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Zhuqing pursed her lips, trying hard not to burst out laughing. If she hadn't known beforehand that Su Yan was aware of the Douluo Continent's true nature, she really might have believed his performance.
Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu also wore odd expressions; how could he look so indignant and suspicious while acting so seriously? Tang San felt both angry and helpless, only able to glare at Su Yan with immense resentment.
With Tang San's resentful gaze trailing them, Dai Mubai led the group directly to the fourth test. Along the way, he told them all about Shrek Academy's history. Xiao Wu and the others listened to Mubai recount Shrek's past, occasionally glancing at Su Yan for confirmation, but Su Yan kept silent.
Shrek Academy absolutely would not have succeeded without the main character's team. Aside from Flender's personal issues, the biggest reason for its early failure was a complete lack of backing. The Balak Kingdom had offered to sponsor Shrek Academy, but the condition was that all graduating students had to pledge loyalty to the royal familyâa condition Flender refused.
Flender was right to refuse. If he had accepted the Balak Kingdom's sponsorship, the Academy would no longer truly belong to him. Not only would the students have to risk their lives for the royal family, but Flender and the other teachers would eventually also have to put their lives on the line for the Balak royal family.
If you don't have a strong Sect force supporting you and you're unwilling to become a subordinate or "dog" for the powerful, your situation is inevitably destined to collapse. This is an unwritten rule, a hidden reality that exists everywhere and in all walks of life.
If you don't dedicate your life to them, they will not only withhold support but will actively suppress and try to destroy you. This behavior is labeled as nobility here. In ancient times, it was called the monopoly of aristocratic families, and in modern times, it's called capital.
What's even more ruthless is this: those who reach the shore first will pick up stones and smash everyone still struggling in the water. People are instantly eliminated the moment they dare to show their heads. Even capital itself would weep upon seeing this level of cruelty.
So, what is the solution? Huang Chao has already provided the answer to this problem:
When autumn comes, on the eighth day of the ninth month, After my flowers bloom, all other flowers will be slain. The fragrant aroma will pierce through Chang'an, And the city will be filled with golden armor.
Group Chat:
Spring Wind Blows, Grass Grows Again: Su Yan, I have a friend who wants to know: Is Tang San no longer considered Tang Hao's son?
Yanzi Is Not Swallow: How long has it been since we talked about this? Why are you still stuck on it?
Hu Liena: Look, she also has a friend! What a coincidence!
Seven Treasures Little Princess: Is Tang San the Transmigrator Tang San, or is he Tang Hao's son Tang San? Is this question really that important?
I Am an Orphan: She cares so much about Tang San's identity; it seems her relationship with Tang San isn't simple, and it's not because of Tang Hao.
Group Member Number Nine: This is actually pretty easy to guess. Who would care more about Tang San's identity than Tang Yuehua?
Yanzi Is Not Swallow: Tang San's mom!
Everyone: ???
Ah Yin was instantly startled! Oh my goodness! Her identity was exposed so quickly!
Group Member Number Nine: Yanzi, can you calm down? Tang San's mother died a long time ago. Could she have come back from the dead?
Liu Erlong: Other than guessing 'his mom' and 'his mom,' what else can you guess?
Yanzi Is Not Swallow: His grandma? His maternal grandma?
Group Member Number Nine: It's a good thing Tang Yuehua is already in the group, otherwise you'd have to add his aunt!
Tang Yuehua: Spring Wind, loose lips sink ships. Just stop asking.
Seed Space.
Ah Yin knelt on the ground, her face full of despair. She knew that loose lips sink ships, but could she really bear not to ask? She couldn't! Others might not care about Tang San's identity, but how could Ah Yin not care? Because Ah Yin truly was his mother!
At the same time, Ah Yin clung to a small glimmer of hope, desperately wishing her son was still alive, even though the answer was already so obvious.
Su Yan: This question is meaningless. If you think he is, then he is. If you think he is a cuckoo usurping a magpie's nest, then he is.
Bibi Dong: Don't bother explaining it to her. If Ah Yin hadn't died in the sacrifice, I would also suspect she was Tang San's mom. How long until the next upgrade? I want to know about Tang Hao or Tang San's affairs. I estimate Spring Wind's identity will also be exposed then.
Liu Erlong: Old woman, shouldn't you be wondering why your good Disciple is just like youâa heartless, love-struck fool?
Yanzi Is Not Swallow: Good point!
Hu Liena: ??? Yu Erlong, that's enough. Hurry up and go find Tang Yuehua to discuss your platonic love!
Tang Yuehua: Are you even being polite?
Su Yan: About three days. What topics would you all like to hear about for the next upgrade? We can discuss it together.
Shrek Academy.
Su Yan and his group, following Dai Mubai, finally met the early-game must-defeat boss of the Douluo Continent, the Immovable King â Zhao Wuji. As for Dai Mubai, he was at most a small monster to fight.
Zhao Wuji sat there, looking drowsy. When he saw Dai Mubai leading five people over, he spoke with some surprise.
"Hmm? Someone made it to the fourth test this year? And five of them, no less?"
Dai Mubai quickly explained, "These five didn't just make it to the fourth test; they all bypassed the second and third tests as well."
Zhao Wuji's eyes immediately lit up. He stood up from his chair, instantly becoming energized.
"All five of your Spirit Power levels exceed twenty-five. Not bad! It looks like there are quite a few little freaks this year." He continued, "This is the fourth test. Pass my trial, and you can officially become members of Shrek."
Ning Rongrong and the others looked puzzled, curious about what this fourth test would actually be.
Zhao Wuji went on, "My trial isn't simple. It tests your experience in actual combat. Since you're all geniuses who bypassed the second and third tests, I will personally spar with you."
"I'll give you the time it takes for one stick of incense to burn to discuss your plan. After that, if all of you can withstand my attacks for the duration of one incense stick, you will have passed the trial."
Su Yan couldn't help but inwardly complain. Indeed! Zhao Wuji was just that annoying; he wouldn't behave until he got a good beating from the rat that Tang San would give him.
"No." Before Su Yan and the others could respond, Dai Mubai spoke up first, refusing the terms.
"Hmm?" Zhao Wuji glared at him and irritably retorted, "What's wrong with it? The Dean isn't here, so I'm the highest authority in the Academy. If I say it's fine, it's fine."
Dai Mubai took a step closer and whispered in Zhao Wuji's ear, "Teacher Zhao, do you see how I look right now?"
Zhao Wuji pouted, "Useless. As a Shrek student, to be beaten up like this."
Dai Mubai also felt depressed and spoke in a low voice, "I was beaten by that guy named Su Yan, one of those five. If you change the rules for the fourth test now, they'll think I'm interfering and deliberately trying to retaliate against them."
Zhao Wuji looked at Su Yan with some surprise, then back at Dai Mubai, not quite understanding. He asked, "Are you sure? That kid looks younger than you. You actually couldn't beat him?"
Dai Mubai nodded.
Zhao Wuji patted Dai Mubai's shoulder and said, "Isn't that perfect? I'll test them and help you vent your anger at the same time."
Dai Mubai looked exhausted. "Teacher Zhao. They're all going to Shrek, and I can't beat Su Yan. If you help me vent my anger today, do you think my life will be easy afterward?"