These were the days for new admissions to the newly rising Shrek Academy, and the outskirts of Soutuo City were livelier than usual. Because of the strong advertisement many old and young soul masters were interested in this monster academy.
But among the newcomers, one arrival was impossible to ignore.
Standing tall at thirteen, Dai Mubai already exuded a pressure far beyond his age. His long blonde hair hung loosely behind him, swaying with each step. His build was sturdy, his aura overbearing, and his expression carried the unrestrained confidence of someone raised with power from birth.
But what drew all eyes—what made passersby instinctively shrink away—were his pupils.
Twin pupils.which were also named as the Evil Eyes.
However, behind those sharp eyes hid a truth that only he knew.
Dai Mubai was the second prince of the Star Luo Empire.
In the Star Luo Empire, the throne did not belong to the eldest—it belonged to the strongest.
Because of that, Dai Mubai and his older brother Dai Weisei were locked in inevitable rivalry from childhood.
And Dai Mubai…Ran away.... in fear, because his brother was cruel enough to make him believe the fight would end with one of them dead.
Escaping the Star Luo capital, he wandered the Heaven Dou Empire with no real plan except to drown his anxiety in indulgence. Instead of training for the inevitable confrontation, he spent his days enjoying food, wine, gambling, and women—discovering pleasures far more "relaxing" than palace life.
Beside Dai Mubai stood an attentive middle-aged man: He Cai, the aide sent by Dai Mubai's uncle (Duke Blood Tiger) to guide the runaway prince discreetly.
He Cai picked up a nearby poster freshly pasted on a stone wall. He studied it for a moment before speaking with a respectful tone:
"Prince—"
Dai Mubai immediately frowned."I told you not to call me 'Prince' in public."
He Cai bowed slightly."Yes, Young Master."
But the slight smirk tugging at the corners of Dai Mubai's lips told a different story.
He enjoyed hearing it. Even if he protested it, the title fed his vanity.
He Cai cleared his throat and handed him the poster."Young Master, look. This is the admission criteria of a nearby Advanced Soul Master Academy. They claim only 'monster-level geniuses' are admitted. It seems Quite outrageous."
Dai Mubai scanned the poster, his evil eyes narrowing with faint interest.
"Shrek Academy? Never heard of it."
"It's new," He Cai explained. "But the requirements are… unusual. Level twenty-five spirit power before age twelve, a combat test, and a fee."
Dai Mubai chuckled, folding the poster casually."Interesting?"
Still, the faint curiosity in his eyes revealed something else—he was bored. Aimless and it seemed that a little competition—or a little drama—seemed appealing.
Meanwhile, his gaze had already drifted to the passing women on the street.
Tall, short, elegantly dressed, simple clothing—it didn't matter.His evil eyes glimmered with predatory satisfaction as they swept the crowd.
"Heh… the Heaven Dou Empire really is different. Much more fun than home."
While Dai Mubai pretended to be uninterested, his gaze remained lazily fixed on the street.Still, he asked in a tone that sounded almost bored:
"What is the name of the academy again?"
He Cai responded promptly, "It is called Shrek Academy, Young Master. The poster states that admissions are still open. Would you like to take a look?"
At first, Dai Mubai didn't react.The very idea of some backwater academy daring to claim it only accepted "monster-level" geniuses felt laughable to him. He had been raised among the best of the Star Luo Royal Clan—who could possibly compare to him?
But then…
…a sparkle flashed in his eyes.
'Admissions are open?'
More importantly—
'Female geniuses?'
A thought instantly surfaced in his mind, unfiltered and very Dai Mubai-like:
'A place with talented soul masters…There should be… interesting girls as well.'
Dai Mubai stretched lazily, rolling his shoulders.
"Fine, let's go," he said, his tone regaining its familiar arrogance. "I want to see what kind of 'monsters' they claim to gather. And whether any of them surpass my strength."
A confident smirk touched his lips.
Dai Mubai was already level 32.
Even though he'd wasted time indulging himself across the Heaven Dou Empire, the superiority of the White Tiger inherited martial soul pushed him forward regardless.
With the cultivation resources from his uncle Duke Blood Tiger that is supplied secretly through the aide, his progress was still respectable—far above ordinary standards.
As he stepped forward, walking toward the outskirts of the city, his stride was relaxed yet proud, a young predator inspecting a new hunting ground.
He Cai watched his Young Master rush ahead, excitement thinly veiled behind confidence and bravado.Only after Dai Mubai walked several meters away did He Cai's expression subtly change.
His eyes gleamed—with something too sharp, too calculating for a simple servant.
He slipped a hand into his robes and quietly pulled out an object.
A small token.
Its surface engraved with a hooded eye—the pupil half-hidden in shadow, like something that watched from behind a veil.
He Cai polished the surface slowly with his thumb, reverently, almost ritualistically.
The symbol flashed faintly under the sunlight.
'The pills that exhaust potential with little gain is still working. But how much more will you hold on second prince, Dai Mubai.'
Then he tucked it away again, expression returning to the mild, obedient mask of a loyal retainer.
Only after this did he speak, raising his voice just enough:
"Young Master! Please wait for me!"
He hurried after Dai Mubai, bowing slightly as he caught up, but the calculating light buried deep inside his eyes never faded.