Nangong Lingyun strolled leisurely, leading the group as if on a casual countryside walk, slowly making their way toward the Rose Gold Hotel.
Reborn into a new life, he still understood some worldly ways.
After bypassing those heavy topics, the atmosphere quickly became lively with laughter and chatter.
However, on the other side, at Shrek Academy,
Flandre had just finished breakfast and arrived punctually at the training ground. But staring at the completely empty courtyard, he was utterly lost in confusion.
Regarding the enrollment situation, Zhao Wuji, Li Yusong, and a few others had already reported everything to him last night, leaving no detail untouched.
Among the recruits was the twelve-year-old Tang San, just a hair away from Level 30, and the obviously more extraordinary Nangong Lingyun, who even possessed soul skill fusion techniques.
At that moment, Flandre was full of ambition.
He believed that with the help of these four, Shrek would surely thrive, and he, Flandre, would gain fame across the land.
But now…
What was this situation? Where were his students?
The three who had been trained into obedient, docile followers? The four lovely students still waiting for brainwashing?
Flandre glanced down at the old mechanical watch on his wrist, then looked up at the sun on the horizon. Was the time right?
Fortunately, before leaving, Dai Mubai had instructed the cafeteria auntie.
Moments later, hearing the accounts of two local women, the weathered face of the four-eyed owl hawk instantly darkened like the bottom of a black pot.
To disdain the academy's food, then skip class to gorge in the city?
And even slander that the simple meals would affect soul power cultivation?
Wasn't that basically accusing Shrek of ruining students?
Absurd!
The Rose Gold Hotel not only had spacious rooms, but their chefs were top-notch—especially with the manager nervously treading on eggshells while they splurged soul coins without hesitation.
After over two hours,
The seven, their bellies full and round, staggered back toward Shrek Academy.
From afar, they saw…
Flandre standing dead-center at the gate with a grim face, flanked by Zhao Wuji, Lu Qibin, Li Yusong, and Shao Xin, all lined up on both sides.
Their backs straight as arrows, faces grim and stern.
Passing through a cornfield, Dai Mubai's eyes instantly went wide with shock when he saw the scene.
He hurriedly said,
"Quick… quick, the principal seems really angry."
His heart cursed silently.
The most rebellious students meeting the most grudge-holding, petty teachers—today was destined to end badly.
Ma Hongjun and Oscar instinctively hurried along, heads down, hearts pounding like crazy.
Was that just being a little angry?
They were clearly furious beyond reason, as if the world was collapsing.
But Nangong Lingyun kept his pace unchanged. Health tip: avoid strenuous exercise on a full stomach, it's bad for digestion.
Nearby, Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing glanced at him but didn't rush forward to curry favor.
They knew how to tell who was important and who wasn't.
Only Tang San, who dashed halfway forward but stopped confused when no one followed behind, stood frozen, unsure which side to choose.
This fearless display only inflamed Flandre's rage more, and the other teachers' faces darkened even further.
Minutes passed.
When Nangong Lingyun finally reached the front, Flandre nearly roared,
"Brothers, unleash your soul powers!"
In a flash, the seven-ring owl, Tangdou, mighty golden ape, six-ring Xingluoqi, and dragon-patterned staff all appeared.
Three great Soul Saints and two Soul Emperors unleashed over thirty soul rings simultaneously.
A vast aura of soul power and various elemental energies suddenly radiated outward, crushing everything nearby and filling the space with a murderous atmosphere.
This was no half-hearted test like yesterday, when Zhao Wuji deliberately held back.
With the full might of Soul Saint-level power unleashed, Ma Hongjun and Oscar instantly paled.
Tang San and Dai Mubai fared slightly better, but their foreheads soon beaded with sweat.
At last, Nangong Lingyun's expression shifted, turning a bit angry.
"Shrek Academy sure likes to show off, huh?"
"You still refuse to repent?"
Flandre's eyes widened, disbelief written all over his face.
His students showed no respect, and now, despite his obvious anger, they remained fearless?
This wasn't rebellious; they were outright hellions.
"Repent? Repent for what?"
Nangong Lingyun shielded Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing behind him and asked with a sudden mischievous interest.
Since they were so eager to pick a fight, he didn't mind accelerating the full fallout a bit.
Although slow and steady wins the race, a blatant cheat like him wouldn't let anyone walk all over him.
Flandre nearly lost his breath at this.
If initially it was just to show off Shrek's strength and intimidate these geniuses into submission, now, truly provoked, his anger erupted.
He bellowed,
"A student dares to say this…"
"Stop, stop! We aren't students of Shrek."
"Your academy is too damn impressive, only recruiting monsters, then treating disciples like pests—I'm way too small-time for this!"
Nangong Lingyun hurriedly waved his hands,
the urgency on his face as if he'd encountered some ultimate horror and wanted to avoid it at all costs.
At these words, Flandre's face instantly turned a deep, fierce red.
Clenching his fists tightly, his whole body heated up on the spot.
With a cold glare, he enunciated sharply,
"On what grounds do you say that?"
Though he didn't know what "pests" meant, the implication was clear.
This accusation was far more severe and blunt than the morning's "food harms students' future" nonsense.
He dared not lose his temper outright, knowing it would only show his weak spot; he had to crush this nonsense decisively.
Nangong Lingyun laughed aloud,
"On what grounds? Principal Flandre, shall I remind everyone of Shrek's enrollment criteria?"
"First test: under thirteen years old, with soul power level above 25."
"Second test: special soul powers, or extraordinary potential, correct development direction, and nearly perfect soul ring configuration close to the limit."
"Third test: examine understanding and application of soul power abilities, attributes, skills, all must be at an extremely high level."
"Fourth test: rich combat experience, strong fighting ability, no pampered weaklings allowed."
"Those selected through these tests are the continent's top geniuses—potential title holders without question."
"Even the famed Golden Generation of the Martial Soul Hall, their proudest three, were only just at this level at twelve."
"Such geniuses, taught well, can easily achieve outstanding success."
"Anyone among them who failed to become a famous powerhouse in the soul master world is simply a waste of talent and a crime against life."
"But in reality?"
Shrek Academy has enrolled sixty-two students since its founding, yet only fourteen survived to graduation.
Most remain average in the soul master world, without making waves.
Sixty-two minus fourteen means forty-eight potential title holders—
who, no matter the academy, sect, family, or faction, would have been core elites with bright futures—
were instead wasted, killed, or ruined by you.
Isn't Shrek Academy just the executioner hired by the top three sects to eliminate civilian geniuses and protect their own status?"
(End of Chapter)