"Oh."
Huo Yuhao had been about to continue pondering the grappling techniques Beibei had taught him the previous day. Tang Ya's words snapped him out of his thoughts.
The three of them resumed their journey. As they walked, Tang Ya began introducing Shrek Academy to Huo Yuhao.
Shrek Academy had been founded ten thousand years ago.
In the ancient language, Shrek meant monster. In other words, the academy's founders had intended to create a school for monsters.
The academy's earliest motto was:
"We cultivate only monsters, not ordinary people."
The "monsters" it referred to were, in fact, geniuses.
Even the Sect Master who had founded the continent's greatest sect, the Tang Sect, had graduated from Shrek Academy. It was his generation of students that created Shrek's first golden age.
At the time, the academy had only seven students.
In Shrek Academy's history, they became known as the Shrek Seven Devils.
The legends of the Shrek Seven Devils had spread across the continent for thousands of years. The most famous among them were still the Tang Sect Master and his wife.
Although the Tang Sect later declined, Shrek Academy stood firm through the ages. As time passed, it gradually became recognized as the number one academy on the Douluo Continent.
Today, Shrek Academy held an unparalleled position across the continent.
The greatest reason for this status dated back over four thousand years, when the Sun Moon Continent collided with the Douluo Continent, triggering the great continental war.
At the beginning of the conflict, the three empires of the Douluo Continent failed to cooperate wholeheartedly. Their internal divisions placed them at a disadvantage, allowing the Sun Moon Empire's armies to push deep into Douluo territory.
At that critical moment, the Shrek Academy Dean of that generation issued a single call to arms.
The entire continent answered.
Nearly sixty Title Douluo-level super experts gathered under his command.
Temporarily appointed Supreme Commander of the allied armies, he personally led the coalition to crush the Sun Moon Empire's forces.
In the end, the war was won.
The united land retained the name Douluo Continent, while the Sun Moon Empire was forced to cede territory and pay reparations before being allowed to continue existing.
Its military strength, however, suffered catastrophic losses. From then on, it could no longer contend against the combined forces of the three empires. At best, its military power equaled that of a single empire.
That war elevated Shrek Academy's reputation to unprecedented heights.
It wasn't merely because sixty Title Douluo had gathered there.
It was also because the academy's dean had become the commander of the united armies.
To the astonishment of the three imperial families, nearly every senior general serving under him was a graduate of Shrek Academy.
With the dean coordinating the war effort, the three empires never again suffered from internal conflict during the campaign.
Only through their complete unity were they able to secure victory.
From that point onward, Shrek Academy no longer belonged to any nation.
It became an independent power.
Successive generations of wise and capable deans followed.
Although the academy possessed enormous prestige, it never sought political influence.
It treated every nation equally.
It maintained no private army.
Even the number of teachers remained carefully controlled.
Because of this, Shrek Academy always remained exactly what it claimed to be—an academy.
It posed no threat to any nation, allowing it not only to survive but to establish a status that no country could easily challenge.
Shrek Academy was located in the southeastern region of the Heavenly Soul Empire.
To its southeast lay the Star Dou Forest.
To the east was the Dou Ling Empire.
To the south stood the Star Luo Empire.
It occupied the strategic center where the three great empires met.
Tang Ya explained that Shrek Academy was currently divided into two sections: the Outer Court and the Inner Court.
Each year, approximately one thousand new students were admitted.
Yet the academy's total enrollment had never exceeded five thousand.
Completing every course required twelve years of study.
In other words, the elimination rate at Shrek Academy was astonishingly high.
Anyone unable to pass the academy's examinations would be expelled without hesitation.
But those who successfully graduated were all extraordinary talents.
It was no exaggeration to call Shrek Academy the true cradle of the continent's strongest experts.
Every year, the Heavenly Soul Empire, Dou Ling Empire, and Star Luo Empire even elevated Shrek's enrollment numbers into political matters.
That alone demonstrated the overwhelming influence of the continent's number one academy.
As for the Sun Moon Empire...
Perhaps because of its resentment toward Shrek Academy, it had never requested permission to send students there.
Instead, it had developed its own higher academies over the past several thousand years, and they had grown considerably.
However, due to restrictions imposed after the ancient war, the Sun Moon Empire remained unable to expand its military significantly, keeping a low profile on the surface.
"Yuhao," Tang Ya said after finishing her explanation, "once you enter the academy, you'll begin cultivating in the Outer Court."
"The Outer Court is divided into many departments."
"For now, you should enter the Control Department."
"At the same time, you'll also study in the Soul Tool Department. What do you think?"
"Teacher Xiao Ya," Huo Yuhao asked curiously, "what is the Soul Tool Department?"
Tang Ya replied,
"The Soul Tool Department specializes in researching and manufacturing soul tools."
As she spoke the words soul tools, her tone unconsciously became filled with resentment.
"Soul tools?"
Huo Yuhao remained confused.
It wasn't surprising.
Although Shrek Academy was the continent's greatest academy, he had grown up in an isolated environment and had seen very little of the outside world.
Seeing Tang Ya's expression darken, Beibei explained in her place.
"Speaking of soul tools... they have a great deal to do with our Tang Sect."
"In simple terms, soul tools are weapons powered by soul power."
"The higher their quality, the greater their destructive power."
"So even a Tool Spirit Master can gain considerable offensive strength with a powerful soul tool."
"And the rise of soul tools..."
"...is the fundamental reason for the Tang Sect's decline."
"Our Tang Sect reached the height of its glory over four thousand years ago," Tang Ya said bitterly.
"The collision between the Sun Moon Continent and the Douluo Continent was what truly began our decline."
"Our Tang Sect became famous for hidden weapons."
"Selling those hidden weapons was also our primary source of income."
"Every nation purchased large quantities from us."
"Even many sects did the same."
"When the two continents collided over four thousand years ago, war quickly broke out."
"The armies of the three empires, armed with Tang Sect hidden weapons, clashed with the Sun Moon Empire."
"Although the Sun Moon Empire wasn't particularly strong in terms of Soul Masters, they possessed unique research into soul tools."
"Powered by soul power, their soul tools surpassed our hidden weapons in both overall destructive power and attack range."
"As a result, the three empires suffered devastating losses during the early stages of the war."
"Although we eventually won..."
"...the effectiveness of Tang Sect hidden weapons was seriously questioned."
"After that, every nation drastically reduced its purchases."
"While the Tang Sect had earned considerable wealth, according to the First Sect Master's wishes, most of our income had always been donated."
"It was used to improve the lives of civilians in impoverished regions and to build schools and other public facilities."
"So despite earning a great deal..."
"...we had very little savings."
"At the time, the Tang Sect had several thousand members."
"Our decline came far too quickly."
"In barely two hundred years, the once-great Tang Sect collapsed."
"The former number one sect on the continent disappeared."
"By the time it reached my generation..."
"...only my parents and I remained."
"They both died during a conflict while hunting soul beasts."
"Now..."
"...I'm the Tang Sect's last surviving member."
Tears streamed down Tang Ya's smooth face.
Her fists clenched tightly.
Huo Yuhao murmured,
"Teacher Xiao Ya..."
"Are our Tang Sect hidden weapons really inferior to soul tools?"
Tang Ya sighed.
"In some respects..."
"...yes."
"The Sun Moon Continent didn't just bring soul tools."
"It also brought enormous reserves of precious minerals."
"Those rare ores are exceptional conductors of soul power, making them ideal materials for creating soul tools."
"As a result, soul tools advanced rapidly over the following thousands of years."
"Our hidden weapons became increasingly obsolete."
"However..."
"When it comes to precision and ingenious design..."
"...our Tang Sect hidden weapons are absolutely superior."
"Especially the finest hidden weapons."
"The only problem is that crafting them is incredibly complicated."
Beibei gently rubbed Tang Ya's head.
"The development of soul tools undoubtedly dealt a heavy blow to Tang Sect hidden weapons."
"When I first met Xiao Ya, she stubbornly believed our hidden weapons were unquestionably stronger."
"But reality proved otherwise."
"The reason soul tools replaced Tang Sect hidden weapons was simple."
"They were much easier for ordinary people to use."
"Especially for Tool Spirit Masters with no offensive abilities."
"Once they possessed a soul tool, they could instantly become battle-capable Soul Masters."
"The only thing required was soul power."
"So after discussing it together..."
"...Xiao Ya and I reached a conclusion."
"If the Tang Sect wants to rise again, we absolutely cannot remain trapped in the past."
"We must understand soul tools."
"And we must combine Tang Sect hidden weapon craftsmanship with soul tool technology..."
"...to create even stronger soul tools."
"Only then can the Tang Sect find a path to revival."
"Therefore, every disciple of the Tang Sect must cultivate both their martial spirit and soul tool craftsmanship."
Huo Yuhao asked,
"Teacher Xiao Ya, Senior Brother..."
"If soul tools are so powerful..."
"...why did the Sun Moon Empire lose to the allied armies in the first place?"
Beibei smiled calmly.
"Because back then, soul tools weren't yet powerful enough."
"The strongest soul tools couldn't compare to a Title Douluo."
"But after several thousand years of development..."
"...some soul tools have become so powerful they can even threaten Title Douluo."
"However, soul tools have one major limitation."
"The stronger the soul tool..."
"...the stronger the Soul Master required to use it."
"Without sufficient soul power, even the best soul tool can't unleash much strength."
"So after the two continents merged..."
"...an interesting situation emerged."
"Our side focused on learning soul tool manufacturing."
"Meanwhile, the Sun Moon Empire concentrated on cultivating stronger Soul Masters."
"After several thousand years..."
"...the balance has more or less evened out."
With Beibei and Tang Ya's explanations, Huo Yuhao finally gained a basic understanding of Shrek Academy.
After wiping away her tears with Beibei's sleeve, Tang Ya looked at Huo Yuhao seriously.
"Little Yuhao."
"The most important thing for you now is staying at Shrek Academy."
"Beibei and I are already third-year students."
"Now that I've obtained my thousand-year soul ring, advancing to the fourth year together shouldn't be a problem."
"Once we're fourth-years, the elimination rate drops considerably."
"In a few more years, we'll have the chance to enter the Inner Court."
"But you're different."
"You'll be a first-year student."
"And that's where the competition is fiercest."
"The academy holds freshman assessments every three months."
"Only those who pass can remain."
"Although the Tang Sect has interview admission privileges..."
"...whether you can continue studying depends entirely on your own ability."
"No one can help you with that."
"Do you understand?"
Huo Yuhao nodded solemnly.
"Teacher Xiao Ya, I'll give it everything I have."
"Still..."
"With your strength and Senior Brother's..."
"...you're not Inner Court students yet?"
Tang Ya smiled bitterly.
"Entering the Inner Court isn't easy."
"Shrek Academy's motto has never changed."
"The Outer Court was established later, mainly at the request of the three empires to cultivate more talented individuals."
"But only those who enter the Inner Court..."
"...can truly be called Shrek Academy students."
"They're all geniuses."
"Prodigies."
"Or even monsters."
"Outer Court students take a graduation examination after reaching the sixth year."
"Passing it earns you graduation."
"But only the very best few..."
"...receive another opportunity."
"They may attempt the Inner Court examination."
"Only by passing that second test can they enter the Inner Court."
"Inner Court training lasts another six years."
"I've heard that anyone who graduates from the Inner Court is at least a Soul Emperor."
"They're offered the highest待遇 by every nation..."
"...including the Sun Moon Empire."
"So amazing..."
Huo Yuhao felt his heart surge with excitement.
He silently thought,
If one day I can graduate from Shrek Academy's Inner Court...
Then I can return to the Duke's Mansion and bring Mother's remains away.
Only then will Mother truly be able to rest in peace.
His fists tightened unconsciously.
Beibei said earnestly,
"It's far more than amazing."
"I once met an Inner Court senior."
"He entered the Star Dou Forest alone."
"With nothing but his bare hands..."
"...he defeated three ten-thousand-year soul beasts."
"And he didn't even kill them."
"He brought them back to the academy alive."
"I heard..."
"...that was his tenth-year examination."
Tang Ya added,
"I also heard about a twelfth-year senior."
"When he graduated, he'd already reached the level of a Soul Sage, above Rank 70."
"He even possessed a red hundred-thousand-year soul ring."
"After graduation, he remained at the academy..."
"...to be trained as the next dean."
Listening to them, Huo Yuhao could hardly wait any longer.
His days with Tang Ya and Beibei had made him deeply understand how important a good teacher was for cultivation.
Without question...
Shrek Academy was the best possible choice.
He silently swore that no matter how much effort it took, he would first secure his place in the Outer Court.
Then, one day...
He would enter the Inner Court.
Filled with determination, Huo Yuhao unconsciously resumed contemplating the Tang Sect's secret techniques as he walked.
Tang Ya and Beibei's introduction had completely ignited the fire burning in his heart.
Watching him, the two exchanged a knowing smile.
When they had first arrived at Shrek Academy...
Hadn't they looked exactly the same?
Several hours later, Huo Yuhao finally caught sight of Shrek Academy.
Rather than an academy...
It was more accurate to call it a city.
Emerging from the forest onto a broad plain, they saw towering city walls stretching endlessly to both sides.
Shrek Academy had been built upon the Lijia Plain.
Its grounds were so vast that it formed an entire city—Shrek City.
It was one of the largest cities on the Douluo Continent, home to over two million people.
Shrek Academy possessed complete governing authority over the city.
It paid taxes to no nation.
That fact alone was something no other academy—not even those of the Sun Moon Empire—could compare with.
The academy itself wasn't located at the city's center.
Instead, it occupied the eastern district, directly facing the Star Dou Forest.
With roads extending in every direction, Shrek City served as the most important commercial hub where the three great empires met.
Thanks to Shrek Academy's presence, public security was exceptional.
Trade here was both fair and safe.
For that reason, merchants from all three empires preferred conducting international business in Shrek City.
The city's south, west, and north gates were open to the public.
Only the eastern gate belonged exclusively to Shrek Academy.
Under Beibei and Tang Ya's guidance, Huo Yuhao arrived outside the East Gate.
Although reserved solely for academy use, it was packed with people.
More than five thousand had gathered outside.
Countless vendors had already set up shop, making the area outside the city even livelier than the streets within.
"Junior Brother," Beibei said, "you've arrived just in time for this year's admissions."
"You'll be able to join the incoming freshman class."
"Three grades below Xiao Ya and me."
"Ordinary applicants not only have to pass the entrance examination, but they also need recommendation letters from at least a major city within one of the three empires."
"This is always the busiest time of year in Shrek City."
Huo Yuhao asked quietly,
"Senior Brother... is the entrance examination difficult?"
Beibei hesitated before instinctively glancing toward Tang Ya.
Tang Ya answered frankly,
"He'll find out sooner or later."
"It'll motivate him to work harder."
"So there's no harm in telling him."
"Little Yuhao."
"There are two requirements for entering Shrek Academy's Outer Court."
"First, you must be under twelve years old."
"Second, your soul power must be at least Rank 15."
"If we're judging solely by those standards..."
"...you don't qualify."
She didn't tell him to work harder.
She knew he was already working harder than almost anyone else.
Huo Yuhao asked seriously,
"Then... three months from now, when the first assessment takes place..."
"...will they test soul power again?"
With his current physique, raising his soul power from Rank 11 to Rank 15 in only three months was simply impossible.
Beibei shook his head.
"No."
"Shrek Academy's examinations are always based on actual combat."
"One teacher once said..."
"Before real battle, every statistic is meaningless."
Huo Yuhao nodded firmly.
"Teacher Xiao Ya."
"Senior Brother."
"Maybe I'm weaker than most of the students enrolling today."
"But one day..."
"...I'll surpass the vast majority of them."
His voice carried a calmness far beyond his years.
Within his Spirit Eyes shone determination equally beyond his age.
Beibei, who stood a head taller than him, wrapped an arm around his shoulders.
"Let's go."
"If you can survive these next three months..."
"...then I believe you'll make it all the way."
Beibei and Tang Ya led Huo Yuhao around the crowd toward the East Gate.
Guarding it were over a dozen young men and women roughly their age.
Each wore a yellow academy uniform embroidered with a green emblem over the chest.
These were the uniforms of second- and third-year Outer Court students.
The moment they spotted Beibei, they immediately straightened respectfully.
"Senior Brother Bei, you're back!"
Beibei smiled warmly, greeting each of them before speaking quietly with the student in charge.
The young man glanced at Huo Yuhao before nodding immediately.
"If Senior Brother Bei says so, what is there to doubt?"
"Take this little brother inside to register."
Beibei raised his thumb with a grin.
"Thanks."
"I'll treat everyone to a good meal later."
The young man laughed heartily.
"You'd better."
"We're definitely not letting this chance to eat at your expense slip away."
Beibei slapped palms with him.
"Don't worry."
"I won't disappoint everyone."
With that, he and Tang Ya led Huo Yuhao through the East Gate—the symbolic entrance to Shrek Academy.
Not far away, a freshman who had just completed his entrance examination asked the senior overseeing the test,
"Senior..."
"Who was that just now?"
"That was Senior Brother Bei."
"His name is Beibei, though everyone calls him Thunderbolt Beibei."
"He possesses one of the strongest Beast Spirits in existence—the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon."
"His talent is extraordinary."
"He broke through Rank 30 at only thirteen."
"I've heard he's already close to Rank 40."
"He'll probably become a Soul Ancestor within the next year or two."
"He's one of the strongest students in the Outer Court."
"If he hadn't stayed to accompany Junior Sister Tang Ya..."
"...he could've taken the fifth-year promotion examination long ago."
"And once he reaches Rank 40..."
"...even the sixth-year examination probably won't be difficult for him."
"Not only is Senior Brother Bei incredibly strong..."
"...he's also kind to everyone."
"If you ask who has the best reputation in the Outer Court..."
"...it's definitely him."
"He's also the prince charming of countless female students."
"But he's completely devoted to Tang Ya."
"He's turned down who knows how many confessions from senior and junior girls alike."
"I've even heard that some Inner Court seniors have feelings for him."
"Everyone says..."
"...that within two years, Senior Brother Bei will definitely enter the Inner Court."
Walking into Shrek Academy with Beibei and Tang Ya, Huo Yuhao found the campus completely different from what he'd imagined.
Rather than solemn and imposing...
It was beautiful.
Lush vegetation flourished everywhere.
Walking along the broad avenues, no matter where he looked, he could see at least ten different kinds of carefully trimmed plants.
Two hundred meters ahead, several enormous statues blocked the view.
There were ten in total.
Each stood over ten meters tall, carved from the hardest granite.
Three statues stood in the front row.
The central figure was an elderly man wearing glasses.
He smiled warmly.
Of medium height and slightly plump, he looked every bit the image of a gentle scholar.
Beibei said,
"The one in the center is Shrek Academy's founder..."
"...its first dean, Flander."
"To his left is one of my ancestors..."
"...Yu Xiaogang, known as the Master."
"He established the theoretical foundations for every martial spirit department at Shrek Academy."
"He's also the creator of the Ten Core Competencies of Martial Spirits."
"My mother is his direct descendant."
"The woman on the right is another ancestor..."
"...Liu Erlong."
"She was the Master's wife."
"The three of them were known together as the Golden Iron Triangle."
"If Flander founded Shrek Academy..."
"...then the Master was truly its soul."
"It was he who personally trained the legendary Shrek Seven Devils standing behind them."
The Master's statue depicted a lean middle-aged man.
Liu Erlong appeared as an elegant and graceful woman.
Behind them stood seven more statues.
The moment Huo Yuhao's eyes landed on the first one...
His body trembled slightly.
The statue depicted a tall, handsome man.
Most striking were his double pupils.
A tiger-shaped "" marking adorned his forehead.
Though merely a statue, it radiated overwhelming authority.
Beibei continued,
"These seven statues are the legendary first-generation Shrek Seven Devils."
"The first is White Tiger Douluo Dai Mubai."
"The second is Sausage Douluo Oscar."
"The third..."
"...is our Tang Sect ancestor..."
"...Thousand Hands Douluo Tang San."
Among the seven, Tang San was the most handsome.
Long blue hair flowed behind him.
Simple clothing adorned his figure.
Blue vines wrapped around the statue, representing his Blue Silver Grass martial spirit.
A faint smile rested on his lips.
His gaze was carved so lifelike that it clearly rested upon the fifth statue—a woman with a scorpion braid.
"The fourth is Evil Phoenix Douluo Ma Hongjun."
"The fifth is our ancestor's wife..."
"...Soft Bone Douluo Xiao Wu."
"It's said she was originally a hundred-thousand-year soul beast who cultivated into human form."
"Behind her is Nine Treasure Douluo Ning Rongrong, known as the strongest support-type Soul Master."
"She's Sausage Douluo Oscar's wife."
"And the last is Netherworld Douluo Zhu Zhuqing, wife of White Tiger Douluo Dai Mubai."
Each statue possessed its own unique posture.
Simply knowing that every one of them had become a Title Douluo was enough to understand how extraordinary they had once been.
Tang Ya's eyes never left Tang San's statue.
The Golden Iron Triangle and the first-generation Shrek Seven Devils had laid the foundation of Shrek Academy.
Over the past ten thousand years, countless geniuses and powerhouses had emerged.
Yet only these ten statues stood here.
No others had ever been added.
Beibei pointed ahead.
"From here, the road splits."
"The left leads to the Martial Spirit Division."
"The right leads to the Soul Tool Division."
"These are the two major branches of the Outer Court."
"The Martial Spirit Division is larger."
"The Soul Tool Division is smaller."
"We'll register at the Martial Spirit Division first."
"Only after passing the freshmen's first assessment are you qualified to enroll in the Soul Tool Division."
Huo Yuhao's gaze lingered on the ten statues.
His mother's stories echoed through his mind, filling him with awe.
Turning left, they continued onward.
The road remained broad enough for four or five carriages to travel side by side.
A sign beside the road read:
Lakeside Path.
Through the trees on the right, Huo Yuhao could faintly see a vast lake.
In other words...
Behind the statues of the Golden Iron Triangle and the Shrek Seven Devils lay an enormous body of water.
Tang Ya noticed where he was looking and said proudly,
"That lake was built in honor of our Tang Sect ancestor, Thousand Hands Douluo Tang San."
"It's called Sea God's Lake."
"Legend says that Ancestor Tang San inherited the divine position of the Sea God."
"The lake is enormous and fed by underground springs."
"The Inner Court of Shrek Academy is located on the island at its center."
"Every Outer Court student dreams of one day setting foot on that island."
Beibei gazed silently toward Sea God's Lake.
His eyes shone with determination and unwavering resolve.
The lake truly was immense.
Following the lakeside path south for nearly fifteen minutes before turning west, they walked another fifteen minutes before the path curved inward.
A vast rectangular plaza came into view.
A nearby sign read:
Shrek Plaza.
Beyond the plaza stood rows of towering academic buildings.
They came in four colors:
White.
Yellow.
Purple.
Black.
Far to the north, another cluster of gray buildings could also be seen.
Beibei explained,
"The colors represent different grades."
"They correspond to the colors of soul rings."
"White is for freshmen—like the lowest ten-year soul ring."
"Yellow belongs to second- and third-year students."
"Purple houses the fourth and fifth years."
"And black belongs to the sixth years."
"Anyone who walks out of the black teaching building has earned their Outer Court diploma."
"The gray buildings in the distance belong to the Soul Tool Division."
"It occupies roughly one-third of the main campus."
"The Martial Spirit Division takes the other two-thirds."
"Besides these teaching buildings..."
"...there are many specialized facilities behind them."
"The Spirit Arena."
"The Examination Grounds."
"The Dormitory Area."
"The Teachers' Offices."
"And more."
The white freshmen teaching building stood at the southernmost end, closest to the lakeside path.
Passing along the southern side of Shrek Plaza, the three entered the building.
Because freshman enrollment was underway, it was bustling with activity.
Many students who had already passed the entrance examination were registering.
Thanks to Beibei and Tang Ya, Huo Yuhao's registration went smoothly.
Beibei paid the tuition.
One year's tuition alone cost ten gold soul coins.
Meals weren't included.
And if a student failed and withdrew midway...
The tuition would not be refunded.
After receiving his dormitory key, two school uniforms, and a white freshman badge, Huo Yuhao left the building with Tang Ya and Beibei.
Tang Ya said,
"Little Yuhao."
"The dormitory is behind the teaching building."
"It's the largest building in the academy."
"You can head there yourself later."
"The new semester officially begins in three days."
"Spend these few days familiarizing yourself with the campus."
"We've already paid your first year's tuition."
"After this..."
"...you'll have to rely on yourself."
"The academy holds all kinds of competitions with prize money."
"And now that you're officially a Soul Master..."
"...after registering here, you'll receive a monthly stipend issued jointly by the three empires."
"If you're careful with your spending..."
"...it should be enough to cover your meals."
Huo Yuhao carefully memorized every word.
Just as he was about to bid farewell to his teacher and senior brother...
Beibei frowned slightly while looking toward a notice posted on a bulletin board nearby.
Without even walking closer, Huo Yuhao activated his soul power slightly.
His Spirit Eyes' incredible vision allowed him to clearly read the announcement.
His mother had taught him to read from childhood.
Although he'd never attended school formally, his literacy was excellent.
The notice read:
Freshman Class One Homeroom Teacher — Zhou Yi
Freshman Class Two Homeroom Teacher — ...
Zhou Yi?
Isn't...
...my class Freshman Class One?
Since he had registered early, Huo Yuhao had been assigned directly to Class One.
Tang Ya also noticed what Beibei was staring at.
She exclaimed quietly,
"Ah?"
"Why is it that old hag Zhou Yi?"
"Wasn't she teaching third-years?"
"Why was she transferred to the freshman department?"
Beibei smiled wryly.
"I heard Teacher Zhou was so strict with her third-year class..."
"...that only one-tenth of her students advanced to the fourth year."
"The students complained to the academy over and over."
"So she was demoted to teach freshmen."
"Junior Brother..."
"...you'd better be careful."
"There may not be many monster students in Shrek Academy's Outer Court..."
"...but there are plenty of monster teachers."
"And among them..."
"...Teacher Zhou is the greatest monster of them all."