Mentioning Long Chen caused a hint of regret to flash across their eyes. This child had exceptional talent and had been highly anticipated by them, but unfortunately, he had provoked the wrong people.
A few months ago, he suddenly disappeared. His family had searched for him, but even now there was no trace. The implications were obvious.
As for who was behind it, they all knew in their hearts but would not speak of it publicly—let the Long family figure it out for themselves.
After a brief discussion, everyone agreed that Yun Ze should take the field, pairing with Gu Yue Na, Weng Daimin, Xue Liushuang, and Jian Mochen.
Once the plan was decided, everyone split up. Since Shrek Academy had taken the initiative to provoke them, they needed to give them a proper show of force.
In the fifth-floor library, Yun Ze was reading when he sensed movement as the door shifted.
"Something's off…" Yun Ze murmured. Entry to the fifth floor prohibited bringing any Soul Devices, including clocks, and there were no instruments to indicate the time.
So he didn't know the exact time, but he was sensitive to the passage of time. From when he entered until now, only about three hours had passed—still short of the scheduled opening time.
Without continuing his reading, he walked toward the door. Since these people had arrived early, something was likely afoot.
Xu Lin was about to call out when he saw Yun Ze emerge.
"Dean, is there something you need?" Yun Ze asked as he approached.
"We'd like you to participate in a five-on-five team skirmish shortly. If you win, the academy offers a substantial reward," Xu Lin said gently, speaking politely.
He had learned from his brother Xu Chuan that Yun Ze was the Young Lord of Long Huang Palace. With that status, he naturally didn't need to adopt a formal dean's attitude.
"Don't worry. Most of them are weak; only one is quasi-Soul Sect. Their strength and combat talent are roughly comparable to Long Chen, whom you defeated previously," Xu Lin explained carefully.
He hadn't seen Tang Wulin and the others fight, but since they came from Shrek Academy and dared to provoke, their strength was likely nontrivial. He rated them highly, considering them geniuses on Long Chen's level.
"Alright," Yun Ze agreed without hesitation. Refusing wouldn't be wise; their early arrival showed they were eager for his participation.
By agreeing promptly, Yun Ze pleased Xu Lin and the four council members. After closing the door, they escorted Yun Ze to the preparation room.
The "preparation room" was simply a lounge in the Sun-Moon Grand Stadium. When Yun Ze arrived, several people were already present:
The director of instruction, Duan Jingliang; Gu Yue Na; and three students Yun Ze didn't know—two girls and one boy.
"Yun Ze," Gu Yue Na, who had been sitting on a sofa alone, immediately approached him as he entered.
"Hmm," Yun Ze nodded slightly and sat down on the sofa.
The three students' eyes fell on Yun Ze. They had never interacted with him but knew of his reputation.
Long Chen, with level-22 soul power, had defeated a level-41 Soul Sect enemy, instantly making him famous. Anyone could hardly be unaware of him.
It should be noted that when that battle occurred, the academy hadn't yet realized Yun Ze had such immense backing. Concerned that videos might leak and bring trouble to him, they forcibly suppressed the matter and deleted all recordings. As a result, few outsiders knew of Yun Ze's existence.
Now, the academy had no such worries. With the backing of Long Huang Palace, Yun Ze's safety was guaranteed. Demonstrating terrifying strength was no longer an issue.
"All present, let me explain the upcoming arrangement," Xu Lin entered the room, drawing everyone's attention.
"I think you already know who the opponents are, so I won't repeat it here."
"This match concerns the academy's honor. If we lose, the academy's reputation will be ruined, becoming a laughingstock across the federation."
"So I expect you all to give your utmost effort. Other than not killing your opponents, there are no restrictions."
"You must win this match and show Shrek Academy and the entire federation that the Sun-Moon Royal Academy is not to be trifled with."
"Let them see that our students are not inferior to theirs—no, not 'inferior'—you must prove that you are stronger!"
Xu Lin's voice rose as he spoke, hoping to inspire and motivate the students.
Xue Liushuang and the other two were stirred, their hearts burning with pride and determination to uphold the academy's honor.
Yun Ze and Gu Yue Na, however, remained calm and unaffected, merely watching Xu Lin's passionate speech.
Xu Lin grew more animated, even himself swept up by his excitement. If the director of instruction hadn't reminded him in time, he might have continued at length.
"Ahem, that's about it. Now you should get to know one another and plan your strategy," Xu Lin concluded.
He suddenly added, "The five of you will be led by Gu Yue Na. She is the team captain; the others must follow her arrangements."
If Yun Ze were older, the captaincy would have gone to him. Unfortunately, he was still too young.
"Understood," the three other students agreed. They knew of Gu Yue Na's abilities.
Renowned as a once-in-a-millennium Soul Device prodigy, her soul power was top-tier. Only six-year-old Yun Ze could surpass her in talent.
Among the five, Gu Yue Na's combat power was the highest. She was rumored to have defeated a five-ring Soul King. With such strength, everyone accepted her as captain without objection.
Yun Ze had no issue with her as captain. In fact, he didn't care who led, as long as no one bossed him around.
Gu Yue Na instinctively glanced at Yun Ze. Seeing him nod and smile, she accepted the captain role without hesitation and introduced herself first:
"Gu Yue Na, Martial Soul: Silver Dragon, level-44 strong attack Soul Sect."
With her training in the Demon God Technique progressing smoothly, and her level increasing, the energy of her Silver Dragon King essence began aiding her cultivation. Over the past five months, her soul power rose over two levels, even while continuing her Soul Device research.
Her mental power grew even faster than her soul power, reaching over 4,600 points. Soon, she might break into the Spirit Abyss Realm—a level attainable only by Soul Douluos or even Title Douluos.
(End of Chapter 47)