Xie Xie jumped up excitedly. If his scores continued like this, he was guaranteed to get into Shrek Academy! He would bring honor to his ancestors!
Not long after, they arrived at another room, which was similar in size to the previous one. However, this room contained several platforms and various scattered objects.
Gu You immediately noticed the familiar sight of a forging table. Seated behind a desk in the room was the examiner, along with another familiar figure—the very same Cai Yue'er who had stormed off earlier. Now, however, the elderly woman was looking at them with a gentle expression.
"Cai Lao, you…" Shen Yi was visibly startled upon seeing her.
"The fifth test—they also scored full marks," Cai Yue'er said.
Shen Yi was stunned. Was this really okay? Wouldn't it be unfair to the other candidates?
Tang Wulin was also overjoyed by this unexpected stroke of luck. Ever since he started following Gu You, his fortune had drastically improved.
Left with no choice, Shen Yi led them away. Sixty years ago, Cai Yue'er had been a formidable figure. When she was young, she was not only beautiful but also highly sought after by powerful individuals. However, her eccentric and mischievous personality had caused quite a stir in the Soul Master world. In the end, it was Shrek Academy that took her in and helped her settle down. Since then, she had kept a low profile.
Now, she was displaying her personality once more, but Shen Yi couldn't say anything about it. After all, Cai Yue'er was a senior figure in their institution—one of the Sea God's Pavilion Elders who had the highest authority in Shrek Academy. Within the outer court, her word was law.
Filled with excitement, the group moved on to the sixth test.
The Sixth Test: Eating…?
Yes, the test was about eating.
A signboard nearby displayed a list of scoring criteria.
Before each participant was a massive tray, stacked high with steamed buns like a small mountain.
The list indicated that consuming fifteen buns in one sitting was considered a passing score. For every additional five buns, one more point would be awarded. However, they were not allowed to use soul power—it had to be done purely through their natural appetite.
This seemingly ridiculous exam was unique to Shrek Academy. However, in reality, it tested a person's willpower.
Eating too much could be painful! For a normal fifteen-year-old, consuming fifteen buns was an astronomical feat. Without using soul power to aid digestion, it was almost impossible. That was where willpower came into play. When one reached their limit, the real test was how much further they could push themselves. Though there were faculty members present to ensure safety, the sheer discomfort of overeating was something most couldn't withstand. That was why, despite its simplicity, this test often left examinees in agony.
Xie Xie and Gu Yue immediately turned their eyes toward Gu You.
After all, this was the legendary "vomit-inducing, three-year myth," the very person who had once caused Tang Wulin to be indebted for two years—all because of his eating abilities.
Gu You waved his hand nonchalantly. He hadn't eaten breakfast, and though these buns were low in energy, there were plenty of them. He could handle it.
Three bites per bun. Within a few breaths, four buns were already gone.
The others watched leisurely. Shen Yi, on the other hand, was perplexed. She had never looked into Gu You's eating capabilities before, but judging from the scene in front of her, he was clearly an extraordinary eater.
At first, her expression was one of surprise. Then it turned into shock. Then disbelief.
She could tell for certain that Gu You hadn't used a trace of soul power. The examiner supervising the test was also dumbfounded. In all his years of proctoring, he had never seen anything like this.
"Time's up," the examiner announced, his voice trembling.
Full marks for everyone!
Shen Yi turned and walked away, her steps slightly unsteady as if she had exerted too much strength. Without looking back, she simply waved her hand to signal them to follow.
The first test assessed spiritual power.The second test examined combat ability.The third test, though seemingly a test of adaptability, actually measured courage.The fourth test focused on talent.The fifth test evaluated secondary professions.The sixth test gauged willpower.
Now, for the seventh test, they would be tested on endurance.
The endurance test did not have a time limit, and it consisted of three parts:
Running 10,000 meters
Performing 1,000 weighted squats with a 50kg load
Completing 1,000 pull-ups
Completing all three tasks—regardless of time—guaranteed a passing score of six points. Finishing within one hour earned a perfect ten. Every additional ten minutes beyond the hour resulted in a one-point deduction. However, as long as all tasks were completed, candidates would receive at least a passing grade.
Every type of Soul Master had to undergo the same challenge. Naturally, power-type Soul Masters and those with strong physical attributes had an advantage.
It might seem unfair, but in real combat, there was no such thing as fairness.A single misstep could mean death.
This was precisely why Shrek Academy had such a low acceptance rate.Once you entered, you were stepping onto a battlefield. Failure here meant failure in real combat!
Upon arriving at the testing area, Gu You noticed other candidates present. He couldn't help but find the endurance test amusing.
Wasn't this just an extreme version of a high school physical fitness exam?
For normal people, or even some Soul Masters, this test was virtually impossible. But for Gu You?
If he ever entered a professional sports competition, forget winning first place—he'd shatter every record in the Federation.
For Xu Xiaoyan and Gu Yue, the test wasn't exactly fair. But the truth was, this round didn't really matter. They only needed to pass with sixty points. If the boys succeeded, they would all clear the exam.
And as expected, Gu You completed all the tasks in just over forty minutes—without even breaking a sweat.
After resting and adjusting, Xie Xie was still feeling exhausted, while Tang Wulin remained in peak condition. For Xu Xiaoyan and Gu Yue, who had only completed the 10,000-meter run, they had already recovered thanks to their strong soul power.
Now, it was time for the eighth test.
"The eighth test is a comprehensive combat exam," Shen Yi explained lazily. "Each of you will fight against a student from last year's intake at Shrek Academy. Your opponent's abilities will be determined randomly—because luck is also part of strength.
"In battle, lasting ten minutes will earn a passing grade. Defeating your opponent will grant a perfect score of ten.
"For anything in between, the final score will depend on your performance."
She seemed unconcerned about their results. Judging by their previous scores, they had already secured their place in Shrek Academy. Still, the test had to follow protocol.
"Yes, ma'am," they answered in unison.
They stepped into a large, circular room—much bigger than any of the previous testing arenas.
At first glance, the group immediately noticed—
(End of Chapter)