The Shrek Academy courtyard fell into an unnatural silence.
Zhao Wuji stood at the center, arms crossed over his massive chest, eyes fixed on the three newcomers. His aura was restrained, but anyone with experience could feel the weight behind it—a Soul Saint who had survived too many battles to count.
"This is the entrance test," Zhao Wuji said gruffly. "Survive one stick of incense against me."
He glanced at Tang San and Xiao Wu. "You can work together."
Then his gaze settled on Lin Chen.
"And you," he added, voice low, "can join them."
Lin Chen shook his head.
"I'll go alone."
The courtyard stirred.
Dai Mubai's brows shot up. "Is he insane?"
Oscar stopped chewing.
Even Flander paused mid-sip of wine.
Zhao Wuji stared at Lin Chen for several seconds before laughing loudly.
"Hah! Good! It's been a while since a kid tried to embarrass me."
Yu Xiaogang's fingers twitched.
This is a mistake…Or a revelation.
The incense was lit.
Zhao Wuji moved.
He vanished from where he stood, the ground cracking beneath his feet as he reappeared before Lin Chen, palm descending like a mountain.
"First soul skill—Gravity Suppression!"
The air thickened violently.
Lin Chen didn't move.
The palm stopped—three inches from his forehead.
Zhao Wuji's eyes widened.
"What—"
Lin Chen raised his hand casually.
Not to strike.
To hold.
The pressure reversed.
Zhao Wuji's pupils shrank as his knees bent involuntarily, boots sinking into the earth.
"This isn't strength…" he growled. "What is this?"
Lin Chen's expression remained calm.
"Weight," he replied. "The difference between us."
He released his hand.
Zhao Wuji stumbled back three steps, breathing heavily.
The courtyard was dead silent.
Dai Mubai swallowed.
Zhu Zhuqing's heart raced.
He didn't use a spirit.He didn't use a ring.
Zhao Wuji straightened slowly, face grim.
"Again," he said.
This time, he didn't hold back.
"Martial Spirit—Vigorous Vajra Bear!"
A massive bear phantom erupted behind him, yellow and purple soul rings blazing as he slammed both fists down.
The ground exploded.
Dust swallowed the courtyard.
Inside the dust cloud, Lin Chen's eyes glowed faintly.
0.5%.
The Void Dragon King stirred.
The dust froze midair.
Zhao Wuji felt it instantly—his soul power slowed, thickened, resisted his will like sludge.
"…Domain?" he whispered in disbelief.
Lin Chen stepped forward.
Each step caused the earth to groan.
Zhao Wuji swung—his fist missing by inches as Lin Chen passed through his guard effortlessly, placing two fingers against Zhao Wuji's chest.
Tap.
The Vigorous Vajra Bear shattered.
Zhao Wuji was thrown backward, skidding across the ground before stopping at the edge of the courtyard.
Silence.
The incense… still burned.
Flander exhaled slowly.
"…Accepted," he said hoarsely.
Zhao Wuji sat up, staring at Lin Chen with complicated eyes—shock, fear, and something close to respect.
"You didn't hurt me," he said.
Lin Chen nodded. "You didn't deserve it."
Zhao Wuji laughed bitterly.
"Monster?" he muttered. "No."
He looked up at the sky.
"This academy just met a ceiling."
Lin Chen turned and walked back toward Tang San and Xiao Wu.
Zhu Zhuqing's gaze followed him—sharp, curious, dangerous.
The system interface shimmered faintly.
[Shrek Academy: Authority Established][Hidden Bond Detected: Zhu Zhuqing — Combat Synergy High]
Lin Chen didn't look back.
But fate already had.