First Meeting with Wang Dong

Dean's Office

The afternoon sun filtered through the expansive windows, spilling across the deep red velvet carpet of the office and bathing the entire space in a warm, bright glow.

Yan Shaozhe stood before the window, his back to the door, watching the endless stream of new students on the main academy thoroughfare below with a satisfied smile playing on his lips.

As the Dean of the Martial Soul Department at Shrek Academy and a rank 95 Super Douluo, the burden on his shoulders was far from light. The annual enrollment season was not only a vital moment for the academy to replenish its fresh blood, but also a critical period to test the academy's prestige and appeal.

And this year, the situation seemed exceptionally good.

"Knock, knock, knock." A polite and rhythmic rapping sounded at the door.

"Come in." Yan Shaozhe did not turn around, his voice gentle yet carrying an inherent air of authority.

The door was pushed open, and Du Weilun, dressed in black teacher's robes with a tall, upright frame, walked in quickly. He stopped three paces from Yan Shaozhe's desk and bowed respectfully: "Dean."

"Weilun, sit." Yan Shaozhe finally turned around and gestured to the chair opposite his desk. He appeared to be around fifty years old, though his actual age was far greater. His face was scholarly, his eyes bright and piercing, and his black hair was combed with meticulous precision. His temperament was calm, possessing the composure of one who had long held a position of power.

Du Weilun sat as instructed, though his posture remained rigid. He opened the folder in his hand and began his report: "Dean, the audit work for the new student registration at the East Gate has basically concluded. As of noon, we have completed the qualification review and registration for 1,247 new students, among whom 43 meet the criteria for direct admission without examination."

Yan Shaozhe sat back in his wide leather chair, his fingers tapping lightly on the smooth mahogany desktop, the smile on his face deepening: "Not bad. The number has increased by nearly ten percent compared to the same period last year. It seems the seedlings from all over the continent are quite good this year."

"Indeed," Du Weilun nodded and continued his report, "Moreover, the proportion of high-quality students has also increased this year. It is particularly worth mentioning that among the new students who registered today, three have reached a Soul Power Level of over thirty, and all of them are in our Martial Soul Department!"

"Oh?" Yan Shaozhe's eyes brightened noticeably. "Three Soul Elder freshmen? What are the specifics?"

Reaching the Soul Elder level at the age of twelve was considered top-tier genius even in the history of Shrek Academy! One must know that for many students, breaking through to the rank 20 Soul Grand Master realm by age twelve was already considered excellent.

Du Weilun stated clearly: "The first is Dai Huabin from the Dai Family of the Star Luo Empire, twelve years old, Martial Soul White Tiger, Soul Power Level 33. The second is Ning Tian from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, twelve years old, Martial Soul Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, Soul Power Level 31. The third is Xie Huanyue from the Heaven Dou Empire, twelve years old, Martial Soul Rubber Elephant, Soul Power Level 31. All three have passed bone age and soul power tests; their talent is beyond doubt."

"Good! Very good!" Yan Shaozhe couldn't help but pat the desk lightly, a genuine, happy smile appearing on his face. Three Soul Elder freshmen, all with powerful beast-type Martial Souls—what did this mean? It meant the potential for at least the Soul Douluo level in the future, with even the possibility of challenging the Title Douluo rank! This was of great significance for maintaining the dominant status of the Martial Soul Department and enhancing the overall strength of the academy.

"In addition," Du Weilun continued, "there are two other freshmen with Soul Power above level 20 who are worth noting. One is twelve years old, Soul Power Level 24, named Wang Dong. According to the recommending teacher, this student seems to have an extraordinary background, vaguely related to a powerful hidden force."

Yan Shaozhe nodded, his expression returning to calm: "Having a background is a good thing, but here at Shrek, it ultimately comes down to talent, character, and strength. Note it down and observe for now."

"Yes," Du Weilun replied, turning a page. "The other is twelve years old, Soul Power Level 27, named Su Chen. He was brought back and recommended by our outer court students Bei Bei and Tang Ya from the Star Dou Great Forest."

"Twelve years old, level 27..." Yan Shaozhe pondered for a moment, his fingers continuing to tap the desk rhythmically. This talent would certainly be considered a leader among freshmen in previous years, worthy of key cultivation. But this year, especially against the backdrop of those three Soul Elder freshmen...

It seemed a bit lackluster.

A level 27 Soul Grand Master and a level 30 Soul Elder might only be three ranks apart, but it was the difference between two major realms.

A Soul Elder possesses a third soul ring; their soul skills, total soul power, and physical strength all undergo a qualitative leap. In the competition of true geniuses, these three ranks are often an insurmountable chasm.

"Level 27 is also quite good," Yan Shaozhe finally evaluated, his tone gentle but with an imperceptible touch of indifference. "Since Bei Bei and Tang Ya recommended him, he must have some merits. Arrange it according to the normal process; for now... there is no need to give him too much special attention."

"Our resources and energy should be directed more toward those seedlings with higher potential."

He was being practical. Although Shrek had many resources, they were not infinite. The attention and personal guidance of the academy's top brass and the inner court elders were even scarcer resources.

With the three Soul Elder freshmen already set to attract the vast majority of attention, a level 27 Soul Grand Master, no matter how excellent, seemed a bit... "ordinary."

"I understand, Dean." Du Weilun closed the folder and responded respectfully. He naturally heard the subtext in the Dean's words. The name Su Chen would be recorded for now, but it would not enter the priority observation list of the academy's top brass.

"Mm, you may go. Continue to monitor the enrollment situation, and report any special talent at any time." Yan Shaozhe waved his hand.

"Yes, Dean." Du Weilun stood up, bowed slightly once more, and then exited the office silently, closing the door softly behind him.

The office returned to silence. Yan Shaozhe stood up again and walked to the window, his gaze distant. He was thinking about the placement of the three Soul Elder freshmen, which elder might be interested in them, and how to arrange things to maximize their potential.

Freshman Dormitory Building, Room 108

After a simple meal at the academy cafeteria, Su Chen returned to the dormitory building.

When he used his key to open the door to Room 108, he found that the lights inside were already on. The soul guidance desk lamp emitted a soft white glow, illuminating half the room.

The bed on the right, which had been empty, was now covered with clean, tidy, light blue bedding that looked quite high-end. A dark leather suitcase with a simple design but exquisite craftsmanship sat by the bed. On one side of the desk, several pieces of clothing and a few brand-new books were neatly stacked.

And the owner of the room was currently standing with his back to the door, slightly hunched over, seemingly organizing something on the nightstand.