"I have an eye that can see through everything hidden in this world."
"That… that's way too powerful! If I had this ability, I'd be invincible." Xie Xie's eyes were filled with admiration. However, the name Yuanen had just mentioned also left a deep impression on his heart. During the entrance exam, he had been defeated by her.
For many new students enrolling, an opening ceremony was naturally indispensable, and Shrek Academy was no exception.
The opening ceremony was held at the clean and pristine Ling Bing Plaza. Just this morning, Xie Xie and his two friends had finished cleaning this plaza, only for the ceremony to be scheduled at noon. This level of efficiency from Shrek Academy was simply top-tier utilization of resources.
At the same time, for the first time, Gu You gained a new understanding of the total number of students at Shrek Academy.
The academy had six grade levels, which didn't seem too different from ordinary academies. The number of students in each grade varied but was generally around a hundred, totaling approximately seven hundred students across all six grades.
Among them, some sixth-year students were already in their thirties, each exuding a composed and formidable presence. Their cultivation was undoubtedly extraordinary, yet they still remained in the outer court. In most advanced academies, the typical graduation age was between twenty-two and twenty-five, but Shrek was different. Based on age alone, Wu Zhangkong would probably only be considered a fifth-year student if he were in the outer court.
The youngest students, of course, were the first-years. They were all under fifteen, with the majority being around thirteen or fourteen.
The second-years looked slightly older, but with only a three-year difference, the gap wasn't too noticeable.
Each grade level had only one class; there were no further divisions.
This was Shrek Academy, a place where "talents emerged in abundance." However, those who could enter the inner court were few and far between.
There was no grand stage set up at the front of Ling Bing Plaza. While all the new students were still wondering how the academy would conduct the opening ceremony, numerous figures suddenly descended from the sky.
For the new students, this sight was breathtaking—more than twenty figures descended from the sky, slowly landing.
The one leading them, positioned at the center, was Silver Moon Douluo, Cai Yue'er.
Today, Cai Yue'er wore a dark silver long dress, with her hair tied up in a bun. She had reverted to a more youthful appearance and looked exceptionally beautiful. With her hands clasped behind her back, she exuded an air of solemn dignity. Beside her stood several middle-aged men and women, most appearing to be between thirty and fifty years old.
Among them, Gu You immediately spotted Wu Zhangkong and Shen Yi.
Judging by his aura, Wu Zhangkong had already reached the Soul Sage level, possibly even nearing the high ranks of a Soul Sage.
Cai Yue'er led the group of teachers as they all hovered in midair. A faint energy field surrounded them, making it impossible not to be in awe.
Floating in midair and flying—aside from those with flight-type martial souls—required at least a seven-ring cultivation. There were exceptions, such as those with soul bones, special martial souls, or soul devices, but on the surface, at least, it meant that everyone present had a cultivation of seven rings or above.
A middle-aged man took a step forward in midair.
"The start of a new academic year is upon us once again. For Shrek Academy, this is the time to welcome fresh blood. Now, let us invite the Outer Court Dean, the esteemed Silver Moon Douluo, Elder Cai, to say a few words."
"Good!"
Applause and cheers erupted from the students below.
Cai Yue'er stepped forward, bowed slightly, and spoke calmly:
"Shrek Academy never forces anyone to cultivate, but at the same time, Shrek Academy has never been about providing free education. There is a small exam every year and a major exam every three years. If you fail the small exam twice—you're expelled! If you fail the major exam once—you're expelled!
Therefore, over the next three years, student numbers will only decrease, never increase. This applies to every grade level."
"For those sixth-year students who have yet to graduate, your chances are growing slimmer and slimmer. I hope you can seize the opportunity. Thirty-five years old is your final limit.
As for the new students, you may relax, you may slack off, but three years from now, you may no longer have a place here!"
"At the same time, Shrek Academy has never hesitated to provide resources to diligent students. Your teachers are your mentors, and all teaching facilities in the academy are available to you—provided you have enough contribution points. Soon, you new students will come to understand just how important contribution points are.
A new year is beginning. The glory of Shrek has been built up by generations of Shrek students. In the future, will you become a part of that glory, or will you be cast aside from it? That is not for me to decide—it is for you to decide!
That is all. Teachers, take your classes back to the classrooms. The opening ceremony is over."
That's it?
Gu You thought this was way too fast. He had expected it to last much longer.
At that moment, the figures in the air dispersed toward their respective classes.
When Gu You and his three companions saw Shen Yi and Wu Zhangkong flying toward them—especially Gu You—a faint smile appeared on his face.
"Teacher Wu," Gu You called out.
Wu Zhangkong nodded slightly. He was still as cold and aloof as ever, not saying much or asking anything.
"Is he the only teacher you recognize?" Shen Yi said, slightly annoyed.
"Oh, right! You're here too." Gu You replied awkwardly.
"You—!" Shen Yi hesitated, struggling internally before deciding to let it go.
The main teaching building housed the first-year outer court classrooms on the first floor. After entering the building, they took a left and walked about a hundred meters to reach their classroom.
It was a massive, tiered lecture hall capable of accommodating three hundred students at once.
Everyone was assigned seats, and naturally, Gu You and his friends were placed at the front.
There was still an empty seat at the very back—one reserved for Tang Wulin.
Once all the students were settled, Shen Yi walked up to the podium and spoke in a firm voice:
"I represent Shrek Academy in welcoming all of you. Now, you must listen carefully and take notes, because what I am about to say concerns your future studies. I will not repeat myself. These are the important guidelines for all new students, so listen well."
"First, from this moment forward, you are officially students of Shrek Academy. No matter what you do outside in the future, as long as you are still a student here, you represent this academy. If you commit any serious offenses, the academy will impose appropriate punishments on you.
These punishments… have nothing to do with the Federation!"
Nothing to do with the Federation?!
These words carried an unmistakable sense of authority and intimidation.
Shrek Academy and Shrek City possessed an exceptional level of autonomy within the continent. Here, the laws of the Federation held little sway.
Shrek City had its own rules…
(End of Chapter)