Early the next morning, Tang San and Xiao Wu set off for Shrek Academy with Xiao Tianyang. The path was simple. The scenery along the way was pleasant, with golden rice fields stretching on either side. Not to mention anything else, running a farm here would surely bring in good profits.
"How much longer until we arrive, brother San?" Xiao Wu asked, a little bored as she walked beside him, reaching out to stir the rice in the field.
"The teacher said, just leave the city gate and head straight south," Tang San replied, glancing at Xiao Tianyang. "Brother Tianyang, why do you look so down?"
"Xiao Wu added, "It almost seems like 'depression' is written all over your face."
Xiao Tianyang touched his face, "Maybe it's because I didn't sleep well last night."
Tang San and Xiao Wu were silent, understanding now why he had gotten up so early.
But was that the case? Of course not. Looking at Bubu, who was snickering beside them, they both knew that Xiao Tianyang must have gotten a little too carried away with something the night before.
It had been years, but Bubu had long gotten used to strange objects coming out of nowhere. Otherwise, why would there be a popcorn machine, a shaved ice machine, and a coffee machine in his house? Sometimes, Bubu seemed like a rag collector.
Feeling a little bored, Xiao Wu asked, "Brother Tianyang, why do you think Shrek Academy is built on the outskirts of Suotuo City?"
"Because they're too poor, and they simply can't afford the rent in the city," Xiao Tianyang said, resting his arms behind his head and basking in the sunshine.
Xiao Wu mumbled, "No way?"
"Let's wait and see," Xiao Tianyang replied with a smile. He knew the current situation of the academy, but as for what Shrek Academy looked like, he had no idea.
Soon, as they continued along the path, the three of them saw a mountain village in the distance. A long line stretched outside the door.
"It should be here," Tang San observed. "Brother Tianyang, have you been here before?"
Xiao Wu turned to him and asked, "Why does it look exactly like you described?"
"It's not much different, just a little poorer. As long as they can teach others, it's fine," Xiao Tianyang said, stepping forward and taking the initiative to stand in line. "Since your teacher asked us to come, there must be a reason for it."
Tang San also spoke up, "Xiao Wu, let's get in line too."
"Look at that academy emblem. It's so ugly. It's not even close to Nuoding Academy's." Xiao Wu continued to complain, though her actions were honest as she followed them in line.
At that moment, a commotion erupted up ahead, the noise growing louder. Xiao Tianyang looked toward the source of the noise and saw an old man standing with a slightly impatient expression.
"Shrek is an academy for monsters, and our academy is named after one. We only accept monsters! From now on, if you are under 12 years old and haven't reached level 20 in soul power, please leave! Don't waste each other's time!"
As soon as the old man finished speaking, six soul rings appeared around him—white, yellow, purple, purple, purple, black. This man turned out to be a Soul Emperor!
The old man's words had the desired effect. Many people, shocked by his strength and the harsh requirements, decided to leave. After all, not only would it be difficult for ordinary soul masters to reach level 20 before the age of 12, but even the more talented would find it nearly impossible. And since this was a small city, there weren't likely to be many geniuses around.
But this was no problem for Xiao Tianyang, as he fully met the requirements.
Suddenly, Xiao Tianyang furrowed his brow and kicked Bubu beside him.
"Calm down. If you cause any trouble here, I'll shave your head when we get back!"
Bubu, who had already been itching for a fight, immediately retracted his head and stayed silent, not daring to make another move. Xiao Tianyang couldn't help but feel speechless.
This guy was fine in battle and was a reliable teammate, but when there was nothing to do, he tended to get into trouble. That was a Soul Emperor, and if they got punished by him, it would be a big problem.
Less than fifteen minutes later, a soft voice came from the front of the line: "Excuse me, may I pass?"
"Brother Tianyang, look at that girl—she's so beautiful!" Xiao Wu poked Xiao Tianyang in the back and whispered.
"I saw her yesterday." Xiao Tianyang briefly glanced at the girl and then turned away.
Xiao Wu, curious, asked, "How come I didn't know about it?"
"Every time I meet her, you're not around," Xiao Tianyang replied.
"There's another one behind her, don't you know her too?" Xiao Wu asked, noticing his gaze.
Xiao Tianyang glanced back, and the other person followed his gaze. Their eyes met for a moment before the woman froze. Taking this opportunity, Xiao Tianyang turned his attention to the girl ahead of him.
Her skin was fairer than snow, her features exquisite, and her figure...well, her curves were already quite developed for her age, making her all the more captivating.
"Isn't this a bit excessive?" Xiao Tianyang's throat involuntarily tightened. After all, he was a man, and he couldn't help but appreciate her beauty. However, he wasn't thinking anything inappropriate—just pure admiration.
He looked away and glanced at Xiao Wu, then lowered his head with a sigh, shaking his head.
Xiao Wu froze for a moment before realizing what he had just done. Her face turned bright red, and she couldn't help but punch Xiao Tianyang lightly while muttering under her breath, "Brother Tianyang, you stupid!"
"Hehe, you're quite brave, huh? Still daring to scold me," Xiao Tianyang turned with a sly grin.
"I'm sorry," Xiao Wu muttered, lowering her head sheepishly.
Xiao Tianyang said after a moment of thought. "Hey, I have a drink formula that might be effective. Want to try it?"
"Brother Tianyang, you're going way too fast! I want to get off!" Xiao Wu exclaimed.
"Where did you learn that from?" he asked, surprised.
"You taught me last time!" Xiao Wu responded quickly.
"Okay, then you don't want it?" Xiao Tianyang asked.
"…Let's make a private deal later."
"Do you even have money?" Xiao Tianyang questioned with some doubt.
Xiao Wu grew a little embarrassed. The money was in her hands, but it was worth very little, and she spent it too quickly.
"What are you two doing back there?" The old man's voice interrupted their conversation, cutting off their deal. "You will miss your chance."
The registration was important, so Tang San and Xiao Wu stepped forward to display their martial spirits. One yellow and one purple soul ring—a standard configuration. Immediately after, the old man examined their hands, checking their bone age.
"Very good. This kind of physical fitness..you must have worked hard, right?" the old man observed.
Tang San nodded, smiling. "Teacher, have we passed?"
"Come here." The old man gestured towards the distance. "Dai Mubai, bring them all in."
Upon hearing the name, Tang San and Xiao Wu were surprised and looked over. The person who walked toward them was Dai Mubai, the same person they had a conflict with the day before. But now, he seemed to be looking around, searching for something. When he finally saw Tang San, beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.
"Hey, what are you doing? Didn't you hear the teacher calling you?" Xiao Wu put her hands on her hips and pouted. "You're sneaky, and your mind is full of dirty thoughts. What are you thinking about?"
Dai Mubai couldn't argue with her and coughed a few times. "Well... is your friend here?"
"Oh, so you're looking for Brother Tianyang," Xiao Wu giggled. "Seems like yesterday's kick left quite an impression on you!"
Dai Mubai's mouth twitched, and not just a little, but quite a lot. His stomach still hurt a bit from that kick!
...
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