As the group followed Dai Mubai across the training grounds of Shrek Academy, the atmosphere grew more intense. Dai Mubai walked confidently ahead, his arms folded behind his back, white tiger aura sharp and proud. Lin Feng strolled casually, hands behind his head, while Tang San, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong followed in step.
Just as they reached the edge of a broad, open courtyard meant for combat training, a thunderous voice halted them.
"Wait."
Zhao Wuji emerged from the shadows of the building with his imposing frame. The moment his heavy steps echoed across the stone, even Dai Mubai paused.
"I'll conduct their final assessment myself," Zhao Wuji announced, cracking his knuckles.
Dai Mubai raised a brow but complied. "Then let me explain to them what they're up against."
He turned to the group. "Zhao Wuji, titled 'Fudo Ming King,' is a powerful Soul King with a martial spirit, the Vigorous Vajra Bear. He's tough, strong, and nearly invulnerable in close-range combat. Don't try to overpower him. Survive his attacks, and use your heads."
Zhao Wuji tossed a lit incense stick into the ground. "One incense of time. Plan your strategy."
Lin Feng narrowed his eyes. "So... the goal is to last until the incense burns out? That's doable."
Tang San was already calculating. "Rongrong, support. Zhuqing and Xiao Wu on flanks. Feng and I for direct engagement. Use hit-and-run tactics."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded. Xiao Wu stretched like a cat. Ning Rongrong focused, summoning her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
Zhao Wuji lit the second incense.
"Time starts now."
---
Ning Rongrong's small pagoda lit up instantly, two spirit rings rotating around her—one white, one yellow.
"First skill: Strength Boost!"
"Second skill: Agility Boost!"
Golden light enveloped Tang San and Lin Feng, noticeably amplifying their power and speed.
"Let's move!" Tang San shouted.
Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu dashed to opposite flanks, moving so swiftly they became blurs. Tang San unleashed his Blue Silver Bamboo, vines snapping outward like whips to ensnare Zhao Wuji's legs. At the same time, Lin Feng vanished with a blur of motion, his first soul skill Phantom Dash activating.
He reappeared behind Zhao Wuji, his Phantom Blood Dagger glowing with a faint violet aura.
Slice—
The dagger slashed Zhao Wuji's back, leaving a light scratch. But it was enough.
Zhao Wuji grunted and spun with a heavy fist. Lin Feng ducked, used Shadow Bind Bloom, and restrained one of Zhao Wuji's legs for half a second.
"Xiao Wu! Now!"
From above, Xiao Wu flipped in mid-air and used Waist Bow, her signature soul skill. She struck Zhao Wuji's shoulder and used the rebound force to flip away.
Tang San's vines tightened again.
"Hidden Weapon: Spider Thorn!"
A sharp needle flew from Tang San's sleeve and hit Zhao Wuji's arm. The surprise made him reel back slightly, giving Zhu Zhuqing time to dash in.
Her claws flashed as she used the Ghost Leopard Steps, darting in for several rapid strikes across Zhao Wuji's sides. Though his bear hide was nearly impenetrable, her attacks kept him on the defensive.
Zhao Wuji roared.
"Gravity Amplify!"
A sudden wave of pressure slammed down on the group. Tang San and Rongrong staggered. Zhu Zhuqing froze mid-dash.
But Lin Feng was already moving. He used Phantom Dash again, skimming the edge of the attack radius. In a blink, he circled behind Zhao Wuji.
Slash!
His dagger glowed again, this time slightly darker. A cut appeared on Zhao Wuji's arm.
"You've actually hurt me... impressive," Zhao Wuji said with narrowed eyes.
Xiao Wu was back again. She sprang off a rock and used Waist Bow a second time, delivering a mid-air roundhouse that connected with Zhao Wuji's temple.
Zhao Wuji stumbled.
"Tang San, now!"
Tang San's vines exploded from the ground, entangling both of Zhao Wuji's legs and pulling tight.
"Hidden Weapon: Ink Snake Fang!"
Two black-tipped needles launched from his hands, one striking Zhao Wuji's shoulder, the other his knee. Both were coated in paralyzing powder.
Zhao Wuji roared and burst free of the vines, but not before Zhu Zhuqing dashed under his legs and slashed upward, narrowly missing his ribs.
Time felt like it slowed.
The incense stick burned steadily.
Ning Rongrong reactivated her first skill. "Strength boost—again! Keep pushing!"
Zhao Wuji charged forward, aiming to crush Tang San with a full-body slam. Lin Feng tackled Tang San away just in time.
"Thanks," Tang San muttered.
"Owe me dinner!" Lin Feng shouted as he rolled.
Zhao Wuji spun and knocked Xiao Wu back with a palm strike. She hit the ground but bounced back up.
Lin Feng blurred forward again, using Shadow Bind Bloom to lock Zhao Wuji's arms for one second. One second was all Tang San needed.
"Net Trap!"
A net of vines fell from above, pinning Zhao Wuji for a moment.
The incense burned closer to its end.
Just when Zhao Wuji broke free and lunged toward Rongrong, modification light suddenly flashed in front of Lin Feng's eyes.
[Plot Modification Opportunity Detected – 20 points] Change Activated: Tang San uses Thousand Years of Death Technique]
As Zhao Wuji charged, Tang San dodged beneath him and, in a moment of comic brilliance mixed with desperation, unleashed a sudden strike.
"Thousand Years of Death!"
Poke!
A shocked yelp erupted from Zhao Wuji as he was launched several meters into the air. Time froze for a heartbeat.
The entire battlefield paused.
Xiao Wu: "...Did he just...?"
Zhu Zhuqing blinked.
Ning Rongrong's eyes went wide. Even Lin Feng burst out laughing, doubling over as Zhao Wuji flailed mid-air.
"I can't... breathe!" Lin Feng wheezed.
The momentary chaos gave everyone enough time to regroup.
By the time Zhao Wuji landed with a thud, the incense had completely burned away.
Smoke curled upward.
Zhao Wuji stood, eyes twitching, and coughed. "You pass."
Everyone collapsed on the ground, catching their breath.
"That was... definitely legendary," Xiao Wu panted.
Ning Rongrong nodded. "I'm not sure what part was more effective — our teamwork or Tang San's... final technique."
Lin Feng chuckled. "Hey, sometimes the most unexpected move is the best one."
A new system prompt popped up in front of Lin Feng.
[Mission Complete: Survive Zhao Wuji (with bonus modification)] +2 Soul Levels +500 Points +1 Rare Dagger Blueprint +1 Mystery Box (Comedy Tier) Current Points: 46150
Tang San stared at his hands. "I... can't believe I did that."
Xiao Wu grinned. "You better believe it, little brother. That was the highlight of my year."
Even Zhao Wuji managed a smile. "Next time... I won't go easy on you."
And with that, the five had passed Shrek's final trial.
The academy had found its new monsters.