Chapter 2: Chapter 2: The Prodigy of Shrek Academy
The vibrant grounds of Shrek Academy buzzed with activity. Students from all over the continent gathered to prove their worth and secure a place in the legendary institution. Among them was Lin Tian, whose arrival had already caused a stir. His presence exuded confidence, and his reputation as a prodigy with twin martial spirits had begun to spread.
Lin Tian stood at the registration counter, where a stern-faced instructor glanced at him with suspicion. "Name?"
"Lin Tian." His voice was calm but carried an unshakable authority.
The instructor's eyes narrowed. "Age?"
"Thirteen."
The instructor's pen hovered over the paper as he inspected Lin Tian's soul power with a crystal orb. His jaw tightened when the orb lit up, signaling Level 29. He quickly masked his shock but not before a few nearby students noticed.
"Level 29 at his age? That's impossible!" one murmured.
"He must be cheating," another whispered.
Lin Tian ignored the chatter, focusing on the instructor. "Is there anything else you need?" he asked politely.
The man shook his head, handing Lin Tian a token. "You've passed the preliminary examination. Proceed to the combat trials in the main courtyard."
---
The Combat Trials Begin
The courtyard was packed with aspiring students, each eager to showcase their strength. Lin Tian observed the scene, noting the wide range of skill levels. Some students already had two soul rings, while others barely managed one.
An instructor stepped forward, his voice booming. "Welcome to the combat trials! Each of you will face an opponent. Victory will secure your admission, but failure means elimination. Show us your worth!"
Lin Tian's turn came quickly. His opponent was a tall, muscular boy named Liu Feng, whose martial spirit was the Iron Arm Ape. As the two stepped into the arena, whispers filled the crowd.
"That's Lin Tian, the guy with twin martial spirits."
"Twin martial spirits? He doesn't look that strong."
"Let's see if he can back up the rumors."
The instructor signaled the start of the match. Liu Feng wasted no time, activating his soul ring and charging forward with a thunderous roar. His fist, glowing with golden energy, aimed straight for Lin Tian's chest.
Lin Tian didn't move until the last second. With a flick of his wrist, his Divine Celestial Sword materialized, its golden blade gleaming in the sunlight. He parried Liu Feng's attack effortlessly, sending the larger boy stumbling back.
"Is that all you've got?" Lin Tian asked, his tone calm but taunting.
Enraged, Liu Feng unleashed his second soul skill, Iron Rampage, boosting his speed and strength. He lunged at Lin Tian, swinging wildly.
Lin Tian sidestepped the attack, his movements graceful and precise. With a wave of his sword, he activated Thunder Strike. A bolt of lightning erupted from the blade, striking Liu Feng and sending him crashing to the ground.
The crowd gasped. Liu Feng lay motionless, smoke rising from his body. The match was over in seconds.
The instructor raised a hand. "Winner: Lin Tian!"
---
New Allies and Rivals
After the trials, Lin Tian wandered the campus, familiarizing himself with the academy's layout. Along the way, he caught the attention of several notable figures.
Among them was Ning Rongrong, the elegant and playful heir of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. She approached him with a mischievous smile. "You're quite impressive, Lin Tian. I don't think I've ever seen anyone defeat an opponent so effortlessly."
Lin Tian nodded politely. "Thank you, but I was just doing what was necessary."
Ning Rongrong tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "You're modest. I like that. Maybe we'll team up someday."
Not far away, Zhu Zhuqing, the quiet and mysterious beauty, observed their interaction. Her sharp gaze lingered on Lin Tian, and though she said nothing, her interest was evident.
Lin Tian, however, remained focused. He knew that forming alliances would be important, but his priority was cultivating his strength.
---
The First Mission
Later that evening, Yue'er joined Lin Tian in his dormitory. She had been busy scouting the academy and gathering information about the other students.
"Master," she said, bowing slightly. "Your performance today has drawn the attention of both students and instructors. However, it also means you'll face greater challenges moving forward."
Lin Tian nodded. "That's expected. What's next on the system's agenda?"
The system's voice chimed in.
"New mission: Prove your worth by completing the Soul Beast Forest Trial. Objective: Hunt and absorb a 10,000-year soul ring. Reward: Frost Tiger Soul Ring and Frost Barrier skill."
Lin Tian's eyes gleamed with excitement. "A 10,000-year soul ring? That's a significant step forward."
Yue'er frowned. "Master, a 10,000-year soul beast is dangerous, even for someone as strong as you. Are you sure about this?"
"I have to take risks if I want to grow," Lin Tian said firmly. "Besides, I have you to watch my back."
Yue'er's cheeks flushed slightly, but she nodded. "Very well. I'll ensure nothing happens to you."
---
The Forest Trial
The next morning, Lin Tian and Yue'er ventured into the nearby Soul Beast Forest. The air was thick with tension, the cries of distant beasts echoing through the trees.
As they moved deeper into the forest, Yue'er suddenly stopped, her hand resting on the hilt of her blade. "Something's coming."
A massive Frost Tiger emerged from the shadows, its icy blue fur shimmering in the light. Its golden eyes locked onto Lin Tian, and a low growl rumbled from its throat.
"This is it," Lin Tian said, activating his Divine Celestial Sword.
The battle was intense. The Frost Tiger was fast and powerful, its claws leaving deep gouges in the ground. But Lin Tian's Thunder Strike and Yue'er's precision attacks gradually wore it down.
When the tiger finally collapsed, Lin Tian approached its body and began the absorption process. The energy of the 10,000-year soul ring surged into him, filling him with newfound power.
The system's voice echoed in his mind.
"Congratulations, Host! You have successfully absorbed the Frost Tiger Soul Ring. New skill acquired: Frost Barrier."
Lin Tian smiled, a sense of accomplishment washing over him. "Another step forward."
Yue'er watched him with quiet admiration. "Master, your strength is truly unmatched."
Lin Tian turned to her, his expression softening. "It's not just my strength. I wouldn't have succeeded without you."
Yue'er's cheeks reddened, but she quickly looked away. "Let's return to the academy. You have much more to accomplish."
As they made their way back, Lin Tian couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. This was only the beginning of his journey, and he was determined to rise to the top, no matter what challenges lay ahead.
To Be Continued...