noon.
Shrek Academy, East Gate.
It was still class time.
The entrance to the Shrek Academy was unusually quiet. None of the small vendors who usually gathered here were present today, and four figures stood before the massive city gate.
"They're here."
Yan Shaozhe, the Martial Soul Department Dean standing at the very front, had a flicker of interest in his eyes and a look of joy on his face.
The other four also looked up at the sky.
They were none other than Xian Lin'er, the dean of the Soul Tool Department; Cai Mei'er, the Vice Dean dean of the Martial Soul Department; Qian Duoduo, the Vice Dean of the Soul Tool Department; and Fan Yu, a core teacher of the Soul Tool Department and also He Caitou's mentor.
The four deans arrived together, along with Fan Yu, a promising Level 8 Soul Engineer.
Such a lineup can be described as very grand and luxurious.
In the distance, tiny, black-dot-like figures gradually became clearer and slowly descended as they watched.
The first to land was the unkempt Xuan Zi.
Looking at the familiar city gate, Xuan Zi grinned and said, "I'll leave the rest to you. I'll take my leave now."
Yan Shaozhe and the other four greeted him and nodded in agreement.
The Shrek Academy students who had gone to compete in the Soul Master Tournament fell one after another, all filled with emotion.
Almost everyone's eyes sparkled with excitement, and the youngest, Wang Dong'er and Xiao Xiao, even had tears welling up in their eyes.
Although they have only been away from the Academy for less than two months, they have experienced a great deal during this time, with many twists and turns.
It was a rollercoaster of highs and lows in their lives, and it was really quite thrilling.
"Welcome home, children."
Yan Shaozhe and his three companions strode forward to greet the Shrek Team, who had returned in triumph.
Yan Shaozhe and Qian Duoduo, these two old rivals, were relatively good at maintaining their emotions, but the other three were already starting to lose their temper.
However, it was Ma Xiaotao's side that started first.
"Teacher, teacher's wife!"
After landing, Ma Xiaotao rushed out and pounced, grabbing Cai Mei'er in a tight embrace.
Cai Mei'er smiled, but with a hint of helplessness, "How old are you? You're still acting like a child."
Then, Fan Yu quickly stepped forward, hugged He Caitou, and scalding tears streamed down her face.
The previous incident involving the Death God's Emissary's Corpse Explosion terrified him; he only had this one direct disciple!
The bond between this master and disciple was already stronger than that between father and son.
Xian Lin'er then pulled Huo Yuhao aside and asked him about his well-being.
I wanted to see if all the parts of his body were intact, and if he was still mentally healthy and lively. He looked exactly like a devoted mother who cares for her son.
The Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Fighting Tournament is not an absolutely safe competition; injuries and fatalities have occurred in almost every edition.
Although Huo Yuhao was the best player to turn the tide in this competition.
But don't forget, he is only twelve years old and is only a Soul Ancestor.
Although it was his own teacher, Mu En, who made the decision, Huo Yuhao was carrying a heavy burden on his shoulders.
To have made it all the way to the championship, you must have endured a lot of hardship.
Thinking of this, Xian Lin'er, who had long regarded Huo Yuhao as her personal disciple, could not hide her affection.
Huo Yuhao smiled slightly and did not resist.
Unlike the Original Work, although he was temporarily studying under Fan Yu, he actually had the best relationship with Xian Lin'er in the Soul Tool Department.
There's no other reason than that Dean Xian gave them far too much.
Seeing this, Yan Shaozhe went straight to the other students who were also excited and said, "Children, the Academy is proud of you."
As the Martial Soul Department Dean, he treated everyone equally.
It's definitely not because nobody cares about him, this lonely old man.
The group exchanged smiles.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the four deans shook hands with everyone and then personally led them back to the Academy.
Upon arriving at the clear Sea God Lake, several small boats were already waiting on the bank.
" Dean Yan, this..."
Beibei's face clearly showed shock, as did the others.
Because of Huo Yuhao, even those in the Reserve Team still in the Outer Court are not unfamiliar with this path.
Yan Shaozhe explained, "You gave your all for the Academy, participating in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Fighting Tournament with a depleted force and winning the championship. This achievement will be forever recorded in the history of the Shrek Academy, and your reward will be distributed in the Sea God Pavilion for the first time ever."
Swish—
In an instant, the people who had been smiling earlier looked at each other in bewilderment.
Everyone was deeply shocked.
Especially for the Reserve Team members who didn't know much about the Inner Court, the Sea God Pavilion was simply too far away for them.
Let alone the Outer Court.
Even Dai Yueheng, Ling Luochеn, and Xixi from the Inner Court were quite shocked when they heard the dean's words.
Even they have never been to the Sea God Pavilion.
It is not only the highest meeting place of the Shrek Academy, but also the true treasure trove of the Shrek Academy, where all the secrets of the Academy are kept.
Normally, no one except the Sea God Pavilion Elder and the four deans can enter there.
Huo Yuhao wasn't surprised at all.
It's just the Sea God Pavilion; we're used to it.
Even though the winning lineup has changed somewhat from the Original Work, it's definitely a result of Mu En's efforts, which is very much in line with his habits.
Moreover, he also learned from his previous private conversation with Xian Lin'er that Mu En planned to deeply promote the coordinated development of Martial Soul and Soul Tool.
Everything went smoothly, and the exchange program with the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Tool Master Academy was now a certainty.
After a little over fifteen minutes of sailing, we passed through the mist and arrived at Sea God Island.
Led by the Four Deans, the group arrived at the highest point of Sea God Island.
The Four Deans stopped in front of the Sea God Pavilion and then walked to one side.
The next moment, the entire Sea God Pavilion burst into light, and rich, soft golden light spots drifted down, enveloping everyone in them.
The warm and abundant Aura of Light nourished everyone's bodies, including Wang Yan, instantly sweeping away the fatigue from traveling day and night.
Everyone clearly felt as if their meridians had been straightened and expanded, and their Soul Power was being purified and cleansed at a rapid pace.
Among them, Wang Dong'er and Beibei Bei felt the most deeply.
A faint, almost imperceptible dragon's roar seemed to emanate from Beibei. Wang Dong'er, on the other hand, radiated a translucent golden aura, which shone brightly in harmony with this golden light.
Both of their Martial Soul are closely related to light, so they naturally receive the most benefits, which will definitely be of great help to their future cultivation.
Even Ma Xiaotao, who was at the Soul Saint level, felt that her Soul Power, which had been somewhat weak due to her recent breakthrough and the frequent occurrence of Evil Fire, had become much more solid.
In addition to changes in foundation and talent, everyone felt that their Soul Power had increased to some extent.
Huo Yuhao didn't feel anything about the former.
He was just constantly absorbing Soul Power.
Because of his exceptional talent, and because he had already undergone such a baptism shortly after enrolling in school.
Furthermore, due to the fusion with the Gold of Life, the power of light acting on his body was simply a pure enhancement of his Soul Power.
With the help of this rich and pure Aura of Light, the Meditation Technique began to operate smoothly, completely absorbing the life force in the air.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Huo Yuhao, who was already close to the bottleneck of level 42, naturally broke through to level 43.
The Baptism of Light has ended.
Huo Yuhao felt it was a bit of a pity.
If one can continue cultivating like this, it is indeed faster than cultivating with Origin Stone.
Unfortunately, that's not realistic.
To be honest, the Meditation Technique that suits me has not yet been created, modified, or perfected; it is still in the stage of creating a new text.
Improving one's cultivation technique should indeed be prioritized in the pending events queue.
As everyone gradually awoke from that strange sensation...
"Come in, everyone."
A gentle, aged voice rang out.
Upon Yan Shaozhe immediately stepped forward and said, "Come with us."
The Four Deans and Fan Yu entered first, leading everyone into the Sea God Pavilion.
The main hall inside the Sea God Pavilion is very spacious, located in the center of the ceremonial hall.
A huge wooden table was placed there, and the Four Deans sat down one after another, while Fan Yu stood behind Qian Duoduo and Xian Lin'er.
The Elder, including Xuan Zi, were already seated at the table, frequently casting admiring and encouraging glances at the Shrek Team.
Yan Shaozhe bowed respectfully to Mu En was sitting on the innermost recliner, and said, "Teacher, they have returned."
"Okay, you'll host."
"Yes, teacher."
Looking at Huo Yuhao and the others, Yan Shaozhe smiled and said, "Children, welcome back. Whether you've heard of it or not, I'll explain it to you. This is the Sea God Pavilion, the highest decision-making place of the Academy. The Sea God Pavilion Meeting determines the future direction of the Academy. Apart from the Four Deans, everyone here is Elder of the Academy, and they have all made great contributions to the Academy."
Immediately afterwards, Yan Shaozhe said in a deep voice, "Now I will announce the awards. The first one is Wang Yan."
" Dean Yan."
Wang Yan stepped forward and bowed slightly.
"Your contribution as the team leader is indispensable to Shrek. Your reward is to be promoted to a special-grade teacher at the Shrek Academy and teach in the Inner Court. At the same time, all areas of the Inner Court's Library Pavilion will be open to you for one year."
"This..."
Wang Yan was so excited that he couldn't utter a complete sentence, feeling somewhat flattered.
This is the Inner Court Library Pavilion!
Although he had previously helped Huo Yuhao obtain access to the Library Pavilion, with his abilities at the time, he could only manage to get access to the Outer Court.
The reason Huo Yuhao was able to enter the Inner Court's Library Pavilion was largely due to his own actions, which prompted Yan Shaozhe to intervene. At the time Wang Yan was quite envious of him.
Especially the Restricted Book Area of the Inner Court Library Pavilion!
It contains countless rare and out-of-print books and documents. At least in Wang Yan's eyes, this is absolutely Shrek Academy's most precious treasure!
"This is a reward you deserve. If you have no objections, you can go back and rest now."
"Yes, Dean!"
Wang Yan left satisfied, his voice noticeably louder.
Immediately afterwards, Yan Shaozhe in a low voice:
" Ma Xiaotao, Dai Yueheng, Ling Luochеn, Xixi, you four Inner Court Disciple failed to protect yourselves and your teammates while carrying out Monitoring Task, which in turn affected the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Fighting Tournament. You are hereby given a demerit."
Ma Xiaotao and the other three:?
This isn't right! We fought tooth and nail to wipe out the Evil Soul Master, and even if we didn't get any credit, we certainly put in the effort. In the end, we didn't get a single reward, and we're being punished here instead!
Although this punishment is unlikely to cause any serious harm to everyone.
Don't those Inner Court Disciple have any shame?
That's outrageous!
This Corpse Explosion at the Soul Saint level is something no one could have predicted.
Moreover, they weren't Defense-type Soul Master; they were already thankful for their own survival.
Seeing that some of them were unconvinced, Yan Shaozhe's face darkened, and he retorted:
"What? You have objections? Ma Xiaotao and Dai Yueheng, as the main Assault System Battle Soul Master in the team, have you both faced difficulties head-on and protected your teammates? Have you done both?"
Ling Luochеn, as the Soul Control Master, did you exert sufficient control in eliminating the Death God's Emissary? And Xixi, as Agility-Assault System Soul Master, why didn't you gather intelligence on the enemy? Instead, you chose to fight directly in a narrow cave?
It's fair to say that the majority of the team's losses were due to your carelessness and underestimation of your opponents! Is this the behavior expected of Inner Court Disciple of the Shrek Academy? Even Outer Court students know the principle of using full force even when hunting a rabbit, but what about you?
After a barrage of reprimands, all four of them lowered their heads, not daring to argue.
At this point, Yan Shaozhe changed the subject. "Look at Huo Yuhao, and see his performance. He's just a Soul Ancestor, and this is his first time carrying out Monitoring Task. In this mission, he not only saved Gongyang Mo and Chen Zifeng, but also greatly limited the lethality of the Corpse Explosion, and even killed the mastermind behind it. Think about it carefully, how does your performance compare to his?"
Here it is, someone else's child!
It was around this time.
The four people in the Inner Court once again realized how terrifying Huo Yuhao was.
This guy is only a twelve-year-old Soul Ancestor! Such skillful techniques allowed him to not only emerge unscathed from the Corpse Explosion, but also to Instant Teleportation repeatedly in a short period of time, protecting the others.
They even had the energy to kill that damned Evil Soul Master.
Looking at it this way, it seems that I, as a senior, am indeed completely useless...
It's a classic case of giving a stick and then a sweet treat.
Huo Yuhao remained calm and focused, showing no concern whatsoever.
No one died this time, so what's there to be afraid of?
Yan Shaozhe's tone softened slightly at this moment, "As for the subsequent Soul Master Tournament, fortunately Huo Yuhao and the Reserve Team performed exceptionally well, giving you ample time to recover. You ultimately won the championship, and the Academy remembers this achievement as well."
"Therefore, the punishment is cancelled, and you will each be rewarded with 300,000 Gold Soul Coin. Of course, I hope you will remember this lesson well. Remember, life is precious, and no one can have a second chance!"
"Thank you, Dean."
The four men nodded as if they had been granted a pardon, like chickens pecking at rice.
"As for the Reserve Team..."
Then, Yan Shaozhe skipped over Huo Yuhao and announced the rewards for the seven Reserve Team: "You all performed very well this time. Each of you will be rewarded with 300,000 Gold Soul Coin, and the three Spirit Bone awarded to the champion of this Soul Master Tournament will be distributed among the seven of you."
" Beibei, Xu Sanshi, Tang Ya, Jiang Nannan, He Caitou, the five of you have already broken through to the Soul Ancestor. You are hereby granted special permission to take the Inner Court Assessment ahead of schedule. If you have any questions, you can ask us Four Deans at any time. We hope you will work hard."
As for Wang Dong'er and Xiao Xiao, you two stay behind for a while. The Sea God Pavilion Master will activate a reward for you ahead of schedule.
"Teacher, what about Huo Yuhao? This isn't fair! He's clearly the biggest contributor to Shrek Academy's victory!"
Ma Xiaotao has always been straightforward and says what she thinks. Just moments ago she was timid and hesitant, but now she strikes hard, standing up for Huo Yuhao.
Yan Shaozhe's face darkened. Did he need you to remind him? How could he bear to disappoint his greatest contributor? It's true what they say, a daughter is no longer under her father's control once she grows up. Sigh.
So he said directly, " The Academy will naturally not forget him. Huo Yuhao, you, Wang Dong'er, and Xiao Xiao stay here."
"Good."
Huo Yuhao nodded.
What a show!