"Hey, you really can't blame me for that incident with Xiao Xiao… Recently, Evil Soul Masters have been showing up near the academy. These beasts seem to have gained quite a foothold in the Sun Moon Empire. Normally, under the academy's deterrence, they rarely set foot on the original continent, but lately, for some reason, they've been appearing frequently."
Inside the office.
Yan Shaozhe spoke helplessly.
"A few days ago, I noticed traces of these people inside the depths of the Star Dou Great Forest. There even seemed to be an extremely powerful one among them. I even saw signs of their presence near the academy. So, I went deep into the forest to investigate, which delayed me with Xiao Xiao. Who would've thought Zhou Yi would be such a… sigh…"
"Evil Soul Masters?" Su Wen wasn't bothered about the Xiao Xiao matter, but was instead surprised at the term Yan Shaozhe had mentioned.
In the original story.
The Holy Spirit Sect was almost invisible in its early stages.
The only one who made a name for himself was the Death God Envoy, who acted independently. It wasn't until the second Continental Tournament, after going to Mingdu, that this terrifying organization gradually surfaced.
"That's right. You should know of the reputation of Shrek's Inspection Group, right?" Yan Shaozhe clasped one hand behind his back, looking proud. "Just hearing our name is enough to make those Evil Soul Masters tremble in fear."
"…"
Su Wen's expression turned odd.
According to the original setting, members of this inspection group did indeed have some deterrence. After all, with Mu En as their leader, they were filled with powerhouses. It was said that every mission they undertook aimed for Evil Soul Masters' heads. They should've been ruthless and cunning, the kind of people who had rolled through countless life-and-death battles.
But in reality?
One cave, one Soul King, and an entire elite inspection squad was almost annihilated—despite the fact that Dai Yaoheng and Ma Xiaotao, who had both participated in dozens of missions and were nearly at graduation level, were part of it.
Yes, they had ruthlessness, but charging in headfirst without knowing the enemy's power… Of course, maybe they underestimated the enemy? Or perhaps the external threat was just too overwhelming? The number one Soul King was truly overpowered.
So, maybe it could barely be explained.
Su Wen shook his head and didn't comment.
Yan Shaozhe raised an eyebrow: "What, you don't believe me? Don't be fooled by how those senior sisters in the inner court are always smiling. When facing enemies… hmph, especially your Sister Xiao Tao, she—"
"Please don't."
Su Wen's mouth twitched.
If you'd used Dai Yaoheng or Zhang Lexuan as examples, I might've accepted it. But Sister Xiao Tao…
"Right, Dean, what's the prize for the top three this time?" Su Wen asked flatly, changing the subject.
"The first place will receive a soul bone. As for the rest, all top three will get rewards—Elder Xuan himself will help you all obtain the most suitable soul rings during your breakthroughs." Yan Shaozhe didn't even hesitate, directly revealing the reward to Su Wen.
"Elder Xuan?!!" Su Wen's face froze.
Better not to have this reward!
"Heh~" Yan Shaozhe chuckled.
…
Bang!
With a dull sound, Huo Yuhao was sent flying by Dai Huabin, who had activated his White Tiger transformation. He lay on the arena floor, face pale, body curled like a shrimp, cold sweat dripping down his forehead. His eyes glared with hatred at Dai Huabin—his half-brother, the man indirectly responsible for his mother's death.
"Tsk~ and here I thought you were strong. Trash is still trash. Did you think changing your name and getting lucky enough to enter Shrek meant you could compete with me?" Dai Huabin sneered, stepping forward. He pressed his foot down on Huo Yuhao's head, grinding his face into the floor.
No matter how much the thin youth struggled, that shoe remained firmly planted on his cheek.
"Brother Skydream, I'm going to kill him!"
Huo Yuhao roared inwardly. He wasn't angry about humiliation, but at the fact that his mortal enemy was right in front of him, and yet he was powerless.
"Good!"
The Skydream Iceworm nodded, its eyes flashing a cold light as it looked at Dai Huabin.
"Yuhao, in a moment, use Spiritual Shock. I'll channel my origin power to help you. That should stun him for a few seconds. When that happens, strike with the White Tiger Dagger. But remember—don't attack his vital spots. You can't afford to be expelled from Shrek Academy right now! Otherwise, the Duchess's pursuit isn't something you or I could handle."
"Three!"
"Two!"
"One! Now, Yuhao!"
Huo Yuhao felt a surge of pure spiritual power flooding his spiritual sea, as though he could command it at will.
Spiritual Shock!
A white soul ring rippled beneath him.
Dai Huabin's body stiffened, losing balance and collapsing to the ground.
Like a leopard, Huo Yuhao sprang up. The White Tiger Dagger gleamed in his hand, stabbing straight toward Dai Huabin's kidney.
Slash!
Not far away, Zhu Lu's beautiful eyes widened in shock. "Huabin!" she cried, rushing forward like a shadow.
But it was too late.
Dai Huabin's eyes were still blank as he lay flat on the ground. Huo Yuhao, gripping the dagger tightly, twisted it in his abdomen. Blood gushed out, intestines faintly visible, staining the arena red. Only then did Zhu Lu arrive in rage, kicking Huo Yuhao in the waist. He flew out of the arena like a ragged sack.
"Whoa~!"
After several seconds of silence, the crowd erupted in noise.
Even the referee was dumbfounded, arriving late.
He had just been preparing to intervene when Dai Huabin bullied too far, but the situation had flipped in an instant. This seemingly frail youth—somehow—had defeated a Soul Elder!
"A spiritual-type skill? But at that strength… it shouldn't be possible."
Yan Shaozhe frowned deeply, lost in thought.
"Ahhh!"
Dai Huabin's delayed rage finally exploded. Clutching his side with one hand, pointing furiously at Huo Yuhao with the other, his bloodshot eyes burned with hatred. He was panting like a bull, wishing he could devour his opponent alive.
"Bastard! I'll tear you apart!"
"This match is over."
The referee gave him a glance, his voice calm.
"I don't accept this!" Dai Huabin raged, but knowing he couldn't attack Huo Yuhao for now, he was furious beyond measure.
"Get off the stage."
A new voice rang out coldly, stunning the three on stage.
"Lose and accept it. Throwing tantrums when you can't take advantage—what a disgrace to Class Two." Su Wen stepped onto the stage with Ning Tian and Wu Feng, giving Dai Huabin a faint glance.
He wasn't particularly fond of Huo Yuhao, but Dai Huabin—this hypocrite from the original story—he despised just as much. Always scheming, always two-faced, even toward his own family.
"You… hmph!" Dai Huabin gritted his teeth.
Moments ago, he had snarled at the referee, but in front of Su Wen, he instantly deflated. Letting Zhu Lu support him, he left the arena and headed toward the infirmary.
"What are you all staring at? Continue the matches!" Du Weilun shouted.
The crowd fell silent, but all the new students' eyes turned to Su Wen.
Su Wen raised an eyebrow. "What are you looking at me for? Didn't you hear what Director Du said?"
"Whoa~"
The surroundings instantly grew lively again.
Du Weilun's mouth twitched.
Good grief, why did it feel like he, the Martial Soul Department's Director, had been sidelined?
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Advanced chapter here: p-atreon.com/Sajaboyzzz
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