Chapter 15 Shrek"Young Master, your subordinate has returned." The guard bowed respectfully, then raised his head, and a hint of confusion flashed in his eyes when his gaze fell upon Dai Youheng.Strange, the Young Master actually looks completely unharmed? He just changed his clothes? Did Huang Heyun make such a big fuss bringing a Spirit Emperor over just to chat with the Young Master and get him dirty? That doesn't make sense.Moreover, the Young Master's demeanor seems a bit different? He couldn't quite pinpoint what was different, it was just a feeling—a bit less of his usual timidity and impulsiveness, and a bit more calmness and composure?When Dai Youheng saw the guard naturally report to him upon arrival, he understood. After devouring that bootlicker, he not only gained his strength and Spirit, but also the sense of presence that had been divided away.Now, in everyone's eyes, he was Dai Youheng, and would no longer be easily ignored.He slowly stood up, brushed off non-existent dust from his clothes, and said in a calm tone, "Mm. Since you've returned, let's depart as soon as possible. We've been delayed for so long; if we don't hurry, I'm afraid we'll truly miss the Academy's opening day."His voice was calm and unwavering, carrying an undeniable authority, completely unlike the timid, panicky bootlicker he had been before.The guard's doubts deepened upon hearing this. But he carefully examined Dai Youheng's face and confirmed without a doubt that it was indeed his young master.He could only attribute that strange feeling to his young master having just experienced an attack and being shaken, or perhaps having been woken up? After all, it was possible for one's personality to change after such an ordeal.He suppressed his doubts and respectfully replied, "Yes, Young Master! The carriage is destroyed, your subordinate will go to the nearest town to find another means of transport.""No need for the trouble." Dai Youheng waved his hand, "This place is still far from the next town, and going back and forth would waste too much time. You're fast enough, just take me directly. Arriving at Shrek as early as possible is the priority."The guard was stunned for a moment, then nodded, "The Young Master is right, it was my oversight."However, he was even more surprised in his heart; in the past, this young master was very particular about comfort and pomp, yet he actually took the initiative to suggest rushing on the road, enduring the elements?Dai Youheng said no more, signaling the guard to lead the way.The guard composed himself, his Spirit once again possessing his body. He carefully supported Dai Youheng's arm, as a Spirit Elder's speed was far incomparable to a Spirit King's, then his figure moved, transforming into a green blur, and he sped along the main road towards Shrek Academy.Carried by the Wind Wolf Soul King guard, Dai Youheng traveled at lightning speed, finally arriving at his destination—Shrek City.The majestic city walls seemed to have stood there since ancient times, their height and thickness far surpassing those of Star Luo Imperial City. The walls were covered with mottled traces left by time and Spirit Abilities, silently recounting the long years it had endured and the possible baptism of war.At the city gate, carriages flowed like water and people like weaving threads. Spirit Masters, merchants, and scholars from all over the Douluo Continent came and went in an endless stream.This was Shrek City. The undisputed number one city on the Douluo Continent. Its fame and status did not stem from the might of an Empire, but rather entirely from the Academy located in the city center, an Academy with a ten-thousand-year legend—Shrek Academy.Dai Youheng slowed his pace, his gaze sweeping over this magnificent city, and information about the city and the Academy naturally surfaced in his mind.Ten thousand years ago, a Spirit Saint named Flender founded Shrek Academy.The initial motto was strict and peculiar: "Only monsters are accepted, not ordinary people."Who would have thought that this initially obscure small Academy would produce that generation of "Shrek Seven Devils" led by Tang San, who all eventually became Gods, creating a myth on the Douluo Continent that was unprecedented and difficult to replicate?Shrek Academy thus leaped to become a sacred place in the hearts of Spirit Masters on the Douluo Continent.After ten thousand years of inheritance, it had long been firmly seated on the throne of the number one Academy on the Douluo Continent, aloof and detached, belonging to no country, yet its influence was enough to make any Emperor wary and compel them to treat it with courtesy.The Dean of the Academy held a status equal to that of an Emperor.Over four thousand years ago, during the epic war caused by the collision of two continents, the Douluo Continent side suffered repeated defeats in the early stages of the war.At a critical juncture, it was the then Dean of Shrek Academy who, with his unparalleled prestige, rallied nearly sixty Titled Douluo from across the Douluo Continent, took command of the three armies in a time of crisis, and ultimately turned the tide, defeating the Sun Moon Empire and bringing about the unification of the two continents.After this battle, Shrek Academy's transcendent status could no longer be shaken by anyone.However, ten thousand years of time and exalted status also brought new problems.All the royal families, nobles, and major powers on the Douluo Continent racked their brains to send their children to this "sacred place" for gilding. No matter how transcendent Shrek Academy was, it could not completely ignore the wishes of the entire Douluo Continent's upper society.But how could the Academy's founding principle of "only accepting monsters" be easily changed?Thus, a compromise and ingenious solution came into being: the establishment of an Inner Court and an Outer Court.The admission threshold for the Outer Court was relatively relaxed. As long as one's talent was not too terrible, and they could obtain a letter of recommendation from a noble, a renowned Spirit Master, or an official of Imperial City Lord level or above, they could generally gain admission.This was considered giving face to all forces across the Douluo Continent, fulfilling their desire to send their children to Shrek.But the true core, the essence of Shrek Academy, always lay in the Inner Court.The Inner Court was located on the island in the center of the mysterious Sea God Lake, in the core area of Shrek City, and was a true gathering place for "monsters."Most of the Academy's top resources, secret techniques, and teaching staff were tilted towards the Inner Court. Only the most outstanding geniuses in the Outer Court, through extremely rigorous assessments, or by demonstrating astonishing talent that made people overlook the rules, could be exceptionally promoted into the Inner Court.We've given you face; whether you can enter the true core and gain actual benefits depends on the abilities of your own children.This was Shrek Academy's silent declaration to the outside World.This system was quite in line with the reality of this World. It maintained its transcendent status and the principle of selecting elites, while subtly balancing its relationship with various powers."Young Master, shall we go directly to the Academy to report?" The Wind Wolf Soul King guard beside him asked in a low voice, interrupting his thoughts.Dai Youheng withdrew his gaze and nodded, "Mm, go directly to the Outer Court registration office."The identity he was currently assuming was still that of an Outer Court student.As for the Inner Court, he actually didn't anticipate entering it like others. The Outer Court seemed to allow graduation at level forty, and he was not far from level forty now. He would find an opportunity to leave Shrek.He didn't like it here.Dai Youheng straightened his robes and strode towards the magnificent complex of buildings that symbolized one of the highest Spirit Master academies on the Douluo Continent. A new stage was already before his eyes.
