Exclusive Fighting Soul Assessment: The Beginning Was the End

"Brother, you really didn't have to wait for Nana. If it weren't for waiting for me, you would have already obtained your first Soul Ring and become a Soul Master."

The one speaking was his younger sister, Hu Liena. A short, jet-black braid hung just to her back from the back of her head, with a small yellow flower tied at its end. Her face still had a little baby fat, and her bright black-and-white eyes shone.

The siblings had arrived early and sat at the side of the first row in the classroom.

Xie Yue, seated beside Hu Liena, wore the same faded gray clothes as his sister. His neat black short hair stood upright, and his small body sat perfectly straight.

Hearing his sister's words, Xie Yue said seriously, "Nana, I'm your brother. I have the responsibility to protect and take care of you."

"Besides, isn't this good too? We're attending school together. My Soul Power already reached level ten during the entrance test, and I even became Teacher Gale's disciple."

"I heard from my roommate that Teacher Gale is the academy's director of academic affairs. That's really impressive."

"The teacher also said that once he finishes handling the first busy week of enrollment, he'll take me to obtain my first Soul Ring. Once I become a Soul Master and register with Spirit Hall, I'll be able to receive one Gold Soul Coin every month."

When he mentioned one Gold Soul Coin, Xie Yue deliberately held up one finger for his sister, clearly looking forward to it.

"Mhm, mhm, Brother is amazing~" Hu Liena's little face lit up with excitement.

After that exchange, the siblings' nervousness about their first lesson disappeared as well.

More and more students gradually entered the classroom until everyone had arrived.

A female teacher wearing black-rimmed glasses entered afterward. However, she carried no teaching materials in her hands.

Walking up to the podium, the female teacher adjusted her black-rimmed glasses and said,

"The first day of school at Spirit Hall Academy is also the time when upperclassmen apply in advance for their graduation fighting soul assessment one year before graduation."

"So today's first lesson will be an observation class held on the main field. You'll be watching the upperclassmen's fighting soul battles."

The moment those words came out, the classroom of over twenty students erupted in cheers.

However, the female teacher was not finished.

"After watching, each of you must write and submit a reflection based on the fighting soul battle that left the deepest impression on you."

Upon hearing that, the cheers in the classroom immediately weakened, though their excitement was still hard to hide.

"Let's go. Follow me to the main field. Besides the upperclassmen fighting each other, you'll also see an exclusive fighting soul assessment for children your own age."

Spirit Hall Academy's field.

Six circular fighting soul areas, each twenty meters in diameter, had already been marked out with lime.

The students applying for graduation fighting soul assessments would engage in one-on-one fighting soul matches there. Whether they won or lost, academy teachers would score them and determine whether they passed.

Xu Huxiao and Yun Ji had happened to be assigned to the same class. By the time they followed their teacher to the field, the formations of every class had already been neatly arranged in the stands.

Xu Huxiao swept his gaze around and spotted the Ao Siblings in the neighboring class to the left. Across from them, Bao Jingjing from the second year was vigorously waving at him in greeting.

After the academy went through a long string of speeches from its leaders, the fighting soul assessment finally began.

"The opening ceremony is now concluded. We will now proceed with the fighting soul assessment. When you hear your name, go to fighting soul areas one through six for your assessment."

This fighting soul assessment was presided over by Gale, the academy's director of academic affairs.

During the assessment, Xu Huxiao saw Xu Yanran and Xu Luo. Both were level eighteen and easily defeated their opponents. The teachers' scores for them were likely quite high.

However, the fighting soul assessment was only one part of the graduation examination. To graduate from Spirit Hall Junior Soul Master Academy, students also had to pass the graduation written exam and earn ten points as a Bronze Fighting Soul at the Great Soul Arena.

Many students passed the first two requirements but got stuck on those ten Bronze Fighting Soul points. Otherwise, most of them would not need to study for the full six years and could graduate early.

Of course, none of these three requirements posed much difficulty for Xu Huxiao. Once there was no more room for improvement at the junior academy, he would choose to graduate and leave.

The fighting soul assessments on the field continued. Brilliant Soul Rings and all kinds of Martial Souls appeared one after another, making for quite an eye-catching sight.

But in Xu Huxiao's eyes, honestly, fighting soul matches between novice Soul Masters in their teens were not much to watch. He simply closed his eyes, regulated his breathing, and began cultivating.

He possessed the Nine Yang Divine Skill, so he did not need to rely on inefficient meditation to accumulate Soul Power.

Furthermore, his Eight Extraordinary Meridians had been open since birth, and his body had received the most perfect nourishment inside and out. Thus, he had no requirements for the environment when cultivating.

Yang Origin Soul Power circulated through its cycle as the second Golden Sun slowly condensed.

It was not until his name was called on the field that Xu Huxiao stopped cultivating. He stretched his body, and his muscles and bones let out a series of crisp cracks.

The written examination for the exclusive assessment challenge he had requested that morning had already been passed at noon. With his understanding of Martial Soul knowledge, the written test had been child's play.

Passing the written exam had earned him his homeroom teacher's astonishment.

Now, Xu Huxiao's second assessment, the one-on-one fighting soul examination, was about to begin.

"Brother Huxiao, good luck~"

The little Mermaid Yun Ji had also heard Xu Huxiao's name. Compared with the calm contestant himself, she seemed extremely excited.

Yun Ji had adapted quickly to academy life and greatly enjoyed making friends with humans.

The humans here were unlike the cold Holy Knights of her own people. Every one of them liked her, and they spoke so pleasantly. She absolutely loved it here.

The upperclassmen's fighting soul assessments on the field had now ended, and the attention of every teacher and student in the academy was focused on the final upcoming match.

Xu Huxiao stood firmly in the fighting soul area. At one meter forty tall, he had a sturdy build, neat upright short golden hair, and striking features. Together with the two dark-gold Twin Dragon Rings on his left ear, Xu Huxiao looked exceptionally conspicuous.

Once he stepped onto the field, every student in the academy focused their eyes on him.

"So this is one of this year's first-year freshmen? He looks kind of cocky."

"He looks so cool, and he's even wearing earrings. Hey, Yanran, you're both surnamed Xu. Do you know him?"

Xu Yanran smiled and said, "Of course I know him. He's my younger brother."

"Really? Then when we go out later, you have to introduce him to us."

"Xu Huxiao, I know him. He's one of the students on this year's Talent Ranking, though his rank isn't very high. I think he's somewhere in the twenties."

"He dares to apply for an exclusive fighting soul assessment above his level when he's only in the twenties? He's overestimating himself."

"His opponent, Xue Long, isn't someone to mess with. Though he hasn't obtained his second Soul Ring yet, Xue Long is already level twenty."

"Haha, that kid probably used some trick to obtain his first Soul Ring early and came here to show off."

"Show off? He'd better hope he doesn't get beaten to tears."

The spectators in the stands discussed the matter animatedly. Not only did the students have little faith in this final fighting soul match, but the teachers on the platform felt the same way.

In their eyes, one had only just entered the ranks of Soul Masters, while the other was already a prospective Soul Grandmaster. Setting aside their control over their Martial Souls, there was already an enormous gap in Soul Power between them.

They were separated by a full seven levels, and both belonged to the assault type. Neither Martial Soul had any restraining advantage over the other.

Therefore, this fighting soul match naturally held no suspense.

The presiding teacher thought so as well. "I'll repeat the rules of the fighting soul match once more. If one side admits defeat, loses the ability to fight, or leaves the fighting soul area, that side loses. Do you understand?"

"Understood."

"Good. Both sides, prepare yourselves. You may release your Martial Souls."

Xu Huxiao looked at his opponent. He was already considered tall compared to children his age, but his opponent was even larger than he was.

This was his first official fighting soul battle, so he instinctively activated the Eye of Omniscience. A stream of information entered his mind.

[Human]: Xue Long

[Age]: Eleven

[Martial Soul]: Dragon Horn Rhinoceros

[Level]: Twenty

[Soul Skill]: One yellow—Berserk Rhinoceros Vajra Transformation

[Inner Thoughts]: My opponent is just a rookie Soul Master. How am I supposed to show off like this?!

Since Xue Long had not yet obtained his second Soul Ring, he only had one soul skill. Xu Huxiao merely glanced at it before no longer paying attention.

Like the teachers in the stands, he could not summon much interest in a battle with no suspense.

"Xue Long, fifth-year student. Martial Soul: Dragon Horn Rhinoceros. Level twenty, one-ring battle Soul Master."

"Xu Huxiao, first-year student. Martial Soul: Platinum Dragon-Patterned Arms. Level thirteen, one-ring battle Soul Master."

Both sides announced their Martial Soul information. Their Martial Soul Possession was complete, and a yellow Soul Ring rose from beneath each of their feet.

Seeing that both Martial Souls had been released, the presiding teacher raised a small flag and waved it.

"The exclusive fighting soul assessment initiated by Xu Huxiao begins now!"

The moment his words fell, Xu Huxiao stepped forward, intending to charge directly at his opponent and end the match.

"Wait!"

Xue Long raised a hand, seemingly wanting to say something.

"Junior, our Soul Power Levels differ by seven levels. To be honest, the gap in our strength is rather large. Once I use my first soul skill, the match will definitely be over."

"I don't know why you chose to challenge the exclusive assessment, but this is also my graduation assessment, and it concerns my graduation grade. Although I still have two more chances afterward."

"I don't want to waste this chance."

"So?"

Xu Huxiao frowned. What was this guy rambling on about?

Xue Long smiled. "So, Junior, you're going to lose anyway. Why not help your senior out and let me properly display the strength of my soul skill, so I can get a higher score on my assessment?"

"Of course, cooperating will benefit you as well. I'll be careful and try not to hurt you. At least you won't lose too badly."

"What do you think? My proposal isn't bad, right?"

"I refuse."

"I knew you would... What?!"

Before Xue Long finished speaking, his opponent had already rushed in front of him. The speed was fast, but not too fast for him to react to.

"Since you refuse to take the easy way, don't blame me. Berserk Rhinoceros Vajra Transformation, get out of here!"

Xue Long's Soul Ring lit up as both hands reached out to grab Xu Huxiao.

After completing Martial Soul Possession, Xue Long's body became even more muscular. A rhinoceros horn extended from his forehead, and his skin turned grayish-white and became covered in a thick layer of callus. His defense was clearly formidable.

After activating his first soul skill, a layer of faint golden light flashed over his body, and his physique swelled further. His strength and defense had obviously increased considerably.

Xue Long had already been stronger than others his age to begin with. If he caught Xu Huxiao with this move, he would likely throw him straight out of the arena.

However, the one he had encountered was Xu Huxiao.

Triple Amplification, Gluttonous Grip!

Xu Huxiao had rolled the sleeves of his blue-and-white school uniform up to his shoulders before the match began, so his clothes did not burst apart.

Only when he neared Xue Long did Xu Huxiao's Soul Ring light up. His pair of platinum arms patterned with black dragons instantly swelled to three times their size, increasing his strength by one and a half times, enough for him to easily handle one hundred and twenty jin.

He formed claws with both hands and used the grappling technique of Hidden Dragon Does Not Use, directly seizing the arm reaching for him. At the same time, he precisely stepped forward with his left leg and grabbed his opponent's waist with his right hand.

Xue Long instantly panicked, sensing that something was wrong. Yet the amplified hands gripping his arm and waist were like iron hoops, leaving him no room to resist.

The next second.

Faint, transparent dragon-shaped force flowed around him. Xu Huxiao gave a low shout, exerted strength through both arms, lowered his waist and abdomen, then lifted Xue Long's nearly one-hundred-seventy-jin body and threw him beyond the boundary of the fighting soul area.

"Ah! Teacher, save me!!"

Bang!

Xue Long let out a miserable scream and crashed heavily outside the fighting soul area.

The presiding teacher clearly had not reacted in time and stared blankly as Xue Long, like a sandbag, was casually thrown out.

Fortunately, Xue Long had activated his first soul skill beforehand. Though his whole body felt as though it had been shattered, he had not suffered any actual injuries.

Xu Huxiao, standing within the fighting soul area, withdrew his Martial Soul, straightened his school uniform, and said, "Teacher, Xue Long left the boundary. According to the rules, I won, right?"

This...

The presiding teacher recovered from his shock, then walked over to Xu Huxiao and raised his right hand.

"Exclusive fighting soul assessment, Xu Huxiao wins!"