Chapter 38: Completely Fooled

Chapter 38: Completely Fooled

"Spirit Hall Elders all have at least the cultivation of a Titled Douluo?"

Hearing Ning Rongrong's words, Dai Mubai froze. He genuinely didn't know this. Unless one deliberately sought out such knowledge or, like Ning Rongrong, had a grandfather as an Honorary Elder of Spirit Hall ordinary people would be lucky just to understand Spirit Hall's basic hierarchy.

"That's right. So, you claim that Shrek Academy's most outstanding graduate is now the youngest Elder in Spirit Hall? Then tell me, which Titled Douluo came from Shrek Academy?" Ning Rongrong looked at him as if he were an idiot.

Titled Douluo were the pinnacle of soul masters, their numbers so few they could be counted on one hand!

Each one was famous across the continent, with well documented backgrounds. Unless they deliberately hid their identities, their origins were well known.

"..."

Dai Mubai was at a complete loss for words.

Before today, he had never known that all Spirit Hall Elders were at least Titled Douluo. He had assumed that Soul Emperors or Soul Sages could qualify. As for Titled Douluo… that was so far beyond his imagination that he never even considered it.

If Shrek Academy had truly produced a Titled Douluo, the academy would be renowned across the continent. They wouldn't be hiding in a tiny village, struggling to stay afloat.

"Wait a minute… was I… fooled?"

Dai Mubai's eye twitched.

Thinking back to when he first arrived at Shrek Academy, he remembered being curious. Despite its shabby environment, all the teachers were strong, with at least Soul Emperor level cultivation.

This alone had impressed him.

Then he met Headmaster Flender, who had boasted endlessly about Shrek's "glorious achievements" and its "only for monsters" enrollment policy.

Caught up in the moment, desperate to prove himself, Dai Mubai had rashly joined this academy an academy that didn't even have a Martial Soul Mimicry Training Ground.

Now, with Ning Rongrong's brutal clarity, he thought back on his three years at Shrek Academy.

And suddenly, he realized something shocking

"What exactly have I learned in these three years…?"

The answer?

Almost nothing.

Most of his time had been spent fighting in the Soul Arena, using battles to hone his skills.

In truth, what did Shrek Academy actually teach?

Anywhere you went, soul master education was the same

Basic knowledge of soul beastsHow to choose the right soul ringTeachers and fellow students helping each other hunt soul beasts

Shrek Academy's only real advantage was that its teachers were strong they could help students hunt better quality soul rings.

But…

High level academies in major cities could do the same thing.

And unlike Shrek, those prestigious academies had actual training resources, like Martial Soul Mimicry Grounds which accelerated cultivation!

This was an advantage Shrek lacked entirely.

And since Shrek only accepted geniuses, those same students would have thrived in elite academies anyway!

So what exactly did Shrek offer that was special?

Nothing.

The more Dai Mubai thought about it, the more he realized

He had been completely and utterly fooled.

"Forget it."

Dai Mubai shook his head.

He had already spent three years here what was the point of dwelling on it now?

Yes, Shrek's facilities were poor, but their teachers were strong that had to count for something, right?

Convincing himself of this, Dai Mubai felt a little better.

"Let's go."

He ignored Ning Rongrong and walked ahead, clearly unwilling to argue further.

Seeing that she had completely shut him down, Ning Rongrong decided to ease up.

No need to keep kicking him while he was down acting too aggressive would only make her annoying.

After all, who likes a girl who argues endlessly?

She might be proud and mischievous, but she wasn't stupid.

A short while later, Dai Mubai stopped walking.

"We're here."

The three had arrived at another open area, much smaller than the previous one only about 200 square meters.

A middle aged man in his fifties sat dozing in a chair.

To the side, Tang San stood waiting, clearly yet to take his test.

"Teacher Zhao, I've brought two more students for the fourth test." Dai Mubai called out.

"Hmm? We already had one, and now there are two more? That makes three in total this year?"

The drowsy man Zhao Wuji slowly opened his eyes, surprised as he looked at Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong.

"Huh. Haven't seen this many talented students in years."

Dai Mubai added, "Not just three they all skipped the second and third tests."

Zhao Wuji's eyes lit up.

Standing up from his chair, his stocky frame commanded attention.

Despite only being 1.5 meters tall, his broad shoulders made him look like a walking fortress. His bulging muscles strained against his clothes, and despite his friendly expression, his physical presence alone exuded tremendous pressure.

"Three students, all above level 25? Not bad, not bad… Looks like we've got some real little monsters this year."

Zhao Wuji's sharp gaze swept across them before he introduced himself:

"I'm Zhao Wuji."

"Since you all skipped two tests, I'll personally test you!"

"You have one incense stick's time to discuss and strategize."

"After that, the test begins."

Then, Zhao Wuji grinned

"Your test is simple."

"Survive my attacks for one incense stick's time."

"If even one of you lasts until the end, you all pass."

"Fail… and you don't qualify to enter Shrek Academy."

Zhao Wuji's tone was firm.

However…

This was actually a trick.

As long as students passed the first three tests, they were already accepted.

This "fourth test" was just for show no matter win or lose, they would all be admitted.

Zhao Wuji wanted them to think their admission was at risk.

Then, when they inevitably lost and he still let them in, it would create a psychological impact

Shock. Relief. Gratitude.

The result?

They would feel more connected to the academy and view it more favorably.

In other words

This was all part of the academy's manipulation tactics.

(Full of tricks, indeed...)

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