Soul Tool Department Core Disciple, Observation Quota

The next morning.

Sunlight spilled across the entirety of Shrek Square.

The Sea God Lake brought forth waves of humid air, leaving the entire square permeated with a refreshing sensation.

All the freshmen who had passed the Freshman Assessment gathered in Shrek Square, waiting for the upcoming class assignments.

They were all, to varying degrees, somewhat nervous.

After all, their time as freshmen had come to an end. The subsequent class assignments, and the even more important status of core disciple, would all dictate their future academic careers at Shrek.

It all concerned whether they could reach a higher level in their upcoming studies at Shrek Academy.

But regardless of whether they were nervous or excited, the freshmen's gazes would drift from time to time toward the very front of the formation.

Long Yaochen.

Having become famous overnight after yesterday's battle, there was no one in the entire freshman class—no, the entire Outer Court—who didn't know about this terrifyingly strong guy.

At this moment, Long Yaochen was looking with boredom at Wang Dong, who appeared to be half-asleep beside him.

Just then, Du Weilun stepped onto the high platform at the front.

He held a list in his hand, his gaze sweeping over the many freshmen below.

"The Freshman Assessment has concluded.

First, congratulations to everyone for passing the assessment and officially becoming members of Shrek Academy."

An irrepressible cheer erupted across the playground.

Du Weilun waited for the noise to subside slightly before continuing: "Based on the comprehensive performance during the Freshman Assessment and the evaluation of individual potential, the academy will select a portion of students to become core disciples."

Before his voice had even faded, a commotion rippled through the crowd.

Core disciple.

Whoever was selected meant they would be able to get a head start faster than the others.

Huo Yuhao also slowly raised his head.

After thinking about it all night yesterday, he had decided that he still needed to continue his cultivation at Shrek.

At the very least, he could not leave Shrek before obtaining his second Martial Soul.

With his performance being so eye-catching this time, he would surely be able to secure the core disciple spot the senior brother had mentioned.

Most importantly, he was not far from level twenty; when that time came, he would be able to go and claim the opportunity Brother Sky Dream had spoken of.

As long as the second Martial Soul was in hand, he didn't believe he would still be unable to defeat that guy, Long Yaochen.

He had confirmed it with the Sky Dream Ice Silkworm time and again before receiving a definitive answer from him.

This opportunity concerning his second Martial Soul was something that, in the entire continent, only the Sky Dream Ice Silkworm himself could facilitate.

Heh... Long Yaochen, let's see if you have the ability to snatch this one away from me too?

Huo Yuhao's cold, gloomy gaze remained fixed on Long Yaochen's back, unwilling to look away for a long time, until Du Weilun's voice rang out once more:

"Following the academy's decision, the following students are designated as core disciples of the Martial Soul Department:

Long Yaochen."

When the first name was called, the crowd was not surprised.

In fact, many felt that giving him only the treatment of an ordinary core disciple might be a bit too low.

After all, after that battle yesterday, everyone knew that Long Yaochen was simply not on the same level as them.

"Wang Dong."

Wang Dong was slightly startled, then subconsciously glanced at Long Yaochen.

She didn't say anything else.

"Xiao Xiao."

Not far away, Xiao Xiao, who had just recovered a little, revealed a look of surprise on her face.

Although she had been knocked unconscious by the Spear of No Darkness yesterday, her potential as a Twin Martial Souls user was evident, so it was not strange for her to become a core disciple.

"Dai Huabin, Zhu Lu, Ning Tian..."

As each name was read out, Huo Yuhao's hands clenched tighter and tighter, and his expression grew increasingly unsightly.

Where was his name?

Why hadn't his name been called yet?

Even many who had been defeated by him had their names read out.

By the time Du Weilun closed the list, he still hadn't heard those three characters.

Huo Yuhao suddenly raised his head, his eyes filled with disbelief.

Du Weilun glanced at him, his expression calm.

"Huo Yuhao."

Hearing his name, the heart Huo Yuhao had been holding in his chest finally settled.

But the next second, Du Weilun's words hit him like a basin of cold water, drenching him completely.

"Your mental attribute is highly unique, and your performance in actual combat was indeed outstanding.

However, after a comprehensive evaluation by the Martial Soul Department, your current Soul Power Level is too low, your first soul ring's age is insufficient, and you have repeatedly engaged in malicious wounding during the assessments.

It is uncertain whether these are side effects of your martial soul; therefore, you are not currently included in the core disciple list of the Martial Soul Department.

Should you perform exceptionally well in the future, you will still have the opportunity to join the core disciple list."

The playground erupted instantly, waves of discussion crashing toward Huo Yuhao.

But he only felt a buzzing sound, and then he couldn't hear anything at all.

What does it mean... that I have martial soul side effects?

Can't the number one academy in the world tell whether or not I have side effects?

And waiting for future performance...

He had clearly already proven himself!

He had even defeated Dai Huabin!

Why could Dai Huabin be chosen, but not him?

Just then, a chuckling voice rang out.

"Student Huo Yuhao's mental attribute is indeed rare."

Qian Duoduo had appeared beside Du Weilun at some point, a smile still on his face, though it looked devoid of any genuine sincerity.

"The Soul Tool Department is willing to offer him an observation spot as a core disciple."

An observation spot?

And in the Soul Tool Department?

Hearing these words, Huo Yuhao's expression turned even uglier.

He suddenly felt that the life-and-death struggle he had endured was somewhat worthless.

The things he had fought tooth and nail for could be negated by these higher-ups with just a few words.

Soul Tool, is it?

I will make you regret this!

Huo Yuhao thought of what Tang Ya had previously said about Soul Tool, and at this moment, he suddenly realized something.

Although these people had humiliated him in every way, one thing they said was correct.

His mental talent, especially his Spirit Eye, was absolutely perfect for Soul Tool.

Perhaps this was the opportunity heaven had given him... an opportunity to rely only on himself, without needing to beg anyone else!

"Yuhao, just endure it for now! They are blind to true talent; once you obtain your second martial soul, you will surely make them kneel and beg you!" Old Tang's gentle voice sounded right on cue.

A flash of disgust crossed Huo Yuhao's eyes, but he didn't say anything.

He simply laughed, a laugh devoid of any warmth, as a crazy thought sprouted in his mind.

Is it true that the Soul Tool level of the Sun Moon Empire is the most advanced?

Long Yaochen glanced at Huo Yuhao with some surprise.

The guy didn't have an episode this time?

However, could this be considered the push of the Child of Destiny?

Having lost Zhou Yi, Huo Yuhao still ended up joining the Soul Tool Department.

But... what did that have to do with him?

If you have the ability, create a Level 10 Soul Tool in this era and open my eyes.

Thinking of this, Long Yaochen withdrew his gaze.

If he remembered correctly, Huo Yuhao went to the Far North at the end of his first school year.

Originally, he couldn't be bothered to pay attention to this Child of Destiny.

But now, perhaps influenced by Tang San, this Child of Destiny held great hostility toward him.

Since that was the case, he wouldn't let his enemy develop in peace.

Ice Empress...

It was absolutely impossible to let her be given to Huo Yuhao again.

It had been a long time since he had seen his teacher.

He needed to call him over and plan things out properly.