Freshman Assessment

Wang Yan smiled faintly. "There's no need to be so restrained. For the foreseeable future, I will treat every student as I would a friend."

"But remember this: in this special assessment, friendship may be important, but it cannot become an excuse to harm others. Any action that causes serious consequences will be unforgivable."

He paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping across the young faces below the stage. "Young people are always full of fighting spirit. Since that's the case, let's get started early!"

As he spoke, Wang Yan opened the folder in his hand, and his clear voice rang out once more. "I will now announce the assessment roster—Class One: Lin Qianyi, Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong, Xiao Xiao; Class Three: Chen Junfeng, Ouyang Junyi, Zhao Haochen. The above students, please enter the field and prepare."

As Wang Yan's voice gradually faded from the air, both teams quickly took their positions. Lin Qianyi stood at the front, like a blade with its edge fully exposed; Xiao Xiao and Wang Dong stood on either side of her, like two sturdy shields.

Huo Yuhao retreated to the center of the rear line—this was an arrangement Lin Qianyi had carefully considered. Huo Yuhao was the team's central link. His powerful support abilities were like invisible threads that could tightly connect the entire team. Placing him in the rear ensured his safety while allowing Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao to protect him at any time and coordinate seamlessly with him.

On the other side, the three boys from Class Three strode firmly into the arena.

Ouyang Junyi took the lead. Tall and straight, he was like an ancient pine standing atop a mountain peak, exuding an unyielding pride; Chen Junfeng was thin and seemingly frail, yet he possessed the tenacity of sturdy bamboo;

Zhao Haochen was rather short and plump, his round face covered in an honest smile that seemed capable of dispersing even the darkest clouds. At Wang Yan's command, "The match begins!"

Huo Yuhao gently activated Spiritual Detection. In an instant, an invisible spiritual ripple quietly spread outward. Lin Qianyi, Wang Dong, and Xiao Xiao released their Martial Souls almost simultaneously.

Behind Wang Dong, the wings of the Light Goddess Butterfly unfurled like a dream. Their brilliant radiance made everyone present hold their breath—the breathtaking sight drew involuntary gasps from both referee Wang Yan and their opponents.

Meanwhile, Xiao Xiao had already summoned her iconic Three Lives Soul Suppressing Cauldron. Three ancient, heavy cauldrons floated quietly in midair, emitting a faint aura of majesty. Yet the most eye-catching entrance undoubtedly belonged to Lin Qianyi.

When she slowly unleashed her Martial Soul, a deafening yet crisp and melodious bird cry suddenly rang out, as if it had drawn the entire world into a mysterious ancient era. A massive azure bird spread its wings behind her, while two purple and one black Soul Rings appeared beneath her feet in succession.

Wang Yan's eyes were filled with undisguised shock. "Azure Luan?! Such a rare Martial Soul... and such an outstanding Soul Ring Configuration... This child is truly gifted beyond measure!" The three people opposite them also revealed looks of horror, clearly deeply shaken by the sight before them.

A bright yellow Soul Ring quietly appeared beneath Zhao Haochen's feet. With a slight lift of his hand, two fragrant, appetizing roasted chicken legs appeared in his palms.

As a rare Food System Soul Master, the meat-type Martial Soul he possessed was like the brightest star in the night sky within the world of Soul Masters—an ability envied by countless people. Food System Soul Masters were already as rare as stars, while meat-type Martial Souls were treasures among them, capable of granting Soul Masters enhancement effects far beyond those of ordinary people.

Ouyang Junyi and Chen Junfeng took the fragrant chicken legs and, almost unable to wait, stuffed them into their mouths and began devouring them.

Their blissful expressions made them look like children who had received the most precious treasure in the world, prompting Xiao Xiao and the others to cover their mouths and laugh. Ouyang Junyi, the boy with the Sword-beaked Hummingbird Beast Martial Soul, could extend a sharp spike from his right arm when he used his Martial Soul. It was like a deadly dagger. Though he had yet to evolve wings, such talent was already astonishing.

Chen Junfeng, meanwhile, wielded a flexible sword as supple as a snake and as swift as lightning. Both had reached the Hundred-Year Soul Ring realm, with Soul Power ranks of eighteen and nineteen respectively, like two rising stars.

Even more astonishingly, after eating the chicken legs, the two Soul Masters' movement speed suddenly surged like arrows leaving the bowstring.

The agile figures made Wang Dong, watching from the side, widen her eyes in disbelief. This scene silently displayed the breathtaking power of Zhao Haochen's Martial Soul, as though an invisible force were declaring: this was the charm of a top-tier Martial Soul.

Ouyang Junyi and Chen Junfeng attacked Lin Qianyi and Wang Dong from the left and right respectively. Yet faced with this sudden offensive, Lin Qianyi showed no sign of panic.

She did not rush to use a Soul Skill. Instead, relying on her tacit coordination with Wang Dong, she steadily received their attack.

Her Martial Soul—the Azure Luan—slowly appeared behind her. Its elegant yet majestic form spread its wings, and with a flap, an invisible but powerful wave of Soul Power rippled outward, instantly forcing Ouyang Junyi and Chen Junfeng back several steps. Seeing this, Wang Dong immediately seized the fleeting opportunity and launched a counterattack without hesitation.

Lin Qianyi lightly leaped into the air, her body as nimble as a bird as she charged straight at Zhao Haochen. Under her assault, Zhao Haochen quickly lost the ability to continue fighting. Just like that, through Lin Qianyi and Wang Dong's perfect cooperation, they smoothly claimed victory in the match.

"Team Lin Qianyi wins." Wang Yan's voice rang through the arena as he calmly announced the result.

Xiao Xiao looked at the two of them and said with a touch of helplessness and admiration, "You two were way too fast. I didn't even get a chance to make a move."

Lin Qianyi smiled gently and comforted her. "Don't worry, there are still plenty of matches ahead. Next time, we'll support you and make sure you get to show off your skills."

At the assessment arena in District Thirty-Three, Lin Qianyi and her four-person team were like a dazzling rising star gathering momentum.

In the first five matches, Lin Qianyi was like a swordsman holding endless power without fully revealing her edge. She remained composed and restrained throughout. Even so, the fragments of strength that casually spilled from her fingertips were enough to let them achieve repeated victories in the arena and draw countless looks of astonishment.

As the results of the new round of draws were announced, the arena seemed to be infused with fresh vitality and tension. Some of the young faces were filled with nervousness that made them tremble slightly, while others shone with blazing anticipation. Another, even harsher stage of assessment slowly began amid this complex and intertwined atmosphere.

"Everyone is here, so let's begin the draw." Wang Yan cleared his throat, his voice echoing through the silent gymnasium. A moment later, when the final matchup was announced, the entire venue seemed to freeze for a second—

Class One: Lin Qianyi, Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong, Xiao Xiao versus Class Seven: Huang Chutian, Lan Luoluo, Lan Susu

The players on both sides met each other's gazes in the air, and the atmosphere seemed thick with tension. The trio from Class Seven had blazing battle intent in their eyes, while Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong of Class One met their opponents' stares without showing any weakness.

Only Lin Qianyi maintained her characteristic calm. She stood where she was without the slightest ripple of emotion, like a bottomless lake. At the referee's command, the two teams stepped onto the field, and a fierce battle was about to unfold.

Huo Yuhao keenly noticed that the people opposite them were unusual. The man at the front was broad and powerfully built, carrying an air of steadiness;

The two girls behind him were like twin blossoms that had stepped out of a painting. Their delicate faces resembled peach blossoms blooming in spring, while their dreamy long blue hair was even more eye-catching, like two flowing blue streams.

"I am Huang Chutian, and these two are Lan Luoluo and Lan Susu." The leading man cupped his fists and spoke loudly, his deep and powerful voice echoing through the air.

Lin Qianyi returned the gesture. Her movements were crisp and efficient, but her tone was as cold and indifferent as winter ice. "I am Lin Qianyi. These are Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong, and Xiao Xiao."