Just when Huo Yuhao thought he was definitely not going to make it through the 100 laps, Elder Ye's voice suddenly echoed in his mind: "Running also requires technique. The right technique can help you achieve twice the result with half the effort. Now, do exactly as I say…"
Immediately after, Huo Yuhao's previously ragged breathing gradually became steady, following a specific and rhythmic pattern.
At the same time, his previously chaotic soul power began flowing smoothly through his meridians in sync with the breathing rhythm!
In that moment, Huo Yuhao felt as if a new surge of power had been injected into his body. The soreness and exhaustion from excessive running vanished, and he felt completely revitalized!
Just like that, with the help of the mysterious old man in his mind, the previously worn-out Huo Yuhao suddenly seemed to be on steroids. He surged back to life and began overtaking one classmate after another…
At this time, Zhou Yi had already arrived at the side of the Shrek Plaza and was quietly watching the students run. Her gaze was soon drawn to Huo Yuhao, and she couldn't help but be surprised that someone with such weak soul power could endure for so long—and still run so fast?
Before long, all the students completed the assessment.
Those who finished the 100 laps within the allotted time were loosely gathered in the plaza.
Zhou Yi looked at them expressionlessly and said coldly, "The following names—step forward: Cheng Cheng, Qiu Jianrao, Tang Dao, Shangguan Chentian, Lin Zeyu, Zhuge Yun, Tailong, Tang Ling, Yun Xiaopiao."
The named students, still gasping for air, stepped forward.
Zhou Yi said indifferently, "The nine of you can go pack up your belongings and leave the academy. From this moment on, you are no longer students of Shrek Academy."
"What?!"
The nine students who had just completed the run were stunned, and a wave of uproar rippled through the rest of the crowd.
"Teacher, why?!" The tall youth named Tailong stood out with an angry expression.
He had finished in the front group and was one of the earliest to complete the laps.
Zhou Yi replied coldly, "Shrek Academy does not need students who rely on shortcuts. 'Those with power but without a righteous and proper mindset will only bring disaster to their country rather than benefit.' Tailong, tell me honestly—did you complete all 100 laps?"
Tailong retorted, "Of course I did!"
Zhou Yi sneered, "You did? If I recall correctly, when the running began, I had not yet arrived at the plaza. You were strolling leisurely for the first two laps and only started keeping pace when the lead runner was on lap five. So, you didn't complete 100 laps—you did 97. And I believe more than one person witnessed your lazy start."
"I…" Tailong's face flushed red. He hadn't expected that Zhou Yi, who hadn't even been at the field initially, would know exactly how he had slacked off. "Even if I missed a few laps, you can't just expel me over that!"
Zhou Yi snorted, her nostrils flaring as she said, "I already gave my reason. You're unworthy of being a student at Shrek Academy. Pack your things and get out."
"You…" Tailong was completely dumbfounded. He had never imagined he'd be eliminated so casually by this teacher. Was this even real?
Zhou Yi looked around at the other students and said flatly, "I may have a bad temper, but I always follow through with what I say. The nine I named were all slacking off during the run and didn't complete their laps. If you think I'm wrong, feel free to file a complaint with the academic office. But for now, leave."
Under Zhou Yi's overwhelming presence, the nine students trudged off dejectedly—not to pack, but to file complaints. It was only the first day of class! How could they just accept being expelled?
Watching it all while still catching his breath, Huo Yuhao grew even more resentful toward this old hag of a teacher after seeing her expel students with such absurd reasoning.
"Go change out of your clothes and return to the classroom. You have one quarter of an hour." With that, Zhou Yi turned and headed back to the teaching building.
This time, no one dared to dawdle. In a burst of movement, everyone sprinted toward the dorms at full speed.
"That old hag is seriously ruthless," Wang Dong muttered as he and Huo Yuhao hurried back to their dorm.
Huo Yuhao didn't respond. Instead, he was recalling something Zhou Yi had said earlier: "Those with power but without a righteous and proper mindset will only bring disaster to their country rather than benefit."
Does this old hag even know what she's talking about?
Since when did Shrek's school motto have anything to do with righteousness and integrity?
'Those who dare not cause trouble are mediocrities.'
How could students raised in such an environment grow up to be anything but street thugs?
Huo Yuhao felt a deep sense of confusion. Was this teacher just an outlier, or was this the true nature of Shrek? Otherwise, how could she say such contradictory things while behaving in the exact opposite way?
After quickly changing clothes in their dorms, the two dared not waste even a second, knowing all too well what kind of teacher they were dealing with. They rushed back to the classroom.
Although Zhou Yi had allotted a quarter of an hour, even the slowest student took less than ten minutes. All ninety-one students were already seated when she returned to the room.
Exactly on time, Zhou Yi entered. Seeing everyone assembled, she nodded slightly and said, "Class begins now. I'm mostly satisfied with today's test. The majority of you completed the simple running exam. Huo Yuhao, stand up."
"Yes, Teacher Zhou." Huo Yuhao stood up quickly, back ramrod straight.
Zhou Yi asked coldly, "Report your soul power level."
"Yes, ma'am. My soul power is at Level 13." Although his opinion of her wasn't great, Huo Yuhao remained respectful on the surface. His rapid soul power growth was, of course, thanks to the Innate Meditation Technique.
At the mention of "Level 13," several students glanced over with visible doubt in their eyes. Wang Dong even facepalmed. How humiliating! To think I lost to someone with only thirteen levels of soul power!
Wait… he's only at Level 13? But isn't the minimum admission requirement for Shrek Academy Level 15?
Realizing this, Wang Dong couldn't help but shoot a surprised look at Huo Yuhao.
______________________
This book is COMPLETED in my patreon, patreon.com/ryuuu_
Your support is greatly appreciated!