NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 88: Chapter 88
"Are you kidding me? This is the so-called Soul Master Academy, and it claims that graduates can become Viscounts!" Some parents standing in line for registration and like Ning Rongrong, couldn't help but express their skepticism upon seeing the shabby state of Shrek Academy
The father of a young boy standing nearby chimed in uncertainly "Well, this is what the Spirit Hall said, so it shouldn't be wrong... but this academy does look a bit too rundown."
The boy clearly dissatisfied, tugged at his father's sleeve and complained."Dad, I really don't want to go to school here and it's so embarrassing! I'd rather go to Soto Intermediate Soul Master College. After all, I was considered a genius back in Primary Soul Master Academy."
His father sighed and trying to placate him "We're already here. Let's wait a little longer. Maybe this is just a test, and the real academy isn't what it seems on the surface."
The boy looked doubtful but stopped complaining for the moment
All around similar remarks could be heard from both students and parents and most of whom wore expressions of disappointment and Ning Rongrong having studied under Jun Tianlin for quite some time, had already learned to read people's expressions and assess situations.
As her gaze swept over the crowd she noticed that, apart from herself, there were three others who stood out These people showed no signs of disappointment and their calm and composed demeanor set them apart from the restless crowd.
She observed a young man and woman standing three spots behind her in the line and another girl waiting at the very end. Using the Shushan Perception Method taught by Jun Tianlin, Ning Rongrong quickly detected their soul power levels. Although slightly inferior to her own, their soul power was far above the average, indicating that these individuals were extraordinary talents.
'If these three are also here to enroll, then maybe this academy does have the capability to rival the Spirit Hall Academy' Ning Rongrong thought and her skepticism starting to waver.
At the front of the line sat an old man responsible for registration. He appeared to be in his sixties, dressed simply in a manner that suggested he might be a farmer rather than a powerful soul master. Despite his lazy demeanor, Ning Rongrong sensed that this old man possessed considerable soul power, at least at the Soul King level.
'If someone of his caliber is handling registration, then the academy's teaching staff must be quite formidable' she concluded
Just then, a young man approached the registration table to sign up. The old man, without even glancing up said lazily "Registration fee is ten gold soul coins. Just put it in that box."
The boy's father hurriedly took out the required amount and placed it in a box made of rough wooden boards
The old man reached out to the boy "Give me your hand."
The boy complied and extending his hand. The old man pinched it a couple of times before shaking his head "You're too old. You don't meet the requirements. Go home."
The boy was stunned and he looked at his father, silently begging for help.
The father quickly stepped forward with a pleading smile "Teacher, my son just celebrated his thirteenth birthday. Could you please make an exception?"
The old man's expression hardened "Don't block the line. If you don't meet the requirements leave."
Seeing that arguing was futile, the father attempted to retrieve the registration fee only to be denied
"Mu Bai, someone wants a refund. Come handle it" the old man called out lazily
From a tree nearby, a handsome young man leaped down with cat-like grace. His golden hair shone under the sunlight, and his eyes gleamed with a dangerous light.
"If you want your money back, that's fine" the young man, Dai Mubai said with a grin "Just beat me, and I'll return it in full."
As he spoke, three soul rings—two yellow and one purple—rose from beneath his feet and revealing his status as a high-level Soul Master.
The sight of a Millennium Soul Ring left the father and son trembling in fear and without another word, they fled in embarrassment.
Ning Rongrong, who had been observing quietly, assessed Dai Mubai 'This guy is probably two or three years older than my Brother Jian. Judging by his soul power fluctuations, he should be around level 37. He's not quite at Brother Jian's level but still, he's definitely outstanding among the younger generation.'
Her thoughts wandered briefly to the Emperor Team 'If the members of the Emperor Team hadn't taken those immortal herbs, their natural talent might not even match this guy's.'
After chasing off the troublemakers the old man stood up and addressed the crowd
"We are Shrek Academy" he announced loudly "Shrek means monster and we only accept monsters not ordinary people Anyone over the age of twelve or with soul power below level 21, don't waste your time."
To emphasize his point the old man unleashed his full aura. A long staff appeared in his hand, and six soul rings—white, yellow, purple, purple, purple, and black—rose around him.
Ning Rongrong's eyes sparkled with interest "A Soul Emperor, huh? Interesting!"
Smiling mischievously and she stepped forward, paid the registration fee and extended her hand.
The old man examined her hand closely his eyes widening slightly in surprise.
"Do I pass the preliminary test?" Ning Rongrong asked sweetly and her innocent expression masking her true cunning nature.
The old man's surprise quickly gave way to a smile of approval "Do your family members know you're here?" he asked
"Doesn't your academy claim not to discriminate? As long as I meet your requirements, you have no reason to turn me away, right?" she countered and her tone polite yet firm.
The old man chuckled "Fair point." He then instructed Dai Mubai to escort her to the waiting area
Soon, it was the turn of the couple Ning Rongrong had noticed earlier—Tang San and Xiao Wu.
After confirming their ages, the two released their martial spirits. Tang San's Blue Silver Grass and Xiao Wu's Soft Bone Rabbit appeared.
Though not powerful martial spirits by reputation, the speed of their cultivation impressed the old man "Monsters indeed" he muttered
In the shadows, another figure watched with growing interest. Yin Mengyang, Ning Rongrong's secret protector and narrowed his eyes at Xiao Wu
"She's... a hundred-thousand-year soul beast in human form!" Yin Mengyang was both shocked and ecstatic "I was only here to protect the little princess, but I never expected to find such a treasure."
His gaze darkened with greed. A hundred-thousand-year soul beast would provide both a powerful soul ring and an invaluable soul bone.
'The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan will rise to unprecedented heights with this gift' he thought 'Whether Ning Fengzhi claims the soul ring or saves it for Xiaotian, the benefits will be immeasurable.'
As he prepared to strike an overwhelming aura locked onto him
Yin Mengyang froze in place unable to move
"Who's there?" He scanned the surroundings but he couldn't detect the source of the powerful presence.
'Someone else has their eyes on the Soft Bone Rabbit' he realized 'This won't be easy. I need reinforcements.'
With a final glance at Shrek Academy, he made his decision 'I'll find Chen Xin. We can't let this opportunity slip by. A hundred-thousand-year soul beast is a prize worth fighting for.'
Determined, Yin Mengyang vanished into the shadows. His mission was no longer just to protect Ning Rongrong and now it was about securing a prize that could change the balance of power forever.