As soon as Dai Mubai opened his mouth, a flicker of anger and venom surged in Tang San's eyes — though he thought he hid it well.
Shrek Academy, despite its shabby exterior, had unbelievably strict admission standards.
Age, soul power level, martial spirit potential and development, and actual combat ability — even the slightest weakness in any of these would result in outright rejection, no exceptions.
Even if they didn't recruit a single student in a whole year, they'd rather go without than lower their standards.
He had previously spoken with that Senior Dai, and learned that the academy had only ever admitted sixty-two students in its twenty-plus-year history — and only fourteen had actually graduated.
These fourteen prodigies, once they left the academy, all became world-class figures. The most exceptional among them was now even an Elder of the Spirit Hall, second in authority only to the Pope.
Both the difficulty of entry and the achievements of past graduates clearly showed that Shrek had serious teaching capabilities — they probably had some secret techniques.
Even the teachers praised them endlessly.
For him, this was undoubtedly a golden opportunity.
He'd struggled like hell to finally pass, and now they just casually brushed it off? And now he had to fight a Soul Saint?
A Soul Saint was the seventh title for soul masters — someone who had already awakened their Martial Soul True Body. How could a bunch of Soul Elders and Grandmasters even compete?
Since four years ago, Nangong Lingyun hadn't revealed his soul power level to the outside world.
As for Xiao Wu, she had only recently broken through to level forty a month ago — the rest of her levels were gained through practicing the Yin-Yang Path with him, which outsiders didn't know.
So in the eyes of the Shrek Trio, both were still just Soul Elders.
Tang San was fuming inside.
But he didn't dare target Zhao Wuji directly, so he could only shift the blame to Nangong Lingyun.
"If he hadn't shown up so late, I wouldn't be dealing with this crap."
"Can't even blame Teacher Zhao for being mad — showing up at dusk to register like some spoiled brat. What teacher would put up with a student like that?"
…
Nangong Lingyun glanced at the incense burning on the ground.
It wasn't burning slowly — it would probably last a little over five minutes.
He then looked toward Tang San's smug little "I'm hiding something deep" face and couldn't help but flash a half-smirk.
He said lightly:
"Xiao Wu, since the Unmoving King seems to be in such a good mood, why don't you play with the elder for a bit? Go all out this time."
The moment he said that, the entire scene froze.
Tang San's eyes widened, Dai Mubai's face was full of disbelief.
Even Zhao Wuji's rocking chair abruptly stopped.
He tilted his head up slightly, question marks practically floating above it.
He had once been known as the Demon King of Chaos, had fought sixteen opponents at once, had escaped pursuit by the Spirit Hall's Soul Emperor Corps — what hadn't he seen?
But honestly, this? This he hadn't seen.
Only Xiao Wu, after a brief pause, leapt up excitedly, clearly hyped.
"You're not fighting?"
Dai Mubai asked in utter disbelief.
Facing a well-known Soul Saint, they weren't going to team up but send just one person? That's not just confidence — that's borderline arrogance.
"I'll step in when it's necessary. Let Xiao Wu have her fun first."
Nangong Lingyun smiled dotingly, looking completely unfazed.
His combat power was already far beyond the norm — especially after forming a pact with the Golden Lion-Tiger. He didn't even need to take average Super Douluos seriously anymore.
Compared to that, the rabbit's strength was leagues beyond her original version, but still within acceptable range — just right for this situation.
His nonchalant attitude only fueled the trio's fury.
They clenched their fists, teeth grinding, faces flushed red.
But they had no choice. Their admission had been revoked — if they wanted back in, they had to cooperate.
So with massive effort, they suppressed their emotions and took a deep breath:
"Let's introduce ourselves first — names, martial spirits, power levels — and then we'll discuss tactics."
"I'll go first. I'm Tang San, Tool Martial Spirit: Blue Silver Grass. Level 29 Control-Type Battle Soul Master.
I have a poison attribute. My two soul skills are Blue Silver Thrust and Blue Silver Leaf, and I'm good at some hand-to-hand techniques."
However, while he thought this "gritted-teeth compromise" made him look noble and long-suffering…
The others didn't even glance his way.
Only the veiled curvy woman cast a questioning look at Nangong Lingyun, but when he didn't respond, she lowered her gaze again.
Xiao Wu stepped forward, hands clasped in a respectful gesture:
"Senior, please give me your guidance."
That did it — Tang San couldn't hold it anymore. His face turned ashen and he shouted:
"Wait a second!"
He then stormed up to Nangong Lingyun, yelling:
"What the hell are you doing?!
Teacher Zhao is a Soul Saint — do you even understand what that means?!
Soul power level seventy, ten-thousand-year soul rings, seven abilities, and the Martial Soul True Body.
Against someone like that, you won't discuss strategy or coordinate? You're just going to sit back and send a girl out alone? What kind of man are you?!"
Nangong Lingyun wasn't into that cliché "play dumb and show off later" act, nor did he tolerate nonsense.
The moment he had enough points to summon Angel Yan, his motto was simple: "I don't eat beef."
In response to Tang San's tirade…
He didn't say a word — just raised his foot and planted it squarely on that ugly face.
Boom! A hole appeared in the wall.
Then his calm voice followed:
"You can be useless. But don't assume everyone else is too.
You might lack a brain, but don't think the rest of us are brain-dead.
I don't know what your teacher taught you, but as a soul master, you don't even grasp the basics.
Trying to exchange info and formulate tactics right in front of your opponent, proudly revealing your skills and attributes... What, afraid they won't know how to kill you efficiently?"
After those words, even the angry Zhao Wuji, mid-rage, suddenly went quiet.
Dai Mubai looked equally awkward — he'd been thinking the same thing as Tang San earlier.
At that moment, Nangong Lingyun asked Xiao Wu:
"Do you remember what I taught you?"
"Of course," she answered. "Never reveal your soul skills or abilities lightly — each use gives the enemy more familiarity.
Only by holding back and saving it for a critical moment can you catch them off guard and make a decisive impact."
(End of Chapter)