The Elders' Verdict, A Path Confirmed
The rooftop was open to the sky, a quiet space above the bustling academy. Four figures awaited them. Three sat at a simple round table: Silver Moon Douluo Cai Yue'er, Dean of the Outer Court, at the center; Crimson Dragon Douluo Zhuo Shi to her right; and Elder Li, who had overseen the first trial, to her left. Shen Yi stood respectfully to the side.
"The tenth and final trial," Shen Yi announced, her voice formal, "is the Joint Deliberation of the Three Halls. The elders will provide a comprehensive evaluation based on your overall performance, which will be added to your final score."
She bowed to the seated elders and stepped back.
"Yao Xuan, step forward," Elder Cai's voice, gravelly yet clear, broke the quiet.
Yao Xuan did so, offering a deep, respectful bow.
"You achieved perfect scores in the first nine trials," Elder Cai began, her sharp eyes holding his. "Your combat power is monstrous for your age. Your leadership is instinctive and effective. Your strategic foresight is commendable. But what is most valuable… is your character. The humility and protection you showed your comrades speaks louder than any display of force." She paused, a faint, almost grandmotherly smile touching her lips. "Logically, I should award another perfect score. However, to prevent a certain young dragon from developing an overly inflated sense of self, we have agreed to deduct a single point. Your final score is ninety-nine."
Ninety-nine. The number hung in the air, weighty with significance. In the annals of Shrek's entrance exams, such a score was legendary.
"Thank you for your guidance and judgment, Elder," Yao Xuan replied, his voice steady, bowing again. He felt no arrogance, only a sober acknowledgment of the standard he was now expected to uphold.
"Congratulations, Yao Xuan. You are officially a student of Shrek Academy," Elder Cai said, her tone formalizing the acceptance. "By convention, a score above eighty-five warrants consideration for the Inner Court. However, the Inner Court's policies have shifted this year. All new students will begin in the Outer Court. The additional test is waived."
"I understand. Thank you." With another bow, Yao Xuan retreated to stand beside his team.
"Next, Gu Yue."
Gu Yue glided forward, her bow elegant and composed.
"Gu Yue. Eighty-nine points in the preliminary trials. A prodigious talent with unprecedented elemental affinity. Your mental power is formidable, your control, exquisite. You work seamlessly within a team, and your integrity is unwavering." Elder Cai's gaze was filled with undisguised admiration and a tinge of that same regret. "Your comprehensive score is nine points. Total: ninety-eight. Congratulations, you are officially a student of Shrek Academy."
"My thanks, Elder," Gu Yue said softly, her violet eyes meeting the elder's for a moment before she stepped back to stand beside Yao Xuan. Their shoulders didn't touch, but a current of shared accomplishment passed between them.
"Tang Wulin."
Tang Wulin stepped up, his bow earnest.
"Eighty-eight preliminary points. While your soul power level gives us pause, your unique bloodline ability presents a fascinating and potent compensatory path. Your physical resilience is outstanding, and your temperament is commendably steadfast." Elder Cai's expression warmed noticeably; here was a student wholly within Shrek's orbit. "Comprehensive score: eight points. Total: ninety-six. Congratulations, Tang Wulin. You are officially a student of Shrek Academy. Remember, soul power remains the bedrock. Do not neglect it."
"I will remember, Elder! I will work tirelessly!" Tang Wulin's voice was thick with emotion as he bowed deeply before returning to the group, his heart swelling.
"Next."
Xie Xie approached, trying to mask his nervousness with a straight back.
"Talent, adequate. Adaptability, passable. Strategic vision requires development. However, your observational skills are sharp, and you do not shy from confronting danger. Your overall performance is acceptable." Elder Cai's critique was blunt but not unkind. "Comprehensive score: six points. Total: eighty-two. Congratulations, Xie Xie. You are officially a member of Shrek Academy."
A wave of pure relief washed over Xie Xie. He bowed, almost clumsily in his gratitude. "Thank you, Elder!" He had made it. The dream was real.
"Finally, Xu Xiaoyan."
Xu Xiaoyan stepped forward, her hands clasped tightly.
"Talent, above average. A unique stellar martial soul mutation with potent, situationally powerful soul skills. Your teamwork is excellent, your mind is quick, and you face setbacks with resilience. You possess considerable latent potential." Elder Cai delivered the assessment evenly. "Comprehensive score: seven points. Total: eighty-four. Congratulations, Xu Xiaoyan. Welcome to Shrek Academy."
"Thank you!" Xu Xiaoyan beamed, bowing repeatedly before scurrying back to her friends.
"That concludes the deliberations. You are dismissed." With a final nod, Elder Cai released them.
The five students bowed in unison once more before following their guide out of the rooftop sanctuary.
The guide led them to the academy's vast cafeteria for a late dinner. Amidst the curious glances from older students, Tang Wulin's prodigious appetite provided a moment of levity, breaking the lingering tension of the assessments.
Afterward, they completed the formal registration at the academic affairs office. By the time the administrative stamps were pressed onto their new student cards, the clock had edged past nine in the evening.
As they exited the administration building, a familiar, elegant figure with flowing white hair was waiting under a lamppost.
"Senior Shen?" Yao Xuan asked, surprised.
Shen Yi smiled, her earlier official demeanor replaced by a more personal warmth. "I need to speak with Teacher Wu. Would you take me to him?"
"Of course, Senior. Right this way."
And so, the group of five new students, now officially carrying the weight of Shrek's legacy, led their teacher's junior sister out of the gates and into the bustling night of Shrek City, one chapter closed and a far greater one just beginning.