To Han Feng's surprise, Dai Mubai—who had clearly been behind them earlier—had somehow reached the fourth trial ahead of them and was already explaining it to Tang San and the others.
But Han Feng quickly noticed something else: Zhu Zhuqing's expression was unpleasant, and Dai Mubai kept glancing at her with a mixture of unwillingness and frustration. It was clear their reunion had not gone well...
"Well, well! Didn't expect five people to make it to the fourth trial this year! That's already two more than our current total student body! "
Upon seeing Han Feng and Ning Rongrong, Dai Mubai's handsome face lit up with a welcoming smile. As a senior student, it was natural to extend courtesy—especially since Han Feng had graciously avoided interfering in his encounter with Zhu Zhuqing. Even though the outcome had been rough, Dai Mubai appreciated the gesture.
Han Feng simply smiled. He already knew how things would unfold.
But Tang San and the others were stunned, and Ning Rongrong couldn't help but exclaim, "Three!? There are only three students in the entire academy!? " ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ novel⸺fire.net
Unlike in the original storyline, Ning Rongrong wasn't pretending to be a sweet, obedient girl this time. After meeting Han Feng, her lively, mischievous nature was fully on display.
Tang San and the rest stared at Dai Mubai, clearly in disbelief.
As if expecting their reaction, Dai Mubai smirked proudly and said, "That's right—only three. Our academy might be the only one on the entire continent where the number of teachers exceeds the number of students. Of course, if you all get accepted, that won't be the case anymore."
"But… why? "Tang San asked, confused. If a school had more teachers than students, how did it even operate?
Dai Mubai's expression turned reverent. "That's a rule set by our headmaster: 'Rather have none than accept the unworthy.' This is the Monster Academy—we only accept monsters. If you're not a monster, you're not even allowed past the gate."
His words sent a jolt through Tang San's group, clearly shaken by the headmaster's bold philosophy.
"If the standards for students are this extreme, then what kind of monsters must the teachers be? "Xiao Wu rubbed her chin, deep in thought.
"Oh! The teacher for the first trial, Mr. Li, is a level 63 Soul Emperor. The second trial—" Dai Mubai closed his eyes as if preparing to recite a list.
But Han Feng rolled his eyes and interrupted, "You're saying a lot, but shouldn't we get inside first? Soul Emperor or not, I just want to know who the examiner is for this fourth trial—and what we're supposed to do."
Dai Mubai was cut off, and Xiao Wu stuck her tongue out at Han Feng in protest—she still wanted to know if the academy had any Title Douluo.
Han Feng didn't care, but Tang San and Ning Rongrong did. Xiao Wu's little "challenge" triggered Ning Rongrong's protective instincts. Her brows furrowed as she stepped in front of Han Feng, guarding him like a lioness, while Tang San gave Han Feng an apologetic glance.
Dai Mubai, for his part, didn't seem bothered. He grinned and gave a thumbs-up. "The examiner for the fourth trial... It's me! "
"You? " Ning Rongrong raised an eyebrow. "You're a Soul Emperor? "
"He's only level 37—a Soul Grandmaster and still a student," Xiao Wu bluntly exposed him.
"And who says a student can't be an examiner? " Dai Mubai crossed his arms.
"Based on what? "Xiao Wu challenged.
"Based on the fact I can fail you right now! "
"Based on your mismatched eyes! "Xiao Wu shot back.
Watching the two bicker like children, Han Feng rolled his eyes again—completely unaware of how childish he could be himself.
"Don't your eyes get tired? "Ning Rongrong finally asked, noticing Han Feng had been rolling his eyes non-stop since they arrived.
Han Feng reflexively started to roll them again but forced himself to stop. He gritted his teeth, pressed her head down, and grumbled, "Mind your business."
Being half a head shorter, Ning Rongrong was easily overpowered. She grabbed his hand in protest, but Han Feng's strength left her glaring at him in frustration.
Han Feng, unbothered, messed up her hair like fluff and nodded in satisfaction before turning back to Dai Mubai. "So? What exactly is the fourth trial? "
"Don't bother asking! The fourth trial examiner has changed! "
Before Dai Mubai could reply, a booming voice cut in. Dai Mubai stiffened and blurted out in shock.
Everyone turned to see a brawny man striding toward them, his hair cropped like steel needles and his body built like a tank—intimidating and fierce.
Dai Mubai rushed up to him, his usual calm replaced with nervousness. "Teacher Zhao, I thought I was in charge of the fourth trial? "
"What, can't an old man scratch his itch a little? "Zhao's deep, booming voice rang out, full of confidence and zero regard for age dynamics.
Dai Mubai had no choice but to return to the others with a serious face. "This just got complicated. Teacher Zhao is a level 76 Soul Sage. His martial soul is the Vigorous Vajra Bear. When he was only level 60, he fought off an ambush from sixteen Soul Emperors—alone! "
"The Vigorous Vajra Bear!? That's... the Immovable King Zhao Wuji!? "
Before anyone else could react, Ning Rongrong exclaimed in shock.
"Little girl, quiet down," Han Feng muttered with a glance. "You scared me. I thought your bra padding fell out."
"Han Feng! Do you want to die!? " Ning Rongrong's face turned scarlet as she pounced on him like an angry kitten.
Despite the tension, Han Feng's antics lightened the mood. Dai Mubai chuckled and confirmed, "Yep, it's the Immovable King."
"Well, now that we know who we're facing, let's introduce ourselves," Tang San suggested.
He stepped forward and released his martial soul. Blue silver grass wrapped his right arm as two bright yellow soul rings rose beneath his feet. "Tang San, martial soul: Blue Silver Grass. Level 29 Control-Type Grandmaster! "
Next up was Xiao Wu. She leaped into the air, her rabbit ears twitching as pink armor materialized. "Xiao Wu, martial soul: Soft-Boned Demon Rabbit. Level 29 Power-Attack-Type Grandmaster! "
Then came Zhu Zhuqing, quiet and poised as ever. Without a word, she released her martial soul. "Zhu Zhuqing, martial soul: Nether Shadow Cat. Level 27 Agility-Type Grandmaster."
Her transformation was so graceful that Dai Mubai couldn't look away.
Han Feng was about to reveal his own martial soul, but Ning Rongrong pulled him back. She released her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda with a sweet smile. "Ning Rongrong, martial soul: Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. Level 26 Support-Type Grandmaster! "
"Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda!? "
Zhao Wuji and the others were visibly shaken. The clan was one of the top three sects—it was a name that carried serious weight.
Seeing everyone's reaction, Ning Rongrong giggled and pushed Han Feng forward. "Don't look at me like that. He's the really strong one! "
All eyes turned to Han Feng.
He felt a strange warmth stir in his chest. Though he was tough on the outside, he wasn't dumb—he could tell Ning Rongrong was trying to boost his presence. He gave her a curious look, suppressed his emotions, and summoned his martial soul.
"Han Feng, martial soul: Blazing Seraph Shield. Level 30 Defense-Type Grandmaster."
Flames erupted around him, his fiery red hair blazing like a torch. The intense heat made even Dai Mubai frown.
"Such pure soul power…"
Despite only being a level higher than Tang San and Xiao Wu, Han Feng's power felt on par with a Soul Elder. And since he hadn't acquired his third ring yet, who knew how long he had been cultivating at level 30?
Seeing everyone's expressions, Ning Rongrong grinned and added, "Don't be fooled by his 'defense' label—his shield can attack too! "
Han Feng looked at her, then nodded hesitantly. "It's true. I do have offensive capabilities as well."
Everyone's expressions grew even more serious. Zhao Wuji's eyes lit up with interest.
"Well now… this just got fun."