify the misunderstanding. "Miss, I think you have mistaken me for someone else. I am really not the pervert you're talking about" he asserted, hoping to resolve the misunderstanding.

However, the girl remained resolute, her determination unwavering as she prepared to prove her point. "Hmph, it seems like you don't remember me. Then I will make you remember!" she declared, her voice laced with determination as she entered her Martial Soul Possession.

With a flash of blue wings and the appearance of two yellow spirit rings, the girl's transformation was complete, signaling the beginning of their battle in the arena.

Despite his indignation. Ma Hongjun knew he had a duty to fulfil as an examiner. With a sigh, he entered his Martial Soul Possession.

"Ma Hongjun, Level 24, 2nd Ring Attack Power System Spirit Grandmaster. Martial Soul: Evil Fire Phoenix" he announced, introducing himself formally as he prepared to face the girl in front of him.

"Bai Chenxiang, Level 28, 2nd Ring Agility Attack System Spirit Grandmaster. Martial Soul: Wind Chime Bird" she declared, her words carrying a sense of confidence as she readied herself for the battle.