Chapter 20: When to Take the Exam

Thank you to our new Patrons: Josh, Nilist, Neopolitansoso, Foolie, Resid Kuliyev, Bodybags87, Jaden Henderson, spiritwolf86, Kyle Bates, Macabre Threener, Jakob Harris, Koner !!, Elan Jones, NaasH NS, Shon Ducusin, Kai Zambrano!, mty and BenDover110 You are what makes this possible! We are up to Chapter 40: The Plan to Split the Martial Soul on Patreon!

There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Xu Shengqun wanted his nephew to study and cultivate at Shrek Academy. While he didn't harbor thoughts of Shrek raising a white-eyed wolf, he certainly didn't want his nephew to be indoctrinated by Shrek's style—completely becoming one of their own.

What was Shrek's style?

Unreasonable, with everything centered around being "strange."

Sometimes, just to emphasize this strangeness, they would even allow their exams to disrupt the normal functioning of the Federation. Xu Shengqun clearly didn't want his nephew to become a soul master like that.

Even though Xu Yuan was mature for his age, Xu Shengqun still worried that his worldview, values, and moral outlook hadn't fully formed yet. He wasn't ready to send him to Shrek at this stage.

"The next session—I plan for you to take Shrek's entrance exam in three years," Xu Shengqun said.

Xu Yuan was somewhat puzzled.

Wasn't it about taking Shrek's entrance exam?

"Uncle, are you considering my participation in the admissions process three years from now?"

Although Xu Shengqun planned for Xu Yuan to participate in the admissions process three years later, he didn't intend to let Xu Yuan idle during this time.

"Recently, there's been an inner court disciple from Shrek spotted in Eastsea City. His teacher is a member of Shrek's Sea God Island. Although certain circumstances prevented him from graduating normally, he was still among the top of his generation. He's currently teaching at Eastsea Academy, and I plan to have you study under him for the next three years."

Xu Yuan immediately understood who his uncle was referring to.

Tian Bing Wu Changkong had left Shrek due to issues involving his girlfriend and was now in Eastsea City.

"Uncle, do you want him to teach me?" Xu Yuan asked.

Xu Shengqun shook his head.

"You already have Mu Ye as your teacher, and he primarily teaches you the secret techniques of the Body Sect, helping you cultivate your body martial soul. As for your Tianyuan Brush weapon martial soul, I can guide you in its cultivation. You don't actually need his instruction."

Xu Yuan nodded but, precisely because of this, became even more curious about why his uncle wanted him to seek out Wu Changkong at Eastsea Academy.

"I, your uncle, have some connections with his teacher. It was through his teacher's contacts that I learned he was here. After investigating, I confirmed he's teaching at Eastsea Academy."

Uncle has ties with Zuo Shi?

Xu Yuan found this surprising.

It seemed there were reasons why his uncle didn't appear much in the later parts of the original story.

"I'm sending you to him now so he can assess your talent. Three years from now, he'll recommend you to his teacher."

Xu Yuan frowned, not understanding his uncle's reasoning.

"Uncle, with my talent, shouldn't I already qualify for direct admission into Shrek's inner court, even now?"

It wasn't arrogance on Xu Yuan's part—it was simply the truth. In just one year since awakening his martial soul, Xu Yuan had already reached level eighteen. This meant that before turning eight, he could break through to level twenty. Within two to three years, reaching level thirty wouldn't be an issue. An eleven-year-old Soul Elder with twin martial souls—one being a body martial soul—and exceptional aptitude in secondary professions.

This was already more than enough for Xu Yuan to pass this year's admissions.

In three years, his chances would only be even better.

Why bother seeking Wu Changkong's recommendation?

Xu Shengqun looked at Xu Yuan and sighed deeply.

"Xiao Yuan, entering Shrek doesn't mean everything is settled. The fundamental reason for you to enter Shrek is to gain its protection and avoid being targeted by Qiangu Dongfeng. Entering the inner court is one aspect, while gaining attention from the Sea God Pavilion is another."

Though backdoor methods weren't strictly necessary, approaching things that way would catch Zuo Shi's attention.

At that time, Xu Shengqun would ask Zuo Shi for another favor. During the exam three years later, influential figures would preside over it, drawing more attention from the Sea God Pavilion elders.

And perhaps even from that person.

Though it might seem far-fetched, it wasn't entirely impossible to hope for such an outcome.

If Xu Yuan could be taken as a disciple by that person, entering Shrek would be a perfect scenario.

"During these three years, I'll focus on teaching you spear techniques. You need to develop the spear momentum within your martial soul and create your own unique style. Only then will you achieve the best results during the assessment three years from now."

Xu Yuan didn't fully agree with Xu Shengqun's reasoning.

However, since it was ultimately for his benefit, he didn't have any grounds to oppose it.

He knew his own situation well.

Xu Yuan was confident in his talent but not to the extent of attracting someone like Yun Ming to personally take him as a disciple—at least not before his snowball of advantages started rolling.

But—

"Uncle, why must I necessarily become his disciple?" Xu Yuan felt his uncle might be missing the point.

"Didn't you analyze it for me earlier? My need for protection led me to choose Shrek among many options."

"But that doesn't mean Shrek is the only option capable of providing that protection. Didn't you also arrange for me to apprentice under Teacher Mu Ye for the same reason? Planning further for Shrek now is just adding another layer of insurance."

"Now, if I go to Shrek, it's partly for protection, but more importantly, I need an environment to study and a stage to compete with excellent soul masters."

"Teacher Mu Ye is more than capable of ensuring my safety. I have no doubts about that."

"I can't betray Teacher Mu Ye for the sake of so-called insurance, convincing him to let me apprentice under someone else—even if it's in a different field."

Even if it were Yun Ming, it should be Yun Ming recognizing his talent and discussing it with Mu Ye to reach a consensus—not something Xu Yuan himself should orchestrate.

Xu Yuan knew his talent wasn't heaven-defying, but he still carried the pride of a reincarnated soul.

Groveling to maximize his chances of catching Yun Ming's attention?

Sorry, that wasn't happening.

Instead, Xu Yuan thought more about how this process would bring unimaginable pain to Mu Ye.

"Teacher Mu Ye has devoted himself wholeheartedly to teaching me this past year—whether it's the cultivation of my body martial soul or mech design, he's been an excellent teacher." Xu Yuan looked at his uncle and spoke earnestly.

Xu Shengqun was struck by Xu Yuan's words and stood frozen for a moment.

After a long pause, he let out a bitter laugh. "You're right, Uncle hasn't shifted his mindset. Yes, with Mu Ye as your teacher, your safety is already assured."

It wasn't just Mu Ye—Xu Yuan's relationship with Zhen Hua was also very close. With these two backing him, unless a catastrophic event occurred, Xu Yuan no longer needed to prioritize seeking protection above all else.

At the same time, Xu Shengqun realized from Xu Yuan's earlier remarks that his nephew's mentality was even more mature than he had imagined. His thinking was more comprehensive, and his views had almost formed a stable framework.

"Xiao Yuan, if Uncle were to let you take Shrek's entrance exam now, what would you think?"

"I can give it a try," Xu Yuan replied calmly.

If he entered Shrek now, he'd have six years to focus solely on cultivation. If he waited three years, he'd only have three.

He remembered that after Tang Wulin's batch entered, even those pre-selected for the inner court had to study in the outer court.

As for studying in the outer court—let's just say, the headaches were real.

------------------------------------------------------

Support my writing journey: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow