4 Chapter 4: Signing in at Shrek Academy, Seeing Tang San again
Time flew by, and five years passed in a hurry.
When Zhou Hao returned to Nuo Ding City, Tang San had already gone to the Junior Soul Master Academy for training. He had successfully become the disciple of Yu Xiaogang, and Zhou Hao went back to Bluestone Village. The only person in the village with soul power, the girl with the Sunflower martial soul, had also been sent by Jike to the academy to study.
Now, Zhou Hao's cultivation has reached Level-32 Spirit Elder. His three purple soul rings were enough to astonish anyone, especially the last soul ring, which had a hint of ink colour. However, he used the rewards from the system's sign-in to conceal the colour of his soul rings, making them appear as two yellow and one purple.
A few days ago, Zhou Hao was participating in his promotion battle for the Golden Fighting Soul Badge at the Soutou City Great Spirit Arena when he suddenly heard a notification from the system:
[ Detected world anchor: Shrek Academy ]
[ Sign-in reward: Martial Soul upgraded once, soul power increase by three levels ]
Zhou Hao became excited instantly, and his opponent was bewildered by the sudden surge of power from his bear claw, leading to a quick end to the battle.
With the admiration of the receptionist in her eyes, Zhou Hao stored the Gold Spirit Fighter Badge in his ring, took a moment to rest, and then headed to Shrek Academy to register.
A few days later, outside the southern gate of Soutou City, there was a small village with over a hundred households. A long line of people formed at the entrance, and in the midst of the crowd was a sunny and handsome young man. His calm and restrained temperament stood out among the crowd like a bright moon among fireflies.
He had a remarkably tall figure, towering at nearly 1.8 metres, which was quite unusual for a 12-year-old. Despite his clothes covering his body, his distinct muscle lines couldn't be concealed. Beneath his calm exterior, there seemed to be a hidden powerful explosive force, but he didn't have the appearance of a bulky figure.
As he looked at the worn-out Shrek Academy sign on the wooden arch at the village entrance, a hint of anticipation welled up in Zhou Hao's heart. This enrollment period should be the same batch when the Shrek's Seven Devils reported to the academy.
He wondered when Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong would arrive. In his previous life, he had a fondness for Zhu Zhuqing, the cool and ambitious girl.
Indeed, Ning Rongrong had a good future, and Zhou Hao also envied her love with Oscar. It's heartwarming to see lovers finally unite.
As for Xiaowu and Tang San, they were bound together, and Zhou Hao wasn't inclined to interfere with their relationship by going to the Junior Spirit Master Academy from the beginning.
As for Dai Mubai, Zhou Hao genuinely looked down upon him. As a man, Dai Mubai couldn't bear the responsibilities on his shoulders and instead indulged himself in other places, living a carefree and dissolute life, abandoning everything.
It was only when that determined girl pursued him that he was moved by her beauty and became willing to make efforts.
Zhou Hao snapped back to reality and noticed a sudden commotion up ahead, as if there was an argument taking place.
"My child is a top student from the Soutou Junior Spirit Master Academy. Why won't you accept them?"
"The registration requirements were made very clear. We at Shrek only admit little monsters. Anyone over the age of 12 and with a soul power below Level-21 will not be accepted."
"Then give us a refund!"
"The tuition fee is in the cabinet. If you can defeat him, we will refund it all." The elder in charge of registration held a long staff, and six soul rings of, white, yellow, purple, purple, purple, and black, rose up from under his feet. The dazzling light caught the attention of everyone present.
The Soul Emperor pointed leisurely at a nearby eager golden-haired youth, it was none other than Dai Mubai.
The parents causing trouble were left dumbfounded, and they quickly fled with their children in embarrassment. One by one, people in the queue lowered their heads and left. The presence of a Soul Emperor was enough to make most people abandon their other ideas. Soon, it was Zhou Hao's turn.
Zhou Hao reluctantly handed over ten gold soul coins to the elder and approached him.
"Name?"
"Zhou Hao."
"Extend your hand."
Zhou Hao extended his hand to the elder, knowing that this was a test of his bone age.
"Hmm?"
The elder touched his hand a couple of times, raising his head with a puzzled expression as he looked at Zhou Hao. "There's something unusual about your hand. Have you practised before?"
Zhou Hao smiled, his palm lightly gripping as the dark golden radiance flickered. The elder's expression turned astonished.
"Is it a Soul Bone, or have you practised before?"
"It's just because of my Martial Soul. I have practised. Why? Aren't you supposed to only accept monsters?"
Zhou Hao replied, raising an eyebrow.
The elder, while feeling astonished and envious, instructed,
"Raise your leg."
He proceeded to examine Zhou Hao's leg for quite a while, until Zhou Hao started feeling uncomfortable and he finally stopped.
After confirming multiple times, the elder leaned back in his chair, squinting his eyes. "Alright, you're indeed twelve years old. Release your martial soul now."
Da Mubai beside them also looked over curiously, sensing that this young man, who was even more handsome than himself, possessed considerable strength.
As Zhou Hao took a few steps back, his soul power began to surge.
"I am Zhou Hao, a Level-32 Assault System Spirit Elder. Please enlighten me."
His martial soul, the Dark Gold Fearclaw Bear, manifested and merged with his body!
With his powerful arms filling up his sleeves, the dark golden fur exuded a dangerous aura. His dark golden claws seemed sharp enough to shred anything. Dai Mubai was left in awe, feeling the suppression from the martial soul level. This unknown bear-like martial soul was actually able to overpower his own Evil-Eye White Tiger. Even Vice Principal Zhao's Vigorous Vajra Bear was inferior in quality compared to this martial soul.
After seeing Zhou Hao's Martial Soul, the elder couldn't contain his excitement any longer. "Dark Gold Fearclaw Bear?" Having known Zhao Wuji for many years, he had heard stories about soul masters who possessed the Dark Golden Terrorclaw Bear martial soul in ancient times. These soul masters were often synonymous with peak offence, strength, and defence. However, due to the difficulties in its inheritance, this terrifying martial soul had disappeared. Now, to his astonishment, it had reappeared right before his eyes.
With the fusion of his martial soul, the transformed form of Zhou Hao had a rugged appearance. As the dangerous dark golden light radiated from his body, several dazzling and magnificent soul rings slowly rose from beneath his feet. He still chose to conceal his true power, refraining from exposing everything to unfamiliar individuals, as it would be an imprudent action.
The three soul rings, coloured yellow, yellow, and purple, left everyone in awe.
The magnificent and prestigious purple colour even caused the old man and the nearby Dai Mubai to be momentarily stunned. The expression on the old man's face was filled with unparalleled shock, as this scene shattered his nearly sixty years of understanding.
"Monster, this is what a true monster looks like."
In his mind, the current Zhou Hao was already equated with a monster.
Indeed, this is a 12-year-old Soul Elder!
A 12-year-old Soul Elder with the perfect combination of three rings! It's truly astonishing and unimaginable.
The geniuses from various junior academies behind him were filled with disbelief and astonishment. Each of them was a top talent in their respective regions, but at this moment, they became mere background figures.
"Alright, you've passed!"
Zhou Hao remained calm and walked towards the village, while Dai Mubai waved his hand and said,
"Hey, buddy, come over here. I'll take the newly accepted students for the test later."
Dai Mubai walked over quickly and patted Zhou Hao's shoulder.
"You're really strong, a monster. Welcome to Shrek."
"Thank you," Zhou Hao replied, but he didn't show much enthusiasm due to his inner dislike for Dai Mubai. Dai Mubai couldn't quite figure out Zhou Hao's temperament, so he didn't say much either. He always maintained a respectful attitude towards strong individuals.
As disappointed youths left one after another, Zhou Hao spotted a tall and slender teenage boy and girl. The boy was dressed in blue with a belt adorned with jade stones around his waist. He had an ordinary appearance but was pleasant to look at, and his deep eyes shimmered with a faint purple glow. His gaze towards the girl in pink was full of doting, and there was a gentle smile on his lips.
Although Tang San had grown taller, Zhou Hao still recognized him at first glance due to the familiarity in his features and eyes.
The girl appeared lively, with long, jet-black hair styled into neat pigtails that reached down to her ankles. Her pink clothes hugged her developing figure tightly.
The slender and delicate waist was so adorable that Zhou Hao couldn't help but be momentarily captivated. It was indeed Xiao Wu. However, he quickly averted his gaze, refraining from staring any longer. But Xiao Wu noticed Zhou Hao's expression and pouted in discontent.
"What's wrong, Xiao Wu?"
"Hmph, pervert!" Tang San followed Xiao Wu's gaze and was surprised to see Zhou Hao there, along with the previously encountered Dai Mubai.
"He's a friend from a neighbouring village, and he's actually quite nice. Don't misunderstand him," Tang San smiled slightly and nodded at Zhou Hao.
"Brother, he looks like he's with that Dai Mubai."
"Right now, he seems to be strong, not any weaker than Dai Mubai. He disappeared somewhere these past few years," Tang San shook his head and said to Xiao Wu.
At this moment, Zhou Hao noticed that the first person in line was a stunningly beautiful girl. Her skin was fair and delicate, and she retracted her hand that she had reached out, sensing the perplexed expression on the old man's face. She was dressed in a simple white long dress, and her ear-length hair looked clean and neat.
The girl casually handed a bag of gold soul coins to the old man and asked,
"Excuse me, did I pass the preliminary test?" Her voice was gentle and melodious, soft and soothing. It made people feel a bit weak in the knees.
Zhou Hao turned his head and saw the predatory gaze in Dai Mubai's eyes, which he found disdainful.
The surprised expression on the old man's face gradually faded, and he furrowed his brows, saying, "You came here, does your family know about it?"
"I've already met your requirements, haven't I? It is said that as long as you are a monster Shrek Academy will accept you, there's no reason for you not to accept me," the girl said with a charming smile, her eyes shining like stars in the night sky. Zhou Hao finally confirmed that she was indeed Ning Rongrong.
The old man smiled helplessly and said,
" Mubai, take her inside later. "
Dai Mubai withdrew his gaze and returned to his cold expression.
As Tang San and Xiao Wu passed the preliminary test amidst the astonished exclamations of the crowd, the old man muttered, "Why are there so many little monsters this year?"
Zhou Hao and the others greeted Tang San and Xiao Wu with smiles. Dai Mubai and Tang San had already met before.
Tang San patted Zhou Hao on the shoulder and said, "Xiao Hao, long time no see. Why did you leave without saying goodbye back then?"
Tang San had always been a lonely person, at least before Xiao Wu appeared. Zhou Hao was one of his few childhood friends.
Dai Mubai was a little surprised and asked, "Tang San, do you know Zhou Hao?"
"Yes, Xiao Hao is from the neighbouring village, and we have a good relationship," Tang San replied.
"Xiao San, it seems like you've been doing well these past few years, you've become much stronger, and even found yourself a girlfriend," Zhou Hao said with a smile, teasing Tang San.
"Xiao Hao, Xiao Wu is my sister," Tang San quickly clarified, and Xiao Wu blushed slightly, giving him a displeased look upon hearing his words.
Everyone, including Ning Rongrong, laughed along, saying, "Having a sister is great!"
"Let's go, Xiao San, I'll take you into the village!" Dai Mubai smiled. He knew that today it might just be these people, but he inadvertently saw something that made his expression turn serious.
Subconsciously, Zhou Hao followed his gaze, and his eyes fell on a girl dressed in black. Her face was slightly lowered, with long black hair cascading down. Her limbs were well-proportioned and beautiful, but her developed figure didn't quite match her youthful face. Her expression was cold, a deep-seated coldness that emanated from within. Her black eyes were pure, pure in their coldness, devoid of any vitality. It was a coldness so indifferent that it made one's heart ache.
Zhou Hao's gaze was instantly captivated. It was Zhu Zhuqing! Dai Mubai, on the other hand, felt a sense of confusion but didn't recognize her for the moment. Shaking his head, Dai Mubai didn't say much and led everyone inside.
"You will undergo the second assessment here. I'll continue to go outside and receive others. There will be teachers to guide you on what to do," Dai Mubai said hurriedly before quickly leaving, showing signs of urgency.
Zhou Hao knew that this round was a test of soul power, and with his strength as a Spirit Elder, he could directly participate in the final trial.
After exchanging a few words with Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Ning Rongrong, they were about to join the queue when they suddenly heard a soft voice behind them.
"Selling sausages! Delicious and affordable sausages, only five copper coins each. Fair prices, no deception."
Zhou Hao couldn't help but smile. "Uncle Sausage" Oscar had finally arrived.
...
