"New Student Field Training Battle"

"Thank you for the reminder, Senior Bei Bei." Long Yao politely thanked Bei Bei.

A heartfelt smile appeared on Bei Bei's gentle, handsome face. He nodded at Long Yao, his eyes filled with trust and approval. As the Tang Sect's Senior Brother, what he admired was not merely Long Yao's unfathomable strength, but also the calmness and courtesy he showed in dealing with others beneath that strength.

"Alright, hurry along. Don't be late." Bei Bei's voice was warm and dependable. "Once the academy officially announces the matter concerning Star Dou Forest, we'll discuss our response in detail. Be careful on the way."

Tang Ya was far more lively and outgoing. She waved her arms vigorously, her neat black ponytail tracing a playful arc through the air. Her crisp voice brimmed with energy. "Long Yao, Wang Dong, Yuhao, good luck! After class, Teacher Ya will take you out for something delicious!"

Only after the figures of Long Yao, Wang Dong, and Huo Yuhao disappeared around the corner by the cafeteria entrance did Tang Ya withdraw her gaze. She plopped down beside Bei Bei, stuffed a piece of Osmanthus Cake into her mouth, and said indistinctly, "Bei Bei, I think Long Yao is really amazing! Not only is he terrifyingly strong, he's a great person too, and he treats Wang Dong incredibly well. It's like he knows everything—he's always so calm."

The smile on Bei Bei's face gradually faded, replaced by deep contemplation. He lifted the tea before him and took a small sip, his gaze turning to the vast academy sky beyond the window. "Amazing is no longer enough to describe him. Xiao Ya, perhaps you didn't notice it. When Sanshi mentioned the Inspector's Token just now, Long Yao... didn't show even the slightest emotional fluctuation. That means that, in his own eyes, this identity—one that could shake everyone in the Outer Court—may not be worth mentioning at all."

His voice was soft, yet it carried a convincing strength. "He's like a bottomless lake. What we see now may only be a thin mist over its surface. That Inspector's Token was probably just a gesture of sincerity from Mu En, meant to tie him to Shrek. And his calm acceptance represents his recognition of that connection. This is a good thing for us, for the Tang Sect, and for the entire academy. It's just..."

Bei Bei's brows drew together slightly, concern flashing through his eyes. "It's just that overly dazzling light always attracts those lurking in darkness. Dai Huabin and Xiao Yanfeng are only the beginning—small troubles out in the open. What worries me more are enemies hidden in the shadows, especially... the Holy Spirit Cult. The talent and potential Long Yao has displayed likely exceed their limits of tolerance by far. This trip to Star Dou Forest will not be peaceful."

Listening to Bei Bei's analysis, Tang Ya also put away her playful smile. A grave look appeared in her lively big eyes. She knew Bei Bei's judgment was always accurate. Setting down the Osmanthus Cake in her hand, she rested her chin in both hands and said softly, "Then we need to work even harder at cultivating. At the very least... at least we can't hold them back."

Bei Bei turned to look at Tang Ya's serious profile, and heartfelt tenderness filled his eyes. He reached out and gently ruffled her hair. "Mm. We'll work hard together."

After leaving the noisy cafeteria, the tree-lined avenue leading toward the First Year Teaching Building felt especially quiet. Morning sunlight filtered through gaps in the thick foliage, casting mottled light and shadow over the bluestone slab pavement. The air was filled with the fragrance of green grass and soil, mixed with faint shouts and muffled sounds of soul power colliding from the distant Training Ground.

This was a road steeped in the atmosphere of Shrek Academy. Ancient yet magnificent buildings stood on both sides, their walls covered in verdant ivy that spoke of time's passage. Senior Students hurried past from time to time, and the powerful Soul Power Fluctuations emanating from them made Huo Yuhao's heart pound while further strengthening his resolve to become stronger.

Huo Yuhao followed closely behind Long Yao, his eyes never leaving that straight back ahead of him. The conversation during breakfast had deeply shaken him. The appearance of Xu Sanshi and Jiang Nannan, two of the Outer Court's top senior students, had made him truly realize just how many hidden talents Shrek Academy possessed. And Senior Bei Bei's concern about Star Dou Forest had made him understand that his peaceful academy life was about to end. A true trial of Blood and Fire lay in the near future.

He lowered his head and looked at his hands. They were still somewhat immature, but he knew that behind them lay power capable of changing the entire continent's landscape—his Spirit Eyes, as well as Sky Dream Ice Silkworm, sleeping within his Sea of Consciousness.

"Brother Sky Dream, did you hear that?" Huo Yuhao called out silently in his heart.

"Mm... I heard, I heard..." A lazy voice sounded in his Sea of Consciousness, carrying the grogginess of someone who had just awakened. "Isn't it just some Star Dou Forest? Small matter, small matter... Back when I ruled that place, all the Spirit Beasts had to take detours when they saw me... burp..."

"Really?" Huo Yuhao was somewhat doubtful.

"Ahem, of course it's true! But... that was in the past..." Sky Dream Ice Silkworm's voice turned slightly guilty. "Yuhao, honestly, your Brother Long Yao... is a little strange. I secretly checked him out last night and nearly had my soul scared out of me by the aura around him. That isn't power a human should possess! You'll definitely be safe by his side, but you still need to stay alert. That guy is far too mysterious."

Huo Yuhao's heart tightened. Even Sky Dream Ice Silkworm spoke of him this way—Brother Long Yao's origins were likely even more astonishing than he had imagined. But he quickly shook his head. No matter who Brother Long Yao was, the help and care he had given him over the past few days were real. He had to remember that kindness in his heart. Raising his head, his gaze became firm once more.

Wang Dong, walking on Long Yao's other side, was in an entirely different state of mind. Nearly half her body was pressed against Long Yao's, and her slender, fair small hand naturally looped around his arm, as though it were only right. A faint, heartfelt smile of happiness remained on her exquisite pretty face, beautiful enough to make all flowers pale by comparison.

Ever since that loving embrace in the dormitory that morning, her heart had been wrapped in a sweet warm current. She did not care about the Inspector's Token, nor did she care about the dangers of Star Dou Forest. So long as she could stay by his side like this, she would not be afraid even if the sky fell.

Her gaze drifted over Long Yao's profile from time to time. His distinct features and focused eyes made her heart race again and again. She noticed Huo Yuhao's silence as well, but only smiled gently. She knew that for this companion of ordinary origins yet exceptional abilities, everything he had seen and heard today would surely become immense motivation for him to strive forward.

As they passed an open plaza, a strange building with a metallic texture on the other side caught Huo Yuhao's attention. Its doors were tightly shut, but ringing "clang! clang!" sounds occasionally came from within, along with strange hissing noises like bursting steam. At times, they could even feel faint tremors from the ground. Black smoke carrying a slight burnt smell drifted from the building's chimney.

"What... is that place?" Huo Yuhao asked curiously.

Wang Dong followed his gaze, understanding appearing in her Beautiful Pink Blue Eyes. "That's the Soul Tool Department's teaching building and laboratories. I heard it's full of strange people who spend all day dealing with heaps of metal junk and researching all kinds of odd Soul Tools." Her tone carried the dismissive pride of a traditional Soul Master.

But a peculiar gleam shone in Huo Yuhao's eyes. Soul Tools—this term Bei Bei and Xu Sanshi had mentioned repeatedly—had sparked his intense interest. It was a power system entirely different from Martial Souls. Perhaps... he could learn more about it.

Just then, someone brushed past them.

It was a girl around their age, small and delicate. She wore a Clean and Crisp Shrek Uniform and cradled something in her arms—a black short flute that appeared to be some sort of instrument.

The girl's footsteps were light, making almost no sound. Her waterfall-like black hair was tied behind her head with a simple hairband. Her features were delicate and lovely, but her complexion was somewhat pale, and her eyes held a calmness and... wariness that did not match her age. As she passed the three of them, her footsteps paused slightly. Her Ink-Black Eyes casually swept over Long Yao.

That glance was fleeting, yet as sharp and precise as a needle. She was observing him.

Huo Yuhao's Spirit Detection spread out instinctively, intending to examine the girl. Yet the moment his spiritual power touched her, it seemed to strike an invisible but incomparably resilient barrier, then slid away with ease. Huo Yuhao was startled. This seemingly ordinary girl had such powerful spiritual defenses!

The girl seemed to sense Huo Yuhao's probing. She stopped and turned around, her large black-and-white eyes quietly watching them. Her gaze was calm, neither angry nor curious, completely unruffled.

Wang Dong sensed that stare and instinctively straightened up. A trace of vigilance appeared in her Pink Blue Eyes. A girl's sixth sense made her feel an inexplicable... sense of threat from this petite girl.

[ Ding! Important character detected! ]

[ It's her! It's her! Xiao Xiao, one of the future Shrek Seven Devils! ]

[ Twin Martial Souls! Nine Phoenixes Come to Ceremony Flute and Three Lives Soul Suppressing Cauldron! A bug-level combination of support, assault, and control! ]

[ Streamer! Hurry! Win her over! Such a cute girl absolutely has to join the harem! ]

[ LSP upstairs, get lost! But Xiao Xiao really is strong, and her personality is steady too. She's a reliable teammate! ]

[The Justice of Face Lovers] tipped [Top-Tier Lollipop] x100 (value: ¥1000): Wuwuwu, Wife Xiao Xiao is so cute too! Streamer, hurry and use this lollipop to strike up a conversation!

The girl, Xiao Xiao, merely watched the three of them quietly for three seconds before withdrawing her gaze. Without saying a word, she hugged her belongings and turned to continue forward, soon disappearing around the Teaching Building's corner. Throughout the entire process, she was like a ghost—appearing soundlessly and departing soundlessly—yet leaving a profound impression in the hearts of Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong.

"What a strange person," Wang Dong muttered softly.

Huo Yuhao wore a grave expression. He lowered his voice and said to Long Yao, "Brother Long Yao, that girl isn't simple. My Spirit Detection... was completely useless against her."

When they finally arrived at the First Year Class One classroom, only a few minutes remained before class began.

The classroom was nearly full. The instant Long Yao, Wang Dong, and Huo Yuhao entered, the previously noisy room fell silent as though someone had pressed a mute button. Every gaze focused squarely on the three of them.

Those gazes were incredibly complicated. There was awe, fear, worship, and jealousy.

Their crushing victory in the match, Long Yao's public confrontation with Dai Huabin yesterday afternoon, and the shocking news sent back from the city last night about Xiao Yanfeng, the third young master of the City Lord's Mansion, kneeling and begging for mercy... all of it had cloaked the name "Long Yao" in an almost legendary aura within the hearts of the First Year new students. He was no longer merely a powerful classmate, but an existence with a mysterious background and terrifying authority—someone who absolutely could not be provoked.

Even Dai Huabin and Zhu Lu from the neighboring Class Two did not cast provocative looks their way today, an unusual occurrence. Dai Huabin sat in his seat with a gloomy face, his eyes full of unwillingness and resentment, but he did not dare make any substantial move. He knew that before the authority of the Inspector's Token, his status as the heir to the Duke White Tiger was worthless.

Long Yao ignored those complicated gazes and led Wang Dong and Huo Yuhao directly to their seats.

And directly in front of their seats sat a petite figure in silence. It was Xiao Xiao, the girl carrying the short flute whom they had met on the road. Seemingly unaffected by the surrounding atmosphere, she merely lowered her head and carefully polished the black short flute in her hand with a soft cloth. She was focused and serious, as if it were some peerless treasure.

A moment later, the crisp sound of high heels striking the floor rang out from the classroom entrance. Zhou Yi entered expressionlessly, dressed in a neat Teacher Uniform.

Her gaze swept across the classroom before lingering on Long Yao for a moment. That look contained extraordinarily complicated emotions—gratification, reliance, pride, but above all, expectation that placed her hopes upon him.

"Everyone, stand!" Zhou Yi's voice remained stern.

All the students immediately rose to their feet.

"Very good." Zhou Yi nodded, her gaze sweeping over the whole class again. "The New Student Assessment has temporarily concluded. From today onward, you are official students of First Year Class One in Shrek Academy Outer Court. But do not think that means you can rest easy. Shrek's elimination rate is far crueler than you imagine!"

Her voice suddenly rose, filled with authority.

"According to the academy's latest arrangements, in three days, all First Year new students will take part in a seven-day wilderness combat training exercise! Location—the Outskirts of Star Dou Forest!"

"Whoa—"

The announcement was like a massive stone thrown into a still lake, setting off a huge uproar throughout the classroom.

Zhou Yi's hawk-sharp eyes instantly swept over every student's face below. She seemed fully prepared for this expected disturbance. She did not shout for silence, merely standing quietly upon the podium with her hands behind her back. An invisible, cold, powerful pressure spread from her like a Great Net, instantly blanketing the entire classroom.

The pressure, which combined the aura of a Soul Ancestor expert with the authority of an iron-fisted teacher, made the students who had been excitedly discussing matters feel as though their throats had been collectively gripped shut. The noise quickly died away, replaced by Deathly Stillness. Every student instinctively straightened their back, even breathing carefully. The classroom air seemed to freeze, becoming heavy and oppressive.

"It seems some of you still haven't understood the situation." Zhou Yi's cold voice rang out again, every word like a block of ice smashing heavily into the students' hearts. "Do you think this is a picnic? Do you think you're playing house? Let me tell you, this is war! The first... real war on your path to becoming strong!"

Her voice rose sharply, filled with the scent of Blood and Fire. "What kind of place is Star Dou Forest? It is the paradise of Spirit Beasts and a forbidden zone for humans! Even its outskirts are home to countless hundred-year and even thousand-year Spirit Beasts! They will not reason with you. They will not show mercy just because you are students of Shrek Academy! In their eyes, you have only one identity—food!"

Those words were cruel and blunt, immediately turning most of the students' faces pale. Though they had undergone so-called "practical combat" in their clans or junior academies, those had all been performances against captive, weak Spirit Beasts in absolutely safe environments under their teachers' protection. Now, they would face a true primeval forest, filled with savagery and slaughter!

Wang Dong's hand around Long Yao's arm tightened instinctively. Though her exquisite pretty face remained composed, a trace of gravity surfaced in her Pink Blue Eyes. She was not afraid. As the Daughter of a God, she had been born with powerful strength and noble bloodline. Yet the thought of facing unknown danger alongside the man she loved still tightened her heartstrings unconsciously. She pressed herself closer to Long Yao, as though only the body temperature radiating from him and his ever-steady aura could give her absolute Peace of Mind.

Huo Yuhao, seated on the other side, was in an entirely different state. His back was ramrod straight, and rather than fear, an unprecedented Fighting Spirit as scorching as fire burned in his Ink Blue eyes! Beneath the desk, both hands clenched tightly into fists, his knuckles turning faintly white from the force. Star Dou Forest! To him, those four words represented not only danger, but opportunity! It would be his first stage upon which to prove himself to everyone, to the entire world! He would use his own strength to obtain the Spirit Rings that belonged to him, protect his companions, and chase after that lighthouse-like, dazzling back before him!

"Brother Sky Dream!" he roared in his heart. "This time, we fight side by side!"

"Oh my, alright, alright..." Sky Dream Ice Silkworm's lazy voice echoed through his Sea of Consciousness, though it unusually carried a hint of seriousness. "Kid, Cheer Up. The forest isn't the academy. Keep Spirit Detection at its maximum range. Don't overlook even the slightest movement. I may not be able to directly help you fight right now, but I can still be your eyes and ears with ease. Remember, you need to keep your life before you can think about anything else!"

Xiao Xiao, seated in the row ahead of them, reacted even more uniquely. When Zhou Yi announced the news, she merely placed the spotless black short flute she had been polishing—her Nine Phoenixes Come to Ceremony Flute—horizontally atop her desk. Her movements were gentle and focused, as if it were not an instrument but a sharp sword about to leave its sheath. Her Ink-Black Eyes lowered slightly, long eyelashes casting a small shadow across her face and obscuring her current expression. But her upright posture and the faintly curled fingers resting on her knees revealed a quiet readiness to strike. Her mind had already begun racing through every possible situation that might arise in this training exercise: How should the team be arranged? What role could she fill? Should she act as the main controller, using flute music for area control and weakening effects? Or should she become an assault fighter, releasing her First Martial Soul—the Three Lives Soul Suppressing Cauldron—for overwhelming force?

For this girl, who had been alone since childhood and was accustomed to facing everything with reason and strength, emotional fluctuations were unnecessary. Only thorough planning and sufficient preparation were the sole laws of survival.

After hearing about the wilderness combat training exercise in the Class Two classroom, Dai Huabin's lips slowly curled into a cold, cruel arc after his initial shock. His thoughts were like a venomous snake lurking in the shadows, fixed firmly on Long Yao. At the academy, countless rules restrained him, preventing him from acting against Long Yao. But in Star Dou Forest... things would be different. Attacks by beasts, "mistakes" by teammates, all sorts of "accidents"—there were simply too many possibilities. He nudged Zhu Lu beside him with his elbow, and the two exchanged a look brimming with malice and Killing Intent. To them, this training exercise was not about earning points. It was about... revenge!

Zhou Yi took in every student's expression. She snorted coldly and continued, "This training exercise will be carried out in groups. Three people per group, freely formed! Your final assessment scores will be determined by the points your group earns from hunting Spirit Beasts. Ten-year Spirit Beasts are worth one point. Hundred-year Spirit Beasts are worth ten points. Thousand-year Spirit Beasts are worth one hundred points. Of course, that is assuming you survive!"

"Freely formed groups!"

As soon as that rule was announced, another suppressed commotion swept through the classroom. Everyone's eyes began searching the room involuntarily, looking for powerful teammates they wanted.

Almost instantly, over ninety percent of the classroom's gazes turned toward the same direction with burning intensity—the seats occupied by Long Yao, Wang Dong, and Huo Yuhao.

This was no longer a choice. It was instinct. What did having a captain like Long Yao—unfathomably strong, backed by immense influence, generous, and reliable—mean? It meant safety, high scores, and the ability to stand out easily in this cruel Knockout Stage!

Several students who considered themselves fairly capable were already growing restless, their faces filled with anticipation and anxiety, as if they would rush up to recommend themselves at any moment.

However, Zhou Yi's next words poured a basin of cold water over every one of them.

"However," Zhou Yi's lips unusually curled into a mocking smile as her eyes fixed directly on Long Yao, "Long Yao, Wang Dong, and Huo Yuhao, the strength and Tacit Understanding you displayed during the New Student Assessment have already far surpassed the standard of new students. Therefore, for the sake of fairness, the three of you will automatically form a team. Furthermore, when your final points are calculated, thirty percent will be deducted from your original total!"

"What?!"

That decision sent the entire classroom into another uproar. Everyone, including Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong, revealed stunned expressions.

Only Long Yao remained seated quietly, as though none of this had anything to do with him.

Xiao Xiao, seated in front of him, had kept one hand resting on her knee. At the announcement, her fingertips moved almost imperceptibly. She raised her head, and for the first time, a bright gleam flashed through her deep black eyes—the gleam of interest.

"Silence!" Zhou Yi suppressed the entire classroom with her pressure once again. She looked coldly at the students below. "Shrek has never cultivated flowers in a greenhouse! True strong people should accept the harshest challenges! You now have ten minutes to find your teammates! In ten minutes, submit your group lists! Dismissed!"

With that, she turned and walked out of the classroom, leaving this space filled with opportunity and challenge, humanity and choice, to the youths and maidens about to embark upon their journey.

"Heh, I knew it. Ah, but what's the big deal?"

Long Yao's Cloud Light Wind Light words echoed softly among the three of them, carrying a calmness that seemed to place everything beyond concern. That helpless sigh did not sound discouraging to Wang Dong and Huo Yuhao. Instead, it seemed like the silent mockery of mundane rules by someone powerful to the extreme.

In an instant, the last ripples in Wang Dong's heart caused by the "thirty percent" penalty completely vanished. Her heart seemed gently soothed by a warm hand, leaving only overflowing happiness and peace of mind, sweet enough to cloy. Her already starlike Pink Blue Eyes shone with startling brilliance, reflecting nothing but Long Yao's profile with its faint smile.

"Mm!" She nodded heavily, her hand around Long Yao's arm tightening as if she wanted to convey all her strength and trust to him. She straightened her slender waist slightly, her exquisite pretty face filled with pride and stubborn defiance. Her voice was crisp and Pleasant to the Ear, like a wind chime softly ringing in the morning breeze. "As long as I'm with you, never mind a thirty percent point deduction—even if our group had to challenge everyone in the entire year, I wouldn't be afraid! We'll definitely win!"

Her words were filled with absolute confidence. That confidence did not stem from her own powerful strength, but from her complete, nearly blind trust in the man beside her. At his side, she was no longer the lofty Daughter of a God. She was a happy little woman who had found a harbor she could rely on forever, willing to reveal all her brilliance for him.

Huo Yuhao, on the other side, had every drop of Hot Blood in his chest ignited by Long Yao's words. A faint flush rose on his still-youthful face from excitement. Brother Long Yao was right. This was not a punishment at all, but a higher-level trial prepared specifically for them! It was the academy's recognition of their strength!

He suddenly rose from his seat, the force of his motion even making the old desk and chair let out a faint creak. He stood tall, staring at Long Yao with blazing eyes. Though his voice still carried a trace of youthful immaturity, the unwavering will it contained could move anyone. "Brother Long Yao, I have no objections! None at all! I'll follow your arrangements! No matter what the rules are, no matter who our opponents are, we'll definitely take first place and show everyone that our First Year Class One is the strongest!"

A blazing fire burned in his eyes. It was admiration for the strong, trust in his companions, and boundless expectations for his own future. At that moment, he was no longer the youth who had escaped from the Duke's Mansion after suffering endless bullying. He was a true man, standing tall beneath the heavens, about to set out on a journey with the companions he trusted most!

As the three formed a Small Group full of absolute trust and High Fighting Spirit that outsiders could not enter, the entire classroom had already plunged into a sea of noise and chaos.

Zhou Yi's order to "dismiss" was like a stone thrown into an anthill, immediately setting every student into motion. The ten-minute time limit was like a death sentence, giving everyone an unprecedented sense of urgency.

The few powerful students who had performed exceptionally during the New Student Assessment immediately became the focus of everyone's competition. Several tall and sturdy Attack System Soul Masters were instantly surrounded by Support System and Control System Soul Masters hoping to cling to them. They chattered over one another, introducing their Martial Souls and Spirit Skills in hopes of gaining the strong students' favor.

"Brother Li! Pick me! My Martial Soul is vines, a standard Control System Martial Soul! Level 18 soul power!"

"Sister Wang! My Martial Soul is Healing Light. I only have one Spirit Ring, but my Spirit Skill is instant healing! Team up with me, and I'll make sure you don't get hurt!"

Meanwhile, those students with ordinary strength and no notable background were like ants on a hot pan, anxiously pacing back and forth through the classroom. They gathered in groups of three or five, probing and evaluating each other. Sometimes they argued until their faces were red; other times, they parted ways after a single disagreement due to incompatible ideas. Friendship became incomparably fragile before cruel reality, while the seeds of jealousy and suspicion quietly sprouted among the crowd.

"Why should you be captain? Your soul power isn't even higher than mine!"

"Your Martial Soul is an Assault System one, and so is mine. The two of us have no coordination at all! Go find someone from the Support System!"

"What do we do... nobody wants to team up with us... Are we going to be eliminated..." One girl was so anxious that she was nearly crying.

Amid the fervent discussions throughout their grade, Dai Huabin and Zhu Lu beside him formed a cold undercurrent. Rather than hurriedly seeking teammates like the others, they sat there calmly. Before long, another tall student took the initiative to approach them. The three exchanged a few quiet words, and undisguised resentment and Killing Intent aimed at Long Yao flashed in their eyes from time to time. Their Small Group had a clear objective: revenge.

The entire classroom resembled a miniature social jungle, vividly displaying the laws of survival where the strong devoured the weak and people formed factions.

Yet amid all that noise and chaos, the corner occupied by Long Yao and his companions was like the eye of a storm, forming a quiet world of its own. That steady detachment stood in incredibly sharp contrast with the surrounding clamor, and it finally prompted the figure who had always seemed inconspicuous, quiet as though transparent, to make up her mind.

Xiao Xiao, seated directly in front of Long Yao's group, slowly and gently placed the black short flute she had polished until it gleamed upon her desk. Her movement was so focused and light that it seemed as though she had completed a sacred ritual.

She turned around.

Her movements were not quick—one could even call them slow—but every detail revealed a steadiness and composure utterly disproportionate to her petite frame. Her back was straight, and her Ink-Black, bottomless eyes passed over Huo Yuhao's shoulder before landing directly and precisely on Long Yao.

At that moment, the wariness and observation in her gaze were gone. In their place was a purely communicative intent that had been deeply considered and contained no emotion.

"Um... classmate."

Her voice rang out, cool and calm, like a mountain spring flowing over jade. Against the noisy backdrop, it sounded exceptionally clear. The moment she spoke, she successfully caught Wang Dong and Huo Yuhao's attention.

A trace of surprise flashed through Wang Dong's Beautiful Pink Blue Eyes. She had not expected this seemingly solitary, quiet girl to take the initiative to speak with them. Huo Yuhao was also startled. This girl had easily deflected even his Spirit Detection; she was certainly no ordinary person.

Xiao Xiao paid no attention to their reactions. Her gaze remained fixed on Long Yao, as though she had confirmed that he was the only decision-maker in this Small Group. In a flat, emotionless tone, she began introducing herself, every word precise and firm.

"My name is Xiao Xiao."

"Twin Martial Souls."

When the words "Twin Martial Souls" left her lips, even the well-informed Wang Dong's pupils abruptly contracted! Sky Dream Ice Silkworm in the Sea of Consciousness also let out a surprised cry. Twin Martial Souls were as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns on the continent. Every person who possessed them was destined to be extraordinary!

Xiao Xiao paused, seemingly allowing them time to digest that information, before continuing in her cool voice.

"First Martial Soul: Three Lives Soul Suppressing Cauldron. Assault, control, defense."

"Second Martial Soul: Nine Phoenixes Come to Ceremony Flute. Support, control."

Her explanation was exceptionally concise, yet it laid out her abilities and role with perfect clarity. Assault, support, control—by herself, she covered almost every element a standard Soul Master team required! She was an all-around genius!

After finishing her introduction, she quietly watched Long Yao with her black eyes before finally asking the ultimate purpose of her approach. Though her voice remained cool, it carried a trace of longing to join the team that even she had not noticed.

"Does your team... still need someone?"

The sudden question was like a thunderclap exploding within Long Yao's small "eye of the storm."

Wang Dong and Huo Yuhao both froze. They looked at Xiao Xiao, then at Long Yao, unable to react for a moment. Teacher Zhou had clearly said that the three of them would automatically form a team. In theory, their group was already full. Why would this girl named Xiao Xiao make such a request?

Xiao Xiao seemed to see through their confusion. She pressed her somewhat pale lips together and added, her voice lower than before but even more resolute.

"Thirty percent of your points will be deducted. If you want a good ranking, you'll need to put in more effort than others and hunt stronger Spirit Beasts, leaving you with less room for error. One more person means more strength and another layer of security. I can... make up for your disadvantages."

Her words were full of powerful logic and confidence. She was not begging. She was conducting an equal exchange. She clearly displayed her own value while also pointing out the "pain point" of Long Yao's team. She believed that this calm-looking youth was surely intelligent enough to make the most rational judgment.

After saying that, she spoke no more. She merely waited quietly and steadfastly for Long Yao's answer with her large black-and-white eyes.

Time: Douluo Calendar Year 2030, Autumn, Fourth Day of Enrollment, 9:30 AM

Location: Shrek Academy, Central Plaza

Audience: 7968 (newly opened after the livestream room closed for the night)

Equipment: Shrek Academy Uniform x1, True Vast Sea Ring (Divine Artifact), Student Emblem x1, Inspector's Token

Items: Shrek Academy Uniform x1, Dormitory Key x1

First Martial Soul: Soul Breaking Spear [Traits: Armor Breaking, Soul Devouring, Penetration]

Second Martial Soul: Chaos Holy Dragon (Hidden) [Traits: Strength, Time, Space]

Soul Power: Level 45 (Soul Ancestor) [Status: True Vast Sea Ring Shielding, External Perception at Level 24]

Spirit Rings: [Soul Breaking Spear] First Spirit Ring (Yellow · Hundred-Year), Second Spirit Ring (Purple · Thousand-Year), Third Spirit Ring (Black · Ten-Thousand-Year), Fourth Spirit Ring (Black · Ten-Thousand-Year)

[Chaos Holy Dragon] First Spirit Ring (Black · Thirteen-Thousand-Year), Second Spirit Ring (Black · Twenty-Eight-Thousand-Year), Third Spirit Ring (Black · Forty-Six-Thousand-Year), Fourth Spirit Ring (Rose Gold · Hundred-Thousand-Year)

Spirit Skills: [Soul Breaking Spear] First Spirit Skill: Swift Shadow Stab, Second Spirit Skill: Whirlwind Spear, Third Spirit Skill: Armor Breaking Spiral, Fourth Spirit Skill: Thousand Spirit Spear Rain

[Chaos Holy Dragon] First Spirit Skill: Star Ring, Second Spirit Skill: Holy Dragon Claw, Third Spirit Skill: Void Claw, Fourth Spirit Skill: Time and Space Roar

Soul Bones: None

Soul Spirits: None

Temporary Storage: [Million-Year Spirit Beast Inverse Scale] x1, [Starlight Sapphire Brooch] x1, [Tsundere Princess Strategy Manual Platinum Edition] x1, [God-Bestowed Soul Ring (Hundred-Thousand-Year)] x1, [Spring of Life (Concentrated Liquid)] x1, [Calming Incense (First Snowmelt on the Mountain)] x1, [Dragon Blood Body Tempering Pill] x10, [Space Storage Bracelet (Couple's Edition)] x1, [God King Level Space Law Comprehension Crystal] x1, [Super Divine Artifact · Time and Space Wheel Fragment] x1, [God King Godhead (Incomplete)] x1, [Playful Rabbit Ear Headband] x2