Mu Jin's Wager

The next day.

Xuan Zi returned to the Sea God Pavilion and resumed his duties under the knowing gaze of the assembled Elders.

At the Assessment Arena, the first-year students faced their most grueling day of assessments yet.

Five matches awaited them. For teams whose results in the first five rounds had been lackluster, leaving them on the brink of elimination, even an injury today was no excuse to hold anything back.

But for Lu Yi and his two teammates, who had already fought their toughest battles in the first five rounds, today's opponents were somewhat underwhelming.

Across the remaining five teams, there were only three Soul Grandmasters in total, spread between two teams.

Lu Yi barely had to act. He occasionally raised a shield to block a ranged attack for his teammates, while Zhou Sichen and Cao Jinxuan handled everything else.

The same referee from yesterday saw how little Lu Yi had to do and let out a quiet sigh of relief.

His assignment was complete!

Next came the Top 64 Elimination Tournament, where more experienced teachers would naturally serve as referees.

"I declare Zhou Sichen's team the winner."

Lu Yi and his teammates had won all ten matches. According to the Academy's post-match tally, only four teams had achieved that record this year.

"Ah—"

Zhou Sichen swept the bangs from his forehead with a showy flourish, looking thoroughly unsatisfied. "Today's opponents weren't much good. I nearly fell asleep fighting them!"

Lu Yi was happy to have an easy day. Rather than interrupt Zhou Sichen's boasting, he offered a few compliments, which only fired Zhou Sichen up more. The grin stayed on his face even through dinner.

Across from them, Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong had also won all ten of their matches, but something about the atmosphere between