As Chen Xiaoming stepped into the village, his eyes swept across the wooden buildings surrounding him. The structures were simple and unadorned, bearing the weight of years gone by.
They hadn't walked far when they arrived at an open space roughly five hundred square meters wide, situated at the heart of Shrek Academy.
Encircled by more wooden buildings, Chen Xiaoming took a glance around but quickly lost interest.
Following Dai Mubai deeper into the academy, they soon reached a pavilion. Compared to the other wooden buildings, this one was slightly better, though still modest.
Realizing they'd reached their destination, Chen Xiaoming cast a glance at Dai Mubai, who halted in front of him, a faint smile curling at his lips.
"We're here. The dean is upstairs. Go on your own," Dai Mubai said before turning away without further thought. However, his instincts told him that this man was not someone to be trifled with.
"Thank you, Evil-Eyed White Tiger, Dai Mubai!" Chen Xiaoming's lighthearted voice called out.
Dai Mubai's expression shifted. He hadn't introduced himself. His foot tapped the ground, swiftly retreating to the side.
When his wary gaze returned, what he saw left him frozen.
Beneath Chen Xiaoming's feet, radiant soul rings rose one by one—yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black. Seven rings in total—two yellow, two purple, three black—pulsating around him, exuding a powerful soul force that compressed the surrounding air, making it hard for Dai Mubai to breathe.
Soul Saint! A seven-ring Soul Saint!
Dai Mubai's eyes widened in disbelief. This man, who appeared no older than twenty, was a formidable level seventy-plus Soul Saint.
"Whoosh! Whoosh!"
Two figures shot out from the pavilion. One was an ordinary-looking man, yet his broad shoulders and steel-like muscles exuded an oppressive aura.
The Immovable King, Zhao Wuji!
Chen Xiaoming's sharp gaze identified him instantly, then shifted to the second figure—a middle-aged man with hooked nose, protruding chin, flat face, and crystal-framed glasses glinting in the sunlight.
Four-Eyed Owl, Flender!
"Dean, Teacher Zhao, this man says he's here to see you," Dai Mubai whispered, breathing a sigh of relief.
"Here to see us?" Flender's sharp eyes flickered, exchanging a glance with Zhao Wuji. They had concealed their identities, and few knew of their whereabouts.
Zhao Wuji shook his head, equally puzzled.
"No need for alarm, gentlemen. I'm not here for vengeance," Chen Xiaoming said calmly. "I heard Shrek Academy is a peaceful place—perfect for retirement. I simply wish to seek employment."
His casual tone made Flender and Zhao Wuji glance at his youthful appearance in disbelief.
"You don't believe me?" Chen Xiaoming chuckled. Even he found his excuse far-fetched.
Strength often spoke louder than words.
"I've long admired the Immovable King Zhao Wuji and the Four-Eyed Owl Flender. Since you doubt me, why not settle things with a spar?"
His voice echoed through the academy as seven soul rings flickered beneath him, soul power gathering as he motioned for them to make their move.
Flender's heart tightened at the sight of the perfect soul ring configuration. Such a prodigious talent could only be nurtured by a top sect.
"If that's your wish, then we shall oblige," Flender said cautiously, signaling Zhao Wuji to hold back. Wounding such a genius could spell disaster for Shrek Academy.
"Excellent. Then I won't hold back."
With a flick of his wrist, Chen Xiaoming summoned his Azurewood Tree martial soul. Verdant branches shot out, whipping toward Zhao Wuji and Flender.
"Old Zhao, go!" Flender roared, wings unfurling as he soared into the sky.
Zhao Wuji's muscles swelled, his body doubling in size as brown fur covered him. Seven dazzling soul rings—two yellow, two purple, three black—rose around him.
"First Soul Skill—Immovable King Body!"
Golden light enveloped Zhao Wuji as his fists clenched. His second soul ring glowed.
"Second Soul Skill—Vigorous Vajra Palm!"
His palms expanded, turning golden as he swatted the branches aside, charging straight for Chen Xiaoming.
Chen Xiaoming's eyes blazed with fighting spirit.
"As expected of the Immovable King—well met!"
-------
Want to read ahead of schedule?
Join here: patreon.com / igotneonlight