"Gurgle…"
Tang Yin turned his head just in time to catch Xiao Wu clutching her growling stomach, cheeks flushed pink with embarrassment.
He burst out laughing. "Haha! sounds like someone's starving! Let's go grab you some carrots before you pass out!"
Xiao Wu retaliated by chomping down on his hand—playfully, of course—then gave his foot a defiant stomp before skipping away toward the cafeteria in a huff, her long braid bouncing.
Tang Yin chuckled, rubbing his hand. "Violent little thing…" he muttered, before catching up and gently taking her hand. "Alright, alright. Let me make it up to you. I'll buy you extra carrots."
Their bickering gave way to giggles as they strolled hand-in-hand through the academy grounds. Their laughter slowly fading into the background as they reached the cafeteria doors.
Once inside, their eyes landed on a plump man in his fifties. He was short, with small eyes, a large nose, and the kind of soft face that made you want to trust him with your life—or at least your lunch.
Tang Yin's eyes lit up in recognition. Wait… is that Shao Xin? The Food System Soul Saint? Oscar—the future food god's teacher? I've gotta earn some favor here. Guy's top five across the whole continent in the food system!
He subtly elbowed Xiao Wu again, signaling her to behave. Then he stepped forward with a polite smile. "Hello, Teacher. May we please get something to eat?"
Shao Xin's eyes twinkled at the courteous tone. "Of course! Young folks should eat more! Haha!"
Within minutes, the food began to roll out, and it didn't disappoint. Every bite was warm, nourishing, and practically hummed with soul power.
"Just as I thought", Tang Yin mused as he devoured a spicy dish, this stuff is packed with nutrients. Definitely boosts soul power cultivation.
Across from him, Xiao Wu's eyes sparkled like stars. "Wow! I've never eaten anything this delicious in my life!" she squeaked, cheeks full, eyes squinting in bliss.
They ate like beasts. Dishes were cleared, bowls licked, and by the end, both their stomachs looked ready to burst.
Just as they were patting their stomachs in satisfaction, Dai Mubai arrived and called out, "Time to head to the training grounds. Let's go."
On the way, he decided now was the perfect time to explain Shrek Academy's rules… which were more like loosely interpreted guidelines.
"There's to be no rape or pillaging," he said flatly.
Both Tang Yin and Xiao Wu nearly tripped. What kind of place is this?! Tang Yin and Xiao Wu shared a silent look, both sneered internally, though they nodded along.
"Gambling is fine," Dai Mubai continued, "because it improves judgment and observation skills. Fighting's okay too, just... as long as you don't go around killing people indiscriminately."
Tang Yin blinked. Excuse me, what?! Who wrote this rulebook, a pirate?
"Class schedules are casual," Dai went on. "Sometimes there won't be classes for days. Oh, and tuition's 100 gold coins. Pay it to the dean."
Tang Yin rubbed his temples. This place is an unregulated circus. And Flender's the ringleader.
He couldn't help thinking: If Yu Xiaogang weren't so obsessed with proving himself by training Tang San to win the Continental Soul Master Tournament, this place would've probably run down. Let's be honest—xiaogang probably borrowed more than half his training methods from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan or even Spirit Hall and the later.. some half-baked inspiration.
(The running that students do in Shrek academy in soul land ii was invented by yu xiaogang and it was only useful to huo yuhao because he had the fake mysterious heaven technique from Tang clan. As for others not much help at all)
By the time they reached the academy grounds, a familiar figure stood in the distance, hands behind his back, striking a dramatic, authoritative pose. It was none other than the dean—Flender himself.
Ning Rongrong & Zhu Zhuqing had already arrived, and nearby, Fatty Ma Hongjun was ogling them like a starving wolf. Flender didn't even bat an eye at his disciple's shamelessness.
When Tang Yin and Xiao Wu arrived with Dai Mubai, Xiao Wu's eyes widened in surprise.
"Hey, isn't that the broken shopkeeper?" she whispered to Tang Yin. "What's he doing here?"
Dai snorted from the side. "That's our dean. He's also a Soul Saint-level powerhouse."
Flender cleared his throat loudly, and the courtyard fell silent.
"Welcome to Shrek Academy," he announced, sweeping his gaze across the group. "I am the dean of this institution."
His brow furrowed suddenly. "Where's Oscar? Still sleeping?"
Dai Mubai shook his head and was just about to leave and fetch him when an excited voice rang out from the dormitory.
"I'm here!" came Oscar's excited shout.
Moments later, Oscar came skipping & bouncing onto the training ground, it was as if he was injected by chicken blood.
Flender's brow twitched in irritation. "Oscar! Why are you late?"
Oscar skidded to a halt, puffing his chest proudly. "Dean! Everyone! I've reached Soul Level 30! Haha!"
Flender's stern face cracked into a smile. "Zhao Wuji!" he called out as he turned immediately to Zhao Wuji. "Get ready. You take Oscar to the Star Dou Forest. It's time to find Oscar a soul ring for his martial soul. Food-type soul rings are too rare to find in normal hunting grounds."
Then, addressing the group, he added, "You'll all be coming along."
Tang Yin exhaled, a wave of relief washing over him.
Finally—something I've been waiting for.