# Chapter 19: Assessment Ended
Chen Sheng and Tang San exchanged a single, helpless glance.
The silent communication conveyed a shared frustration: Damn that Flender. Zhao Wuji is serious now.
Tang San had effectively reached his tactical limit. His most potent hidden weapon, the Dragon Beard Needle, had already been deployed. Without additional means to inflict meaningful damage on a Spirit Saint, his options had narrowed considerably. Close combat using his Eight Spider Lances represented his only remaining path to effectiveness—and it was a precarious one at best.
Zhao Wuji, recognizing that Tang San had exhausted his arsenal, redirected his full attention to Chen Sheng.
The boy with the exceptional spirit rings possessed capabilities that extended far beyond what the Vice-Dean had initially anticipated.
Zhao Wuji's fourth spirit ring began to glow, ascending from beneath his feet with palpable energy.
"Target Tracking!" he roared.
Dai Mubai immediately called out a warning from the sidelines. "Be careful! This is Teacher Zhao's fourth Spirit Ability—it locks onto your position!"
Chen Sheng acknowledged the warning with a subtle nod but made no attempt to evade. There was no point; the ability was designed precisely to counter evasion. Instead, he watched as Zhao Wuji, leveraging his terrifying jumping ability, bounded directly before him in a single explosive leap.
"Great Strength Vajra Palm!" the Vice-Dean bellowed.
Chen Sheng's response was instantaneous. He activated Phantom Steps at maximum output, his enhanced physiology allowing him to move with impossible speed and precision. His body seemed to blur as he sidestepped Zhao Wuji's massive bear paw by mere centimeters.
The moment he evaded, Chen Sheng's second spirit ring began to rise.
A surge of pure thunder erupted from his being. His attack power increased by more than two hundred percent—a dramatic amplification that transformed his subsequent strikes into genuinely dangerous assaults.
Simultaneously, his third spirit ring illuminated. "White Tiger Transformation!"
The moment Zhao Wuji's attack passed, Chen Sheng seized the opening and struck directly at the Vice-Dean's chest. His claws, wreathed in crackling purple thunder and augmented by his transformation, tore through Zhao Wuji's defenses and opened another significant wound.
"Ugh!" Zhao Wuji cursed under his breath, frustration evident in his voice. "These two little fellows move like loaches—I can't seem to catch either of them!"
The Vice-Dean's competitive fire burned even brighter now. He was being outmaneuvered by students barely at Spirit Elder level. The humiliation was almost worse than the physical wounds.
"Teacher Zhao, watch closely!" Chen Sheng called out, his tone carrying an almost mocking confidence.
Everyone present's expressions shifted as they sensed the sudden change in the battle's dynamic. What had begun as a clear mismatch seemed to be shifting—Chen Sheng was no longer simply defending or evading. He had transitioned into active, aggressive offense.
Alarm bells screamed through Zhao Wuji's consciousness. This kid is dangerous. Genuinely dangerous.
The Vice-Dean immediately activated his gravity-based abilities once more, attempting to suppress Chen Sheng's movement directly. "Gravity Enhancement! Gravity Compression!"
The training ground's weight multiplied, a crushing downward force that should have immobilized any opponent.
But Chen Sheng had anticipated this.
"Mind Shock Gaze!" he called out, activating the second ability granted by his skull spirit bone.
Chen Sheng's eyes blazed with brilliant silver light as he concentrated his formidable mental power into a concentrated beam of psychic force. The mental attack struck Zhao Wuji's consciousness directly, interrupting the Vice-Dean's spirit ability mid-activation and momentarily stunning him.
Zhao Wuji's gravity manipulation collapsed.
"Seven Treasures are renowned: one for strength, two for speed!" Ning Rongrong called out, recognizing the critical moment. Her amplification cascaded over Chen Sheng once more, providing the exact boost he needed.
Chen Sheng silently offered gratitude to the support spirit master, then activated his third spirit ability again. "White Tiger Transformation!"
He launched into a series of attacks with extreme speed. His movements became almost supernatural—afterimages trailed his every motion as he struck at Zhao Wuji from multiple angles simultaneously. Each claw strike was perfectly timed, perfectly placed, each one finding gaps in the Vice-Dean's defense and opening fresh wounds.
The speed was so extreme that observers struggled to track the individual strikes. All they could perceive was a blur of white, gold, and purple lightning.
"Xiao Wu, is Chen Sheng's speed always this fast?" Ning Rongrong asked, genuine surprise evident in her voice.
Even accounting for the amplification from her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, this was pushing beyond reasonable limits for someone at Chen Sheng's spirit power level.
Zhu Zhuqing watched with wide eyes, as though seeing Chen Sheng for the first time. Her expression suggested she was reconsidering everything she thought she understood about his capabilities. The speed he demonstrated far surpassed even hers, despite her Hell Civet martial soul specializing in velocity.
Xiao Wu shook her head, her face radiant with admiration. "This is the first time I've seen this level of speed too. Perhaps Big Brother just achieved a breakthrough in understanding?"
『DING! DETECTED Ning Rongrong's Surprise emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Xiao Wu's Complex Emotions (pride mixed with subtle possessiveness) toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Zhu Zhuqing's Admiration emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
Both Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong exchanged uncertain glances, silently processing this new dimension of Chen Sheng's abilities.
Zhao Wuji, caught off-guard during his moment of disorientation, felt as though something invisible had struck his head, leaving him dizzy for a critical instant. By the time his consciousness fully returned, waves of pain were already radiating from multiple points across his body.
At the same time, he found himself grudgingly marveling. What a monster. Truly a monster.
Just as Chen Sheng completed his ninth consecutive attack, his movements beginning to slow slightly as his breathing became heavier, Zhao Wuji's lips twisted into a chilling smile.
"Good, good, good. Truly impressive!" the Vice-Dean said, his voice carrying a note of genuine respect beneath the satisfaction. "But unfortunately, you're running out of spirit power, aren't you?"
Before Chen Sheng could formulate a response, Flender's voice cut through the moment.
"Stop! Time's up."
The Dean gestured toward the incense stick, which had just finished burning completely, its ashes settling gently onto the ground.
Zhao Wuji's moment of triumph evaporated. His expression twisted into something between acceptance and frustration.
"Hmph! Consider yourself lucky this time, little fellow!" Zhao Wuji said, his irritation poorly concealed. "I didn't expect that merely a Spirit Elder could unleash such formidable power. Not bad, not bad!"
As he moved, Zhao Wuji's wounds immediately protested. He hissed sharply, wincing as fresh pain radiated through his body. The wounds were significant, certainly, but their continued severity suggested something more was at work.
The Dragon Beard Needle, he realized grimly. The paralytic toxin wasn't simply embedded in his flesh—with Chen Sheng's rapid, forceful strikes, the needles had been driven deeper into his body, stirring his internal organs and exacerbating the painful effect.
Across the field, Chen Sheng's face had grown noticeably pale. Sweat drenched his entire body, and his breathing came in controlled but deliberate patterns.
Despite the physical exhaustion, however, his eyes burned with exhilaration and satisfaction.
He had pushed himself to his genuine limits during those final exchanges. The feeling of complete spiritual and physical depletion was remarkably cathartic. Through this intense struggle, Chen Sheng had gained new understanding of his actual capabilities and the boundaries of his current power.
Dai Mubai, observing Zhao Wuji's condition and sensing Flender's intentions, used his spirit power to amplify his voice, projecting it across the entire academy.
"Oscar! Come here! There's business for you!"
Shortly thereafter, a scruffy-looking young man with an unkempt full beard pushed a small wooden cart toward the training grounds. His clothing was wrinkled, and his overall appearance suggested someone perpetually caught between sleep and waking consciousness.
"Boss Dai, you called for me? Where's the business?" Oscar rushed over, his nose clearly following some internal scent map.
Tang San, recognizing the need for immediate intervention, stepped forward with a slight apologetic bow. "Teacher Zhao, I'm truly sorry about just now. If I hadn't used my full strength, I'm afraid I wouldn't have passed the entrance examination. Now, allow me to remove the Dragon Beard Needle from your body."
Zhao Wuji nodded without speaking, though internally his thoughts were far from gracious. Did these two little geniuses really go all out? he wondered with a mix of disbelief and dark amusement. They almost killed me during an assessment. This generation is absolutely insane.
Still, his focus remained primarily on Chen Sheng. The boy's combat capabilities at the end of their exchange had been absolutely remarkable. That speed, that precision, that understanding of combat mechanics—these suggested something far more developed than a typical Spirit Elder should possess.
When Oscar finally arrived, he surveyed the scene—both deans present, the training grounds in apparent disarray, and both teachers visibly injured—with obvious confusion.
"Oscar, stop wasting time," Dai Mubai commanded, pulling the food spirit master forward with urgency. "Make one Big Recovery Sausage and one Small Detoxifying Sausage. Now."
Oscar's previously excited expression immediately fell. Making sausages for Teacher Zhao meant no payment for his services—a significant disappointment.
More problematically, he turned and noticed the several new faces present, including three distinctly beautiful young women. Had they somehow conspired to inflict this damage on Zhao Wuji? The concept seemed almost impossible, yet the evidence before him suggested otherwise.
Oscar's immediate concern was far more personal: performing his spirit incantation in front of these new students would absolutely ruin his image. The whole process was inherently embarrassing.
But when he met the terrifying gaze emanating from Zhao Wuji's eyes—a clear warning about consequences for delay—Oscar felt his courage waver significantly.
With internal resignation, he steadied his resolve.
"I have a Big Sausage!"
he called out, his voice strained despite his attempt at theatrical confidence.
"I have a Small Sausage!"
he continued, performing the accompanying gestures with less grace than presumably intended.
Through sheer force of will, Oscar produced two Big Recovery Sausages and one Small Detoxifying Sausage, handing them to Zhao Wuji.
Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong had never encountered such a... distinctive spirit incantation before. Combined with Oscar's forward-thrusting motion during the sausage creation process, the overall effect was profoundly uncomfortable to witness.
All three girls immediately averted their gazes, their expressions suggesting they would have preferred to be literally anywhere else.
Dai Mubai, noticing their reactions, quickly offered explanation. "Don't watch Little Ao when he makes sausages. The process isn't particularly aesthetically pleasant, but the sausages' effects are genuinely outstanding."
He continued with evident pride, "His first spirit ability continuously restores physical strength and spirit power. His second ability handles detoxification. Both abilities possess significant practical application. Moreover, he's the first food system spirit master with innate full spirit power in the history of the entire continent!"
Flender took over, clearly recognizing an opportunity to showcase academy accomplishments to these talented new recruits. "A food system spirit master with innate full spirit power—you haven't encountered anything comparable elsewhere, have you?"
Chen Sheng's internal commentary was characteristically skeptical. Who knows if Oscar really possesses innate full spirit power? With Flender's mouth, he could talk a corpse into resurrection. However, Oscar didn't refute the claim afterward, so Chen Sheng decided speculation was pointless.
But what did it matter to him whether Oscar possessed innate full spirit power or not? The boy's capabilities, while useful for support, held limited relevance to Chen Sheng's personal plans.
However, Ning Rongrong's response was dramatically different. Her eyes immediately lit up with unmistakable curiosity and interest.
This was her first time hearing of a food system spirit master with innate full spirit power. Why would such an exceptional individual be living in such a remote, rural village? The question seemed to fascinate her.
Flender, adjusting his glasses, his eyes gleaming with calculated satisfaction, internally congratulated himself. As expected, they're all drawn in by this information. His expression suggested pride in his academy's ability to attract and develop exceptional talent.
Little Ao, Little Ao, he thought, whether you succeed with this opportunity depends entirely on your ability to capitalize on it.
As if remembering something crucial, Flender addressed the group directly, his tone casual but deliberately attention-capturing. "Oscar, have you reached spirit power level thirty?"
Everyone present immediately focused their attention on Oscar.
Oscar, sensing his opportunity to demonstrate his own achievements, straightened his posture noticeably, puffing out his chest with obvious pride.
"Dean, I broke through to level thirty just a few days ago. Vice-Dean Zhao also knows about it. It's just that you haven't been at the academy recently. I was waiting for your return to discuss acquiring my third spirit ring."
Flender appeared genuinely pleased, immediately offering praise. "Not bad, not bad. You're only fourteen years old and have already reached level thirty—and as a food system spirit master no less. If only you weren't quite so lazy, you would have achieved this milestone much earlier. However, perhaps this timing is fate. Allow me to introduce you."
Flender gestured toward Yu Xiaogang. "This is Grandmaster, an old friend of mine. After we finish processing the new student admissions, we'll arrange for all of you to become acquainted and acclimate to each other. Following that, we'll set off for the Star Dou Great Forest to help you acquire your third spirit ring!"
Yu Xiaogang, feeling his professional vanity pleasantly satisfied by the introduction, stepped forward at precisely the right moment. His expression carried confident authority.
"Over these coming days, I will thoroughly analyze each of your martial souls and spirit abilities, then design the most optimal spirit ring configuration for your individual circumstances," Yu Xiaogang announced, his tone suggesting absolute expertise in the matter.
Oscar's expression brightened considerably. The prospect of receiving personalized guidance from a supposed Grandmaster was genuinely exciting.
"Then I thank you sincerely, Grandmaster," Oscar said, moving quickly toward Yu Xiaogang to engage in further conversation.
Yu Xiaogang's vanity expanded noticeably, satisfied by the youth's respect and deference.
---
After the assessment concluded and Zhao Wuji had consumed his recovery sausages—his condition improving noticeably though not completely—Flender gathered the new students for formal acceptance announcements.
"Congratulations," Flender announced, his tone formal yet warm. "You have all successfully passed Shrek Academy's entrance examination. Welcome to our institution."
The relief on everyone's faces was palpable, though for different reasons.
For Xiao Wu, the tension of potentially being discovered had finally released.
For Tang San, the success represented another step toward his broader goals.
For Zhu Zhuqing, acceptance meant escape from the Star Luo Empire's dangerous political landscape.
For Ning Rongrong, it represented an adventure away from the strict confines of her sect.
For Chen Sheng, it was simply another stepping stone toward his ultimate objectives.
"Your official training will begin tomorrow morning," Flender continued. "For the remainder of today, please settle into your dormitory accommodations. Dai Mubai will show you to your quarters."
As the group dispersed, following Dai Mubai toward the dormitory buildings, Chen Sheng found himself walking alongside Ning Rongrong.
"So, Chen Sheng," she began, her curiosity clearly undiminished. "Are you going to tell me how you managed that breakthrough in speed earlier? Or is it a secret?"
Chen Sheng smiled mysteriously. "Perhaps when we know each other better, I'll share that story. For now, let's focus on settling in and understanding what Shrek Academy truly offers."
"You're quite mysterious," Ning Rongrong observed, though her tone suggested she found this quality intriguing rather than off-putting.
Behind them, Xiao Wu watched the interaction with mixed emotions. Her protective instinct regarding Chen Sheng warred with her understanding that he was naturally charismatic and that connections with various people often proved strategically valuable.
Zhu Zhuqing, meanwhile, observed Ning Rongrong and Chen Sheng's conversation with careful attention, her expression revealing little but her mind clearly cataloging details.
『DING! DETECTED Ning Rongrong's Fascination emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
Before retiring for the evening, Chen Sheng finally permitted himself to examine his accumulated treasure chests.
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