[Check Out My P4treon For +70 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! And get chapters before publishing them here for free on my p4treon][https://p4treon.com/roooaaa]
===
"Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda!" Zhao Wuji's eyes narrowed slightly as he observed the girl, inwardly startled.
I'll have to hold back a bit when dealing with her. The thought crossed his mind involuntarily.
Any experienced spirit master would recognize the inherited spirits of the major powers on the Douluo Continent, and Zhao Wuji was no exception. The Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda was unique to the Seven Treasure Glazed Clan, one of the Top Three Sects.
A 12-year-old girl with 26th-rank spirit power? Zhao Wuji even suspected she might be the princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Clan.
Without warning, Zhao Wuji pulled out a stick of incense from somewhere and asked, "Well? Are you ready? The countdown begins now."
"Ready," Tang San replied, stepping forward with a serious expression.
Xiao Wu and the other two also steeled themselves, fully aware that they were facing a Spirit Sage. The slightest carelessness could cost them dearly—a single misstep against such power could be fatal.
"Not bad, not bad. This year's examinees have both strength and quality spirits. Old Frelander's going to be overjoyed," Zhao Wuji muttered before swiftly lighting the incense and flicking it onto a nearby wooden post.
"Stick to the plan," Tang San said to the three girls behind him. He was familiar with Xiao Wu, but the other two were unknowns.
"Don't worry. My support can boost your strength and speed by 30%."
"Good. Third Brother, let's go!" Xiao Wu nodded at Tang San, and the two charged forward.
The Netherworld Spirit Cat girl didn't idle either, swiftly maneuvering to the side.
"First, Strength! Second, Speed!"
Hmph, these four examinees are all talented. There's no way the academy would reject them. But since I've already made my stance clear, I might as well test their foundations properly. Zhao Wuji remained motionless, observing the four as they unleashed their spirit abilities. Deep down, he truly didn't want them to fail.
"Hah!" Just as Zhao Wuji was lost in thought, Xiao Wu and Tang San struck simultaneously—one from the left, the other from the right—their kicks landing squarely on his massive arms.
"Some strength, but not enough." Zhao Wuji smirked, his body barely flinching.
Pure physical defense, with an immense rebound force. Tang San and Xiao Wu both realized this instantly and quickly retreated.
"First Spirit Ability—Netherworld Pounce!" Before they could fully disengage, Zhu Zhuqing's attack followed up.
But her claw-like strikes left no mark on Zhao Wuji's back.
"Little girl, are you tickling me? Put some force into it!" Zhao Wuji taunted as he effortlessly withstood the trio's assault.
A Spirit Sage… is truly terrifying.
"Mu Bai, do you think Teacher Zhao will actually let them pass?" Lin Dongyao, Dai Mubai, and Oscar stood at the edge of the battlefield, watching the fight unfold.
"I can't think of a single reason the academy would reject these four," Dai Mubai murmured, his gaze lingering on the black-leather-clad girl. His expression was complicated.
"Three adorable girls… Teacher Zhao better not go too hard on them. It's not every day we get such talented female students," Oscar muttered, equally engrossed.
Seeing how focused they were, Lin Dongyao decided not to interrupt further.
Meanwhile, Far Away—The Sea God Island
While Shrek Academy's entrance exams were in full swing, a grand ceremony was taking place on a distant island in the sea.
Before the towering Sea Dragon Sacred Pillar, the Sea God's Trial was about to commence.
Nearly 90% of the island's inhabitants had gathered, forming a sea of people—all for one person.
"Yao Hai, today you turn eighteen. Are you ready to face the Sea God's Trial?" The breathtakingly beautiful Bo Saixi stood beside a young man.
The youth, named Yao Hai (for now, without a surname), wore luxurious blue robes. His long, ocean-blue hair fluttered in the wind. At just 18 years old, he already stood half a head taller than Bo Saixi, nearly 190 cm, with a well-proportioned physique, striking features, and an aura of unshakable confidence.
"Mother, I've waited for this day for years. I'm more than ready." Yao Hai's voice was filled with reverence and self-assurance.
Yao Hai was known on Sea God Island as the "Child of the Sea" or "Holy Son." He was considered the most likely candidate in history to inherit the Sea God's power.
When he awakened his spirit at six years old, the entire island witnessed the Sea God himself descending to bestow a blessing.
His spirit took the form of the Sea God's Trident—the very super divine weapon of the Sea God. His innate spirit power shattered the usual limits, reaching an unprecedented level 20 at birth.
"Good. Maintain that confidence." Bo Saixi's voice carried a trace of pride.
"Grand Worship, Holy Son, all preparations are complete. The trial can begin at any time." Sea Dragon Douluo bowed respectfully before the mother and son.
"Today marks the annual Sea God's Trial. All children of Sea God Island who have reached 18 years of age may step forward to receive the Sea God's test before the Sacred Pillar."
"Let the ceremony begin!"
Bo Saixi nodded and ascended to the platform before the Sea Dragon Sacred Pillar, her voice resonating with authority.
"We thank the Sea God for his blessings and the Grand Worship for her guidance!"
Over fifty young men and women stepped forward, kneeling in unison. These were this year's candidates for the trial.
"Yao Hai, as the Holy Son of Sea God Island and the Child of the Sea, you shall go first." Bo Saixi turned to her son.
"Yes, Grand Worship." In formal settings, Bo Saixi insisted Yao Hai address her by her title.
Yao Hai strode forward, and six spirit rings rose from his feet—Yellow, Purple, Purple, Black, Black, Black.
At just 18, he had already reached the Spirit Emperor rank—level 65. With solemn reverence, he approached the Sacred Pillar.
"The Holy Son hasn't even undergone the trial yet, and he's already a Spirit Emperor… unbelievable."
"Do you think the Sea God will bestow the Nine Trials?"
"Without a doubt. He's the most promising candidate in history."
The seven Sacred Pillar Douluo—Sea Horse, Sea Dragon, and the others—exchanged whispers of awe and admiration.
Bo Saixi allowed herself a faint smile, clearly pleased with Yao Hai's progress.
Then, she placed her slender right hand on the Sacred Pillar, channeling her spirit energy to activate its power.
BOOM—
A golden beam erupted from the pillar's peak, piercing the heavens and dyeing the clouds in radiant light.
Another column of golden energy descended from the sky, enveloping Yao Hai.
His body lifted into the air as the light shifted—from gold to black, then crimson, before finally settling into a shimmering, multicolored radiance.
"The Sea God's Nine Trials… Yao Hai has succeeded." Bo Saixi's expression was complex as she watched her son, his eyes now tightly shut.
She had never told Yao Hai the true duty of the Sea God Island's Grand Worship.
Xiao Ming… once Yao Hai completes the Ninth Trial, I will come to you. She closed her eyes briefly, then reopened them with unshakable resolve.
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 290 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 45 power stones I will publish the next chapter.