Zhao Wuji was completely stunned, his muscle-covered face twitching uncontrollably.
Damn it! Who could've imagined… A titled Douluo coming here to enroll as a student? If that's not insanity, what is?
If Lin Fan had mind-reading powers, he would've fully agreed with Zhao Wuji—because this system wasn't just insane, it probably needed repairs too.
Unfortunately, the system didn't give him that chance.
Zhao Wuji's left foot, which had been about to step forward, froze midair.
What the hell… How did a student entrance exam end up bringing in a Titled Douluo? And I even boasted earlier, letting him land the first punch!
Flender, you've screwed me over this time! Zhao Wuji howled in his heart.
…Though he conveniently forgot it was his mouth and his actions that got him into this mess.
As Lin Fan's soul power surged under the pressure of his nine soul rings, the overwhelming energy immediately forced Dai Mubai, Tang San, and the others several meters back.
"No way! He's a Titled Douluo?! This has to be fake! Why would a Titled Douluo come to some rundown academy like this?"
Dai Mubai was utterly shocked.
"Boss Dai… We… We were mocking him just now. He's not gonna settle the score later, right?"
Oscar was already trembling, clutching Dai Mubai's sleeve with a bitter smile.
"Well… Probably not. I mean, a Titled Douluo wouldn't stoop so low. It'd be beneath his dignity to settle scores with us,"
Dai Mubai replied, though his voice lacked confidence.
Meanwhile, Xiao Wu had completely hidden behind Tang San, trembling.
Tang San assumed Xiao Wu couldn't withstand the oppressive pressure and quickly comforted her,
"Don't be afraid, Xiao Wu. It's okay—his aura isn't aimed at us."
"But still… The difference between a Titled Douluo and a Soul Saint is like an elephant versus an ant. Seeing a Titled Douluo today proves their terrifying reputation."
"I'm fine, just… feeling a little overwhelmed,"
Xiao Wu muttered in response, though her heart was filled with unease.
He's too strong… too terrifying! Xiao Wu thought bitterly.
Remembering how Lin Fan had teased her earlier in the plaza, Xiao Wu knew that her true identity must have been seen through by this Titled Douluo.
If this is fate… I mustn't let Tang San get dragged into this, she thought, determined to protect him.
Xiao Wu speculated that Lin Fan must've spotted her during their journey to Shrek Academy, followed her here, and disguised himself as a student to sneak in—definitely with the intent of stealing her soul bone.
Off in the distance, Li Yusong and Lu Qibin were both watching the commotion by the dormitory—but neither dared approach.
Old Zhao… we'd help if we could—but we really can't. You've got thick skin and tough flesh. You can handle a few more punches, both men thought simultaneously.
They both figured that with Zhao Wuji's reckless and arrogant personality, he had provoked this Titled Douluo.
After a long, awkward pause, Zhao Wuji slowly withdrew his raised foot, then cupped his fists respectfully.
"Honored Titled Douluo, may I ask your title? If there's anything Shrek Academy can assist with, please say the word," he said, bowing politely.
"My title?"
Lin Fan suddenly realized he hadn't given himself an official title yet.
After a brief thought—since his martial soul was the Azure Shadow Sword—he casually chose the title Sword Shadow.
"My title is… Sword Shadow," Lin Fan announced calmly.
Zhao Wuji immediately lowered his stance even more and spoke humbly,
"Lord Sword Shadow, there must've been some misunderstanding earlier. May I ask your purpose for coming to Shrek Academy?"
He had no choice—better to swallow his pride than die here. There was no shame in bowing to a Titled Douluo.
"Don't be like that. Honestly, I kinda liked how arrogant you were earlier. You even said I had to endure a full incense stick under your attacks to pass your so-called combat test."
"Now, there's still half a stick left. Besides… didn't I say I'd scratch your itch?"
Lin Fan chuckled, flexing his massive fists.
Zhao Wuji's face turned pale as he saw Lin Fan readying another attack.
"P-Please… not the face!" he begged loudly.
"AHHH!"
Lin Fan dashed forward and sent a vicious uppercut straight at Zhao Wuji.
Honestly, Zhao Wuji wasn't even worth Lin Fan summoning his Azure Shadow Sword.
"He's too brutal!"
Dai Mubai cried out, unable to keep watching.
Oscar nodded in full agreement.
"Serves him right!"
Ning Rongrong smirked, clearly enjoying the spectacle, even pulling out sunflower seeds to snack on.
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes flickered slightly—no one knew what she was thinking.
"Xiao Wu, I never imagined that the mighty Soul Saint who seemed so invincible would be reduced to a punching bag before a Titled Douluo. No wonder they're said to stand atop the entire soul master world,"
Tang San said, his eyes full of longing for such overwhelming power.
"Mm… Titled Douluos are strong,"
Xiao Wu replied absentmindedly.
BOOM!
Zhao Wuji crashed into the ground, smashing a huge crater.
He lay sprawled out in the pit, arms and legs spread wide.
Shakily, Zhao Wuji crawled up to the edge of the pit, but his vision was swimming with afterimages of Lin Fan.
So strong…
Unable to endure any longer, Zhao Wuji collapsed backward, completely unconscious with a swollen, bruised face.
"Ahhh, that felt good! Not even breaking through to Titled Douluo felt this satisfying!"
Lin Fan stretched his hands and neck, cracking his joints to relax.
Then he turned, his gaze sharp and intimidating as he looked at Dai Mubai and Oscar.
The two of them, still dazed, snapped back to reality when they saw Lin Fan's fierce eyes. Remembering their earlier mockery, they trembled in fear.
"Hey, you—Goldilocks. And you, Sausage Uncle. Hurry up and drag your Teacher Zhao back to his room."
"If he wakes up and finds himself still lying there, I bet he'll 'reward' you two personally," Lin Fan reminded them with a smirk.
"Uh—yes, Lord Sword Shadow! Right away!"
Both of them jumped up, scrambling to lift Zhao Wuji and carry him off to a nearby wooden hut.
Their movements were swift and smooth—no hesitation whatsoever.
"All right, kids. You've all passed the combat test. Go find the other teachers to complete your enrollment."
Lin Fan waved casually at Tang San and the others, acting as if nothing had happened.
"Lord Sword Shadow, huh… I've never heard that title before. Are you a rogue cultivator?"
Surprisingly, Ning Rongrong wasn't afraid of Lin Fan. She curiously approached and asked.
Zhu Zhuqing's ears perked up slightly, quietly eavesdropping.
If he's a rogue Titled Douluo… maybe I could take him as my master and change my fate…
"Oh? So, the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan is trying to recruit me now?"
Lin Fan asked calmly, hands clasped behind his back.
"If you're willing, I'd be more than happy to! My father would welcome you."
Ning Rongrong replied enthusiastically.
"Hmph. If I wanted to join, I would've done so long ago. You wouldn't have had the chance to recruit me."
Lin Fan snorted dismissively.
With that, he summoned his martial soul, stepped onto the Azure Shadow Sword, and soared away.
"So cool! He's just like my Sword Grandpa!"
Ning Rongrong's eyes sparkled as she watched Lin Fan disappear into the sky.
"Uh… He just left? Why didn't he kill me?"
Xiao Wu froze in place. She had already prepared herself to die, but he just… left.
"No way… He must've noticed me. He has some other hidden plan,"
Xiao Wu muttered to herself, shaking her head in denial.
"Xiao Wu, let's go. We need to return to the plaza and report to the other teachers."
Tang San called out, noticing her dazed and confused state.
Meanwhile, Lin Fan didn't leave Shrek Academy entirely.
Instead, he headed toward the forest behind the academy.
Who knew what kind of absurd mission this Counterattack System would throw at him next—it might still be tied to Shrek Academy.
New author, new book! Is anyone even reading this? Please support and follow