On the shores of Sea God Island, waves crash against the rugged rocks, the spray shimmering with tiny silver sparkles in the sunlight, and the sea breeze, carrying a salty, damp scent, sweeps past the Shrek Academy buildings.
Inside the council hall, Xuan Zi leaned against a carved sandalwood chair, his wrinkled face showing signs of fatigue, yet his gaze remained sharp; Yan Shaozhe, dressed in a black robe, exuded a refined yet imposing aura, and their conversation echoed clearly in the quiet space.
Yan Shaozhe clasped his hands together, his voice filled with undisguised joy. " Xuan Zi, Xiaotao's Evil Fire has fully evolved; it is now Fire Phoenix Martial Soul possessing Ultimate Fire." His eyes gleamed with excitement as he spoke of this news.
Xuan Zi gently stroked the armrest of the chair with his calloused hands, a smile spreading across his aged face, even the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes smoothing out. "Good, good." Those two consecutive "goods" were filled with his satisfaction and expectations for the growth of talents in the academy.
Yan Shaozhe leaned forward and said solemnly, "It's all thanks to that kid Huo Yuhao. He's our Shrek Academy's lucky star." He recalled Huo Yuhao's past performances, whether it was his outstanding performance in actual combat or his selfless help to his companions, all of which were admirable.
Xuan Zi nodded slightly, his eyes resolute. "Therefore, Huo Yuhao must be among the Shrek Seven Devils this time, no matter the cost. Also, with Huo Yuhao on the roster for the Continental Soul Fighting Tournament, there will be absolutely no problem."
He was well aware of Huo Yuhao's talent and potential, and was convinced that this young man would bring unparalleled glory to the academy.
Yan Shaozhe straightened his back and solemnly replied, "Yes!"
Before long, in a spacious and bright classroom at the Shrek Academy, the second-year students had already gathered together. The classroom was bustling with people, and discussions rose and fell. Surprisingly, Wang Yan and Mu Jin, who were rarely seen on ordinary days, as well as many of the academy's prominent teachers, were all present. They stood or sat, their expressions serious, making the atmosphere in the classroom exceptionally solemn.
Logically speaking, this was just a matter for second-year students and shouldn't have required such a grand fuss. But this time was different, because among these students were two "big shots"—Huo Yuhao and his partner, whose talent and strength had already made the entire academy take notice.
Wang Yan walked up to the podium, coughed lightly twice, and the previously noisy classroom instantly fell silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
"Class, I have something to announce." He scanned the entire room, his voice steady and powerful.
"The academy is holding a selection competition for core disciples. Traditionally, this is a competition only for third-year students and above, but the academy has decided to make an exception this time, allowing second-year students to participate as well. This is a rare opportunity, and we hope everyone will seize it and showcase their abilities."
As soon as he finished speaking, a murmur rippled through the classroom, the students' eyes filled with excitement and anticipation. Wang Yan stepped down from the podium, walked slowly to Huo Yuhao's side, lowered his voice, and said with concern and expectation, " Yuhao, you and Bing don't need to participate. You'll pass directly. The academy highly recognizes your abilities; you are already qualified to become core disciples."
Huo Yuhao was slightly taken aback, then said without hesitation, "I refuse!" His voice was not loud, but it was firm, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, stirring up ripples in the classroom.
Huo Yuhao knew perfectly well what Yan Shaozhe and the others were planning. They just wanted him to become the new Shrek Seven Devils, then fight his way through the Continental Soul Fighting Tournament and win glory for the academy. But in his opinion, this was nothing but a waste of energy, with no real benefit whatsoever. Those so-called glory and empty fame held no appeal for him.
Wang Yan's eyes widened in disbelief. He stepped forward and said urgently, " Yuhao, that's a core disciple! Once you become a core disciple, your status in the academy will be completely different. You might even become famous throughout the Shrek Academy! This is an opportunity that so many people dream of. How can you give it up so easily?"
Huo Yuhao remained calm, his gaze clear and resolute. "So what? I have absolutely no interest in such empty fame as lasting renown. I cultivate only to pursue greater strength and protect those I want to protect, not for those ephemeral titles." His words, though simple, were firm and resonant, revealing his truest thoughts.
Huo Yuhao exuded a cool and aloof aura. Amidst the astonished gazes of the crowd, his back stood straight as a pine tree, and his words were resounding and forceful. "Whether it's being a core disciple or a figure of eternal fame, it's all meaningless to me... These empty titles are like reflections in a mirror or the moon in the water; you can't hold onto them, nor can you take them with you." His voice wasn't loud, but it struck everyone's hearts like a heavy hammer. The classroom was completely silent, with only the sound of the wind whistling through the treetops outside the window.
After speaking, he turned around nimbly, his clothes fluttering as he spoke with unwavering resolve, "Teacher Wang Yan, I have a rough idea of the dean's intentions. Please tell him that Bing and I will not participate." With that, he strode out of the classroom, sunlight streaming through the window and casting a long shadow on his departing figure, as if severing all ties with the selection process.
Soul Fighting Zone
In the Soul Fighting Zone, the sounds of collisions and the roar of surging Soul Power gradually subsided. As the final match came to an end, the other core disciples emerged victorious from the fierce competition, while Huo Yuhao's absence was like a thorn in the hearts of the academy's higher-ups.
Inside the council hall, the candlelight flickered. Xuan Zi's brows furrowed into a deep frown, his cloudy yet sharp gaze fixed on Yan Shaozhe: "What did you say? Huo Yuhao is unwilling to participate in the selection of core disciples?" His aged voice carried a hint of disbelief and anger.
Yan Shaozhe nodded slightly, his expression helpless. "Yes, Huo Yuhao is a very clever little guy. He probably already guessed our intention to use him to compete in the Continental Soul Fighting Tournament. He's very perceptive, and ordinary words simply won't sway him."
Xuan Zi slammed his hand on the table, causing ripples to spread in the teacup. "Didn't I say we'd pay any price? His joining is crucial to Shrek's glory in the tournament; how can we give up so easily?"
Yan Shaozhe pondered for a moment, then said, "I will discuss it with Huo Yuhao again and try my best to persuade him. However..." He hesitated, clearly not entirely confident about the outcome of his persuasion.
Although Huo Yuhao's absence was regrettable, the list of candidates for the Shrek Seven Devils was finally finalized. When Xuan Zi appeared before everyone with steady steps, the seven young Soul Master held their breath, awaiting the pronouncement of their fate.
"Listen up, you little ones!" Xuan Zi's gaze swept over Bei Bei Bei's resolute face, Xu Sanshi's unruly brows, and Wang Dong's aloof countenance. "From this day forward, the seven of you will be candidates for the next Shrek Seven Devils!" He called out each name in turn, " Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, He Caitou, Xiao Xiao, Wang Dong, Jiang Nannan, Ning Tian!"
When speaking of Ning Tian, Xuan Zi's tone softened unconsciously, his eyes filled with expectation. " Ning Tian, as the young master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, you possess exceptional talent. Your ancestors were once members of the Shrek Seven Devils, a glorious legacy that continues to this day. You are truly deserving to take on this responsibility!"
After a brief pause, Xuan Zi's voice boomed as he announced the final decision, "Now, you, as the current reserve team of Shrek Academy, will immediately set off to participate in the upcoming Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Fighting Tournament! The glory of Shrek will be continued by you!"
Before the words were even finished, a passionate atmosphere had already quietly spread through the air, and the candidates' eyes ignited with the flames of fighting spirit.