As Zhu Ziyang, Jiang Nannan, and Tang Ya stepped out of the crowd, the applause at the scene grew even more enthusiastic.
The three of them walked over to Du Weilun and stood between Beibei's trio and Chu Hua's group. Compared to Beibei's group's stoic expressions and Chu Hua's team's excitement, Zhu Ziyang's group carried modest smiles full of humility.
Du Weilun continued,
"Very good. Now, I will announce the rewards that the academy is granting to the top three teams of the freshman assessment. The reward is simple. Each of the nine students, regardless of cultivation level or time, can request the academy's assistance in obtaining a spirit ring. The academy will help them acquire the highest age and most suitable spirit ring they can handle, based on their martial soul."
As soon as he finished, the crowd of students erupted with envious gasps and exclamations. After all, this was a Shrek Academy-backed promise to hunt for a spirit ring!
"In addition," Du Weilun added with a warm expression, his eyes turning to Zhu Ziyang's team, "given the special status and honor of the champions, the champion team will receive an additional reward. This reward will be presented to Zhu Ziyang's team after the class assignments. Please come to my office at that time to collect it."
A special reward?! Zhu Ziyang's heart stirred. He glanced at Jiang Nannan and Tang Ya, noticing the gleam of anticipation and joy in their eyes. Smiling faintly, he began to speculate on what the reward might be.
'The most likely possibility is a spirit bone,' he thought.
"You nine may return to your teams," Du Weilun instructed.
Once the nine students returned, Du Weilun addressed everyone again.
"This year's freshmen are of exceptionally high quality. Without exaggeration, you are the most talented cohort in the past decade. Though your numbers are fewer than previous years, the number of students above the Soul Grandmaster level far exceeds past classes. We even have a Soul Elder among you! I dare say, you are undisputed geniuses. But the heavens reward diligence. No matter how great your talent, you must still put in effort. The path of a soul master is like farming — only with hard work can you reap rewards. I hope you continue to work hard and eventually graduate successfully from Shrek Academy."
"Given the outstanding performances of several students in this year's freshman assessment, the academy has specially approved a few freshmen to be promoted to core disciples of the outer courtyard. I will now announce the list."
At that moment, all the freshmen held their breaths. Their eyes locked on Du Weilun with expressions of nervousness, hope, worry, or excitement. Countless emotions weaved through the air above Shrek Plaza.
Du Weilun opened his folder, took out a sheet, and read aloud,
"Based on the academy's comprehensive evaluation of the freshmen during the assessment, the following eight students have been promoted to core disciples of the outer courtyard. They are Zhu Ziyang, Beibei, Xu Sanshi, Jiang Nannan, Chu Hua, Zhou Tianhe, Xue Weiwei, and Tang Ya."
Eight core disciples!
The teachers present all showed surprised expressions. In previous years, having two or three core disciples in the first year was already impressive. But this time, there were eight — a clear indication of how strong this year's freshmen really were!
Among these eight, only Tang Ya had become a core disciple with just 22 levels of spirit power due to the bonus from winning the championship. The other seven all had spirit power levels of at least 25!
"In addition," Du Weilun continued, "some students performed excellently during the assessment but are still lacking in cultivation. To encourage them, the academy will grant them core disciple treatment for one year. If they perform well in next year's assessment, they may officially become core disciples. These students are Ye Ning, Xiao Xuan, Zhao Lei, Lu Shaoyou, Lin Ziwei, Luo Tianyou, and Li Yue."
Once the announcement ended, cheers erupted from some, while others were disappointed. Some felt fired up, while others quietly resolved themselves — but there was no time to linger in emotions. Class assignments were beginning.
This sorting was a major turning point for the freshmen. From now on, each student would clearly define their soul master development path and pursue it steadily. Classes were divided according to soul master types: Assault-Control Class, Agility-Defense Class, Support Class, and the Special Branch Class — which included food-type and healing-type soul masters.
Under normal circumstances, Zhu Ziyang and Jiang Nannan would not have ended up in the same class. However, due to the academy's preferential treatment toward the champion team, its three members were not required to be sorted by soul master type. They were automatically assigned to the Assault-Control Class — Class One.
As a result, the champion team didn't have to wait nervously for their names to be called like the others.
Class One had two homeroom teachers. One was their familiar instructor, Xia Yu, who was promoted to lead Class One as a reward for guiding the previous Class Four to victory. The other was Liu Xue, the proctor of the twelfth preliminary match.
"Let's go," Zhu Ziyang said. They already knew the classroom location from Xia Yu — it was their old classroom from Class Four.
"Mm!" Jiang Nannan and Tang Ya were both beaming. They followed Zhu Ziyang toward the teaching building. Along the way, Jiang Nannan asked, "Brother, what do you think the academy will give us as a reward?"
"Most likely a spirit bone," Zhu Ziyang replied calmly.
"A spirit bone?" The two girls were startled. Tang Ya questioned doubtfully, "That can't be, right? It's just a freshman assessment. Would they really give out spirit bones?"
"This is Shrek," Zhu Ziyang chuckled. "Don't you want a spirit bone?"
"Of course we do!" the two girls said in unison.
"Then there you go." Zhu Ziyang waved his hand. "We'll know after class. If it really is a spirit bone, then we'll need to have a proper discussion."
"Mm!" Both girls were already full of anticipation.
After school, Zhu Ziyang inquired with Xia Yu about Du Weilun's office location. Then he led Jiang Nannan and Tang Ya there.
"Beibei, we're heading off!" Tang Ya said excitedly to Beibei.
"Alright. I'll wait for you in the core disciples' cafeteria," Beibei replied with a smile.
As an assault-type soul master, Beibei had naturally also been assigned to Class One. Interestingly, Xue Weiwei was also in Class One, while Xu Sanshi, being a defense-type soul master, had been placed in Class Two.
Du Weilun's office was located on the top floor of the administrative building. Following the signs, Zhu Ziyang's group found it easily.
Knock knock knock!
Zhu Ziyang knocked on the door.
"Come in!" Du Weilun's voice came from inside.
"Director Du, we're here." Zhu Ziyang pushed open the door and entered. Jiang Nannan and Tang Ya followed closely behind.
"You've arrived!" Du Weilun stood up from behind his desk with a kind smile. He walked over and said, "Please sit down. I'll go get your rewards."
With that, Du Weilun left the office, leaving the three of them a little confused.
"Um..." Jiang Nannan looked at Zhu Ziyang.
"Let's just sit and wait a bit," Zhu Ziyang said, sitting down on a sofa nearby. Jiang Nannan and Tang Ya followed suit.
The three of them took the opportunity to examine Du Weilun's office. In terms of space, it was much larger than Xia Yu's, but the decor was quite simple. There were four large bookshelves, each packed with books. It seemed Du Weilun had a fondness for collecting books — whether he liked reading them was another matter.
(End of Chapter)
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