"First Soul Skill, Qilin Steps in Heaven!"
Su Bai unleashed his first soul skill repeatedly, sending wave after wave of shockwaves surging toward Zhao Wuji.
Each stomp made the ground tremble. His speed kept increasing, his figure flashing like lightning.
Faced with the continuous shockwaves, Zhao Wuji was forced to step back. Though his defense was formidable, enduring such relentless, concussive attacks still left him somewhat uncomfortable.
Seizing the moment, Su Bai's third soul ring lit up again.
"Third Soul Skill, Qilin Soaring Break!"
He transformed into a streak of golden light, instantly closing the distance between them.
The moment the dash ended, he didn't pause—his strike, infused with Qilin power, slammed straight toward Zhao Wuji's chest.
Boom!
With a loud explosion, Zhao Wuji crossed his arms to block the attack. He was pushed back again, the immense force leaving his arms numb.
Su Bai didn't let up. He pressed forward relentlessly, knowing time was limited—he had to maximize his advantage in these final moments.
Amid their brief but intense clash, the incense stick finally burned to its end.
With a soft tap, the ash fell completely.
That marked the end of the test.
Both Su Bai and Zhao Wuji stopped almost simultaneously.
The training ground fell quiet. Residual soul power lingered in the air, cracked stone tiles scattered across the ground, along with fragments of hidden weapons.
Zhao Wuji withdrew his soul power, his massive frame returning to normal. He let out a long breath and looked at Su Bai.
There was clear approval on his face.
"Su Bai, not bad. Truly rare," Zhao Wuji said, his voice slightly hoarse.
Although he hadn't gone all out, the pressure Su Bai had put on him was very real.
Especially the Qilin martial soul's suppression over his Vigorous Vajra Bear, along with Su Bai's unbelievable soul ring configuration and explosive strength—it all made him see this young man in a new light.
Su Bai also withdrew his power, the golden aura around him fading. Though his breathing was slightly uneven, his expression remained calm.
At Zhao Wuji's praise, he gave a slight nod and said quietly:
"You went easy on me, Teacher Zhao. Otherwise, I wouldn't have lasted this long."
Zhao Wuji burst into laughter.
"You brat, no need to be modest! If you ever want to spar, come find me anytime!"
"Thank you, Teacher Zhao," Su Bai replied.
Zhao Wuji was a straightforward and protective person. If they were on the same side, Su Bai wouldn't mind helping him in the future.
At the edge of the training field, Ning Rongrong supported Xiao Wu, while Zhu Zhuqing stood nearby.
Though their soul power was mostly depleted, their faces showed excitement and admiration.
Ning Rongrong whispered, "Su Bai is amazing."
Xiao Wu nodded slightly, a faint smile appearing on her pale face.
Li Yusong hurried over, first checking on the unconscious Tang San and the weakened Xiao Wu.
After confirming they were fine, he turned to Zhao Wuji.
"Teacher Zhao, about the test…" he began.
Zhao Wuji waved him off.
"They've passed. All of them."
His gaze returned to Su Bai, filled with undisguised appreciation.
Shrek Academy only accepted monsters—and Su Bai was a monster among monsters.
"Su Bai, you're very strong," Zhao Wuji said. "Your Qilin martial soul surpasses my Vigorous Vajra Bear in quality.
"And your soul ring configuration—I've never seen anything like it.
"A twelve-year-old at rank 35 Soul Elder… a true genius. Being able to last a stick of incense against me—even at fifty percent strength—proves your ability."
His words were direct and full of praise.
Hearing this, Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing admired Su Bai even more. They understood Zhao Wuji's strength and status—such recognition meant Su Bai's talent was extraordinary.
Ning Rongrong began calculating in her heart. Someone like him, once grown, would be invaluable.
If she could recruit him into the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, it would be a tremendous asset.
More importantly, direct disciples of the sect were required to have battle soul masters as partners.
Her cheeks flushed slightly, her heart beating faster.
Su Bai… was clearly the perfect candidate.
Zhu Zhuqing, meanwhile, grew more certain of her own thoughts.
She had come all the way from the Star Luo Empire to Shrek in search of strength—of a chance to break free from Dai Mubai's brother, Dai Weisi.
What Su Bai displayed was exactly what she longed for.
Perhaps… he was the answer she needed.
But…
Her gaze shifted toward Dai Mubai.
If he could truly work hard, she might still give him a chance.
Only… his indulgent lifestyle in Suotuo City, and his lack of discipline in training…
Zhu Zhuqing sighed softly.
At that moment, Tang San slowly regained consciousness as Zhao Wuji announced the results.
His face burned with pain, his head spinning. Through the haze, he heard Zhao Wuji praising Su Bai and declaring them all passed.
Struggling to open his eyes, he saw Su Bai standing calmly before Zhao Wuji—composed, like a victor.
And Xiao Wu, supported by Ning Rongrong, wore a look of admiration toward Su Bai.
A surge of humiliation and pain flooded Tang San's heart.
He had lost. Completely.
Not just in strength—but mentally, utterly crushed.
Everything he had once been proud of now seemed dim in comparison to Su Bai.
Xiao Wu's shifting attitude, Zhao Wuji's disregard, the burning pain on his face—it all piled into a deep sense of defeat.
Rage burned inside him, but he could only suppress it.
He knew he wasn't strong enough yet to challenge Su Bai.
Zhao Wuji then instructed Li Yusong:
"Old Li, take these kids to the dorms. Especially Su Bai—give him the best arrangements."
Li Yusong nodded in agreement.
"Alright, those who passed, follow me."
He gestured to Su Bai, Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, and the barely-standing Tang San.
He glanced at Xiao Wu, planning to have Teacher Shao Xin provide recovery candies.
Shrek Academy lacked funds—there were no dedicated healing soul masters. Aside from the food-type Soul Sage Shao Xin, only the sausage spirit master Oscar could provide recovery.
Su Bai glanced at Xiao Wu, a faint smile appearing on his face. He said nothing.
He was simply waiting for her to come find him that night.
That would certainly be… interesting.
His gaze shifted to Tang San, carrying a teasing hint—an expression only men would understand.
Though… Tang San probably didn't.