"Senior Sister Xiaotao, I still need to prepare for the freshman assessment. I don't have time to be your personal punching bag," Jiang Qingtong said with a helpless look, fully aware of Ma Xiaotao's intentions.
If she had any offensive-type soul tools, she might've handed them to Ma Xiaotao just to keep her occupied.
Ma Xiaotao frowned slightly at her response. "You still need to prepare for that? With your skills, wouldn't the assessment be a breeze for you? I've reviewed this year's freshmen—some have decent talent, but none seem to be on your level."
"Maybe, but that doesn't mean you should come find me to spar every day. Even if you're not tired, I'm exhausted!" Jiang Qingtong retorted. "I'm not even thirteen yet—this is my prime growth phase. What if I wear myself out?"
Hearing that, Ma Xiaotao shook her head and said, "I'm not here to fight you today. There's something else—come with me."
Jiang Qingtong blinked, surprised. She glanced at Jiang Nannan, who gave her hand a reassuring pat. "Go ahead, don't worry. Senior Sister won't do anything to hurt you."
It wasn't fear holding her back—she just didn't know what Ma Xiaotao could want besides a sparring match. Although technically disciples of the same master, both she and Yan Shaozhe knew the truth: Jiang Qingtong wasn't truly his disciple in the formal sense.
Following Ma Xiaotao, Jiang Qingtong arrived at an office in the teaching building, where Cai Meier, Zhou Yi, and Wang Yan were already waiting. When Ma Xiaotao brought her in, Zhou Yi stood up and gestured for her to sit.
"Qingtong, come. Sit here."
Jiang Qingtong looked around, confused. As Zhou Yi gently pressed her down into the chair, she asked with uncertainty, "What's going on? Is this some kind of interrogation?"
"You child, what nonsense are you talking about?" Cai Meier shook her head with a smile. "We just have something to discuss with you. That's why I asked Xiaotao to bring you over."
"Something? What kind of thing?" Jiang Qingtong looked around at the teachers, puzzled.
Wang Yan stepped forward and said, "Student Jiang, I've heard from Dean Yan that you possess several high-level defensive soul tools. Don't misunderstand—this is simply protocol. According to academy regulations, soul tools are not allowed during the freshman assessment…"
Before he could finish, Jiang Qingtong nodded and smiled. "So, the academy wants me to hand over my soul tools?"
"Of course not," Cai Meier interjected quickly, shaking her head.
"I can promise not to use them during the assessment," Jiang Qingtong replied. "But I won't let them out of my control. That's non-negotiable."
She was well aware that her independence in Shrek Academy was largely thanks to those nine-tier soul tools. Once they were out of her control, she had no way of knowing what might happen.
Sure, she'd already given away Old Moonlight, but in return, she'd secured a powerful symbolic endorsement for the Sun Moon Empire in the form of Tang Sect's allegiance—a very worthwhile trade.
Cai Meier understood her concerns and reassured her. "No, that won't be necessary."
Jiang Qingtong raised an eyebrow. "Then what do you mean, Dean Cai?"
Before Cai could reply, Ma Xiaotao chimed in, "What she means is that you can wear all your nine-tier soul tools on stage. Whether you use them is up to you. But the format of the assessment will need to change."
"Change the format?" Jiang Qingtong frowned.
Cai Meier nodded and gestured for Zhou Yi and Wang Yan to explain further.
Zhou Yi stepped forward. "After discussion with Teacher Wang Yan, we've decided that due to your unique situation, this year's martial soul freshman assessment will change from group duels to a tournament format."
"A tournament?" Jiang Qingtong looked at the two and quickly understood. She nodded. "So, I'll be the one defending the stage? That's fine. But… will all of them come at me at once?"
If they did, it'd be tough to hold them off without using her soul tools.
Wang Yan shook his head. "No. You'll be allowed to choose two classmates to form a team with. The rest of the new students will form small teams and challenge your group. The two teammates you choose will automatically pass the freshman assessment. The rest will be graded based on their performance in the battles."
Jiang Qingtong nodded. "Got it. I agree."
What's the difference between beating a few or a bunch? Either way, she had her nine-tier soul tools—she couldn't lose.
Seeing her agree, Cai Meier finally relaxed. Truthfully, she had reservations about changing the rules for just one student, but Jiang Qingtong was far too unique. If she were excluded from the exam, it might look like discrimination against her because of her Sun Moon Empire origins. But if she participated normally, who could stand a chance against her?
This was the best compromise.
"Elder Zhuang will personally oversee your soul power and stamina recovery, so don't worry about fatigue," Cai Meier added. "As for your teammates, you're free to choose."
"I'm not picky. Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao will do," Jiang Qingtong said immediately.
"Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao?" Cai Meier looked at Zhou Yi and Wang Yan for confirmation.
Zhou Yi nodded and explained, "They're in the same class as Qingtong. Wang Dong has the Light Goddess Butterfly martial soul, and Xiao Xiao has the Three Lives Soul-Suppressing Cauldron. Both recently chose the control system as their development path."
"Two control-types…" Cai Meier thought for a moment, then nodded. "Their teamwork should be better as classmates. Very well—let's proceed with this plan."
Back in class, Jiang Qingtong gathered all her classmates and explained the special format of this year's assessment, as well as informing Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao that they'd be joining her to defend the stage.
"Huh? Us?" Xiao Xiao was surprised.
"Was that the academy's decision?" Wang Dong asked.
Jiang Qingtong grinned and waved it off. "It was my decision. In our class, you two have the best talent besides me! So you're on my team—we'll crush all challengers together!"
Wang Dong crossed his arms and said, "No way! You didn't even ask if I was willing!"
Xiao Xiao hesitated. "I'm not sure I'm up to the task… What if we lose?"
"Relax," Qingtong said confidently. "As long as you're on my team, you'll automatically pass the freshman assessment. All we need to do is fight—nothing else matters!"
"Really?" the two asked in unison.
Zhou Yi stepped forward and nodded. "It's true. Dean Cai has already approved it. An official notice will be sent to the outer court tomorrow. Just prepare yourselves."
Wang Dong perked up immediately. "Well, in that case… let's fight! But Qingtong—you better not drag me down!"
PS: Access advance chapters at
https://www.patreon.com/c/NanamiTL