Shrek Academy, Martial Soul Department Dean's Office.
Yan Shaozhe sat behind his desk, reviewing a report on the new students.
The office door was lightly knocked on, then opened on its own without waiting for Yan Shaozhe's response.
A tall, straight figure stepped inside. It was Xia Ming.
He was not wearing Shrek's uniform today, but a simple fitted outfit.
Though he merely stood there calmly, Yan Shaozhe felt an invisible pressure the instant their gazes met.
"Senior Brother Yan." Xia Ming's voice was calm, betraying little emotion.
"I will not be participating in the upcoming new student assessment."
At his words, Yan Shaozhe set down the report in his hand, showing no surprise.
Instead, he revealed a wry smile of understanding and helplessness.
He rose to his feet, personally poured Xia Ming a cup of tea, and gestured for him to sit.
"I guessed you might say that." Yan Shaozhe pushed the teacup toward Xia Ming and shook his head, his tone complicated.
"It truly would not be appropriate for you to take part in the new student assessment."
Not merely inappropriate—it would be absurd.
Yan Shaozhe could not help recalling the battle from several months ago, one that had not been made public but had shaken Shrek Academy's entire upper echelon.
Mu En, the ninety-ninth-rank Limit Douluo, master of Sea God Pavilion, and Dragon God Douluo, had been defeated head-on without suppressing his strength in the slightest!
Even now, the memory made Yan Shaozhe's heart pound.
And he himself had been casually defeated by Xia Ming during a private exchange long before that.
Sending such a monster, whose strength had long surpassed that of a Title Douluo and perhaps even a Limit Douluo,
to compete alongside a group of freshmen whose average Soul Power had not even reached