Douluo Dalu 2: Reincarnated as the Auspicious Beast

Here, take this." Jiang Nannan handed a black-gold token to both Huo Yuqing and Wang Rui. The top of the token was inlaid with one gold and two red diamond-shaped gems, and the center was engraved with the symbol of the Golden Tree and the words "Emerald City."

"This is the Beast Sect disciple token. Since we haven't signed contracts with any soul beasts, we don't qualify as official disciples of the sect yet. These tokens are on loan from the teacher. They emit a peculiar energy that only soul beasts can sense. While in the forest, as long as you carry the token, soul beasts won't actively attack you. So, whatever happens, don't let anyone else take these tokens," Jiang Nannan explained seriously. "Also, the Beast Sect has a unique situation. When you're out in the world, try not to mention anything related to the sect. Always be cautious and learn to protect yourselves."

"I understand, Sister Nannan," Huo Yuqing replied earnestly.

"I'm going to accompany you for the entrance exam. I've already discussed it with the teacher—I won't be dropping out this year. I'll stay at Shrek Academy to look after you for a year." The young woman winked playfully. Then, as if recalling something unpleasant, her expression darkened slightly. "That place… it's always better to have someone around to watch your back."

Huo Yuqing had packed her things the previous day. Her storage soul tool was now filled with various practice materials gifted by Lu Mingyou and Wen Qiang. Basic daily necessities only took up a small corner.

She decided to leave Aunt Mouse behind at Emerald Pavilion, as she wasn't sure what the situation at Shrek Academy would be like. Bringing a mouse into an environment likely hostile to soul beasts seemed too risky.

After a simple breakfast, they set off. With the Beast Sect tokens in hand, the trio was able to cross Star Dou Forest directly and head straight northwest toward Shrek Academy.

As expected, no soul beasts attacked them along the way, allowing them to maintain a fast pace. In just a few hours, they reached the towering walls of Shrek City.

Shrek City, with a permanent population of over two million, was much larger than Emerald City.

Jiang Nannan began introducing Shrek Academy and Shrek City to Huo Yuqing and Wang Rui. Her account was relatively neutral—neither exaggerating its virtues nor exposing its flaws. While she didn't mention the academy's less appealing aspects, she didn't over-praise it either.

They soon arrived at the eastern gate, which was exclusively open to Shrek Academy. Despite it being the last day of enrollment, the place was packed with people. Many vendors were selling food and souvenirs, and business appeared to be booming.

Huo Yuqing noticed that the food stalls seemed especially popular. With so many people around, perhaps selling grilled fish here could earn her some pocket money? After all, she couldn't keep asking the teacher for funds for every little expense.

Jiang Nannan led them through the crowd toward the registration area.

Suddenly, a man in a gray-black robe, his face obscured, stopped them.

"Need an introduction letter for Shrek City? We have ones for any country—authentic and guaranteed! A few people have already successfully registered using these! Just fill in your personal information on the spot, and it's good to go. Only 10,000 gold soul coins!" The man spoke in a rapid, hushed tone. "You look like strong candidates. This is your chance to secure your future! As long as you graduate, you won't have to worry about employment. A Shrek graduate's prospects are limitless!"

Huo Yuqing was stunned. "You can buy recommendation letters directly?"

"Of course! But getting a recommendation letter doesn't guarantee admission. You still have to meet other requirements…"

Wang Rui didn't seem surprised at all.

Recommendation letters for Shrek Academy were just special stamps from the city lord, printed on unique paper, with no advanced anti-counterfeiting measures or yearly quota restrictions—perfect for profiteering.

In fact, many city lords privately sold recommendation letters, since Shrek Academy had its own additional exams. Both sides stood to benefit from the arrangement.

Of course, the city lords weren't foolish—they regularly invested in talented but impoverished civilian soul masters who couldn't afford a letter. However, the requirements for such students were much stricter than the academy's own. Only those who reached Level 25 before age 12 could receive a free recommendation letter.

Since this was the last day of enrollment, there were many students who had only recently broken through to Level 15 and were rushing to the academy.

It wasn't uncommon to see people purchasing recommendation letters on-site. Many families lacked the connections to obtain a letter from the city lord but had enough savings to gamble on their child's future at Shrek.

This seller had likely been operating here for quite some time without interference, suggesting that Shrek Academy tacitly allowed such transactions—he might even have official backing, with part of the proceeds going to the academy.

"No thanks, they already have recommendation letters," Jiang Nannan said, stepping forward to shield Wang Rui and Huo Yuqing. She smiled politely. "I'm taking them to register."

"Fine." The man muttered a few half-hearted blessings and moved on to find his next customer.

"These people sure have it easy," Jiang Nannan snorted coldly.

"Hey, Nannan, over here!" Not far ahead, a round-faced girl with a cheerful expression and dressed in a purple school uniform waved at them energetically. "Nannan, did you hear the good news?"

"What good news?" Jiang Nannan asked, puzzled.

"Old Witch Zhou isn't teaching us anymore! She's finally gone!" The round-faced girl was so excited she could hardly contain herself. "Everyone knows about it by now. You're the last one back at school to find out!"

"What?" Jiang Nannan's face lit up with joy. "She's gone? That's fantastic news!"

"This is the best thing I've heard all month… Huh? Who are these two handsome guys?"

"Oh, they're my junior disciples. Remember I told you I was studying at the pharmacy back home?"

"Your juniors are here to enroll at Shrek too?" The round-faced girl leaned closer, wrapping an arm around Jiang Nannan's neck and whispering, "Hey, Nannan, introduce me to them. I like cute younger guys."

Jiang Nannan playfully pinched her waist. "Keep dreaming."

The girl grinned at Wang Rui and Huo Yuqing. "Alright, no teasing. Go get them registered. See you later!"

With that, she ran off, brimming with energy.

After waiting in line for a while, it was finally their turn to register.

Huo Yuqing, now at Level 16, easily met Shrek's requirements.

As for Wang Rui… he was already a Level 33 Soul Elder.

As the Emperor Auspicious Beast, Wang Rui's human form had unique characteristics.

He could switch between human and beast forms, retaining the same spiritual power level, but his human form required him to cultivate from scratch. His abilities were limited to his simulated martial soul, and he couldn't use his full strength as a beast.

It was like starting a second character in a game after maxing out the first one.

He estimated that once he reached Level 95, he would be able to use his beast form's full power in human form, similar to the other powerful soul beasts in Star Dou.