Guidance? What guidance — what was the point? A level fifty against a level sixty assault-type Battle Soul Master with a Mutant Martial Soul? Did that even need to be fought?
"Uh, well, there's no need for a practical evaluation. The academy has a rule — Soul Masters above level sixty are exempt from additional assessments." The instructor in charge of evaluations at Lanba Academy wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead, thinking to himself that today had brought a formidable one.
Qin Ming withdrew his Martial Soul, reining in his presence until everything returned to normal.
The evaluator standing on the left among Lanba Academy's three teachers couldn't help but ask, "Forgive the presumption, but may I ask your age?"
Qin Ming replied evenly, "Thirty-four."
The moment that simple number left his mouth, three pairs of wide eyes locked onto him across the table. Thirty-four years old, level sixty-two — what did that even mean? Forget seeing it; they had never even heard of such a thing.
Flandre said, "Since anyone above level sixty doesn't need the additional evaluation, let's not waste any more time. Brothers, reveal your Soul Rings."
Aside from the Great Master, all five instructors of Shrek Academy simultaneously unleashed the Martial Souls that would leave any ordinary Soul Master gazing up in awe. In an instant — two Soul Emperors, three Soul Saints, a combined total of thirty-one Soul Rings — appeared before Lanba Academy's evaluators.
"Level sixty-three, Dragon Pattern Staff tool Soul Emperor, Li Yusong. Assault type."
"Level sixty-six, Star Luo Chess tool Soul Emperor, Lu Qibin. Control type."
"Level seventy-one, Bean tool Soul Saint, Shao Xin. Food type."
"Level seventy-six, Vigorous Vajra Bear Battle Soul Saint, Zhao Wuji. Assault type."
"Level seventy-eight, Cat Eagle Battle Soul Saint, Flandre. Agility assault type."
From weakest to strongest, the five Shrek Academy instructors — including both deans — announced their strength and names one after another.
The three evaluators were completely frozen. Seven instructors had come to apply for teaching positions, and apart from one who hadn't shown his abilities, all six of the rest were experts above level sixty. The sheer number of Soul Rings before them made their vision swim. If Flandre and the others hadn't deliberately restrained their Soul Power output, the three Lanba Academy teachers likely wouldn't have been able to stay on their feet.
"Is that sufficient?" Flandre's voice carried a pulse of Soul Power that startled the three stunned evaluators back to awareness.
"Oh, of course. Esteemed seniors, please put away your Martial Souls." All three suddenly adopted a much more respectful demeanor.
Tang San stood among the Shrek Seven Devils, watching the scene unfold and thinking to himself that in this world, strength truly was what mattered most. Back at the Heaven Douperial Academy, the appearance of a single Titled Douluo had completely suppressed every Shrek instructor — even Dean Flandre had ultimately held back rather than act. And now, the power of Shrek Academy's teachers had stunned Lanba Academy in turn. Strength — it really was the most important thing.
Drawing a deep breath, the instructor who appeared to be in charge — named Yinshu — spoke with evident respect: "My name is Yinshu, a level fifty-four assault-type Battle Soul Master. I'm unable to properly assess any of your levels. How about this — I'll take you to see our dean, and she can decide on your ranks and compensation."
Every single one of them above level sixty — the evaluation had become meaningless. Keeping them here was what truly mattered. This man Yinshu, entrusted with recruitment, was clearly no fool. He had immediately grasped the need to show these powerful Soul Masters that Lanba Academy was sincere.
"Then let's go." Flandre offered a slight smile. The Shrek Academy instructors' spirits had lifted considerably. Being respected was, after all, far more pleasant than being looked down upon. This place might not compare to the Heaven Douperial Academy in terms of facilities, but it had its own advantages.
Led by Yinshu, the three Lanba Academy teachers walked ahead. Leaving the pointed-roof building, they followed a small path that wound toward the rear of the academy grounds. Before long, they had entered the forest bordering the main campus area.
The Great Master asked with some puzzlement, "Your dean doesn't live on campus?"
Yinshu replied, "The dean isn't usually at the academy. She prefers quiet. She lives alone in the forest. Day-to-day affairs are handled by the instructors — only major matters require consulting the dean."
When the topic of the dean came up, Teacher Yinshu's eyes revealed genuine respect — it was entirely heartfelt.
"So that's how it is." The Great Master didn't ask any further questions, but for some reason, an uneasy feeling lingered in his heart.
After walking for roughly ten minutes, as the group made their way through the fresh forest air, suddenly, a faint, ethereal singing voice drifted over from ahead.
The melody was gentle and beautiful, filled with sorrow and lingering tenderness, like weeping and lamenting, making one's heart ache upon hearing it. The tune wound back and forth, impossibly soft and delicate.
"Hard to fall asleep at night, what can I use to numb the pain.
Too many emotions, how can I bear to face them.
It's not that I don't want your company — there are things you simply cannot understand.
With defenses let down, loneliness follows."