The assessment ended, and Jing Shaoyu, Gu Yue, and Xu Xiaoyan, who were confirmed to have been admitted to Shrek Academy, were escorted back to their inn by Shen Yi.
It was just around noon, only four hours since they had left.
At the inn, only Ye Yingluo remained.
"Jing Shaoyu, your test is over? How did it go?" Ye Yingluo immediately stood up as she saw the trio return, rushing over with a nervous expression.
"Yes, the test is over," Jing Shaoyu replied.
"Hehe, Teacher Ye, we were admitted to Shrek Academy!" Xu Xiaoyan said with a bright smile.
"That's wonderful! Absolutely wonderful!" Ye Yingluo exclaimed, overwhelmed with joy. Her excitement caused her entire body to tremble as she shouted in elation.
Seeing Ye Yingluo so ecstatic, Jing Shaoyu and Xu Xiaoyan also smiled brightly, while Gu Yue displayed a faint, subtle smile.
"Teacher Ye, where are Tang Wulin and Xie Xie? And where did Teacher Wu go?" Xu Xiaoyan asked curiously as she looked around.
"Three hours after you left, Tang Wulin woke up, and Teacher Wu took them to participate in the assessment," Ye Yingluo said, her good mood even extending to her tone about Wu Zhangkong, Tang Wulin, and Xie Xie.
"Three hours?" Xu Xiaoyan paused, then lamented, "Doesn't that mean Tang Wulin and Xie Xie missed their chance to take the test? What a pity."
Gu Yue's expression shifted slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.
"Not necessarily," Shen Yi interjected. "Teacher Wu has another way for them to participate in the assessment. However, even if they pass, they'll only be admitted as work-study students."
"Work-study students?" Xu Xiaoyan and Gu Yue echoed in confusion.
"Yes, but that's related to academy rules. I'll explain further when we go for registration this afternoon," Shen Yi said with a smile, offering no additional details.
"You must be hungry. Let me treat you to a big meal to celebrate!" Ye Yingluo suggested happily. "Shen Yi, you're welcome to join us as well."
"Thank you." Shen Yi smiled politely but declined. "I'll pass. I have other duties at the academy."
Before leaving, Shen Yi looked at the trio and said, "Jing Shaoyu, pack your things. I'll pick you up this afternoon."
"Understood, Teacher Shen," the three replied in unison.
Shen Yi turned and left. Ye Yingluo did not insist, merely watching her departure before turning back to the trio. "Come on, kids, let's eat!"
"Alright!" Xu Xiaoyan replied cheerfully.
After lunch, it was already past 1 p.m.
"Teacher Ye, we'll be heading to Shrek Academy soon. What are your plans?" Jing Shaoyu asked once they returned to the inn.
"What else? Of course, I'll head back to the academy and report your good news to the dean!" Ye Yingluo said with an infectious grin.
"When will you leave? We'll see you off!" Xu Xiaoyan offered.
"No need." Ye Yingluo waved her hand dismissively. "I'll wait for news about Tang Wulin and Xie Xie. If everything goes well, I'll leave tonight."
"So soon?" Jing Shaoyu was surprised.
"What else can I do?" Ye Yingluo said wistfully. "This place isn't my world. Jing Shaoyu, Xu Xiaoyan, Gu Yue—you're Shrek Academy students now, but don't forget you're also from East Sea City. Don't bring shame to us. Prove that our geniuses are just as good as anyone else's!"
"We won't, Teacher Ye!" Jing Shaoyu said firmly. Xu Xiaoyan and Gu Yue nodded in agreement, touched by her words.
Shen Yi arrived, and the three boarded her car. Under Ye Yingluo's proud yet slightly envious gaze, they headed for Shrek Academy.
On the way.
"Teacher Shen, you didn't tell us how Teacher Wu managed things for Tang Wulin and Xie Xie," Xu Xiaoyan asked curiously, tilting her head.
"Ah, about that," Shen Yi said with a helpless smile. "I only found out during your exam. Teacher Wu appealed to his mentor—your grandmaster—for their chance to take the test."
"Grandmaster?" Xu Xiaoyan blinked in surprise, and even Gu Yue perked up her ears.
"Yes, you've met him. The white-bearded elder in the final test," Shen Yi replied.
"Ah, him?" Xu Xiaoyan and Gu Yue looked shocked, but Jing Shaoyu seemed unfazed, as if he had expected it.
"Our mentor is Zhuo Shi, titled the Crimson Dragon, one of the Sea God Pavilion's elders," Shen Yi explained. "He was the Outer Court Dean and our freshman instructor when Wu and I entered Shrek Academy. His martial soul is the Fire Dragon, one of the True Dragon martial souls."
"Crimson Dragon of Shrek!" Xu Xiaoyan's eyes sparkled. "What a cool title! Brother Shaoyu, if we become Title Douluos someday, could we have an awesome joint title too?"
"Uh..." Shen Yi was speechless, surprised by Xu Xiaoyan's priorities. Still, she answered with a smile. "That depends on your efforts. Let me tell you a little secret—the current generation of Shrek Seven Devils hasn't been chosen yet. You might have a chance!"
"The Shrek Seven Devils?!" Xu Xiaoyan, Gu Yue, and even Jing Shaoyu looked moved.
"Yes!" Shen Yi confirmed with a smile. "You'll learn about the selection criteria once you're familiar with the academy. I won't spoil it now."
"Alright," Xu Xiaoyan said reluctantly. "Then can you finish telling us about Teacher Wu and Tang Wulin?"
"After my mentor agreed, he allowed Tang Wulin and Xie Xie to take a supplementary test. However, if they're admitted, they'll only be work-study students," Shen Yi continued.
"Oh, what's the difference between work-study students and regular ones?" Xu Xiaoyan asked immediately.
"Work-study students are part-time workers and part-time learners. Unlike regular students who enjoy free meals, housing, and clothing, work-study students must pay for these with contribution points," Shen Yi explained. "Additionally, they must complete specific tasks assigned by the administration each week. It's much tougher than being a regular student."
"Wow, that's tough!" Xu Xiaoyan exclaimed.
"It's about trade-offs," Shen Yi said. "Work-study students often possess unique skills but lack comprehensive strength. They're considered special admissions. Since Tang Wulin and Xie Xie missed the main exam, this was their only path."
"I see," Xu Xiaoyan said, nodding.
Jing Shaoyu and Gu Yue appeared contemplative.
"Will Teacher Wu stay in the Inner Court?" Xu Xiaoyan asked.
"That depends on my mentor's decision," Shen Yi said, her expression tinged with concern. "My mentor is hot-tempered, and Teacher Wu is stubborn. I'm worried they might clash and damage their relationship."
"I don't think that'll happen," Jing Shaoyu said. "If Mentor Zhuo Shi was willing to help Teacher Wu, it shows he hopes for reconciliation. Teacher Wu might even stay in the Outer Court to teach, like you."
"Really?" Shen Yi said, her face lighting up. "You might be right! I think I know what to do now."
"Hehe, Teacher Shen, you're just worried," Xu Xiaoyan teased playfully.