Chapter 32: "I’m Not Enrolling, Just Watching"

Shen An noticed Zhu Zhuqing's subtle unease and turned his gaze toward Dai Mubai. Though powerful, using his soul master status to oppress ordinary people for a mere ten gold soul coins was, to Shen An, unbecoming and distasteful.

After this incident, about a third of the applicants abandoned the line. Ten gold soul coins weren't a trivial amount, and many were unwilling to waste their money, especially considering the dilapidated appearance of Shrek Academy, which hardly inspired confidence in its ability to nurture outstanding students.

Another young man stepped forward to try his luck. Despite meeting the age requirement, the elder rejected him, citing insufficient talent. To make his point, the elder unleashed an intimidating aura, revealing six glowing soul rings. The crowd fell silent in awe, their earlier complaints forgotten—after all, a six-ring Soul Emperor was an exalted figure to them.

The elder declared, "Shrek Academy only accepts monsters. If you're over thirteen or your soul power is below level 21, leave."

At this, the line dwindled further, leaving just a handful of applicants.

When it was Zhu Zhuqing's turn, she paid the gold soul coins and displayed her soul power. She passed the test with ease.

As she released her soul power, Dai Mubai's reaction was visibly unusual. His heterochromatic eyes locked onto her, disbelief etched across his face.

"Those not enrolling, don't block the way. Don't you understand the rules?" A sweet yet slightly imperious voice rang out.

Shen An turned to see the same young lady from yesterday, the one who had tried to buy Tom.

The proud Ning Rongrong stood there, radiating confidence. With a powerful six-ring Soul Emperor present, she felt emboldened and decided to throw out a taunt at Shen An.

Shen An's lips twitched. What's going on today? Why are all the weirdos gathering in one place?

Ignoring her, Shen An approached the elder and said, "Can you check my bone age?"

Being disregarded, Ning Rongrong grew even more furious. If only Grandpa Sword and Grandpa Bone were here, this guy would already be groveling at my feet! she thought venomously.

The elder, sensing Shen An's formidable soul power, didn't even ask him to pay the fee. After a brief examination, he said, "Fourteen years old. You're eligible to apply."

Shen An, however, remained calm. "You misunderstood. I'm not here to enroll—just checking."

For a moment, the elder's calm demeanor broke. He had never encountered someone who passed the test yet declined to join. Why did he even ask for the test? To freeload?

Shen An walked back to Zhu Zhuqing. Why would I join Shrek Academy? All I needed was to confirm my real age.

Dai Mubai stepped forward, his eyes cold. "I need to take this student for further testing. If you're not involved, leave now—or don't blame me for what happens next."

Shen An found Dai Mubai's hostility amusing. Is this about Zhu Zhuqing? Or does he think I'm easy to bully?

Smiling faintly, Shen An's expression hardened, his gaze sharp. "I'd like to see what you mean by 'don't blame me.'"

Dai Mubai began gathering his soul power, ready to teach Shen An a lesson. Sensing the tension, Zhu Zhuqing instinctively stepped between them. She was unaware of Shen An's recent breakthrough to Soul Grandmaster, and sensing Dai Mubai's formidable soul power, she didn't hesitate to shield Shen An.

Dai Mubai's wicked grin deepened as he recognized the unique aura of Zhu Zhuqing's Martial Soul. It dawned on him—this was his fiancée, bound to him by an arranged marriage.

But now, his fiancée was standing protectively in front of another man.

His temper flared. "Hiding behind a woman—are you even a man?" he spat.

Shen An chuckled softly, gently pushing Zhu Zhuqing aside. "Zhuqing, let me handle this."

Though hesitant, Zhu Zhuqing stepped back.

Shen An had yet to face a real opponent since acquiring his Ultimate Martial Soul. Though Dai Mubai had more practical experience and a higher soul power level, Shen An was confident in the strength of his Ultimate Martial Soul and its extraordinary soul rings. He wasn't intimidated in the slightest.

Before they could clash, the elder, Li Yusong, interjected. "Enough! This is the admissions process, not a battlefield. Dai Mubai, just escort them to the next stage."

Reluctantly, Dai Mubai complied, his gaze lingering coldly on Shen An.

As they walked, Shen An couldn't help but regret the missed opportunity to humble Dai Mubai. This guy's arrogance is insufferable. It's not even about Zhu Zhuqing at this point.

The elder spoke again. "Another batch of extraordinary talents. Dai Mubai, take them all to the fourth test together."

Shen An noticed Li Yusong watching him closely. This elder has sharp instincts. He's already sizing me up.

During the journey, Dai Mubai struck up a conversation with Tang San, boasting about Shrek Academy's elite standards. "We've only admitted about forty students over the years. Our standards are the highest."

Even Xiao Wu couldn't hide her amazement. Tang San, ever pragmatic, asked, "But with so few students and limited income, how does the academy survive?"

Dai Mubai's tone turned reverent. "The dean believes in quality over quantity. We only accept the best. Graduating requires reaching level 40 before the age of 20."

Shen An interjected calmly, "By your standards, anyone who's level 20 before thirteen is naturally talented enough to reach level 40 by twenty. What exactly does the academy contribute to their growth?"

Dai Mubai bristled, his voice cold. "You wouldn't understand."