Help

Seeing her hesitate, Ma Xiaotao's eyes glinted with a mischievous smile as she teased, "You're not worried that I, your senior, can't be trusted and might tell others about this, are you?" Lin Qianyi had not expected her to say that. She froze for a moment, then hurriedly shook her head in explanation. "Ah? It's not like that..." Ma Xiaotao lightly waved a hand, her expression suddenly turning earnest and sincere. "I may be carefree and unreliable most of the time, but when it comes to things like this, I've always kept a tight lid on it. Don't worry."

Lin Qianyi let out a soft breath, then asked with concern, "Senior, do you need my help with something?"

Ma Xiaotao's expression tightened, and helplessness and urgency flickered in her eyes. "There's a surge of evil fire inside me. Like the most violent beast, it keeps devouring me from within. This evil fire is exceptionally fierce; only a soul master with an ice attribute can suppress it. Qianyi, would you be willing to lend me a hand?"

There was not the slightest hesitation in Lin Qianyi's clear eyes. She nodded firmly, her voice gentle yet resolute. "All right, Senior. I'll definitely help you." In that instant, it seemed as though a warm, powerful light flowed silently between them—a radiance woven from trust and determination.

She raised her hands slightly, palms facing upward, as though gently holding up an invisible force. With her movements, her second martial soul—the Ice Crystal Butterfly—answered her call. In an instant, several icy blue butterflies appeared behind her. Like spirits awakened from ice and snow, their wings shimmered with crystalline frostlight. The ice butterflies gently flapped their wings, elegantly circling once through the air before settling around Lin Qianyi like guardians.

She closed her eyes and focused. A faint Soul Power gradually gathered in her hands, flowing slowly into Ma Xiaotao's body like a babbling stream. Every trace of Soul Power carried Lin Qianyi's deep concern and sincere desire to help Ma Xiaotao.

The evil fire's power far exceeded her expectations. It clashed against Lin Qianyi's ice-attributed Soul Power, and the threads of conflict between them were alarming. Worried that Ma Xiaotao might be hurt, the Soul Power in Lin Qianyi's hands began to tremble slightly of its own accord.

Ma Xiaotao noticed her unease and reassured her gently, "Qianyi, you don't need to worry about me. Don't let your mind wander. Focus on dealing with what's in front of you." Her voice was soft yet firm, and it seemed as though a warm current flowed between them, easing some of the panic in Lin Qianyi's heart.

Lin Qianyi bit her lip and refocused. About fifteen minutes later, she slowly withdrew her Soul Power. Ma Xiaotao let out a long breath and said gratefully, "Thank you, Qianyi. My evil fire has finally been suppressed."

Lin Qianyi replied softly, "It's nothing, Senior." Ma Xiaotao beamed and waved her hand. "Don't be so formal! Just call me Sister Xiaotao. From now on, you're my little sister, and I'll take good care of you." The corners of Lin Qianyi's lips lifted slightly as she softly called, "Sister Xiaotao." With eyes full of affection, Ma Xiaotao reached out and patted her head, her movements as gentle as a spring breeze brushing through her hair.

Three months passed in the blink of an eye, and the freshman assessment, like a cloud on the horizon that seemed within reach, had quietly drawn near. Dusk descended like a light veil. The four stood side by side in the forest that carried countless memories, while the air was filled with the faint fragrance of grass and trees, like a tranquil melody played by nature itself.

Lin Qianyi, Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong, and Xiao Xiao sat together, their expressions focused and solemn. At times, they spoke in low voices as they carefully discussed tactics; at others, their gazes met as they exchanged thoughts. Every glance reflected the importance and anticipation they attached to the coming challenge. In the quiet forest, their friendship seemed to deepen along with the faint scent of vegetation.

Xiao Xiao nervously tugged at the corner of her clothes and looked up at Lin Qianyi. "Qianyi, do you think we can fulfill the promise we made to Teacher Zhou? Taking first place... is really too difficult for us."

Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong also fell silent in thought. The lingering rays of the setting sun spilled over the woodland path, stretching the shadows of the four of them long.

Leaning against a tree trunk with her arms crossed, Lin Qianyi's gaze was deep and resolute. "Success or failure will be decided here, but what matters more is the process. Teacher Zhou didn't set this goal to make things difficult for us. She hopes we can establish ourselves at Shrek Academy. She understands our strength, which is why she uses this method to spur us onward."

She turned to her three companions, her tone softening. "The result of the match is certainly important, but as long as we have no regrets, we've already defeated ourselves."

Wang Dong patted her chest and revealed her signature sunny smile. "That's right! Why think so much about it? We just need to give it everything we've got!"

Huo Yuhao nodded, a trace of determination flashing in his eyes. "That's right. No matter the outcome, we have to fight for ourselves at least once."

When the assembly horn sounded in Shrek Academy's plaza, Lin Qianyi and the other freshmen gradually gathered there. The air seemed frozen, and the tense atmosphere wrapped around everyone like tangible threads. It felt as though every student's heart was being tightly gripped by an invisible hand, making their breathing heavy and rapid.

How could this be a simple entrance assessment? This was clearly a selection that would decide their fates. It would determine who could take root in this academy and who would leave carrying disappointment and regret. The cruel reality weighed on everyone's hearts like a mountain—of more than nine hundred students, only thirty percent would ultimately remain. That meant most of them were about to face failure. Everyone understood this, so their eyes held both longing for the future and worries they could not conceal.

Lin Qianyi stood quietly behind Xiao Xiao, as composed as a tranquil lake amid the surrounding tension. Whispers rose and fell around her, accompanied now and then by sighs. These new students, around twelve years old, were facing the first major trial of their lives—the freshman assessment. Every one of them clenched their hands tightly, their faces filled with unease.

Yet Lin Qianyi simply stood there quietly. She knew that anxiety and panic would only cloud one's thoughts, while calm and concentration were what they needed most right now. In this crucial assessment, every bit of focus was precious.

As the group assignments were announced, Lin Qianyi, Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong, and Xiao Xiao were assigned to Zone 33. The number echoed through the air, as though it carried some special meaning. The four exchanged looks and silently nodded, their eyes conveying their shared resolve.

At the training grounds of Zone 33, a refined man around forty years old walked over at an unhurried pace. He wore a crisp uniform and carried himself with composure. Completely unlike the stern and serious Teacher Zhou Yi, he gave people the feeling of a spring breeze.

"Hello, students. I'm Wang Yan, your examiner for today." His gentle voice rang through the training grounds, and the students promptly stood at attention and saluted. "Hello, Teacher!"