In just a short while, Zhao Wuji was covered in ice crystals. The speed at which this happened left him astonished. Had it been an ordinary Spirit Emperor here instead of him, they would have been worn down by Zhao Ming long ago.
Clenching his fists tightly, Zhao Wuji's muscles bulged as he forcibly shattered the ice encasing him.
At that moment, Tu Shan Yaya's ice swords and Medusa's serpent-like energy struck him directly.
"Ah!" Zhao Wuji couldn't help but cry out. The ice swords had pierced his skin, and blood slowly trickled out. Zhao Wuji's martial spirit, the Mighty Vajra Bear, combined with his rank as a Spirit Saint, made his body incredibly durable, but even so, the damage was starting to show.
Tu Shan Yaya's attacks were infused with extreme cold, enough to make even Zhao Wuji suffer.
Pain flared in several places on his body, and the chilling cold slowed the flow of his blood and spirit power. Even with his resilient physique, Zhao Wuji was forced to gasp from the intense pain, his body convulsing slightly.
Growing more enraged, Zhao Wuji let out a low growl. His fifth spirit ring, a deep black one, suddenly lit up. The powerful roar that followed made the entire Shrek Academy tremble.
He was about to unleash his full fury!
"Teacher Zhao, the incense has burned out. We've passed the test," Zhao Ming quickly intervened, seeing that Zhao Wuji was about to use serious force. He dismissed the Medusa Queen, leaving only Tu Shan Yaya.
As for Yaya, she could remain since her vitality had fully recovered and she could exist independently.
Zhao Wuji paused and glanced at the incense, realizing that it had indeed burned to the end.
Frustration flickered across Zhao Wuji's face.
The test time was over, and if he kept fighting, it would reflect poorly on him. Yet, he couldn't help but feel stifled—he hadn't even used his strongest skills or his martial spirit avatar.
"Well, kid, you've got some real talent," Zhao Wuji sighed, patting Zhao Ming on the shoulder. He gave Tu Shan Yaya one last glance before turning to leave.
Halfway through his retreat, he stopped and looked back, confused. Zhao Ming had already withdrawn his martial spirit, but the fox-woman was still standing there. Puzzled, he wondered why Zhao Ming's spirit wasn't disappearing. But with his mood already dampened, Zhao Wuji didn't feel like asking questions.
After Zhao Wuji left, someone came to arrange accommodations for Zhao Ming and his group, introducing them to the academy's facilities.
Zhao Ming, uncomfortable with the idea of sharing a room with other men, requested a single room. The teacher didn't argue, likely due to Zhao Wuji having mentioned Zhao Ming's abilities, making the academy take him seriously.
Strong individuals or geniuses often receive special treatment. If you don't, it simply means you aren't strong enough, or your talent isn't high enough.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows over the fields, Zhao Ming and Tu Shan Yaya walked along the paths outside Shrek Academy.
Around them, farmers were harvesting their crops, their simple, hearty calls echoing through the evening air.
"Why leave so soon? Don't you want to stay a little longer?" Zhao Ming asked, looking at Tu Shan Yaya's delicate face in frustration.
"Tch, don't think I don't know what you're up to. Besides, why should I stay? To watch you flirt with other girls?" Tu Shan Yaya retorted coldly, her expression turning frosty.
"Come on, I didn't have any bad intentions! Don't accuse me of things like that!"
"Really? No bad intentions?" She tilted her head, staring at Zhao Ming without blinking.
"Uh, well... maybe just a little. But not in the way you think!" Zhao Ming said, feigning seriousness. "You just woke up, so your body is probably still recovering. I was thinking of teaching you some yoga—it would help you..."
The more Zhao Ming rambled, the more excited he became, completely missing how Tu Shan Yaya's face was darkening.
In the world of Fox Spirits, modern human culture was prevalent, so Tu Shan Yaya fully understood what Zhao Ming was suggesting.
"Ah!" With a swift kick, Tu Shan Yaya sent Zhao Ming flying.
"Damn, Yaya! I'm really starting to think it's unfair that my own puppet can use my spirit power to bully me," Zhao Ming muttered, dusting off his pants with a bitter expression.
"Who told you to speak so recklessly?" Tu Shan Yaya shot back, though the corners of her lips twitched slightly as if she was holding back a laugh. Still, she maintained a cold demeanor.
"Yaya, you smiled just now."
"I did not."
"You did smile."
"I said I didn't." Tu Shan Yaya was clearly annoyed.
"You should smile more. It's beautiful. I really like it," Zhao Ming said softly, stopping in his tracks to look at her with warmth.
A blush crept across Tu Shan Yaya's face, and she quickly looked away.
Seizing the opportunity, Zhao Ming gently took hold of her hand.
Her body trembled at the contact, and Zhao Ming immediately felt his spirit power start to drain again. Alarmed, he quickly changed the subject. "Yaya, look at how beautiful the sunset is today."
Seeing that Zhao Ming's gesture seemed unintentional, and noting the sincerity in his gaze, Tu Shan Yaya hesitated but ultimately allowed him to keep holding her hand.
With her experience, she could see through people easily.
Zhao Ming's eyes were so clear, so pure—there wasn't a trace of ill intent.
"Let's go sit on that hill and watch the sunset together. It's such a beautiful view," Zhao Ming suggested gently.
"What's so great about a sunset?" Tu Shan Yaya huffed, feigning disinterest. But the upward curve of her lips betrayed her.
Smiling, Zhao Ming led her up the winding path toward the hilltop.
The fading light of the setting sun bathed the hill in a warm glow, casting long, serene shadows.
Neither of them spoke as they walked. The ground was covered with a thin layer of leaves, and every step they took made a pleasant rustling sound, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.
As they strolled, Zhao Ming tightened his grip on Tu Shan Yaya's hand.
Once they reached the top of the hill, he pulled her down to sit beside him.
Together, they watched the sun slowly disappear behind the horizon, the sky fading from brilliant hues of orange and red to the soft grays and whites of dusk.
"There was once a couple..." Zhao Ming began to weave a tale, his voice carrying a subtle hint of nostalgia and melancholy. He told the story of a loving couple who would come to watch the sunset every day, with the tale culminating in a bittersweet tragedy, adding a romantic weight to the beauty of the sunset.
"Even though he's no longer here, the woman continues to come every day, bringing two simple stools—one for her, and one for him..."
"I've always loved watching the sunset. It's fleeting but burns so brightly," Zhao Ming said, his voice filled with emotion as he glanced at Tu Shan Yaya.
Uh, what's that expression?
"You've probably said that to a lot of people, haven't you? Let me guess, you don't just like sunsets—you like sunrises, you like the blazing midday sun, and you probably even enjoy rainy days. I bet you have something poetic to say no matter the weather," Tu Shan Yaya quipped, arching an eyebrow as she looked at him knowingly.
"Of course not!" Zhao Ming felt a pang of guilt, quickly changing his expression to appear serious.
"Forget it. You should go spend time with your little Xiao Wu. Don't keep her waiting," Tu Shan Yaya said, standing up with a small smile.
"If you don't want to stay at the academy, you can go to Soto City. Biji and Yan are both there. I'll come visit whenever I have the time."
"Alright." With that, Tu Shan Yaya began descending the hill, her figure disappearing into the twilight.
Halfway down, she paused and hesitated for a moment before turning back slightly. "Actually, I do like it."