Fitting The Image

Wang Yan's forehead developed a network of black lines as he understood the meaning behind her expression.

"Of course, the benefits aren't just limited to this. When comparing Martial Soul Fusion Techniques, the power difference is the most direct indicator."

"According to the rules of Martial Soul Fusion Techniques, the higher the compatibility, the greater the power of the Martial Soul Fusion Technique. That's why I'm curious about their Martial Soul Fusion Technique."

Zhou Yi nodded. This was a major matter, and it just so happened to be the time for selecting senior teachers. Discovering two such promising talents and reporting them would solidify her nomination.

"Teacher Wang, shall we report this together?"

Wang Yan shook his head and smiled, "No need. These are your students, after all. You discovered them, so I won't fight you for the credit."

"With your strength, you should have been promoted to senior teacher long ago. It's really your personality..."

Zhou Yi snorted and looked at Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong, saying, "The benefits of reporting aren't just for me. You two are also very likely to be approved as core disciples of the Outer Court because of this."

Wang Dong and Huo Yuhao exchanged glances, their joy evident.

"Don't get too happy too soon," Zhou Yi added calmly. "I said 'very likely.' Shrek never lacks geniuses. While there aren't many who possess Martial Soul Fusion Techniques, they do exist."

"Your ranking in the elimination rounds will greatly influence your approval. Work hard, all of you." Zhou Yi glanced at the three people standing against the wall in a signal formation, "The three of you too."

Huo Yuxi and the other two were listening intently when Zhou Yi suddenly called them out.

"Stepping into the core circle means you will receive preferential treatment from the academy's teaching staff, and you will also gain eligibility to enter the Inner Sect."

"Among the core disciples of the Outer Court, half have the opportunity to pursue further studies in the Inner Sect. Before that, you must obtain this eligibility, understand?"

"Understood," they replied in unison.

Wang Yan watched for a while, quite surprised. Due to Zhou Yi's teaching methods and personality, most students only submitted to her out of fear of her authority, with very few genuinely obeying her.

He hadn't expected these five children to truly believe in her from the bottom of their hearts.

Having enjoyed the spectacle, he smiled, greeted Zhou Yi, and turned to leave.

"Alright, I didn't just call you here for this," Zhou Yi said, taking a notebook from her desk drawer. "This contains the specific information on the three-ring Soul Elder teams from the other classes."

"The moment I received this notebook, your information was also sent to them. But don't worry, I will devise combat plans for you."

"Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong, remember to practice your Martial Soul Fusion Technique every day and confirm the specific interval time. This could very well be the key to your victory."

The two nodded simultaneously. Their team's combat strength wasn't the best, but with the power of their Martial Soul Fusion Technique, they could even contend with three-ring Assault-type Soul Elders.

Zhou Yi continued, "So far, the strength of the other teams is mostly revealed. Among the three-ring students, only Huo Yuxi's Third Soul Skill has not been used. Therefore, they can at most guess the direction of your Third Soul Skill, but they don't know the specifics."

"Among the new students in our year, there are a total of 5 students who have reached the Soul Elder cultivation. Besides you, the other 4 are, without exception, disciples from prominent families. From childhood, they have received the best support in all aspects."

"This is not to deny their talent and effort, but to tell you that without sufficient talent, without material support, and without connections..."

Zhou Yi's gaze fell on Huo Yuhao, saying, "By dedicating more time and effort than others, you can still reap the rewards."

Everyone present understood that this statement was directed at Huo Yuhao.

"Teacher Zhou, I understand. I will definitely work harder."

Huo Yuhao's promise pleased Zhou Yi. She then added, "Those with money and talent, don't be lazy either. Possessing cultivation resources that others don't have, yet still having lower cultivation than those without money and talent, is a shame."

This short speech subtly critiqued everyone present.

"I just had my eleventh birthday not long ago. Before I turn twelve, I'll definitely reach three rings too," Wang Dong said indignantly.

"I remember Huo Yuxi is also only eleven?"

Wang Dong, realizing he was only three months younger than Huo Yuxi, flushed red.

He had always known his talent was top-tier, which was why he had been lazy about cultivating. Now, learning that someone with talent as monstrous as his was working even harder than him, his mindset completely collapsed.

"Alright, you are all the same. Regardless of anything, Shrek's cultivation resources are not lacking. Make good use of them and strive to become core disciples."

"Yes."

With matches scheduled for the afternoon, Zhou Yi didn't delay. After speaking, she quickly sent them back to eat and rest.

Half of the participants were eliminated in the morning matches. After another draw in the afternoon, they each proceeded to their assigned assessment zones to wait.

Huo Yuxi sat in her seat, her eyes scanning around. She noticed a high platform to the north, supported by six giant metal pillars, about twenty meters above the ground.

Looking up from below, she couldn't see what was happening on the platform, only vaguely glimpsing some people who seemed to be watching.

Huo Yuxi was correct; this platform was indeed for spectators. From above, one could clearly see all the battle stages.

In the previous round, from sixty-four to thirty-two participants, Class One had fourteen teams competing. Now, in the thirty-two to sixteen round, only six teams remained.

At this moment, Huo Yuxi's opponents also arrived at the assessment zone.

What surprised her even more was that the three students walking towards them were the very same ones who had caused a scene in the cafeteria before the new student assessment began.

"Huo Yuxi? Not bad. I didn't expect you to make it to the top thirty-two, but this is where it ends for you."

The burly young man in the lead spoke with disdain. His Martial Soul was a rare combination of Assault and Agility types. Furthermore, he had just reached the Soul Elder stage the day before yesterday, naturally giving him reason to be arrogant.

Especially before entering the academy, his family had hired sparring partners for him, and he could even defeat Assault-type Soul Elders. What more a control-type young girl?

Although she possessed Soul Elder strength, judging by her refusal to use her Third Soul Skill during the previous round robin, even at the risk of injury, this person was either foolish or her skill was indeed mediocre.

Her assumption wasn't entirely wrong. At that time, Huo Yuxi lacked practical combat experience, and with the Soul Devouring Spider as her trump card, few people knew about her Third Soul Skill until now.

"Both sides enter the arena. Prepare."

The proctor was a stern-faced woman. She stood on the stage, her icy gaze sweeping over both teams.

Huo Yuxi stepped onto the stage first, taking the front position, with Luo Ling and Lu Wanwan following closely behind, forming a triangle.

Yin Zhicai let out a dismissive scoff and a couple of chuckles, twisting his wrists as he slowly led two girls onto the stage.

"The assessment begins."

After saying this, the proctor retreated to the side to observe.

"First Soul Skill, Dawn Wind Fist."

Yin Zhicai's Martial Soul was the Wind Pattern Leopard, belonging to the wind attribute and possessing extreme speed. Most Soul Masters with this Martial Soul tend to follow an agile offense path. It was unexpected that this large fellow would choose a power offense direction.

One had to admit, the Martial Soul didn't quite match his robust image, but the power offense path complemented it well.

Huo Yuxi's mind was racing, but she didn't let her guard down because of it.

A fist carrying the force of breaking wind was aimed at her face. As expected of a power offense Soul Master known for possessing innate agile offense attributes, Yin Zhicai's speed was incredibly fast.

In the blink of an eye, the fist was already in front of her. The soul power around Huo Yuxi began to surge wildly, forming an invisible soul power shield.