Just as the initial shockwaves of Ning Rongrong's spirit reveal begin to subside, a new figure saunters into the area, his presence immediately drawing attention.
It is a young man with tousled blond hair and a confident, almost arrogant, swagger. He exudes a certain wildness, and a powerful aura radiates from his body. This is Dai Mubai.
Upon seeing him, Zhu Zhuqing visibly stiffens. A wave of discomfort washes over her. This is the man. The man her family had intended for her to marry. The man who had abandoned her, leaving her to face her family's trial and the grim fate that awaited her at the hands of her sister and brother-in-law.
Fortunately, Song Qing had intervened, offering her a different path.
'That's him,' Zhu Zhuqing thinks, her dark eyes narrowing slightly. 'The one I was supposed to be bound to. The one who abandoned me.' A coldness settles in her heart. She wants nothing to do with him. Her loyalty and her affections lie solely with Song Qing.
Ning Rongrong, standing beside Zhu Zhuqing, subtly observes her reaction. Although she had relentlessly teased Zhu Zhuqing about Dai Mubai in the carriage to anger her, now, seeing him in person, her playful demeanor vanishes.
She stares at Dai Mubai, and an innate sense of disgust rises within her. There is something about his bearing, his eyes, that rubs her the wrong way.
'So, this is the great Second Prince,' Rongrong thinks, her lip curling slightly. 'He doesn't look half as impressive as Qing. In fact, there's something rather… unpleasant about him.'
Dai Mubai's gaze sweeps over the group of youngsters who have so effortlessly bypassed the first four entrance exams. His eyes linger on Zhu Zhuqing. He recognizes her, the sharp features and the intense gaze unmistakable.
It is Zhu Zhuqing, his arranged fiancée from the Star Luo Empire. He frowns slightly, a flicker of confusion in his eyes. Her spirit… it seems different.
He remembers the Hell Spirit Cat, but the powerful aura emanating from her now suggests something far more formidable. He decides to address that later.
Seeing her now, a flicker of his old, entitled self surfaces.
Depraved thoughts, tinged with a sense of ownership, briefly flash through his mind. He quickly suppresses them, maintaining a calm and approachable facade. He saunters towards the group, a confident smile plastered on his face.
"Well, well," Dai Mubai drawls, his voice carrying a hint of arrogance. "Looks like we have some exceptional new students this year. You all managed to breeze through the first four tests. Impressive." He introduces himself with a flourish. "My name is Dai Mubai. I am a senior student here at Shrek Academy."
He then turns his attention to explaining the next stage. "Normally, your fifth test would have been to spar against me. However," he glances at the three of them – Su Qing, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong – his eyes widening slightly as he recalls their displayed soul power, "given your… rather significant soul power levels, some of you even surpassing my own, I highly doubt that will be the case."
Dai Mubai continues, providing them with information he has likely gleaned from the examiner.
"The fifth exam will most likely be conducted by our teacher, Teacher Zhao Wuji. He is a Soul Saint, a truly formidable individual. The test usually involves surviving against him for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. It's a test of endurance, teamwork, and your ability to assess a much stronger opponent."
He gives them a knowing look. "Don't underestimate him. He may seem laid-back, but he is incredibly powerful."
Throughout Dai Mubai's introduction and explanation, Song Qing, still going by Su Qing, maintains a subtle distance from Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong, as they had discussed. He observes Dai Mubai carefully, his red eyes narrowed slightly.
He had indeed noticed that depraved look in Dai Mubai's eyes when he had first spotted Zhu Zhuqing, a possessive and disrespectful gaze that makes Song Qing's blood boil.
'So, this is the fiancé of Zhuqing,' Song Qing thinks, his fists clenching subtly. 'That look in his eyes makes me angry.'
He has to restrain himself, however. Now is not the time for any confrontation. He needs to stick to the plan.
Just as Dai Mubai finishes his explanation, a gruff voice booms across the testing area. "Alright, brats! Gather around! Time for the real test!"
A muscular man with a somewhat disheveled appearance and a powerful aura steps forward. This is Zhao Wuji, the Soul Saint Dai Mubai had mentioned. A palpable pressure emanates from him, a clear indication of his immense power.
"You've all shown impressive talent to skip the first four tests," Zhao Wuji says, his gaze sweeping over the group. "But now, let's see if you have what it takes to survive. Your fifth test is simple: survive against me for the time it takes this incense stick to burn."
He holds up a lit incense stick, the fragrant smoke curling into the air. "If any of you are knocked unconscious or admit defeat before it burns out… you fail."
He cracks his knuckles, a menacing grin spreading across his face. "Are you ready?"
A wave of nervous anticipation washes over the group of applicants. Surviving against a Soul Saint, even for a short period, seems like a daunting task. Tang San and Xiao Wu exchange determined glances.
Zhu Zhuqing's expression remains cool and focused, while Ning Rongrong, despite a hint of nervousness in her eyes, stands tall.
Song Qing, his red eyes calm and calculating, prepares himself for the challenge ahead.
The fifth and final test of Shrek Academy's entrance exam has begun.
~~
Zhao Wuji's booming voice hangs in the air, the lit incense stick casting a fragile trail of smoke upwards. A palpable tension grips the group of talented youngsters. This is the true test.
"Alright, you little monsters," Zhao Wuji grins, cracking his knuckles again, the sound echoing ominously. His body begins to expand, muscles bulging as his first spirit ring, a bright yellow, illuminates beneath his feet. His Vigorous Vajra Bear spirit manifests, a hulking, powerful form covered in thick, brown fur. "Don't think for a second that just because you skipped the first four tests, this will be easy."
The pressure emanating from Zhao Wuji is immense, a tangible weight that presses down on the applicants. Tang San takes a deep breath, his deep blue eyes focused. Xiao Wu's magenta eyes dart around, assessing their opponent. Zhu Zhuqing's dark eyes narrow, her Abyssal Phantom Lion spirit already beginning to stir within her. Ning Rongrong's cyan eyes scan the group, a determined glint in them.
"We need a plan," Tang San whispers to Xiao Wu, his voice low and urgent. "His defense will be incredible."
Before anyone else can respond, Ning Rongrong's Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda appears in her hand, its nine stories radiating a soft, multicolored light. Her first three spirit rings – yellow, yellow, purple – illuminate rapidly.
"First Skill: Strength Amplification!"
"Second Skill: Agility Amplification!"
"Third Skill: Spirit Power Amplification!"
Three beams of light shoot out from the pagoda, enveloping Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing. Their muscles feel stronger, their movements lighter, and their soul power surges with newfound intensity.
"Su Qing!" Ning Rongrong calls out, her voice clear and focused. "What's the plan?"
Song Qing, or rather Su Qing, nods, his red eyes calm despite the immense pressure from a Soul Saint. His Emerald Heart Vine spirit extends further, its vibrant green vines coiling around his arms. His three spirit rings – yellow, yellow, purple – shine brightly.
"Zhao Wuji is a Power Attack-type Soul Master," Su Qing says quickly, his mind racing, assessing the situation. "His defense will be high. Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, you two are our main attackers with your agility and offensive power. Tang San, use your Blue Silver Grass to control his movements. Ning Rongrong, continue to provide support. I will focus on healing and control as well."
"First Soul Ring: Verdant Embrace!" Su Qing calls out, his first spirit ring flashing. A wave of warm, green energy emanates from the Emerald Heart Vine, forming a gentle aura around Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing, a subtle but constant healing effect.
Zhao Wuji watches them with amusement, a wide grin on his face. "Not bad, little brats. Let's see how you handle this!" His second spirit ring, another yellow, illuminates. His body grows even larger, his muscles rippling with raw power. He takes a massive step forward, the ground trembling beneath his weight.
"Xiao Wu, go!" Su Qing commands.
With a burst of speed enhanced by Ning Rongrong's agility amplification, Xiao Wu launches herself forward, her first spirit ring flashing. "First Soul Ring: Waist Bow!" Her body twists in an impossible angle, her legs lashing out with surprising force towards Zhao Wuji's lower body.
At the same time, Zhu Zhuqing moves like a shadow, her Abyssal Phantom Lion spirit a dark blur beside her. Her first spirit ring ignites. "First Soul Ring: Phantom Stab Rush!" Her claws, now imbued with a shadowy energy, aim for Zhao Wuji's vital points.
Zhao Wuji roars, his third spirit ring, a purple one, now glowing. His body becomes even more muscular, his defense visibly increasing. He swings his massive arms, aiming to intercept Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing.
"Tang San, now!" Su Qing calls out.
Tang San's deep blue eyes focus intently. His first spirit ring flashes, and strands of Blue Silver Grass shoot out from his hands, attempting to bind Zhao Wuji's legs. However, the Soul Saint's sheer power is immense, and the Blue Silver Grass strains against his might.
"Second Soul Ring: Venomous Entanglement!" Su Qing's second spirit ring flares. Emerald green vines, glowing with a faint purple hue, shoot out alongside Tang San's Blue Silver Grass, their movements swift and precise, aiming for Zhao Wuji's arms and legs. These vines are far more resilient and carry a paralyzing venom.
Zhao Wuji roars again, surprised by the sudden appearance of the venomous vines. He manages to swat away some of the Blue Silver Grass, but the Emerald Heart Vine's entanglement proves more difficult to break free from.
"Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, change of target!" Su Qing shouts, his mind working rapidly. "Focus on his eyes! They might be his weakness!"
Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing, agile and quick, adjust their attacks mid-air. Xiao Wu's second spirit ring illuminates. "Second Soul Ring: Charm!" Her magenta eyes glow with a strange allure, aimed directly at Zhao Wuji. However, the Soul Saint's mental fortitude is far too strong, and the charm has little to no effect, instead causing Xiao Wu to stumble slightly.
'Damn it! It backfired!' Xiao Wu thinks, quickly regaining her balance.
Zhu Zhuqing, unaffected by the failed charm, presses her attack, her second spirit ring now glowing. "Second Soul Ring: Thousand Abyssal Lion Claws!" Her claws become a blur, striking at Zhao Wuji's face with incredible speed and precision, aiming for his eyes.
Zhao Wuji roars in pain as a few of Zhu Zhuqing's claws manage to scratch his face, drawing blood near his eye. He furiously tries to break free from the Emerald Heart Vine's entanglement.
"Third Soul Ring: Phantom Bind!" Su Qing's third spirit ring flashes. More emerald vines erupt from the ground, these ones shimmering with a faint, illusory light. They lash out towards Zhao Wuji, not to physically bind him, but to create phantom images, disorienting him with fleeting illusions of attacks coming from different directions.
Zhao Wuji snarls, his fourth spirit ring, a dark black one, finally illuminating. The power radiating from him intensifies dramatically. The pressure becomes almost unbearable.
"Careful!" Dai Mubai shouts from the sidelines, his expression now serious. "That's Teacher Zhou's thousand-year spirit ability!"
Zhao Wuji's body undergoes another transformation, his fur becoming thicker and harder, his claws growing longer and sharper. His strength surges to an even higher level. He unleashes a powerful roar that shakes the very air around them, finally breaking free from the Emerald Heart Vine's Phantom Bind and Tang San's persistent Blue Silver Grass.
"He's getting serious!" Tang San shouts, sweat beading on his forehead.
"Zhu Zhuqing, use your third skill!" Su Qing commands, his voice calm despite the escalating intensity of the battle.
Zhu Zhuqing nods, her third spirit ring glowing fiercely. "Third Soul Ring: Abyssal Decapitation!" Her body becomes a blur of black energy as she leaps towards Zhao Wuji, her claws aimed at his neck with lethal precision.
Zhao Wuji, now empowered by his fourth spirit ring, is incredibly fast. He manages to raise a massive arm, blocking Zhu Zhuqing's attack, sending her flying back.
"Xiao Wu, now!" Su Qing yells.
Xiao Wu, recovering quickly, uses her agility to her advantage, leaping and dodging around Zhao Wuji's powerful attacks. Her first spirit ring flashes again. "First Soul Ring: Waist Bow!" She uses the rebound to launch herself towards Zhao Wuji's back, aiming a powerful kick at his spine.
Zhao Wuji stumbles slightly, but his enhanced defense prevents any serious damage. His fifth spirit ring, another dark black one, now illuminates. The pressure intensifies even further.
"Teacher Zhou is using his ten-thousand-year spirit ability!" Dai Mubai exclaims, his voice filled with awe and concern.
Zhao Wuji's roar becomes deafening. A massive wave of golden light erupts from his body, pushing back everyone around him. The ground cracks beneath his feet.
"Everyone, hold on!" Su Qing shouts, his own soul power surging. "Emerald Heart Vine, protect us!" The emerald vines rapidly grow in size, forming a protective barrier around the group, absorbing some of the impact from Zhao Wuji's powerful attack.
The incense stick, now burning down to its final embers, is almost finished. The fragrant smoke continues to curl upwards, a silent countdown to the end of the test.
Tang San continues to send out waves of Blue Silver Grass, trying to distract and control Zhao Wuji, while Ning Rongrong keeps the amplification spells active, her brow furrowed with concentration. Xiao Wu uses her incredible agility to evade Zhao Wuji's powerful but somewhat clumsy attacks in his enhanced state. Zhu Zhuqing, though knocked back, prepares for another strike, her dark eyes burning with determination.
Su Qing, despite the immense pressure, remains calm and focused, constantly directing their movements and providing healing with his Verdant Embrace. He knows they are close to the end. He can almost taste victory.
Finally, with a soft hiss, the incense stick burns out completely, the last wisp of smoke fading into the air.
Zhao Wuji, his massive form shrinking back to its normal size, lets out a long breath and a hearty laugh. "Alright, alright! You little monsters actually did it! You survived!" He looks at each of them with a newfound respect in his eyes. "Especially you three," he says, gesturing towards Su Qing, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong. "Your soul power at such a young age is truly terrifying. And your teamwork… not bad at all for a bunch of strangers."
He claps his hands together, a wide grin on his face. "Congratulations! You have all passed the fifth test! You are officially students of Shrek Academy!"
A collective sigh of relief washes over the group. Tang San and Xiao Wu exchange tired but triumphant smiles. Zhu Zhuqing's tense muscles finally relax, and a hint of a smile touches her lips. Ning Rongrong lets out a whoop of joy, her Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda disappearing.
Su Qing, still maintaining his Su Qing persona, nods calmly, his red eyes meeting the gaze of Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong. They had done it. They had passed.