Jiang Nannan stood up. In that moment, every boy in the class—except for Zhu Ziyang—looked over. Among all the girls, only Tang Ya could barely compare to Jiang Nannan in terms of beauty.
"My name is Jiang Nannan. I'm from the Heaven Soul Empire." Her introduction was brief. After saying that one sentence, she sat back down.
"Jiang Nannan—such a pretty name for a pretty girl." Xia Yu smiled and gave a comment, then turned his eyes toward Zhu Ziyang. His gaze became a bit more scrutinizing. "The boy sitting next to Jiang Nannan, please introduce yourself."
Now it was the girls' turn to look over. Zhu Ziyang's appearance was unmatched among the male students in class.
"My name is Zhu Ziyang. I'm from the Heaven Soul Empire as well." Zhu Ziyang's introduction was just as concise. He sat down right after speaking.
"Excellent. Very handsome young man, and with such a refined presence. As a teacher, I must say—I'm especially fond of good-looking students!" Xia Yu's eyes lit up upon hearing Zhu Ziyang's name. After another casual remark, he moved on. "Next, the young lady in front of Zhu Ziyang, please go ahead."
"My name is Yang Yun. I'm from Haichao City in the Dou Ling Empire."
"Ah, Haichao City—a historic land for sea-type soul masters," Xia Yu commented again.
"I'm Luo Xuan, from Yuntian City of the Star Luo Empire."
"Luo Xuan…"
"…"
In the next half hour, all one hundred students finished their self-introductions. Xia Yu didn't miss a single one—he gave a comment or remark to each student.
Just like that, the sense of distance between teacher and students diminished considerably. Everyone thought, 'This homeroom teacher isn't bad at all.'
"Good, now that everyone has gotten to know each other a little, it's time to select a class monitor. Anyone want to volunteer?" Xia Yu asked with a smile.
As soon as he finished speaking, Zhu Ziyang immediately raised his hand.
There was no doubt he was interested in the position. First, he had no intention of playing second to anyone. He had his own pride—among his peers, he wanted to stand at the top. Second, being class monitor at Shrek Academy was more than just a title. It was a form of status and recognition, a sign that he had already entered the sight of the academy's teachers.
In addition to Zhu Ziyang, two other boys and two girls also raised their hands. Xia Yu looked over the five of them, his gaze sweeping back and forth before settling on Zhu Ziyang. He smiled and said, "Zhu Ziyang, you'll be the monitor for Class Four."
"Yes, Teacher!" Zhu Ziyang accepted the position calmly. It was within his expectations. With his strength on full display, there was no reason for Xia Yu not to choose him. At Shrek Academy, a class monitor with no strength had no authority.
Seeing that Xia Yu had chosen Zhu Ziyang, the other four's expressions turned grim. Some seemed contemplative, others clearly dissatisfied with the decision.
Xia Yu noticed their reactions and smirked faintly, speaking in a tone filled with mischief, "Of course, the position of class monitor isn't permanent. If any student can defeat Zhu Ziyang, they're free to take the position from him. Shrek Academy values those who pursue honor."
The moment he said that, not only did the four other candidates' eyes light up, but even some who hadn't raised their hands earlier now appeared eager.
"Alright, let's begin class," Xia Yu said with satisfaction at their responses. "Starting today, I'll be your teacher for the Soul Master Development course."
As for Zhu Ziyang, being eyed hungrily by so many classmates didn't faze him at all. With his current strength, he could face a Soul Ancestor head-on without using his second martial soul or soul bones—and not lose.
"Hey, Nannan, can you tell me a bit about your Zhu Ziyang? Why does he look so calm, like he's not worried at all?" Tang Ya leaned on her desk, whispering curiously to Jiang Nannan.
"Guess." Jiang Nannan parted her lips slightly and gave a teasing reply.
"Don't tell me he's actually a Soul Elder?" Tang Ya sat bolt upright in shock, blurting it out without thinking.
"Tang Ya, do you have a question?" Xia Yu looked at her with dissatisfaction.
"N-Nope! Hehe…" Tang Ya gave an awkward smile.
Xia Yu didn't press further and continued with the lesson.
"Nannan… is your Zhu Ziyang really that Soul Elder freshman?" Tang Ya leaned closer again and asked in a whisper.
"Mhm." Jiang Nannan nodded softly.
"My god…" Tang Ya's mouth fell open in disbelief. She was left speechless.
——
The bell rang, signaling the end of the morning class.
Xia Yu stopped teaching at once, said a quick "class dismissed," and walked out of the classroom without delay.
Shrek Academy had a unique schedule—only two classes per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, each lasting an hour and a half. This was clearly designed to give students more time for independent study. After all, for soul masters, theory was important, but strength was what truly mattered.
Just as Zhu Ziyang, Jiang Nannan, and Tang Ya were preparing to leave, someone blocked their path.
"Zhu Ziyang, I challenge you!" the person shouted loudly.
The classroom stirred at once. Students began to gather around, faces lit with various expressions.
Zhu Ziyang blinked, then looked at the one blocking them. It was a slightly chubby red-haired boy—Wang Qiao. Zhu Ziyang remembered he had been one of the students who volunteered to be monitor.
Zhu Ziyang smiled faintly and, with a sigh in his heart, said, "Sure."
The students around them lit up with excitement. Some who had their eyes on the monitor position were especially delighted.
"Good! Let's head to Shrek Plaza!" Wang Qiao grinned after getting Zhu Ziyang's agreement.
"Hold it!" Just as the crowd was about to leave the classroom, Xia Yu suddenly reappeared and blocked the way.
"Teacher Xia?" Everyone was surprised. Wang Qiao's face even changed—he feared the teacher might stop the duel.
"If you're going to fight, do it in the Soul Battle Arena," Xia Yu said calmly, not paying attention to the students' reactions. He turned to Zhu Ziyang and Wang Qiao. "But I suggest you both hold off until this afternoon's class. It'll be the perfect chance to introduce everyone to the Soul Battle system."
His tone sounded like a suggestion, but it clearly left no room for refusal.
What else could Zhu Ziyang do? He nodded. "No problem."
"Fine by me," Wang Qiao agreed, seeing that Zhu Ziyang had already accepted.
"Excellent!" Xia Yu smiled, gave them both a satisfied look, then vanished from the room in an instant—leaving the students dumbfounded.
After Xia Yu left, Wang Qiao looked at Zhu Ziyang with a smug, arrogant expression. "Hmph, enjoy your little moment of glory while it lasts. That title of class monitor will be mine this afternoon. I won't let a commoner sit above me!"
Faced with Wang Qiao's arrogant posturing, Zhu Ziyang simply smiled and said nothing.
The other students dispersed. Zhu Ziyang, Jiang Nannan, and Tang Ya also left the classroom together.
(End of Chapter)
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