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The new students in white school uniforms streamed out of the dormitory building toward the teaching building. However, around Su Wen and Xie Huanyue, it was as if there was an invisible barrier. Even though there were thousands of freshmen, the crowd instinctively kept their distance.
After all, Su Wen's performance in recent days had been nothing short of astonishing.
Someone had somehow leaked that he was a Level 39 Soul Elder. Word quickly spread, and everyone now knew he wasn't someone to provoke. As a result, while others hurried along, Su Wen and Xie Huanyue moved at a leisurely pace, untouched by the rush of the crowd. From above, they stood out clearly.
Entering the classroom—
It was already full.
Clearly, because it was the first day for new students, most wanted to leave a good impression on the teacher.
After all, Shrek Academy's teachers held great authority, including the power to expel students at will. If you were made an example of, it would be truly embarrassing.
However, with Su Wen's arrival, the once noisy classroom instantly fell silent.
His gaze swept over the room.
Ning Tian was sitting at the back, smiling as she pointed to the seat beside her, signaling for Su Wen to join her.
It was only after Su Wen sat down that the others resumed talking, occasionally sneaking discreet, curious, fearful, or even reverent glances at him.
A few minutes later, the bell rang.
The sound of high heels clicked closer from the hallway. A light and cheerful voice called out, "Good day, classmates. I am your homeroom teacher for the next six years—Mu Jin."
"She's just like her name—beautiful."
"I heard she's way better than Zhou Yi, that old witch from Class One next door. Pretty, kind-hearted, and gentle, hehehe…"
"…"
Mu Jin's eyes discreetly flicked toward Su Wen, the corners of her lips lifting slightly. She quickly suppressed the joy in her heart and began her lecture.
"Moving forward, we'll delve deeper into each person's specializations. For example, power-attack system, support system—everyone will have specialized training courses. But for now, our first task is to determine which system each of you is suited for. This will be crucial for the freshman assessment in three months. I hope no one in our class will be eliminated because of it…"
She gestured toward the blackboard.
A screen above it displayed footage of soul tools.
She gave a brief introduction to the most basic offensive and defensive soul tools.
"With the rise of the Soul Tool Department, the original ecosystem of soul masters has been greatly impacted. In the past, support-type soul masters could only stay at the rear, serving as the protected core of a team. But now…"
She pointed to the defensive soul tools.
"With defensive soul tools, even a support-type soul master can temporarily act as a tank. Unless you are exceptionally gifted in the power-attack, control, or support systems, don't be in a rush to decide what role you'll play in a team."
"For example, Ning Tian." Mu Jin's gaze landed on her. "Her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda has always been one of the most top-tier martial souls. No matter the team, she would be the most important and core support member. Having her serve as a defense-type would be an absolute waste of resources."
Many people took the opportunity to glance back at Su Wen.
His expression remained unchanged.
Mu Jin's teaching style was somewhat similar to Zhou Yi's, but far softer and more meticulous. It seemed Shrek Academy indeed followed a general teaching outline.
The impact of soul tools on the continent was truly significant. In the past, food-type soul masters simply occupied a slot in competitions. But with soul tools, they could redefine their roles—able to tank (with defensive soul tools) and attack (with long-range soul tools), their usefulness skyrocketing exponentially.
He Caitou from the original novel is an example.
Soul tools were simply not something you could afford not to learn.
Fortunately, learning to use them was unlike magic—it didn't require immense spiritual power. Anyone could learn, though talent still mattered—such as the metal-attribute Xiao Hongchen or the spiritually gifted Huo Yuhao. The real difficulty lay in crafting soul tools, not using them.
Otherwise, Qian Duoduo wouldn't have spent his whole life researching soul tools only to end up as a level-eight Soul Engineer. (A Super Douluo's spiritual power far surpasses that of an ordinary Titled Douluo.)
Mu Jin's voice was gentle, her lecture flowing naturally.
Su Wen didn't mind listening, but his gaze unconsciously drifted toward the window, where nearly a hundred people were running around the plaza.
Looking farther, Huo Yuhao was among them.
…
"Run faster! Haven't you eaten?!"
Zhou Yi's face was cold, her voice sharp and commanding.
Everyone in Class One wore bitter expressions. The old witch was asserting her authority right from the start—ordering them to run one hundred laps around the plaza! Within one hour! And no using soul skills!
Still, awed by the authority of a Shrek teacher, they clenched their teeth and endured under the blazing sun.
Huo Yuhao was drenched in sweat. His soul power was the lowest, and long-term malnutrition had left him thin and frail. Before long, he fell to the back of the group.
But fortunately—
He managed to finish on time.
Panting heavily, he stared blankly as Zhou Yi mercilessly expelled the students who had run fewer laps, used soul skills, or failed to finish within the time limit. A flicker of fear crossed his face.
This was even more extreme than what Sister Xiao Ya had described.
Wasn't this… a bit too strict?
…
After Mu Jin left—
During the break before the next class—
Su Wen listened to Ning Tian gossiping. The girl absentmindedly twirled her golden hair, her face full of joy as she spoke of new students who were dating—some even childhood sweethearts.
Wu Feng sat beside Ning Tian, idly fiddling with her fingers.
Meanwhile, Xie Huanyue, sitting behind Su Wen, proudly boasted to several members of Class Two.
"Tang San was born ten thousand years before me. Was it because he feared me, or is it that kings do not meet?"
"Qian Renxue was born before me. Was she being an early bird, or was she avoiding my brilliance?"
"Do you know why the gods stay in the heavens? Because I am on the earth."
"…"
Su Wen: "…"
Everyone around: "…"
Their faces twitched. How had they never noticed this kid was such a braggart?
Ning Tian was laughing so hard she collapsed into Su Wen's arms, her body trembling with amusement—whether by accident or on purpose, no one knew. Wu Feng rolled her eyes so far back it was a wonder they didn't get stuck.
For freshmen, most classes were theoretical.
Combat classes were rare.
Thus, for several consecutive days, Su Wen enjoyed a leisurely life of cultivation. He attended classes with Ning Tian during the day and cultivated alone at night. With the Skydream Iceworm's molted shell, his three pet beasts' strength was rapidly increasing. In less than a month, he might be able to obtain his fourth soul beast.
As for the pets' additional abilities, such as "Gigantification" or "Hidden Moves," Su Wen hadn't discovered them yet. Perhaps they would only appear when he unlocked his Martial Soul Avatar, granting a group-wide boost.
Huo Yuhao, too, was diligent.
Tormented half to death by Zhou Yi during the day, he still went to Shrek City at night to sell grilled fish, attracting many customers.
The stipends from the three great empires were pitifully small—barely enough to avoid starvation. But in a place like Shrek Academy, especially for someone still growing and facing such intense daily training, it wasn't enough. Even with selling grilled fish, he could only just manage to eat his fill.
Over time, however, he earned Zhou Yi's approval.
She even recommended him to Fan Yu.
Only then did the Skydream Iceworm's million-year soul ring begin to truly show its power.
(End of chapter)