35 Shrek Trials (Part 3) and Rage

"Is there a problem?" Nero questioned the disguised girl, who shook her head as she snapped out of her daze. Summoning her martial soul, her disguised form underwent a transformation. Brown hair spread across her body as she swelled with newfound strength. Although she still retained somewhat of a humanoid shape, she definitely didn't look human anymore. 'Ah, it's her, Yuanen Yehui. I somewhat forgot, because she was Xie Xie's opponent in the original timeline ' Nero thought as he finally recognized his opponent.

Yuanen Yehui activated her first spirit ability, unleashing a flurry of punches towards Nero. He evaded most of them, his movements resembling a blur. As her final punch approached, Nero cleverly used Yamato's sheath to alter its trajectory, causing her to lose her balance. Seizing the opportunity, Nero teleported behind Yuanen Yehui and executed a swift, Wing Chun-inspired golden finger attack, striking her back and forcing her to slide forward.

"You possess great strength, but your attacks lack versatility in trajectory," Nero who felt like Yuanen Yehui could do much better continued "Moreover, you seem to invest all your focus into your punches, leaving you vulnerable to unexpected changes in the course of battle. While this may work against less experienced opponents, it becomes a weakness when facing those with acute observation skills ".

Yuanen Yehui was momentarily surprised and taken aback as she didn't expect Nero to advise her weaknesses in the midst of battle. "Now, try attacking me again, but this time, pay attention to your surroundings and try to change your attacks according to the situation" Nero's voice brought her back to the senses. She heeded the words seriously as she could tell that Nero far surpassed her in combat experience. Yuanen Yehui instantly turned around and defended Nero's punch, Nero didn't stop as he continued attacking her at various angles while also instructing " Good, play to your advantages just like you are doing now. Instead of seeking your enemy, wait for them to approach your attack range ". As she sparred with Nero, Yuanen Yehui began to comprehend the importance of flexibility in battle and the significance of situational awareness. Class Zero and everyone else outside the arena had imaginary question marks on their foreheads, puzzled by the unexpected transformation of the competition into a mentoring session.

As distance emerged between them, Yuanen Yehui prepared to use her second ability, Air Cannon, launching it as a long-range attack. However, Nero instantly interjected " Don't use your Air compressed attack as long range because it would be difficult to aim against someone with high mobility. Your ability might sound like a long-range attack but its usage is dependent on you. For example, when you're close to your opponent, concentrate the compressed air on your fist and deliver a focused punch. Try it, it might surprise you ". Yuanen Yehui followed his instructions and concentrated the compressed air onto her fist, delivering a devastating punch to the ground. The resulting impact created a resounding explosion, leaving a sizable pit at the place. Yuanen Yehui herself was stunned as she never thought her second ability could be used like this.

Yuanen Yehui was about to glance at Nero when suddenly darkness surrounded her, making everything feel like it was moving slower. Amid her confusion about the sudden shift, Nero's voice echoed in her ear, " As much as I am enjoying this, but it's time to end it. I still have two more trials left ". Yuanen Yehui nodded, grateful for Nero's help. But what he said next made her eyes widen " And, stop hiding your real self. If you're scared of how you look after using your martial soul, just work on controlling it, nothing is impossible. If you keep hiding, there might come a day when you would come to hate your true self ".

Nero stepped down from the arena, leaving Yuanen Yehui deep in contemplation regarding her decisions. "Miss Yi, I'm done," Nero declared. Shen Yi nodded and announced the results for Class Zero—everyone had achieved perfect scores, shifting Xu Xiaoyan who was one point away from passing into a safe zone. Leading Class Zero out of the hall, Shen Yi guided them to a small room—the ninth trial site. Unlike the previous arena, this room was more intricate.

"Your aim for the ninth trial is survival. I don't think you'll face much trouble. It's similar to the Beast Arena, but the soul beasts here are real. If you defeat one and find yourself at a standstill, you'll gain a soul ring. Okay, get ready to enter," Shen Yi explained as she pressed a button, causing several metallic capsules to emerge from the walls.

Nero was about to step into the capsule when Shen Yi halted him. He, along with the rest of Class Zero, looked at Shen Yi with puzzled expressions. Shen Yi clarified, "I've just received instructions that, Nero, you won't participate in the ninth trial. Your results will be based on your teammates' scores." Nero simply shrugged and settled into a nearby chair, giving Tang Wulin's shoulder a friendly pat. Tang Wulin acknowledged Nero's gesture with a determined look, silently assuring him. Nero responded with a smile and positioned himself against a wall.

"Aren't you concerned?" Shen Yi inquired as Class Zero began their trial. "Not really. I'm well aware of their capabilities," Nero shook his head and replied. Half 'n' hour later Class Zero finally came out of the simulation pod. " Nero you won't believe...." Xie Xie quickly came near Nero and started reciting their experience in excitement. It was mostly similar to the original timeline where their friendship and trust was put in question to see if they would fight over the spirit bone.

Shen Yi also emerged from the side and started explaining the significance of the trial " The true focus of the trial was the examinees' character. Shrek Academy deemed kindness, honesty, and justice crucial in powerful soul masters to avoid endangering the Federation. The trial's stages included testing patience, recognizing beast power, demonstrating courage to enter a cave, and facing a pivotal choice regarding coveted soul rings and bones ". Shen Yi revealed the rarity of the Three-eyed Golden Lion and the fact that candidates were unable to bond with its soul bones. Shrek Academy opposed soul beast slaughter due to human greed, which led to their near extinction, cautioning future students against hunting in the Great Star Dou Forest .

Shen Yi's eyes briefly landed on Nero before she continued, "Nero wasn't allowed in this trial because Senior Brother had already informed the teacher that he could easily figure out the trial's purpose. So, your decisions not to harm the soul beast earned you all full marks, giving Nero and Tang Wulin ninety points each. Xie Xie, you scored eighty-five points. Xu Xiaoyan and Gu Yue achieved seventy-nine and eighty-two points respectively."

"Follow me now," Shen Yi instructed with a nod, opening the door leading out of the room. She guided them down a hallway and up another set of stairs to the rooftop, where three individuals awaited. Nero felt uneasy as he spotted the troublesome old lady from the original timeline among the elders. Shen Yi approached the elders, offering a bow before stepping aside. "The tenth trial, also called the Three Hall Review, involves these three elders evaluating your performance in the prior trials. Their assessment will yield a comprehensive score that will contribute to your overall total," Shen Yi explained.

"Tang Wulin," the central elder with reddish-brown hair addressed, his gaze focused on Tang Wulin. Sensing the draconic aura enveloping him, Nero grasped the elder's identity.

"In every trial, you've secured full marks. Your performance has been extraordinary and truly impressive. You exhibit courage, wisdom, and adept leadership. Despite your Blue Silver Grass martial soul, your bloodline compensates splendidly. Your score full marks. Keep up the diligent effort," the elder commended Tang Wulin, awarding him full marks. In gratitude, Tang Wulin bowed and thanked the elder.

"Xie Xie," the grey-haired elder called next.

Xie Xie hurried forward.

"Your aptitude slightly surpasses the average and your situational awareness is slightly better. However, you have the courage to charge head-first in the face of danger and you work hard. Your martial soul mutation gives you to the potential to be a top powerhouse. All in all, your performance stands as satisfactory. You receive eight points."

"Thank you, Elder," Xie Xie expressed his gratitude with a bow, understanding that the elder's assessment held truth and recognizing the room for his growth to enter the inner court.

"Xu Xiaoyan."

"Your innate talent ranks as average, yet your distinct prowess lies in the complete mastery of your variant martial soul's astrological attribute. In addition, your effective teamwork and astute mindset defy setbacks. Your latent potential holds a remarkable promise. Consequently, you earn seven points."

"Thank you, Elder," Xu Xiaoyan replied, a shy smile gracing her face as she rejoined her friends.

"Gu Yue."

Gu Yue stepped forward and bowed.

This time, the grey-haired elder remained silent, shifting his gaze to the Silver Moon Douluo beside him.

Elder Cai regarded Gu Yue with a smile. "Your elemental manipulation is exceptional, perhaps the first individual capable of commanding such an array of elements. I deem you suited to be my disciple." Internally, Nero shook his head, certain that there is no way Gu yue would agree to be a human's disciple. Even if Gu Yue agreed, no instructor within Shrek Academy could match her elemental mastery.

"No," as anticipated, Gu Yue straightforwardly declined. Elder Cai's temper flared instantly. "Are you aware that I hold the title of Titled Douluo?" Gu Yue persisted in refusal. At this point, Elder Cai's patience exploded like a volcano. She rose and was on the verge of reprimanding Gu Yue, but the reddish-brown haired elder's cold gaze silenced her.

Elder Cai clenched her teeth momentarily before resuming her seat. "Hmph! Only one point for you." Gu Yue returned to stand alongside Tang Wulin

Elder Cai's murmuring persisted, "These young women are persistently full of arrogance. That Aurora girl with space energy also declined Shrek's offer due to the same reason. And now, behold, she's dead." From a nearby room, Wu Zhangkong, having overheard the exchange, instantly rushed towards the assessment chamber already anticipating the worst situation.

[ Nero Listen...] However, before Aria complete her sentence, an overwhelming pressure burst forth from Nero, immediately capturing everyone's attention. "What did you just say, you old hag?" Nero's pupils had transformed into demon eyes, his words sending a shiver down the spines of both Class Zero and Shen Yi. Upon hearing Nero addressing her as an "old hag," Elder Cai, who was already restraining herself, stood up from her chair, seething with anger. " You impudent brat, Did You just called me an 'old hag'? "

As Nero's anger intensified with each passing moment, his response grew even more intense. "Yes, 'Old hag'. What did you just say about my mother?" The mere mention of his mother sent shivers down the spines of every Class Zero member, making them recall the events from the Skysea Alliance Tournament. On the other hand the other two elders beside Elder Cai were wide-eyed as they still remember Aurora's husband and if Nero is anything like that. Amidst the collective horror, Elder Cai continued to say " Am I wrong? she is dead..". However, her sentence was abruptly cut off as a towering pillar of blue demonic-spirit power erupted from Nero.

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In another location, Ren, who was having a Pizza slice suddenly stopped and looked towards Shrek's direction, " Aria, What's happening ? " Ren urgently asked through the communication channel that Aria made as he could sense Nero's fury from their connection; [ During the final test that Elder Cai insulted your mom on her death..] Ren interrupted Aria " Did you just say she insulted Mom? ". [ Ren..Ren!, Calm down ] Ignoring Aria's plea, Ren swiftly activated a soul tool designed for teleportation between himself and his brother's location.

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Leng Yaozhu and Zhou Hongbuo, deep in conversation, were interrupted by a message from Aria. They both knew Aria as Nero and Ren made up some reason about her origins. " Uncle, let's hurry. You know what kind of havoc those two would unleash after something like this " Upon reading the message, Leng Yaozhu signaled Zhou Hongbuo, who nodded in agreement. Activating their spirit avatars, they both headed towards Shrek city as fast as they could. They both knew that Arlo and Aurora were the reverse scale of both brothers and if someone insulted them then they both would turn everything upside down. While it might have seemed as though they intended to stop the brothers but the look of anger on their faces indicated otherwise.

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For those of you who are confused about Nero's anger, To Nero, Elder Cai's words felt like his mother death was in vain when in reality she died to protect Nero and Ren.

If someone has any doubt about something in the story then you can ask in comments I would happily explain. I am new so this happens sometimes.