"You…"
Dai Mubai was filled with grief and indignation. But seeing that the situation was completely stacked against him, he could only swallow his words in resentment.
After all, the previous record at Shrek—Rank 25 at age twelve—had been set by him.
A twelve-year-old Spirit Elder was unheard of.
A twelve-year-old Rank 40 Spirit Elder was unprecedented—and likely would never appear again.
With such a vast gap, despair inevitably rose in his heart.
Reason told him clearly that he must never make an enemy of a genius like this.
But the problem was… could he really just accept being cuckolded forever?
Just as Dai Mubai was caught in inner turmoil, a crisp female voice rang out—
"Little brother, you're incredible! Rank 40 at only twelve years old. Are you interested in joining the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School?"
Ning Rongrong smiled at Bai Mu, her expression gentle like a spring breeze.
As the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, she had her temper—but when it came to judgment, she was extremely sharp.
A twelve-year-old quasi–Spirit Ancestor, an absolute peerless genius—no matter where he was, such a person was worth investing heavily in.
"Join the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School?"
The teenagers in line were momentarily dazed.
Wasn't this supposed to be school enrollment?
How did the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School suddenly enter the picture?
This wasn't how things were supposed to go!
"Hiss—don't say that, really don't!"
Bai Mu chuckled. "I actually wanted to join before."
He truly hadn't expected Ning Rongrong to make such a decisive offer.
But that was before—and this was now.
Back then, he wanted to rely on a major faction's backing to plan for the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.
But now, with dual cores, Zygarde, and the abnormal recovery of Jungle Healing, he might not even need external power to obtain it himself.
So why bother joining a major faction and inviting trouble?
"Don't overthink it—just join," Ning Rongrong said with a smile, raising the stakes.
"When the time comes, Grandpa Sword and Grandpa Bone can personally guide you. They might even take you as a disciple."
Her eyes shone with pure light.
"That won't do. I need to think about it more."
Bai Mu neither accepted nor rejected.
He didn't care much about being taught by two Titled Douluo.
The only thing about the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School that truly interested him was one thing—
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
With the Qiluo Tulip, the pagoda could evolve into nine treasures.
Once one became a Titled Douluo, it could grant a 100% attribute boost to a target.
It wasn't as exaggerated as the 300% boost from a fully stacked Dragon Dance—but what if they stacked together?
That would be 400%, nearly five times strength and speed!
"That's fine. Take your time," Ning Rongrong said calmly.
"If you decide to join, just tell me anytime."
She then took out a token and handed it to Bai Mu.
"Take this. With it, you'll receive VIP treatment at any Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School business."
"Thanks."
Bai Mu smiled and put the token into his spirit tool.
"Good child," the elder teacher finally said, regaining his composure.
"From Rank 10 to Rank 40 in six years—that's an average of five ranks per year."
He tried to maintain his Spirit Emperor demeanor as he advised:
"Your talent and rank are extraordinary, but you're still young. The outside world is deep and dangerous—you won't be able to handle it alone.
Our academy has strong teachers. Stay and cultivate here for a few years before going out."
Bai Mu smiled faintly.
"That statement isn't quite right."
The elder was puzzled.
"How so?"
"I've already been traveling outside for three years. How could I not know how deep the waters are?"
Bai Mu laughed lightly.
Whether in the Spirit Master world or the Spirit Beast world, he had already left others with bloody lessons. Why would he be afraid?
"And… who told you I rose thirty ranks in six years?"
"I never said I was an Innate Full Spirit Power genius."
"You're not?"
The elder froze.
"No."
Bai Mu gave a self-mocking smile.
"I'm just an Innate Rank 1 trash."
"Rank… one?!"
The elder stood rooted to the spot.
What do you call a monster?
This is a monster.
Six years after awakening his spirit—Rank 1 to Rank 40.
Thirty-nine ranks in six years—nearly seven ranks per year!
"There's actually someone like this?!"
Even Ning Rongrong was stunned. Despite her vast knowledge, her understanding had been overturned again and again today.
"Your Innate spirit power was only Rank 1?"
Even the usually cold Zhu Zhuqing couldn't remain calm.
No matter what opportunities Bai Mu had encountered, rising thirty-nine ranks in six years was enough to be called an absolute genius—an absolute monster—on the entire continent.
Even Spirit Hall, sparing no resources, could never raise someone from Rank 1 to Rank 40 in six years.
"Little Kitten, you don't understand—and I don't blame you."
Bai Mu laughed lightly.
"After all, small animals don't have very high IQs to begin with. I won't lower myself to your level."
Zhu Zhuqing didn't reply. She only looked at Bai Mu with a complicated expression.
She suddenly felt that if she wanted to become stronger, sticking close to Bai Mu and figuring him out might be far more useful than joining Shrek Academy itself.
"Brother… I'm a little dizzy."
"I… am too."
Nearby, Tang San and Xiao Wu—who knew the truth—were even more shocked.
Thirty-nine ranks in six years?
No—twenty-nine ranks in three years.
Nearly ten ranks per year on average!
"Teacher's Innate spirit power was only Rank 0.5, and he still hasn't broken through Rank 29…"
"If Teacher knew this, he probably couldn't accept it."
Tang San felt deeply conflicted.
Even as a transmigrator who possessed the Mysterious Heaven Record, he found it hard to accept.
"Good! Good! Good!"
The elder said "good" three times.
"Mubai, take them to the fourth trial!"
"…Okay."
Dai Mubai's shoulders slumped, his face dejected. All traces of his former arrogance were gone.
He no longer knew how to handle his grievances with Bai Mu.
"Bai Mu, what exactly did you experience these past few years? You actually reached Rank 40!"
Once they left the crowd, Xiao Wu finally couldn't hold back. She tugged on Bai Mu's sleeve and asked.
"Little Mu, what did you go through in those three years after graduation?"
"Just luck," Bai Mu replied with a smile.
"I dared to fight and struggle, so I ran into some opportunities."
He didn't elaborate. The more he said, the more mistakes he'd make. Some things were better left hidden.
"Stingy. You won't even say."
Xiao Wu snorted and lightly kicked him.
Tang San smiled helplessly.
"Sorry—Xiao Wu's just like that."
"It's fine. I understand."
Bai Mu smiled, though in his heart he wondered if there might be a chance to take Xiao Wu away in one go.
"The fourth trial tests combat experience. We're here—get ready."
Dai Mubai stopped and looked at them with a complicated gaze.
The testing ground wasn't large—only about two hundred square meters.
A sturdy middle-aged man in his fifties, not even as tall as Bai Mu, was dozing in a chair.
"Teacher Zhao, I've brought people for the fourth trial assessment," Dai Mubai said.
"Oh?"
The man opened his sleepy eyes. "Five people reached the fourth trial this year? Not bad, not bad."
He smiled.
"I'm Zhao Wuji, Vice Dean. I'll give you the time it takes one incense stick to burn to get to know each other.
After that, the five of you will work together to withstand my attacks for another incense stick.
As long as even one person lasts until the end, you pass."
Dai Mubai hesitated.
"Teacher Zhao… this might not be appropriate."
"What's inappropriate?"
Zhao Wuji glared at him. "The Dean isn't here—I'm in charge. If I say it's fine, it's fine."
He continued, "I'll light the incense. You don't have much time. Make your preparations. Xiao Bai, you can explain my abilities to them."
"Teacher Zhao."
Dai Mubai suddenly spoke in a low voice.
"Please allow me to conduct a separate test first. After that, I'll leave them to you."
His evil eyes were locked firmly on Bai Mu, battle intent blazing.
He might not be Bai Mu's match in the future.
But right now—he refused to admit defeat.
"Oh?"
Zhao Wuji raised an eyebrow, glanced at Dai Mubai, then at Bai Mu, and seemed to understand.
"Fine. I'll give you one incense stick."
Dai Mubai turned to Bai Mu, enunciating every word:
"Bai Mu. It's time. Let's fight."
"Still have fighting spirit? Interesting."
Bai Mu smiled casually.
"Then please enlighten me."
The surroundings instantly fell silent.
Zhu Zhuqing clenched her fists, her eyes flickering.
Tang San watched intently.
Xiao Wu's eyes sparkled with excitement.
Ning Rongrong observed with curiosity.
Zhao Wuji carefully scrutinized the two.
Dai Mubai looked as if he were facing a great enemy.
As for Bai Mu, he simply stroked Zygarde beside him, a meaningful curve appearing at the corner of his lips.
The hunt was about to begin.
-----------Author---------------
Read 50 advanced chapters on
👉 patreon.com/Master_fic