As they strolled right past the second test, the other examinees still struggling with it cried out in confusion
"Teacher! Why are they skipping the second test?" someone protested loudly.
Sensing drama brewing like a bad reality show, Tang Yin casually activated telepathy and suggested the teacher. "Convince the angry crowd before this turns into a soap opera."
The teacher cleared his throat and replied without ceremony, "If your soul power level is above 25, you're allowed to skip the second and third tests. If you qualify then you're welcome to join them."
Instant silence. Not a single peep after that.
Taking full advantage of the peace and quiet, Dai Mubai led the group straight to the fourth test area, where a short, stocky man was seated on a chair—arms folded, posture radiating raw power.
Tang Yin took one look and nearly snorted. Wait a minute… zhao wuji? He looks like a midget version of Wolverine from Deadpool. Short, jacked, and probably gets punched a lot. Yep. Soul Land Wolverine confirmed.
The muscular man—Zhao Wuji—opened his eyes just in time to catch Tang Yin's sly grin. For a split second, he felt a strange sense of familiarity, as if the kid student knew him—like, really knew him.
As Dai Mubai and the group approached, Zhao Wuji stood with a booming laugh. "Hahaha! Flender really lucked out this year—four rookies reaching the fourth test! Mubai, let me handle this one. I want to see what these newbies are made of."
Dai Mubai hesitated, doing his best to sound concerned. "Uh… are you sure, Mr. Zhao? They're just Soul Grandmasters. You're a Soul Sage."
Zhao Wuji scoffed. "A flower grown in a greenhouse and a fish raised in a koi pond won't survive a storm. Better they learn that now."
Tang Yin blinked slowly, eyeing him. Okay... that was too much 'ancient Chinese wisdom' in one sentence. Did this guy transmigrate with all the nationalistic catchphrases? Legendary flower grower? Seriously? Not in my multiverse.
Still, despite the theatrics, Tang Yin couldn't hide his excitement. He hadn't had a good fight since arriving in this world, and his battle spirit was practically buzzing. Of course, he'd still be careful to hide his true strength. No sense in playing all his cards yet.
Zhao Wuji noticed the gleam in Tang Yin's eyes and raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Looks like someone's eager."
The four Soul Grandmasters lined up Tang Yin, radiating fighting spirit. Xiao Wu, practically bouncing with excitement. Ning Rongrong, raising an elegant brow like she was about to host a royal banquet. Zhu Zhuqing, silent and still as a shadow.
Across from them, Zhao Wuji stood like a mountain, arms crossed, his face unreadable.
He cleared his throat, his voice booming across the training field. "Alright, brats, listen up! This is your fourth entrance test. If you fail here, pack your things and leave. Shrek doesn't care about good looks or big family names—we want strength, guts, and teamwork."
He paused, letting that sink in before continuing. "The test is simple… on paper. Survive against me for one stick of incense."
He pulled out a thin stick and waved it mockingly. "I won't go all out—I'll suppress my soul power below Rank 60 and won't use my Spirit Avatar. In return, the four of you can throw everything you've got at me. Martial souls, soul rings, dirty tricks—whatever."
Ning Rongrong muttered under her breath, "This still feels like bullying…"
Zhao Wuji's ear twitched. He cracked his knuckles ominously. "I heard that, little miss. If it's unfair, then prove me wrong."
"One last thing—don't worry, I won't kill you. But pain? Oh, you'll feel it. This is Shrek. If you can't take a beating, go home."
He gestured to the incense holder beside him. "You've got one incense's time to make a plan. Mubai, tell them my martial soul and rings."
With a snap of his fingers, the incense lit, a thin wisp of smoke curling into the sky.
Tang Yin's gaze sharpened. Xiao Wu grinned wide. Zhu Zhuqing gave a quiet nod. Ning Rongrong… gulped.
Dai Mubai gathered them quickly. "Alright, listen up. His martial soul is the Vigorous Vajra Bear. High defense, massive power, and stamina for days. He's literally wanted by Spirit Hall—for killing two of their Soul Masters."
Ning Rongrong's eyes went wide. "Akala! That's Fudo Ming?! No wonder Spirit Hall hasn't found him—he's hiding in this junkyard academy!"
Dai Mubai frowned but continued. "Yeah. Mr. Zhao Wuji is no joke. His martial soul's strength is… well, terrifying. You'll see."
Just as the incense burned to its midpoint, Zhao Wuji cracked his knuckles again, grinning like a predator.
"Well then… let the fun begin."
With another snap, the fight began.