Ding-ling-ling!The bell signaling the end of class rang out. The students, as if a great weight had been lifted off their shoulders, felt this sound was nothing short of heavenly music. Many plopped straight onto the ground without a care for the dust staining their uniforms. Some even sprawled out in an unflattering starfish pose, arms and legs wide open.
Zhou Yi slowly walked toward the students. Beside her was a plain-looking man in white. As they stopped in front of the students, brilliant soul rings appeared around the man—two yellow, two purple, and three black.
Seven rings. A Soul Saint.
To know that a Soul Saint was already considered a high-level Soul Master—able to start their own sect outside—and yet here at Shrek Academy, he was merely an outer court instructor.
The seventh ring on the man in white glowed brilliantly. With a sweeping motion of his hand, a soft green light flew toward the students. The light transformed into countless tiny leaves midair, exuding a fresh, invigorating aura even from afar.
The green leaves evenly floated onto every student, merging into glowing particles that absorbed into their bodies. Without exception, every student felt a comfortable, refreshing sensation wash over them. Even the injuries from the iron garments healed at a visibly rapid pace. The students all stood up and looked at the white-robed man with gratitude. His soul skill didn't just heal their wounds—it even restored a bit of their stamina.
The white-robed man gave Zhou Yi a slight nod, said nothing, and then rose into the air, drifting away gracefully. In a matter of moments, he disappeared from sight.
The students watched with eyes full of awe and envy. Regardless of martial spirit, the moment one reached the seven-ring level, they could fly. This… was a Soul Saint.
"Take your iron garments back with you. Go home and meditate well. I don't want to see anyone late the day after tomorrow afternoon. Everyone else, dismissed. Huo Yuhao, come with me."Zhou Yi casually issued instructions, then turned and walked away.
Thanks to the man in white, Ran Xi had recovered her stamina. Ignoring the schadenfreude-filled glances from some classmates, she quietly walked toward the dorm to pack up and leave. Although Zhou Yi hadn't officially announced anything, she knew with certainty—she had been eliminated.
A look of struggle flickered in her eyes, but it quickly faded, replaced by madness. At that moment, her retreating figure showed no hesitation. The students behind her joked and laughed, unaware that the classmate expelled today had just stepped onto a path of no return.
At the lower-grade academic building, Huo Yuhao followed Zhou Yi into the office. After she closed the door, he stood quietly in front of her, knowing full well he was about to get a tongue-lashing from the old woman.
"Do you know why I called you here?"Zhou Yi asked unhurriedly, sitting down after pulling over a chair.
"Yes!"Huo Yuhao replied.
"Let's hear it."
"As class monitor, I should lead by example for the entire class. I disappointed the teacher."Huo Yuhao said solemnly.
There was no expression on Zhou Yi's stiff old face. "You don't want to be class monitor?"Although she asked, she could already tell—Huo Yuhao clearly had no interest in being monitor.
"That's right, teacher. I know what I want. I came to Shrek to improve myself better and faster, not to help others or waste time on meaningless people and things. I ask that you appoint a new class monitor."Huo Yuhao voiced his thoughts directly. He really didn't care about being class monitor. What was the point? There was no pay, and sometimes he even had to relay messages for the teachers—getting blamed by both sides if something went wrong. It only got in the way of his cultivation.
Another thing: Zhou Yi's rule was that anyone who defeated Huo Yuhao could take his place. Though Huo Yuhao didn't think these brats could manage it, the constant pressure was annoying.
"You may go. I'll consider it. But remember, until I officially announce it, you're still the class monitor."To Huo Yuhao's surprise, Zhou Yi didn't explode in rage as he had expected. She simply waved him off with a light remark.
After Huo Yuhao left, in the now quiet office, Zhou Yi's stiff face actually pulled out a rare smile. She had thought it was just childish selfishness—but his words had pleasantly surprised her. To think someone under twelve could see things so clearly.
Of course, Huo Yuhao still wasn't a qualified class monitor, but Zhou Yi didn't care. Capable people always had tempers. Besides, this barely counted as a "temper." He just didn't bother with things outside his focus. Compared to nurturing a good administrator, Zhou Yi would much rather train a peak powerhouse.
In the blink of an eye, two days passed. On the vast square of Shrek Academy, the entire Class One of the freshmen was once again running in their iron garments. Since Ran Xi's departure, another girl had also been eliminated by Zhou Yi, reducing their numbers from the original hundred to eighty-nine.
"Hey! Let's not talk about your sneak attack last time. I'm challenging you. If I win, you better hand over the class monitor title."Wang Dong said as he slowed his pace to match Huo Yuhao's.
"No need. I forfeit."Huo Yuhao replied, not the least bit surprised by Wang Dong's sudden challenge. He knew that lately, students had been constantly comparing the two of them, so it was only natural that the prideful Wang Dong would come looking for a fight.
"What do you mean? Speak clearly—hey!"
"No meaning. I forfeit. You're the class monitor now."Huo Yuhao said simply and then ignored the vanity-driven Wang Dong.
Wang Dong was furious, feeling like he'd punched a pile of cotton. But since the other party had already conceded, he couldn't press further. He took off running, as if venting his frustration, quickly leaving Huo Yuhao behind.
The other students were no longer surprised by Huo Yuhao's behavior. This class monitor was truly an odd one. Most monitors basked in their power—being the teacher's assistant and the students' boss. Not Huo Yuhao. He didn't care about a thing. His performance in training was also average, with no ambition or drive—hardly the mindset of a class leader.
Such conduct wasn't fitting for a monitor, so no one was shocked he lost his title. Now, to see him openly concede in front of the entire class drew sneers from some. So what if he's good-looking? So what if he's talented? Still a useless lump of clay.
Huo Yuhao clenched his fists. His breathing remained steady, his pace unshaken. The mockery didn't affect him at all. In fact, he sneered inwardly. No real benefits at stake—just the empty title of class monitor—and these kids were already itching to fight. So eager, so hot-blooded.
Huo Yuhao hadn't lived through much hardship himself, but Mingzi Han had. That guy had witnessed the collapse of social systems, survived years on the run, and later established an ability-user organization. These inherited memories had forced Huo Yuhao's mindset to mature rapidly.
From major sects and empires to academies and families—every organization operated the same way: hierarchical structures, clear promotion paths. People at the bottom climbed upward in pursuit of gain. Chasing profit was human nature, and power often made people feel superior.
So-called "authority"—it was merely a tool used by those at the top. Like a piece of monk meat dangling in front of demons, it stoked desire. One by one, people scrambled upward, never satisfied. In this process, their labor—and all the value they created—was constantly exploited and drained by the higher-ups.
(End of Chapter)