"Zhu Ziyang's team wins."
The referee who announced the result looked a bit dazed. Just a moment ago, Zhou Tianhe's team had clearly held the advantage by striking first—so how had the tide turned in less than a second?
It was baffling.
The middle-aged referee scratched his head in confusion.
"This..." On the viewing platform, Du Weilun glanced at Yan Shaozhe with an uncertain expression. With questioning in his eyes, he asked softly.
"Hmm." A hint of astonishment appeared on Yan Shaozhe's face as he nodded and said, "That was a fluctuation of time-type energy. I just can't determine whether it came from a soul bone skill or the martial soul itself."
Even someone as knowledgeable as Yan Shaozhe wasn't sure.
"Shall we summon Zhu Ziyang for questioning?" Du Weilun suggested.
"Not yet." Yan Shaozhe waved his hand, eyes pensive, then regained his calm. "Let's not disturb the competition. We'll ask him after the freshman assessment is over."
"Understood." Du Weilun nodded. He had a premonition—he might be witnessing the rise of a new star at Shrek Academy.
Zhu Ziyang had no idea he had already caught Yan Shaozhe's attention. But even if he did, he wouldn't care—he had already anticipated this. With his level of talent, it would be more concerning if the higher-ups at Shrek didn't notice him.
The team exited the assessment area.
"Zhu Ziyang, how did you suddenly appear behind Zhou Tianhe during the match just now?" As soon as they left, Tang Ya bounced over like an overly curious child, chasing Zhu Ziyang for answers. "You didn't see Zhou Tianhe's face—he looked like he'd seen a ghost! Hee hee hee!"
"Alright, Xiao Ya, can't you see our big brother is tired?" Jiang Nannan pulled Tang Ya back to suppress her curiosity.
"Tired? Why don't I see it?" Tang Ya looked at Jiang Nannan, speechless, but didn't push further.
Zhu Ziyang did indeed show some weariness in his eyes. It had been his first time using Time Stop in actual combat, and the consumption of spiritual power had been considerable. He needed to recover.
"Let's go back to the dorm to rest. We still have to fight the semifinals this afternoon," Zhu Ziyang said and began walking toward the dorm.
Jiang Nannan and Tang Ya followed closely behind.
When they entered the dorm building, Mu En was surprisingly absent from his usual spot on the wooden chair at the entrance, where he typically sunbathed.
Zhu Ziyang returned to his room and began meditating.
——
"…That's everything, Teacher." Yan Shaozhe stood respectfully before Mu En, recounting everything that had happened that morning.
"A time-type ability?" Mu En's cloudy eyes flashed with curiosity. "Even you can't figure it out? Interesting… this old man is curious as well."
"Then I…" Yan Shaozhe hesitated, a mix of testing and uncertainty in his gaze.
"Sigh…" Mu En suddenly sighed and said, "Forget it. Keep observing for now. You may go."
"Yes!" Yan Shaozhe respectfully took his leave.
"Light, time, and even a faint trace of dragon aura… Shaozhe still lacks boldness in his decisions… sigh!" Mu En muttered, then released another heavy sigh.
——
Zhu Ziyang awoke from meditation, his spiritual power mostly restored. The strain from the morning battle wouldn't affect his performance in the afternoon.
He stood up and checked the time—it was only five minutes until he was supposed to meet Jiang Nannan and Tang Ya for lunch. He quickly freshened up and left the dorm.
As he stepped outside the dormitory building, Mu En had returned to his spot on the wooden chair by the entrance. Hidden from Zhu Ziyang's view, he quietly observed him.
"Big brother, you're all recovered?" Jiang Nannan and Tang Ya arrived together. When they saw Zhu Ziyang waiting at the door looking energetic, Jiang Nannan beamed with joy.
"That's right. It wasn't too exhausting anyway. After meditating over lunch, I'm fully recovered now," Zhu Ziyang said with a bright smile.
"That's great! As long as we win the afternoon match, we'll be in the finals. And once we're in the finals, the championship is just around the corner!" Tang Ya exclaimed, full of excitement.
"Of course!" Zhu Ziyang replied. "Let's eat. Once we're done, it'll be time for the match."
"Mm!" Jiang Nannan and Tang Ya nodded and followed him to lunch.
After lunch, the three of them headed to the assessment area.
With the four finalists already determined that morning, there were fewer students present outside the exam area than teachers. The four teams—twelve students in total—stood in four neat lines, while more than thirty teachers, nearly every available faculty member from the outer courtyard, surrounded them.
Faced with such a large gathering of instructors, the twelve students didn't dare make a sound. These were Shrek's teachers—each of them at least Soul Emperor-level cultivators. Over thirty Soul Emperors watching a match between kids with two or three soul rings… only Shrek Academy could offer such a sight on the entire continent.
Two distinguished figures stepped out from among the teachers. One of them was the familiar Du Weilun, Head of the Martial Soul Department. What stunned the students was that even Du Weilun, who held great power and prestige within the department, walked respectfully behind an elderly man dressed in white.
The white-robed elder had a kind face and steady stride. Every movement exuded grace and approachability.
The students instantly guessed the identity of this man.
In the Martial Soul Department, there were only two people who could command Du Weilun's respect—one was a female vice-dean, and the other was the dean himself. Given the man before them was male, his identity was clear.
Shrek Academy Dean, 95th-rank Super Douluo—Bright Phoenix Douluo, Yan Shaozhe!
Students who realized this were visibly excited. Zhu Ziyang's eyes glinted with interest.
Yan Shaozhe—on the surface, the strongest titled Douluo of Shrek Academy. Yet Shrek's enemies knew full well that he wasn't even close to being the academy's true powerhouse. Within the Sea God Pavilion alone, there were several who surpassed him.
'Hope Dragon God Douluo Mu En is still alive,' Zhu Ziyang thought.
Yan Shaozhe stepped forward. Under the respectful and curious stares of the twelve students, he spoke slowly.
"Children, hello. I am Yan Shaozhe, the 261st Dean of Shrek Academy."
Those who had guessed his identity and those who hadn't all straightened their backs instinctively, fixing their gazes on this elder who held a status equal to or even above that of emperors.
Yan Shaozhe noted their reactions, his smile remaining as he continued warmly.
"I know you're curious about why I'm here. Normally, even in the final stages of a freshman assessment, a vice-dean's appearance is enough to show the academy's respect. But I must say, this year's cohort—especially you twelve—has greatly impressed me. You're the most talented group of freshmen in the past century. I'm very interested in you, which is why I'm here. I will personally watch all your matches today. I hope you'll show me something extraordinary. Alright, let's begin the draw."
After hearing those words, even Zhu Ziyang felt his blood stir. Let alone the others, who were only eleven or twelve years old—being praised by the Dean of Shrek himself was no small honor.
Du Weilun brought out a box filled with lot-drawing slips and announced, "Freshman Class One, Chu Hua's team."
A young girl stepped forward excitedly. Noticing Yan Shaozhe looking at her, her hands trembled slightly as she pulled out a slip and handed it to Du Weilun.
"Freshman Class One, Chu Hua's team—Number One."
Only two arenas were being used for the semifinals. Drawing Number One meant they would face whichever other team also drew that number in Arena One.
"Freshman Class Five, Yu Beibei's team," Du Weilun called out next.
(End of Chapter)
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