When they finally entered the grounds of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, what greeted them was not solemnity—but noise.
A group of students had gathered in a loose circle, laughter and mocking voices echoing through the courtyard. At the center stood a young boy dressed in luxurious robes, his posture lazy, his expression arrogant. His hair was neatly combed, his spirit tool accessories glittered faintly, and his gaze carried the unmistakable arrogance of someone born above others.
He was Xue Beng, the Fourth Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire.
Tang San recognized him immediately.
Before he could even exchange a glance with the others, Xue Beng sneered, looking the Shrek group up and down as though appraising livestock.
"Eh? Where did these beggars crawl out from?" Xue Beng drawled loudly, making sure everyone nearby could hear.
He deliberately pinched his nose.
"Tsk. Tsk. Their clothes look like they came straight out of a back-alley academy. Is Heaven Dou Imperial Academy so desperate now that even trash is allowed through the gates?"
The surrounding students laughed obediently.
Xue Beng continued, eyes filled with contempt.
"Let me guess—some countryside academy that barely teaches spirit masters how to walk straight? Don't tell me you think just anyone can step foot into Heaven Dou Imperial Academy?"
"These grounds are reserved for nobles and true elites. Not stray dogs."
The moment those words left his mouth—
Boom!
Dai Mubai's expression darkened instantly.
Without a single word of warning, he stepped forward and kicked out.
Xue Beng didn't even have time to react before his body flew backward like a sack of grain, tumbling several meters before crashing into a stone planter. His luxurious robes were instantly stained with dirt and dust.
The laughter died instantly.
The surrounding students froze, staring in disbelief.
Dai Mubai rolled his shoulders calmly, pupils filled with cold disdain.
"Learn to speak properly," he said flatly.
"Or don't speak at all."
Xue Beng lay on the ground, stunned, pain shooting through his chest. His eyes widened in shock and humiliation, but before he could shout—
A sharp voice rang out.
"That's enough!"
Qin Ming arrived swiftly, his expression stern. His Soul Power subtly spread outward, immediately suppressing the chaotic atmosphere.
He glanced at Xue Beng, then at the Shrek group, his brows furrowing.
"Prince Xue Beng, this matter will be reported properly," Qin Ming said coolly.
"As for you—return to your dormitory."
Xue Beng clenched his teeth, humiliation burning in his eyes, but he didn't dare argue. He struggled to his feet, shooting a venomous glare at Dai Mubai and Tang San before retreating under the stares of the crowd.
Qin Ming turned to the Shrek students and sighed inwardly.
"These are your future classmates," he said. "Let's go. The elders are waiting."
He personally led them deeper into the academy, leaving behind the stunned onlookers.
Soon, they arrived at the administrative building.
Inside the spacious office sat three imposing figures, each exuding a different aura of authority.
At the center was Meng Shenji, the principal of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy—an elderly man with calm eyes and a composed demeanor.
To his left stood Zhi Lin, also old, sharp-eyed and stern. To his right was Bai Baoshan, broad-shouldered and dignified, his presence steady.
The moment they sensed the Shrek group enter, all three elders' gazes sharpened.
Meng Shengji's eyes swept across the students. After a moment, he smiled faintly.
"Not bad… truly not bad."
Zhi Lin nodded, his tone direct.
"At such young ages, several Soul Grandmasters. Their foundations are solid, their spirit power stable, and their killing intent restrained. This is not something ordinary academies can cultivate."
Qin Ming stepped forward and spoke respectfully,
"Elder Tang San, with his Martial Soul Blue Silver Grass, serves as Shrek team's control-type Soul Master. His battlefield control is extremely precise, and his judgment impeccable."
The moment those words fell, the expressions of the three elders subtly shifted.
A control-type Spirit Master was the backbone of any team—and Blue Silver Grass was widely known as a weak Martial Soul.
Zhi Lin's sharp eyes narrowed slightly, interest flickering within them.
"Oh?" he said slowly.
"There exists such a talented control-type Soul Master?"
He straightened, his aura unconsciously spreading.
"I myself am a Control System Soul Master," Zhi Lin continued, his voice steady and authoritative.
"My Martial Soul is Azure Sky Vine."
His gaze swept across the Shrek students.
"Which one of you is Tang San?"
Tang San stepped forward calmly, cupping his fists.
"This junior is Tang San."
Zhi Lin studied him carefully—his ordinary appearance, calm expression, restrained aura. There was nothing flamboyant about him.
Yet precisely because of that, Zhi Lin's interest deepened.
"I want to test your talent," Zhi Lin said plainly.
Without further words, he raised a hand.
In an instant, thick azure vines unfurled behind him, ancient patterns glowing faintly as they coiled through the air. A pressure like intertwining roots descended upon the room.
Zhi Lin did not attack.
He merely released Soul Power pressure.
Invisible waves of force swept forward, bearing the suppression of a high-ranking Soul Master.
Yet Tang San remained standing.
Zhi Lin's eyes widened ever so slightly.
'He's resisting…?'
Curiosity overtook caution.
With deliberate control, Zhi Lin increased the intensity of his Soul Power—slowly, layer by layer, like tightening vines wrapping around prey.
Tang San felt the pressure clearly.
It was like standing beneath an ancient tree whose roots pressed against his bones and spirit.
Yet his expression remained composed.
The immortal herbs he had consumed, the tempering of his body and spirit, and the refinement of his mind through Tang Sect techniques allowed him to endure far beyond what his level should permit.
Soul Power surged within him, stable and resilient.
Zhi Lin's brows finally knit together.
'This pressure… even a Soul Ancestor would struggle.'
But Tang San still stood.
Just then—
A cold, disdainful voice cut through the room.
"Meng Shenji."
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