After a long silence, Xiao Xiao seemed to have mustered all her courage."Thank you, Captain. Thank you, Xinyi. I understand now. You don't want to be bound by potential constraints, and I can respect that. Life at the academy has been tough and exhausting, but it's also been incredibly fulfilling. I love this kind of atmosphere. If possible, I hope to stay at the academy in the future. Since I've received so much from the academy today, I'm willing to give back to it in the future."
Hearing this, Huo Yuhao, who had his head buried in his food, paused.This sounded oddly familiar.But he didn't dislike it. Everyone had their own choices. If Xiao Xiao wanted to devote herself to Shrek, what did that have to do with him?
"Alright, then it's settled. Tomorrow, you'll represent our team to accept the award, Xiao Xiao."Huo Yuhao scooped up a few more mouthfuls of rice, his face still bearing a faint smile when he looked up.
Xiao Xiao had been watching Huo Yuhao's every move. Seeing that the captain wasn't dissatisfied with her, she breathed a sigh of relief.It seemed that Huo Yuhao truly had no intention of keeping the soul bone. That made her look at him with newfound respect.
Getting a soul master to willingly give up a soul bone they could've easily pocketed? She couldn't have done it herself.It was like a recently released ex-con visiting a brothel—faced with a curvy beauty who was already naked—and you tell him to keep calm? Yeah, not happening.
"Yuhao, be honest—were you planning to slack off from the start?"Suddenly, Dong Xinyi seemed to recall something and confronted him.
Xiao Xiao also looked at Huo Yuhao with meaningful eyes, waiting to see how he'd wriggle his way out.
Exposed, Huo Yuhao could only cough awkwardly a few times, essentially admitting it.
The next day, over 400 students stood neatly in Shrek Plaza.These were the students who had passed the assessment, waiting for the award ceremony and new class assignments. Those who failed had already packed up and left.
After a moment, Director Du Weilun from the Martial Soul Department arrived with big strides, followed by Zhou Yi and several other teachers—more than ten in total.
Du Weilun stepped onto the stage and first scanned all the students. Then a kind smile appeared on his face, clearly very pleased with this year's batch."First of all, congratulations. Children, you are all outstanding talents. On behalf of Shrek Academy, I officially welcome you. I hope you continue to improve yourselves in the upcoming semester. Now, I will announce the top three teams of this assessment and the rewards they will receive."
The students below held their breath, fully focused.
"Third place: Dai Huabin's team. Team members: Dai Huabin, Zhu Lu, Cui Yajie. Step forward."
Applause broke out from the crowd.The three named students stepped out of the formation.Zhu Lu and Cui Yajie looked fine, but Dai Huabin's face was grim—his result hadn't met his expectations.
"Second place: Wang Qiu'er's team. Team members: Wang Qiu'er, Zhang Kui, Lu Qingming."
Thunderous applause erupted—much louder than for Dai Huabin's team.In truth, during the final round, it took Huo Yuhao's full team effort to barely fend off Wang Qiu'er. Though they won the championship, many students still believed Wang Qiu'er was the true standout of the new students.Some even became die-hard fans, treating her as their goal to chase.
"Now, let's warmly welcome the champion team of this assessment: Huo Yuhao's team! Team members: Huo Yuhao, Xiao Xiao, Dong Xinyi."
Applause rose again.While not as enthusiastic as when Wang Qiu'er stepped up, it was still strong.Some younger girls' eyes lit up. As soul masters, they didn't value looks the way ordinary people did—they admired strength more.Of course, being handsome didn't hurt. As a result, Huo Yuhao had gathered a small group of fangirls.
Huo Yuhao and the others walked up and stood beside Dai Huabin's team.Du Weilun glanced over them, pleased to see their calm and humble demeanor. He smiled as he continued:"Now, I'll announce the rewards for the top three teams. Each member of the top three teams may request assistance from the academy when in need of a soul ring. The academy will help them obtain a soul ring best suited for them and within their capabilities."
The crowd burst into murmurs of excitement.Though some had heard rumors beforehand, it still stirred envy to hear it confirmed.
Some students even whispered among themselves, discussing selling their soul ring quotas—or worse, saving it until they reached Title Douluo level (90+) to use it.
Though the voices were hushed, Du Weilun, a powerful eight-ring Soul Douluo, heard every word.His mouth twitched.Title Douluo at 90 levels? These kids sure could dream. Youth really is blissfully ignorant.
At the same time, he mentally noted the need to patch this "bug" later—perhaps by limiting the reward to those with five rings or under 10,000 years in cultivation.
Du Weilun raised his hands and pressed them down, signaling silence.Once the noise died down, he cleared his throat and continued:"Given the champion team's outstanding performance, the academy has decided to grant them a special reward. This reward will remain confidential. After class assignments, I'll take them to receive it."That last part was directed at Huo Yuhao's team.
The three nodded quietly, already having some idea what the "special reward" might be.
"Alright, you may return to your places. When you need a soul ring, come find me at the Department office."
After the nine students returned to the formation, Du Weilun gave a long motivational speech.He then announced that due to the overall excellence of this class, a select number of students would be given the status of Core Disciples of the Outer Court, granting them special privileges and a potential pathway into the Inner Court.
Next, Du Weilun read the list of core disciples.Unsurprisingly, Huo Yuhao and the top three teams were all included.
Shrek sure knew how to win loyalty.No wonder so many graduates, even after becoming officials or entering national systems, stayed loyal to the academy.
Finally, it was time for class assignments.In line with the principle of teaching according to aptitude, Shrek Academy divided the new students into four classes:
Classes One and Two were composed of Assault, Agility, Control, and Defense system battle soul masters.
Class Three was entirely Auxiliary system battle soul masters.
Class Four consisted of other special types like Food and Healing systems.
Notably, Huo Yuhao and Xiao Xiao were both placed in Class One, under Zhou Yi as their homeroom teacher.Dong Xinyi, however, landed in Class Two, which was a lucky escape from the terrifying "Old Lady Zhou."
After class assignments, Du Weilun instructed the homeroom teachers to lead their students to the classrooms, while he personally led Huo Yuhao and his teammates to the faculty offices behind the advanced teaching building.
Once in his office, Du Weilun pulled out a silk pouch with a mysterious air and handed it to the trio.He explained that there was only one item inside—it was up to them to decide how to divide it.
At Huo Yuhao's subtle signal, Xiao Xiao stepped forward to accept the pouch and opened it in front of everyone.
"A soul bone."
Even though they hadn't seen one before, the small piece of bone in Xiao Xiao's hand was instantly recognizable.
It was Huo Yuhao's first time seeing one too.He focused on it: the soul bone was crystal-clear like jade, glowing golden, and the surrounding soul power thickened just by its presence.
To Du Weilun's surprise, the three didn't argue.As planned, the soul bone went to Xiao Xiao without dispute.
(End of Chapter)