Chapter 57

"He's not under my jurisdiction. He doesn't need to go through the admissions process. I can't enjoy such privileges," Dai Mubai said with a self-deprecating smile as he glanced at the male student.

"What? Exempt from admission?" The teacher nearby stood up, looking at Qin Feng with disbelief.

Shrek Academy had never allowed this before. But if the other party was fake, there was no way they could have bypassed Li yusong, the strict old man guarding the gates. He would never have allowed a fraud to enter Shrek Academy. This meant the exemption was real.

"His admission notice is personally signed by Dean Flander. If you still doubt it, feel free to verify the notice yourself," Dai Mubai said, casting a playful look at the male student, his gaze dripping with mockery.

The male student, previously so confident, now lowered his head and said nothing. The Dean of Shrek Academy was a legendary Soul Sage—if someone was vouched for by him, there was no room for doubt.

Seeing the male student silenced, Dai Mubai snorted before leading Qin Feng and the group to the fourth trial.

"The fourth trial is the actual combat test. Some students may have high talent and rank, but their combat skills are lacking. For those students, Dean Flander has no tolerance," Dai Mubai explained.

"Uh… why do I get the feeling that getting into Shrek Academy is as hard as finding a wife?" Xiao Wu teased, pursing her lips. "Tell me, how many students has your academy admitted in recent years? How many are actually enrolled now?"

Under such strict conditions, they were probably lucky to admit ten students a year, if that.

"Well, in over twenty years, the academy has enrolled a total of forty-two students. If you're admitted today, it will set a new record for the most freshmen in Shrek's history. Including me, there are currently three students enrolled," Dai Mubai answered bitterly.

"What? Forty-two students? Only three in total?" Everyone was shocked, except for Qin Feng and the cold girl standing behind him. Could a place like this even be called a school with just three students?

"Oh, but we're the happiest students. Shrek is probably the only intermediate academy with more teachers than students," Dai Mubai added with a hint of pride. Even though the small number of students seemed lonely, the quality of teaching more than made up for it. After all, all the teachers here were exceptional.

"Then why not expand enrollment? Only three students is too few; how does the school even function?" Tang San asked, puzzled. A Soul Master Academy wasn't a charity. It needed students to generate income and sustain itself. Even if all three students were the children of wealthy nobles, it wouldn't be enough.

"That's why Shrek Academy is located in such a remote village. The Dean's motto is 'Better to have none than accept the mediocre,'" Dai Mubai said with a meaningful smile.

"Well, well, it seems like you've done well this year. Five students at once!"

A booming voice echoed, and a pair of bull-like eyes opened as a rugged man approached.

"Teacher Zhao, four have passed the fourth trial this year. One has been exempted from admission," Dai Mubai informed the man who had been napping.

"Exempt from admission? Who's that?" Teacher Zhao's eyes widened in surprise.

"Qin Feng, show your admission notice to Teacher Zhao," Dai Mubai instructed.

Qin Feng nodded and handed over the notice.

"Well, this is new. Flander must not have received a bribe. He actually let someone bypass Shrek's entrance exam. But let me be clear—just because Flander gave his approval doesn't mean I do. In my eyes, only those who pass the test are Shrek students," Zhao Wuji said dismissively as he tossed the notice back to Dai Mubai.

Dai Mubai could only offer an awkward laugh in response to Zhao Wuji's gruff attitude.

"Don't worry, Teacher Zhao. There's going to be quite a spectacle tonight," Qin Feng said with a smirk.

An attribute panel flashed in front of Qin Feng:

Host: Qin Feng

Gender: Male

Age: 13 years

First Martial Soul: Tiangang Hammer

Second Martial Soul: God-level Soul Beast

Soul Bone: none

Soul Power: 89,919,201 / 90,000,000

His soul power was nearing ninety million—perfect for tonight's big event.

"Dai Mubai, go get me a joss stick," Zhao Wuji said suddenly.

"Huh? Teacher Zhao, what for?" Dai Mubai asked, surprise evident in his eyes. Zhao Wuji had always been an observer during past tests, so why the sudden change today?

"I haven't stretched these old bones in a while. I think I'll get some exercise today," Zhao Wuji replied. As he spoke, he began to loosen up, and the creaking of his bones sent an ominous pressure through the air.

Tang San, watching closely, immediately recognized that this man was no easy opponent—he was definitely going to be difficult to deal with.

"Teacher Zhao, isn't this a bit much? In previous years..." Dai Mubai began, only for Zhao Wuji to cut him off.

"Stop whining. Or would you like to join them?" Zhao Wuji shot Dai Mubai a sharp look, sending him into silence.

"Consider yourselves lucky. I've decided to personally test you. I'll light a joss stick, and you have until it burns out to try and hold your ground against me. As long as one of you can withstand me for that time, you win," Zhao Wuji announced, his tone filled with authority. "But don't try to get clever—no one can escape my attack range through speed."

His words brought a heavy pressure over the group. Tang San and the others exchanged serious glances, preparing for the upcoming challenge.

"Really?" Qin Feng smirked, a mischievous glint in his eyes. Making up an excuse, he excused himself to the restroom.

Half a minute later, Qin Feng appeared in the back hills of Shrek Academy, a vast, wooded area.

"That must be Zhao Wuji's office," Qin Feng murmured as he eyed a small building in the distance.

The general structure of Shrek Academy hadn't changed much from what Qin Feng had seen in the anime.