Wang Dong, Are You an Idiot?

The woman stood on the podium, her gaze sweeping over the one hundred students below as she smiled and spoke:

"Hello, students. My name is Mu Jin. Due to some events yesterday, we haven't had the chance to get to know one another. So today, we will start with a simple self-introduction, beginning with the first row."

Soon, the first boy in the front row stood up somewhat shyly, his face reddening as he said, "Hello everyone, my name is Shi Hao, a Level 19 Agility-type Battle Soul Master from the Star Luo Empire."

Eleven years old and Level 19; his talent was quite decent. The crowd applauded politely.

Following that, the next student began their introduction.

"Hello everyone, my name is Hai Bodong, a Level 22 Control-type Battle Soul Master, from..."

Students introduced themselves one after another. Those who could enter Shrek Academy all possessed good talent, with each student's Soul Power Level hovering around Level 20.

It wasn't until a red-haired girl stood up.

"Wu Feng, Level 24 Assault-type Battle Soul Master."

Wu Feng's introduction caused many to cast frequent glances—Level 24 was already considered a standout at this age.

But their surprise didn't last long.

After Wu Feng sat down, a young girl beside her stood up. She had soft, short golden hair, features as delicate as a doll, and a noble, elegant temperament.

"My name is Ning Tian, a Level 31 Support-type Tool Soul Elder."

As her words fell, the entire class erupted in an uproar.

Level 31! A Soul Elder!

And she was a Support-type! This meant her cultivation speed was faster than that of Assault or Control types; her talent was truly astonishing!

Everyone's eyes were fixed on Ning Tian, their faces filled with shock. Even Mu Jin revealed a gratified smile—with Su Chen and Ning Tian, she was certain to secure first place in the freshman assessment.

"Hello everyone, my name is..."

The introductions continued. Soon, it was Xiao Xiao's turn.

"Hello everyone, my name is Xiao Xiao, a Level 22 Battle Soul Master." Xiao Xiao stood up, her voice crisp and clear.

After she sat down, it was Wang Dong's turn.

Wang Dong stood up immediately, straightening her back, her voice resonant and carrying a unique pride: "Wang Dong, Level 24 Assault-type Battle Soul Master."

As she finished, the class's reaction was rather lukewarm. While Level 24 was good, Wu Feng and Ning Tian had already set the bar, so this level no longer seemed particularly stunning.

But only Su Chen, who understood Wang Dong, knew that her talent was absolutely top-tier—she was simply too lazy, practicing sporadically, which allowed others to pull ahead. Otherwise, with the resources of the Clear Sky Sect and her own natural gifts, she would have been at least a three-ring Soul Elder by now.

After Wang Dong sat down, the entire class turned their gaze toward the last person.

Su Chen.

There was no one who didn't know him. His two battles yesterday had already spread his name throughout the entire Outer Court. Injuring a Soul Emperor teacher and defeating the Outer Court's strongest defense, Xu Sanshi, in a single move—such a record was something even many senior students couldn't achieve, let alone freshmen.

Under everyone's gaze, Su Chen rose slowly.

His movements were calm and unhurried, his long golden hair swaying gently as he stood. Sunlight spilled in from the window, gilding him with a golden edge, making him appear as if he were glowing.

"Su Chen, Level 28 Assault-type Battle Soul Master."

His voice was calm, without the slightest ripple, as if he were stating something trivial.

But the moment his words fell, stifled gasps echoed through the classroom.

Level 28! And a Level 28 capable of fighting above his rank!

Many girls' eyes lit up, wishing they could "devour" the Su Chen before them. That fiery gaze made Wang Dong, sitting nearby, feel a wave of irritation.

"Hmph, so annoying." Wang Dong sat to the side, pouting with a hint of sullenness.

Seeing those girls drooling over Su Chen made her angry for no reason. This flirtatious bastard was eye-catching wherever he went!

Su Chen ignored the crowd's reaction and sat down calmly.

After the freshman introductions concluded, Mu Jin stood before the podium with a gentle smile, her gaze slowly sweeping over the one hundred young faces in the classroom.

"Everyone has introduced themselves, and we have a preliminary understanding of one another." Her voice was clear and engaging. "In our upcoming studies, I hope you can get to know your classmates better and help each other out."

She paused, then continued: "Besides the introductions today, there is one more matter—we need to elect a class monitor."

The classroom fell silent as everyone listened intently.

"When I am not present, the class monitor's words are my words." Mu Jin's voice carried a touch of seriousness. "The class monitor is responsible for managing class discipline, conveying academy notices, and assisting teachers with daily affairs. Is there anyone who would like to volunteer?"

As she spoke, Mu Jin's gaze naturally fell upon Su Chen. The expectation in her eyes was undisguised—it was clear she wanted Su Chen to take the position.

A class monitor didn't necessarily have to be the strongest person, but the strongest would always be considered first. Especially in a place like Shrek Academy, strength often represented the right to speak.

The other students naturally understood this logic. They looked at one another, but no one raised their hand—the position of class monitor wouldn't fall to them, so why invite embarrassment?

Wu Feng opened her mouth as if to say something, but after Ning Tian gently tugged her sleeve, she ultimately just curled her lip and remained silent.

"No one?" Mu Jin waited a moment, and seeing no volunteers, she took the initiative to ask, "Student Su Chen, would you be willing to serve as the class monitor for Class Nine?"

In an instant, the entire class's gaze focused squarely on Su Chen.

Regarding Teacher Mu Jin's nomination, most had no objections—of course, even if they did, they wouldn't dare voice them; after all, who could beat Su Chen?

The few who felt unconvinced, such as Wu Feng, merely clenched their fists in secret, not daring to openly oppose the decision.

Su Chen pondered for a moment. He didn't really want to be a class monitor; it was too much of a hassle. But considering Mu Jin's kindness, he relented.

"Thank you for your trust, Teacher." Su Chen stood up, his tone calm and firm. "I will fulfill the responsibilities of a class monitor well."

"Good!" Mu Jin nodded with a smile, clearly very satisfied with this answer. "From now on, Su Chen is the class monitor of Class Nine."

She paused, her gaze shifting to the golden-haired girl on the other side: "Ning Tian, you will serve as the vice monitor to assist Su Chen in managing class affairs."

Directly appointing the vice monitor—this was very Mu Jin. After all, besides Su Chen being the strongest in the class, the second was Ning Tian.

"Yes, Teacher." Ning Tian responded and rose gracefully. She turned back to nod slightly at Su Chen, her short golden hair shimmering with a soft luster under the sunlight. "Please take care of me, Monitor Su."

Only then did Su Chen have the chance to carefully observe this future head of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

Ning Tian had neat, crisp short golden hair that reached just to her earlobes, making her look capable yet elegant. Her eyes were a clear, watery blue, and her eyelashes were long and dense, fluttering like two small fans when she blinked. Her features were as exquisite as a sculpture, her skin fair and delicate, and her entire being radiated an innate noble temperament.

Yet, that nobility was not arrogant; instead, it carried a touch of gentleness and wisdom.

Su Chen's observation lasted only a moment before he nodded in response: "Vice Monitor Ning, please take care of me as well."

The two's exchange was brief and formal, yet it made the atmosphere in the classroom subtle. Many girls looked at the two figures standing side by side—the golden-haired boy and the golden-haired girl, one handsome and powerful, the other noble and beautiful—and actually felt... they were quite a match?

"Psychological committee member, I'm feeling uneasy..." an unknown boy in the back row muttered quietly.

Wang Dong sat next to Su Chen, watching this scene, and her small mouth pouted involuntarily. She glared at Ning Tian, then glared at Su Chen, and finally lowered her head in a huff, drawing circles in her notebook.

Teacher Mu Jin clapped her hands to quiet everyone down: "Alright, the class monitor has been chosen. Now, let's begin the lesson. Today we will discuss the theoretical foundations of soul ring matching..."

The class officially began.

Mu Jin's teaching style was completely different from Zhou Yi's. She was detailed, patient, and logical, occasionally asking questions to interact with the students, keeping the classroom atmosphere lively yet orderly.

Su Chen listened to the lecture intently, his golden eyes focused on the podium.

Wang Dong, however, was somewhat distracted. Her gaze drifted toward Su Chen's profile from time to time, only to quickly shift away, pretending to look at the blackboard. Yet, before long, her eyes would involuntarily turn back.

This guy... he actually looks quite serious when he's in class, Wang Dong thought to herself, unconsciously twirling her pen.

Xiao Xiao, sitting on the other side of Su Chen, was very focused, her little head bobbing as she took notes like a model student. But for some reason, she would always "accidentally" bump into Su Chen's hand.

Every time they touched, Xiao Xiao would blush and whisper, "I'm sorry."

The class passed quickly. When the bell rang, Mu Jin had just finished a chapter.

"Alright, that's all for today's lesson." Mu Jin put away her teaching notes. "Su Chen, Ning Tian, you two stay behind. The rest of the students are dismissed."

The students left the classroom one after another. Wang Dong packed her things sluggishly, seemingly waiting for Su Chen to leave together.

"Wang Dong, you go back first." Su Chen turned to her and said, "Ning Tian and I might be a while."

"...Oh." Wang Dong responded reluctantly. When she reached the door, she looked back and happened to see Su Chen and Ning Tian standing together, talking.

"Hmph!" She stomped her foot and walked away quickly.

In the classroom, Mu Jin gave Su Chen and Ning Tian some specific instructions regarding their duties as monitors. The conversation lasted about ten minutes.

"Alright, that's it." Mu Jin said in conclusion. "You two work well together; I believe Class Nine will become the most outstanding class of this year."

"We will do our best, Teacher," Ning Tian said with a smile.

Su Chen nodded.

When they left the teaching building, the sun was already setting, dyeing the horizon a deep orange-red. Su Chen saw Wang Dong waiting for him in Shrek Plaza—she was leaning against a tree, hands in her pockets, her toes unconsciously kicking at small stones on the ground.

"Why didn't you go back first?" Su Chen walked over.

Wang Dong looked up at him, then turned her face away: "Can't this young master go for a walk?"

Her tone was a bit sharp, but Su Chen was already used to this tsundere behavior.

"Sure." Su Chen smiled. "Shall we walk together?"

"...Whatever."

The two walked side by side, bypassing the Freshman Building and heading east along the south side of Shrek Plaza. The setting sun stretched their shadows long, causing them to overlap.

After walking for a while, they arrived at the Lakeside Path.

This was a scenic spot within Shrek Academy, and many students liked to come here to walk or cultivate. It was evening, and the lake surface was shimmering, reflecting the sunset in the sky, as beautiful as a painting.

As soon as the two approached, a gentle mist mixed with fresh air washed over them. The clear, azure lake water looked like blue satin, rippling slightly.

The lake reflected the blue sky, white clouds, and the lush trees along the shore, with an occasional water bird skimming across, creating ripples.

"It's so beautiful here!" Wang Dong couldn't help but take a deep breath and stretch her body vigorously.

She opened her arms and looked up at the sky, her school shirt lifting slightly with the movement, inadvertently revealing her slender waist and graceful curves.

The setting sun gilded her pink-blue hair with a golden edge, and the lines of her profile were exquisite and soft.

Su Chen watched this scene, a hint of a smile flashing in his eyes.

Just then—

In the distance on the lake, a red figure was sprinting toward them at an astonishing speed!

The figure was running across the water, each step creating a ripple on the surface, moving as fast as an arrow released from a bow. And judging by the direction, it was clearly heading straight for them!

"Trouble is coming," Su Chen said softly, his tone tinged with a bit of helplessness.

How could he have forgotten about this? Clad in a red school uniform and sprinting across the lake, there was only one person who could appear on this timeline—

Ma Xiaotao, who had lost control due to the influence of her evil fire.

Su Chen sighed inwardly. If he had known, he wouldn't have come to the lake today.

"What kind of trouble?" Wang Dong hadn't realized the severity of the situation yet. She curiously stood on her tiptoes, gazing at the red figure drawing closer. "Is that a senior from the Inner Court? She's amazing, being able to run on the water!"

As the figure drew nearer, even Wang Dong could see clearly. It wasn't just the red clothing; the figure's hair was blood-red as well.

She was tall and slender, visibly over 1.7 meters, yet her entire body radiated a fierce, malevolent aura, much like a terrifying soul beast.

She wore a matching red mask, and even her eyes were blood-red. The air around her body distorted slightly, and wherever she passed, ripples of mist spread out beneath her feet—it was steam formed by the high heat evaporating the lake water!

"This Inner Court senior looks so strong!" Wang Dong analyzed excitedly to Su Chen, completely oblivious to the danger. "Look, Su Chen, she can run on the lake without even releasing her martial soul. Just imagine the level of soul power control that requires!"

Su Chen: "..."

Sometimes he truly wondered if this girl Wang Dong was missing a screw.

"Wang Dong, are you an idiot?" Su Chen grabbed her wrist, his voice uncharacteristically urgent. "Her state is clearly wrong—run!"