Preparations Before the Hunt

"So for the assignments, Wang Dong, He Caitou, and I will be one group." Long Yao looked at the others. "The three of you can form another group. What do you think?" he asked Yuhao, Xiao Xiao, and Ning Xue.

As soon as Long Yao's proposal was made, the fervor that had just settled in the air turned tense once more. This was not merely a simple grouping—it was also a test of their respective roles and teamwork. His gaze carried an all-seeing depth as it swept over the two new members before him and his old partners at his side, waiting for their responses.

Wang Dong was still the first to react. Her Pink Blue Eyes flickered slightly, and that barely perceptible surprise vanished in an instant, like a meteor streaking across the night sky. Instinctively, she had assumed that she, Long Yao, and Huo Yuhao would be in the same group. After all, the three of them had tested their tacit understanding many times. Yet this new arrangement had placed Huo Yuhao elsewhere and added He Caitou, someone they had only just met. Her delicate brows furrowed slightly, but her gaze soon settled on Long Yao's calm, placid face. The confusion born from doubt immediately turned into unconditional trust. He must have had his reasons for arranging things this way.

A confident, radiant smile bloomed again across Wang Dong's exquisite pretty face. She lightly shook the small hand still looped through Long Yao's arm and said in a coy yet unwavering tone, "No problem! As long as I'm in the same group as you, I don't care who else I'm assigned with! We'll definitely work well with He Caitou!" Her words not only answered Long Yao's arrangement, but also seemed to declare something to the team: she was Long Yao's exclusive partner.

Next, an expression of wild joy bordering on stunned disbelief suddenly appeared on He Caitou's honest, rugged face. His tiny eyes flew wide open as he stared straight at Long Yao, as though he had heard the most unbelievable thing in the world. He, an auditing student with relatively low Soul Power and a bizarre "cigar" Martial Soul, was actually being placed in the same group as Classmate Long Yao—the brightest, strongest, and most mysterious person in all of First Year Class One?! It was practically a dream! He was even more excited than when he had first been selected. His mouth opened and closed a few times, but in the end, no words came out. He only gritted his teeth and nodded hard, so vigorously it looked as though he might shake his head right off his neck. That silent promise was far more sincere and weighty than thousands of words.

Huo Yuhao's reaction was somewhat more complicated. When he heard that he had been assigned to a group with Xiao Xiao and Ning Xue, his heartbeat, which had only just calmed down, quickened again. It was not that he distrusted Xiao Xiao and Ning Xue. On the contrary, he was deeply curious about Xiao Xiao's unique temperament and powerful Twin Martial Souls. Still, not being able to engage in actual combat in the same group as Long Yao left him feeling faintly empty. Instinctively, he believed that only by staying at Long Yao's side could he learn from and experience that transcendent power at closer range.

"Yuhao, during this time, you'll be in charge of scouting. Xiao Xiao will handle defense, and Ning Xue can take charge of control. The three of you will definitely work well together, and it'll be simple too. In other words, Wang Dong, He Caitou, and I will be the assault force. It may look like we're divided into two squads, but in reality, we're one large team. You understand what I mean, right?" Long Yao said to Yuhao with a mischievous grin. "No one said different groups can't help each other out. Hehehehe." A crafty laugh escaped Long Yao's mouth.

Yet the moment he heard Long Yao's proposal, Huo Yuhao's eyes instantly cleared, and a feeling of sudden enlightenment filled his heart.

"Two groups, helping each other!" Huo Yuhao repeated the words inwardly, a Glimmer of Wisdom flashing in his eyes. That was right! This was the most perfect strategy! One core group with the strongest combat power and control, supported by a balanced, high-potential support group. This would ensure the core group's efficient hunting while also providing powerful backup and support. More importantly, it would give him a chance to grow independently. Without Long Yao's direct protection, he would need to build team coordination with Xiao Xiao and Ning Xue, overcome challenges, and truly stand on his own. He would become Long Yao's eyes and his sharpest blade, completing every task Long Yao gave him!

Determination and excitement swiftly appeared on his youthful face. He clenched his fist and nodded heavily at Long Yao, his voice filled with strength. "No problem, Brother Long Yao! Xiao Xiao, Ning Xue, and I will form the most reliable second group and work perfectly with you! We definitely won't hold you back!" His eyes were filled with the heroic spirit and ambition unique to a youth.

Standing beside Huo Yuhao, Xiao Xiao's clear black-and-white eyes displayed obvious thought for the first time upon hearing the arrangement. She first glanced at Wang Dong, who was pressed close to Long Yao, then at Huo Yuhao, who had been assigned separately. Her gaze lingered on Long Yao for longer. She saw the confidence and control hidden deep within his eyes. Clearly, this grouping had not been a spur-of-the-moment decision but a carefully considered arrangement. A glint quietly flashed through Xiao Xiao's eyes—appreciation for a strong person's strategy.

Her strength lay in the versatility brought by her Twin Martial Souls. She could control, assist, and even launch brief powerful attacks. Her resistance to Spirit Detection also meant that she could become a unique barrier for the team. Huo Yuhao had Spirit Detection and could observe every detail, while Ning Xue had ice-element control and could restrain targets. Her and Ning Xue's control abilities could stack, while Huo Yuhao's Spirit Detection could maximize the effectiveness of their control, forming a perfect chain of control. At the same time, her own offensive power could provide explosive force at crucial moments. This combination truly was the most balanced, most reasonable arrangement, and the one most capable of bringing out each of their potential. Long Yao's foresight in precisely discerning his teammates' abilities and allocating them accordingly once again left her deeply awed.

Xiao Xiao answered in a cool yet steady voice, "I agree with this grouping. Based on the characteristics of our Martial Souls and actual combat requirements, this is the optimal configuration. I believe we can form an efficient cooperation. We'll do our best not to burden you."

When Ning Xue heard that she had been grouped with Huo Yuhao and Xiao Xiao, a trace of surprise flashed through her spirited eyes. Huo Yuhao and Xiao Xiao were both top geniuses among the new students, so being teamed with them was certainly fortunate. She had thought that, like He Caitou, she would fill the gap in Long Yao's group. But being separated out to form an entirely new group also meant she would have more opportunities to prove herself. Excitement gleamed in her eyes.

"I have no objections!" Ning Xue raised her head proudly, her eyes brimming with fighting spirit. "Fighting alongside geniuses will help me improve faster! Huo Yuhao, Xiao Xiao, please guide me over the next seven days!"

Thus, under Long Yao's control, two combat groups centered around him, with clear divisions of labor and exquisite coordination, quietly took shape in the chaotic classroom. The trust and cohesion between the groups had reached their peak from the very beginning, far surpassing those student teams hastily thrown together at the last minute. A practical combat exercise concerning fate and challenge would officially begin in three days.

[Wang Dong Fan Club President]: Wuwuwu, Long Yao is so gentle, and Wife Wang Dong is so sweet! This is practically a sugar-spilling scene!

[Onlooker A]: This grouping is incredible! Long Yao is seriously a born leader! He arranged everyone perfectly!

[Beauty Lover's Justice]: Xiao Xiao and Ning Xue's temperaments match so well too. Yuhao sandwiched between them doesn't seem bad either? Wait! Did I just discover some amazing CP pairing?!

[Top Rank Big Brother 'Godly Magnate Brother'] rewarded [Sparkling Diamond] x10 (worth ¥1000): Streamer, badass! This grouping is pure genius! Looking forward to your performance in Star Dou Forest!

The Livestream Bullet Comments erupted. The viewers were amazed by this precise "deployment of troops." In particular, seeing even a cool and aloof genius like Xiao Xiao won over by Long Yao's strategy sent the livestream room's tactical analysts into a frenzy.

After class, the Shrek Academy campus regained its life and vitality. Sunlight fell across the old walls of the Teaching Building, making the moss appear even greener. Students walked in twos and threes toward their respective destinations. Long Yao left the classroom with Wang Dong, Huo Yuhao, Xiao Xiao, He Caitou, and Ning Xue.

"Although Teacher Zhou said she wouldn't interfere with how we formed teams for the practical exercise three days from now, we need to be careful ourselves," Wang Dong said worriedly on the way back to the dormitory. She remembered what Mu En had said: at Shrek Academy, besides the written rules, there were also many unwritten conventions. Their First Year "combined-unit operation" would likely draw the displeasure of some senior students.

"Yeah." Huo Yuhao also frowned. "And all the higher-ups will be watching this exercise. We've had thirty percent of our points deducted, so the pressure will be even greater."

A trace of solemnity appeared on He Caitou's honest face as well. Though clumsy, his sense for danger was unusually sharp. Just hearing the name Star Dou Forest made him feel a faintly oppressive aura.

"But then again," Ning Xue said excitedly, her eyes shining, "I feel incredibly honored to be with you, Brother Long Yao. This is the challenge I've looked forward to most since entering the academy!"

Xiao Xiao simply followed silently at the back of the group without saying much. She only observed everything around her with those profound eyes, occasionally quietly spreading out Spirit Detection to inspect the surroundings and remaining vigilant at all times.

When they reached the dormitory building, everyone stopped.

"Then we'll gather in front of the Soul Master Academy gates in three days. Use these next two days to prepare yourselves," Long Yao instructed them, his voice filled with authority and decisiveness.

"Yes!" Huo Yuhao, He Caitou, and Ning Xue answered in unison, their tones filled with obedience toward their leader.

"I'll go to the library to look up information on Star Dou Forest and try analyzing the Spirit Beast Illustration," Huo Yuhao stated first. He knew that his strengths lay in accumulated knowledge and Spirit Detection, and he had to make the most of them.

"I'll go to the forging room to inspect my Soul Tools and prepare some necessary equipment." He Caitou rubbed his hands together. Though his Martial Soul was unusual, he possessed exceptional talent and interest in Soul Tools.

"I... I'll go back and strengthen my First Spirit Skill and Second Spirit Skill, so I can play a greater role at critical moments," Ning Xue added.

Xiao Xiao remained sparing with words, but her actions spoke louder than thousands of words. She only nodded slightly to Long Yao, then turned and headed toward the Teaching Building. Her figure was cool and resolute; she was clearly going to carry out some harsh personal training or preparation. For someone like her, everything was kept in her heart, and words were unnecessary.

Wang Dong naturally looped her arm through Long Yao's. Her Pink Blue Eyes were filled with tenderness and attachment, as though only the two of them remained between heaven and earth. Her gaze was full of anticipation and trust, as if saying: I'm ready to follow in your footsteps and face every unknown challenge.

After the other four departed, only Long Yao and Wang Dong remained, along with the occasional student passing by. Academy life continued, but for them, the true challenge was about to begin. Three days later, they would enter that vast forest where danger and opportunity coexisted, and this trial was destined to push them onto an even greater stage.

When only the two of them were finally left, the clamor of the academy seemed to be completely shut out by an invisible wall. Sunlight filtered through the enormous Wutong Tree beside the dormitory building, scattering soft, dappled light across the ground. Only the rustling of leaves in the breeze and their steady, intimate breathing remained in the air.

A faint, intoxicating blush rose on Wang Dong's breathtakingly beautiful face because of Long Yao's quiet whisper near her ear. His warm breath brushed over her ear, bringing a numb and tingly itch that traveled down her fair neck and all the way into the softest part of her heart.

"If I'm not mistaken, He Caitou's cigar Martial Soul is a boosting type, but, uh..." Long Yao said quietly to Wang Dong with an embarrassed look. "Do you smoke? I don't." He scratched his head awkwardly. Even in my previous life, I wouldn't touch that stuff.

Her dazzling Pink Blue Eyes first revealed a trace of realization at Long Yao's accurate guess about He Caitou's Martial Soul. Then, upon hearing his unprecedentedly awkward, flustered "Do you smoke? I don't," her beautiful eyes instantly curved into lovely crescent moons.

"Pfft—"

A crisp, pleasant laugh finally escaped her slightly parted, rosy red lips. She lifted her free, jade-slender hand to gently cover her mouth, yet her smiling eyes, like a star-filled night sky, blinked as she looked at the youth scratching his head in embarrassment, full of teasing affection and love.

This was the first time she had seen such vivid, genuine youthful awkwardness and adorableness on his face. It stood in sharp contrast to his usual powerful bearing of one who strategized from afar and regarded all things as insignificant. Rather than diminishing his charm, it made him seem more real, more... irresistibly heart-stirring to her.

"Fool." Wang Dong's voice carried laughter, soft as a feather brushing across the heart. She leaned closer, her Pink Blue Long Hair nearly brushing Long Yao's cheek as she whispered fragrantly into his ear, "That's a Martial Soul. It's an extension of a Soul Master's power and soul. How could it be anything like the choking tobacco of the ordinary world? Even if you really wanted to learn, you probably couldn't. He Caitou has to ignite it with his own Soul Power. What you inhale isn't smoke, but special Soul Power transformed by his Martial Soul that can enhance strength. You're so powerful—how could you be silly over something so small?"

Her tone was filled with intimate teasing, the unreserved sort of joke that existed only between the closest lovers.

After speaking, she saw that Long Yao still looked somewhat blank, and her heart filled even more with love and pity. She released the arm she had been holding and instead raised both hands to gently cup his cheeks. Her fingertips were slightly cool, soft and delicate to the touch. Her sapphire eyes, as though they could speak, were inches away as they stared deeply into his, filled with boundless tenderness and affection.

"But... the way you looked just now, all at a loss, was really... adorable," she whispered, her voice so sweet and soft it seemed ready to drip.

Only after confirming that Long Yao had recovered from that small embarrassment did she release him in satisfaction, wrapping her arm around his once more and nestling herself more closely against his side, as though she wanted to merge her entire being into his life.

"And He Caitou said he was going to prepare Soul Tools, so he's probably a Soul Engineer who specializes in Soul Tools," Long Yao said after thinking for a moment.

She tilted her head and listened to his further analysis of a "Soul Engineer," while approval and admiration once more appeared in her beautiful eyes.

"A Soul Engineer..." Remembering how dismissive she had been toward the Soul Tool Department before, she felt a little embarrassed, though she was even prouder of his foresight. She nodded gently and said softly, "Since you say so, he must be extraordinary. Mm, being able to become our comrade is his honor. But when you think about it, our team really does have a perfect setup. We have you, the strongest assault fighter; me, handling breakthrough and support; and He Caitou, who might be a Soul Engineer with heavy long-range firepower."

Her words were full of yearning for the future. The slight solemnity brought by the upcoming practical exercise had long since been replaced by the sweetness of the moment and her boundless anticipation for their future together.

She took Long Yao's hand and headed toward Dormitory 101, her steps as light as a butterfly. "All right, enough about them. For the next three days, we can finally stay quietly together again. What... should we do?"

Her voice grew softer and softer, until the last few words were barely audible. Two intoxicating blushes rose on her flawless pretty face again. Her eyes shimmered seductively, full of an unspoken invitation meant only for the two of them.

Wang Dong's sweet, suggestive whisper seemed to kindle a warm, enchanting starry sky between them, soaking the following three days in a delicate, rich tenderness that belonged to them alone.

It was a leisurely stretch of time deliberately slowed down and cut off from the outside world.

On the first day, they held hands like the most ordinary young couple in Shrek City, wandering aimlessly through its bustling streets and alleys. Wang Dong's Pink Blue Eyes, always so curious about the world, were drawn to the dazzling array of novel goods. She would stop for a sugar painting carved with a butterfly design, or listen attentively to an unfamiliar, melodious tune drifting from a small shop. Long Yao, meanwhile, always wore a faint smile as he patiently accompanied her, watching each lively expression with his profound eyes. He bought her a unique but inexpensive sapphire hairpin after noticing her look at it twice, and when she wrinkled her delicate nose at the scent of some strange spices, he smiled and pulled her away. Under the sunlight, their shadows stretched long and close together, as though all the noise in the world existed only to highlight their peaceful happiness.

On the second day, they spent most of their time at the training ground in the academy's rear mountain. It was a wide, secluded woodland, where enormous trees provided a natural screen. Here, they were no longer an ordinary couple, but the most coordinated and powerful duo on the continent. When Wang Dong released her Light Goddess Butterfly, wings gleaming with brilliant blue-gold light spread behind her. Countless motes of light danced around her like spirits, making her seem like an immortal untouched by the mortal world. Long Yao's Soul Breaking Spear, meanwhile, brimmed with unstoppable dominance and sharpness. The spear moved like a dragon, every thrust and sweep carrying a piercing shriek that tore through the air. Their cooperation was seamless. Wang Dong's Butterfly God's Light precisely provided support and restraint, while Long Yao's spear technique seized fleeting openings to unleash fatal strikes of Thunderous Might. They were not simply sparring—they were enjoying a dance of power and soul fusion that belonged only to them. Sweat ran down their youthful, vibrant cheeks, yet their eyes were filled with exhilarated smiles and a mutual, unspoken appreciation of each other's strength.

On the third day, they chose to remain in Dormitory 101, enjoying a rare peace that belonged entirely to the two of them. They lay together against the windowsill, watching clouds gather and drift outside, listening to the wind pass through the treetops. Long Yao occasionally took out the old [Ancestor's Relic - Handwritten Copy] to read, and Wang Dong would curiously lean over to look at its words and diagrams. She could not understand any of them, but still sensed a mysterious power hidden within. She did not ask. She simply stayed quietly beside him, enjoying their wordless tacit understanding. More often, they squeezed together on the comfortable Constant Temperature Double Jade Bed and chatted about fanciful, inconsequential things, from the cuisine of the Heaven Dou Empire to the distinctive architectural styles of the Star Luo Empire. Amid laughter and joy, time quietly passed, weaving the bond between them tighter and more unbreakable.

[Livestream Bullet Comments]

[Old Man's Maiden Heart]: Ahhh! I'm dead! I can live off these three days of dog food for a whole year! It's too sweet! So sweet it's cloying!

[Wang Dong Fan Club President]: This is what an immortal couple should be! The best comrades in training and the sweetest lovers while resting! Streamer, did you save the galaxy in your past life?!

[Technical Analysis Otaku]: Are you all only watching the sweetness? Did you not see the streamer and Wang Dong's coordination? Once that ninety-nine percent Martial Soul Fusion Skill is unleashed, it'll absolutely be world-destroying!

[Financial Master]: The streamer spent these three days dating and barely interacted with us. Even the rewards were fewer! Bad review! (dog head)

[Top Rank Big Brother 'Godly Magnate Brother'] rewarded [Couple Limited Edition Light Wing Flight Soul Device] x1 (worth ¥): Streamer, don't say your brother doesn't care about you! This thing not only flies fast, its special effects are maxed out too. It's perfect for taking Wife Wang Dong for a ride through Star Dou Forest! Hurry and accept it!

At last, the three leisurely, sweet days came to an end. The horn of preparation sounded on the morning of the fourth day, carried by the first rays of dawn piercing the cloud layer.

When Long Yao's gentle voice, carrying its uniquely magnetic quality, sounded within the quiet Dormitory 101, Wang Dong, still lost in a sweet dream, let out a sleepy murmur like a kitten.

"Mmm..."

Her graceful delicate body shifted lightly beneath the warm covers, instinctively curling further toward the source of the voice—the warmth that belonged to Long Yao. Her silky Pink Blue Long Hair spread like seaweed across the soft white jade pillow, with several unruly strands playfully clinging to her smooth, full forehead and flawless cheeks. Her eyelashes were long and curled like two delicate small fans, casting faint shadows beneath her eyelids. At that moment, a light, adorable flush of deep sleep still lingered on her exquisite pretty face, beautiful enough to eclipse every flower in the world.

"Wake up, Wang Dong. We still have to go to Star Dou Forest today."

The gentle call came again, now carrying an urging tone that could not be refused. Wang Dong finally opened her sapphire-like eyes, as though they had been soaked in the thin mist of dawn, slowly and unwillingly.

For the first few seconds, her gaze still held the misty, adorable water vapor of someone freshly pulled from a dream. But when her eyes clearly focused on the handsome face close before her, wearing a faint smile, all her sleepiness was instantly replaced by a tremendous happiness from the heart.

"...I know." Her voice held the uniquely lazy hoarseness of early morning, yet was sweet enough to squeeze out water. She did not get up immediately. Instead, she wrapped her arms, white as jade lotus roots, naturally around Long Yao's neck and coyly rubbed her cheek against his chest. She looked just like a noble Persian Cat refusing to leave bed.

"Just... let me hug you a little longer. Just a little," she whispered into his ear, her voice barely audible and filled with reluctance to leave this warmth.

This sweet refusal to get out of bed did not last long. A little more than ten minutes later, the two had finished preparing and changed into the fitted outfits they had long prepared for wilderness combat. The tight combat suits were made from dark, flexible, durable Soul Beast Hide. They provided basic physical protection while fitting closely enough to perfectly outline their youthful, energetic, well-proportioned bodies.

When they pushed open the dormitory door and walked out side by side, the morning sunlight fell upon them, full of youthful vigor.

Before the enormous main gates of Shrek Academy, a vast crowd had already gathered, and the area buzzed with activity.

Hundreds of First Year new students stood in orderly class-based formations across the wide plaza. The air was filled with a complicated mix of excitement, tension, anticipation, and slight unease. Youths and maidens chatted fervently, checked each other's equipment, and wore the high spirits and vitality unique to young people setting out on an unknown journey.

Within this noisy sea of people, four figures stood out like cranes among chickens at the very front of First Year Class One's formation, forming a unique sight impossible to ignore.

Huo Yuhao was squatting on the ground, spreading out a huge detailed map of the Outskirts of Star Dou Forest. His ink blue eyes, flickering with golden light, moved attentively across the map, while his finger occasionally tapped areas marked "danger" or "water source." A bulging backpack sat beside him, and faint sounds of bottles and jars lightly clinking occasionally came from within. After three days of preparation, he had armed himself into a mobile scout and logistics soldier brimming with wisdom.

Xiao Xiao quietly held her Nine Phoenixes Come to Ceremony Flute as she stood behind Huo Yuhao. Her dark combat suit of the same style made her petite yet perfectly proportioned figure seem even more refined. Today, she had efficiently tied her waterfall-like long hair into a high ponytail, adding a heroic air to her usually cool pretty face. She was like a peerless sword hidden in its sheath—seemingly calm, yet capable of erupting with astonishing sharpness at any moment. Her eyes occasionally turned toward the entrance to the plaza, clearly waiting for someone.

He Caitou's sturdy body, like an iron tower, stood at one side of the group like an unbreakable wall. His honest face was now filled with seriousness and focus. He did not carry packs like Huo Yuhao, but he held a long, mysterious object wrapped in thick canvas in both hands. It looked incredibly heavy. The cold aura of metal and Soul Power emanating from it caused several students who wanted to approach to instinctively keep their distance.

Ning Xue, meanwhile, was like an energetic lark, circling He Caitou as she curiously inspected the "big guy" in his arms and chattered nonstop. "Hey, Big Guy, what treasure are you carrying in there? Why are you being so mysterious? Is it some new secret weapon developed by your Soul Tool Department? Take it out and let us see!"

When Long Yao and Wang Dong finally appeared at the entrance to the plaza, the four people who had been waiting for so long brightened all at once.

"Brother Long Yao! Wang Dong!" Huo Yuhao was the first to rise to his feet. With an excited smile, he quickly went to greet them.

"You finally made it!" Ning Xue stopped "harassing" He Caitou and waved excitedly.

He Caitou smiled honestly and nodded heavily at the two of them. Xiao Xiao finally withdrew her gaze from the entrance, and a nearly imperceptible sense of peace of mind flashed through her pitch-black eyes.

Their six-person "super alliance" had officially assembled at the moment of departure.

At that moment, a row of figures appeared on the high platform in the plaza. Led by homeroom teacher Zhou Yi, all the First Year teachers accompanying the exercise stood there with solemn expressions.

Zhou Yi's gaze swept rapidly over the crowd below like a sharp sword. Finally, her severe eyes paused for a full three seconds on Long Yao's "luxury lineup," which clearly had three more people than every other group. The corner of her mouth seemed to twitch upward ever so slightly before returning at once to her signature ice-cold-as-frost expression.

"All students! Silence!"

A thunderous shout containing powerful Soul Power rang from the platform, instantly suppressing all the noise in the plaza. A tall, resolute-looking middle-aged male teacher stepped to the front of the platform.

"I am the chief person in charge of this practical exercise. You may call me Teacher Wang!" His voice boomed like a bell throughout the plaza. "Your homeroom teachers have already explained the rules clearly! I will only emphasize three more points!"

"First! In Star Dou Forest, preserving your life is the highest principle! At any time, you may crush the Distress Jade Talisman in your hand! Once you crush it, your group will have failed the assessment and be eliminated immediately! But remember: your lives will always be more important than your results!"

"Second! Students are forbidden from carrying out any form of malicious attack against one another intended to injure or cripple! Once discovered, regardless of the reason, you will be expelled and permanently barred from admission! However..." A cruel smile appeared at Teacher Wang's lips. "...when facing Spirit Beasts, 'accidental injury' is unavoidable. You had best entrust your backs to teammates you can absolutely trust!"

Those words caused quite a few teams below to instinctively glance at their companions with scrutiny and vigilance in their eyes. Dai Huabin, however, exchanged a cold, sinister smile with his two teammates.

"Third!" Teacher Wang raised his voice again. "The exercise will last seven days! After seven days, no matter your results, you must gather at the designated rally point! Now... I announce that the First Year new student practical comprehensive exercise... officially begins! Depart!"

At his command, beyond Shrek Academy's already-open heavy, enormous iron gates, a road leading toward the endless forest was fully revealed before every new student.

The horn of departure had sounded.

Time: Douluo Calendar Year 2030 Season: Autumn Eighth Day Since Enrollment 7:38 AM

Location: Shrek Academy, Central Plaza

Viewers: 58,680

Equipment: Shrek Academy Uniform x1, True Vast Sea Ring (Divine Artifact), Student Emblem x1, Inspector's Token, Light Combat Suit, Distress Jade Talisman

Items: Shrek Academy Uniform x1, Dormitory Key x1, [Ancestor's Relic - Handwritten Copy], Gold Soul Coin x1,003,870

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-Year), Second Spirit Ring (Purple-Year), Third Spirit Ring (Black-Thousand-Year), Fourth Spirit Ring (Black-Thousand-Year)

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

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

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

Soul Bones: None

Soul Spirits: None

Reward Stash: [Million-Year Spirit Beast Inverse Scale] x1, [God-Bestowed Soul Ring (Hundred-Thousand-Year)] x1, [Spring of Life (Concentrated Liquid)] x1, [Dragon Blood Body Tempering Pill] x10, [God King Godhead (Incomplete)], [Couple Limited Edition Light Wing Flight Soul Device] x1, [Sparkling Diamond] x10