Shrek Academy's Preliminary Round

The moment they entered the hotel room, its lavish decor came into view—soft beds as inviting as clouds, vintage carpets beneath their feet, and exquisite decorations all around that added an air of elegance.

Wang Dong could not help exclaiming, "Ah! This bed is so big and soft. It looks so comfortable!" Before he had even finished speaking, he eagerly pounced onto the bed and sank into its softness.

Huo Yuhao frowned and said with mild reproach, "What, have you stopped caring about your image already?" Xiao Xiao chuckled. "Looks like he really has." Lin Qianyi teased from the side, "Exactly. Wang Dong looks like he has run into an old friend the moment he sees that bed. It's only natural that he'd forget himself."

Lying on the bed, Wang Dong protested indignantly at their words, "You three! All you know is how to make fun of me!"

Before long, Teacher Wang Yan arrived where they were. Lin Qianyi turned around first and respectfully called out, "Teacher Wang!" Wang Dong got up from the bed, and he, Huo Yuhao, and Xiao Xiao went forward together. Wang Yan said solemnly, "Come on. We're having a meeting in the conference room." Just as they were about to follow him, a cold snort suddenly came from the side.

A youth strolled out from the side. It was none other than Xiao Hongchen, grandson of Jing Hongchen of the Sun Moon Empire. With a trace of disdain in his eyes, he gave them a cold glance. "Shrek Academy? Hmph!" As he spoke, he made an overtly provocative gesture.

Anger flashed across Wang Dong's face, and he was about to step forward to argue when Lin Qianyi and Huo Yuhao pulled him back at the same time. Wang Dong said furiously, "That guy is going too far!"

Lin Qianyi sighed softly and advised him in a low voice, "Calm down first. We really are weaker than him right now. I can sense that his Soul Power has already reached the Soul Emperor level. If we act impulsively now, we'll only be playing right into his hands. He's obviously testing us. We need to keep our cool."

Huo Yuhao nodded as well. "Qianyi is right. Once we become stronger, there will be plenty of chances to make him regret this."

The group exchanged looks and ultimately suppressed their displeasure before following Teacher Wang Yan away. Yet that unwillingness was deeply etched into every one of their hearts.

When they entered the conference room, Ma Xiaotao, Ling Luochen, Dai Yueheng, Beibei, He Caitou, Xu Sanshi, and Jiang Nannan were already seated. Lin Qianyi, Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong, and Xiao Xiao took their seats in turn. The atmosphere in the room was somewhat solemn, and everyone's eyes held a trace of nervous anticipation.

Wang Yan cleared his throat and slowly began, "Students, the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Tournament will officially begin in two days. The first match you will face is an elimination match, and your opponent is Dou Ling Academy. Since the academy is short-handed, the Reserve Team will need to step up first and buy time for the academy."

Beibei frowned. "Teacher, do you mean we only have a chance if we make it through the elimination round? That hope is far too slim. What if we can't get through?"

However, Lin Qianyi rose to her feet with a determined gaze. "Senior Brother, there are no what-ifs—only certainty! No matter how slim the hope may be, as long as we haven't stepped onto the stage, there are infinite possibilities. Since this responsibility has fallen on our shoulders, whether the academy sends support or not, we have to win!"

A trace of admiration flashed through Ma Xiaotao's eyes. She lightly patted Lin Qianyi's shoulder. "Well said! The ones who should be nervous right now aren't us, but them. Shrek Academy has been passed down for ten thousand years and has always held first place. It has already become a legend. The ones who truly feel the pressure are our opponents."

Wang Yan nodded and looked approvingly at the students. "That's right. You must believe in your own strength. The reason Shrek Academy has remained undefeated is not merely its strength, but also this spirit of never admitting defeat."

Lin Qianyi looked up at Ma Xiaotao, admiration in her eyes. Ma Xiaotao was amused by her earnest, persistent expression and chuckled as she rubbed her hair. "Good. That's exactly the kind of fighting spirit you need!"

Wang Yan's gentle gaze swept across the four Reserve Team members. "Beibei, Xu Sanshi, Jiang Nannan, He Caitou, I don't know much about the four of your martial souls yet. Why not take this chance to introduce yourselves?"

Beibei spoke first. "My martial soul is the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon!" His voice was full of pride.

Xu Sanshi smiled slightly. "My Black Tortoise martial soul is rather special, especially my Fourth Soul Skill. I guarantee it'll open your eyes."

Jiang Nannan explained softly, "My martial soul is the Soft Bone Rabbit, the same as Senior Xiao Wu from the first generation of the Shrek Seven Devils. However, she followed the strong attack path, while I lean toward agility attacks."

Wang Yan's gaze fell on the last youth. "He Caitou, Fan Yu told me that not only are you an outstanding Soul Engineer, but you also possess a rare food-type martial soul. Why not show us?"

With a low shout from He Caitou, four lollipops of different colors appeared out of thin air. "This is my martial soul. Creating food requires the consumption of Soul Power. My First Soul Skill is Spirit Boost, followed by Soul Power Boost, Strength Boost, and Attack Boost."

A flash of amazement crossed Wang Yan's eyes. "Such a unique martial soul was actually overlooked by the Martial Soul Department." Dai Yueheng could not help praising him as well. "You really are a genius-level food-type soul master!"

He Caitou waved his hands modestly. "Not at all. I heard there's a student from the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect in the second year. Her martial soul is the one that's truly impressive."

"They're different," Wang Yan patiently explained. "The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda requires continuous Soul Power consumption, whereas your martial soul only consumes Soul Power during creation. How about this? Let everyone try Cai Tou's Soul Power Boost."

Once everything had been arranged, Huo Yuhao and the others were about to leave when Wang Yan called out to stop them. "Wait. Qianyi, you won't need to compete in the preliminary round."

Lin Qianyi's eyes widened in surprise. "Why?"

Wang Yan's tone was gentle but firm. "You're still young, yet you've already reached over level forty. If strength like that is exposed, it may not be safe for you personally."

Ma Xiaotao stepped forward and gently took Lin Qianyi's hand. "Little Qianyi, it's nothing. I know you want to contribute to the academy, but concealing your strength is the greatest help you can give it. You will be our trump card."

Lin Qianyi nodded thoughtfully. "All right, Sister Xiaotao."

Ma Xiaotao gently stroked her head. "Go get ready. We all believe in you."

Standing before the window with his back to everyone, Wang Yan said, "Xiaotao, don't tell Yuhao and the others yet that the academy won't be sending any students to compete for the time being."

Dai Yueheng frowned. "Teacher, is that really all right? We should at least give the team members an explanation."