Not just Du Weilun and Yan Shaozhe—if you put any normal soul master from Douluo in front of this scene, they'd be just as dumbfounded.
When had anyone ever seen something like this?
The blood feud between soul masters and soul beasts was etched into their very DNA. Shrek's Beast Fighting Arena might claim to "tame" soul beasts, but in reality, it was more about keeping them healthy and combat-ready.
As for doing what Lin Yun just did—making a soul beast submit like a house cat with just a single glance on their first meeting?
Not a chance!
Not even Beast Fighting Arena's manager, Gong Changlong, could pull that off!
'As expected of the Golden Dragon! The Ancestor of Strength! Just the aura of his martial soul alone is enough to make soul beasts submit!' Yan Shaozhe's eyes burned with excitement, his heart pounding.
This was the kind of student he wanted! With just a bit of nurturing, Lin Yun could become Shrek's future pillar!
However…
This was still an advancement exam, meant to test combat ability. Lin Yun's performance had nothing to do with "fighting," which simply wouldn't do.
Ahem.
"Kid, this is an exam. You need to showcase your prowess as an offensive-type soul master to earn a high score."
Just as Lin Yun was thoroughly enjoying his impromptu petting session, a voice transmitted directly into his ear.
And it was a voice Lin Yun recognized all too well—this old fox had been the one he'd squeezed for rewards during the freshman assessment.
Hearing it, Lin Yun's lips curled into a barely noticeable smirk.
Fairness?
That was for the weak.
If your talent was high enough, even Shrek's dean, Yan Shaozhe himself, would personally help you "cheat," whispering exactly how to score higher in Shrek's exams.
Lin Yun stood up and flicked the Scarletflame Tiger's forehead lightly with a finger.
Immediately, the tiger's "acting skills" activated.
With a dramatic "Awoo!", it rolled its eyes back and "fainted."
'Hiss… didn't lie down properly. Gotta adjust. Ugh, my belly itches. The stupid humans probably can't see, right? Let me scratch… ah, much better!'
The "unconscious" tiger twisted slightly into a more comfortable position, then casually scratched its belly with a paw before settling into deep, contented snores.
Right there.
In front of everyone.
It just… fell asleep.
"Proctors, does this count as completing the exam? Defeating a thousand-year soul beast with a single finger—how's that for performance?" Lin Yun turned to the two utterly flabbergasted judges with a smile.
"Uh…" The two exchanged helpless glances, completely at a loss. Instinctively, they looked toward Du Weilun on the high platform.
A thoroughly bewildered Du Weilun also had no idea what to do, so he turned to Yan Shaozhe.
It was a textbook display of bureaucracy—when in doubt, pass the buck up the chain until someone in charge made a decision. What happened in the meantime didn't matter.
But Yan Shaozhe didn't mind. In fact, he was rather pleased.
What did this prove?
That he, Yan Shaozhe, was the ultimate authority here. Without his approval, no one dared to grade Lin Yun!
It stroked his ego beautifully.
"Full marks!" Yan Shaozhe declared with a benevolent smile, leaving no room for argument.
"Understood." Du Weilun nodded.
"Advancement exam, second-year Class One member Lin Yun. Assessment target: thousand-year soul beast. Base score: 50. Performance score: 100. Total: 150—full marks!"
Du Weilun's voice, amplified by soul power, echoed throughout the arena, snapping the stunned audience out of their daze.
Full marks!
Even for an advancement exam, achieving full marks wasn't easy. This was Shrek Academy, where standards were notoriously harsh. Only true geniuses could score perfectly.
And Lin Yun?
No matter the situation, he remained the undisputed strongest of their year!
Amidst the cheers, Lin Yun walked out of the Beast Fighting Zone and returned to Class One's formation.
Though his exam had been surreal—and most couldn't fathom how he'd made the ferocious Scarletflame Tiger submit instantly—no one doubted the tiger's strength. Its oppressive aura as a thousand-year soul beast had been palpable to all.
If Lin Yun could make it kneel, that was his skill. It proved he was stronger—otherwise, why would the tiger submit without resistance?
Back in formation, aside from a select few, the rest of Class One gazed at Lin Yun with admiration and awe.
Dai Huabin, however, was one of those whose mentality had completely shattered.
Before the exam, this idiot had been fantasizing about upstaging Lin Yun—if not in raw strength, then at least in performance.
But now?
How the hell was he supposed to compete with that?
That move of making a soul beast submit with a glance? There was no way to replicate it! Even a coach couldn't teach that!
Dai Huabin stood frozen, his face a picture of existential crisis, even forgetting his earlier plan to secure the second spot in the exam order.
Xie Huanyue, Class Two's ace, was also sweating bullets under the pressure. Lin Yun's display had him drenched in nervous sweat.
"Amazing performance! As expected of Class One's trump card!" Mu Jin gave Lin Yun a thumbs-up, her face blooming with pride.
That act of his? She'd give it full marks!
Xiao Xiao bounced over, clutching Lin Yun's sleeve with starry eyes full of adoration.
"Yun-ge, you were so cool!"
"You're up next. Don't be nervous—just give it your all." Lin Yun patted her head affectionately.
A clingy, affectionate loli was just too irresistible!
He was starting to really enjoy this head-patting thing—especially when the recipient was a little loli who nuzzled into his hand in response.
"Mm! I got it, Yun-ge!" Xiao Xiao nodded vigorously, her eyes curving into happy crescents.
Ning Tian watched with a gentle smile, saying nothing. In the past, she might've felt a twinge of jealousy and schemed to steal Lin Yun's attention from Xiao Xiao.
But not anymore.
Forcing her way in would only make Lin Yun uncomfortable. Instead, she would become his safe harbor—letting him experience the grace and warmth of a noble lady, slowly carving her way into his heart!
'The Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda… I will succeed!'
(End of Chapter)
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