Wang Dong'er and the others: How are we supposed to know this?
Of course, Xuan Zi didn't expect them to provide an answer.
"This seemingly unfair brawl is actually the best way to test your overall strength. In this short skirmish, you can observe a soul master's collaborative ability, personal strength, and even their character. "
"To gain assistance, you must first have good rapport and, secondly, possess sufficient strength. A person with a withdrawn personality cannot achieve great things!"
Wang Dong'er and the others nodded in understanding.
Indeed, they had formed a team under Huo Yuhao's leadership. It could be said that all of this was inseparable from Huo Yuhao's charismatic personality!
Moreover, as early as the beginning of the semester, Huo Yuhao had informed them in advance about the possible methods of this assessment.
Among them, the most likely scenario he emphasized was a chaotic free-for-all, and they had practiced teamwork specifically for this purpose.
The six individuals, who already shared a strong bond, became even more formidable after being joined by the talented food system soul master and Caitou from the soul guidance department.
Therefore, the moment the brawl began, the seven of them coordinated seamlessly and eliminated the other core disciples of the outer courtyard one by one.
Their clean victory was not only due to their status as the strongest among the outer courtyard's core disciples but also because of Huo Yuhao's foresight.
Xuan Zi turned his back to everyone, took a sip of wine, and continued, "Your cooperation is good, but don't get too proud. This kind of brawl assessment is commonplace in the inner courtyard. If you don't even have this ability, you won't be able to survive there in the future. How can you become a qualified inner court disciple?"
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Indeed, before the match started, they had tried to spar against Huo Yuhao. Even with seven against one, they still had no chance of winning—not even close!
"Do you know what kind of situation the inner court disciples faced during their most difficult time? Back then, twelve inner court disciples were separated from their leader and confronted a hundred-thousand-year soul beast."
"In the end, eight of the twelve perished in the battle. The four who survived are now the top figures in the inner courtyard, and one of them even obtained the soul ring and soul bone of the hundred-thousand-year soul beast."
Xuan Zi's tone was calm, but every word carried immense spiritual power, striking their hearts like a heavy hammer.
"I'm telling you this because I want you to understand that even within the academy, danger can strike at any moment. You must be prepared to face life-and-death crises without fear."
"If you truly wish to become strong, you must pursue the ultimate path of a soul master. Only by disregarding life and death can you achieve what others cannot!"
The seven of them stood in a row silently, not daring to interrupt Xuan Zi. Their moods grew heavy.
Shrek's inner courtyard is known by many names on the continent, but the most famous is the "Cradle of the Strong." Anyone who graduates from the inner academy is destined to become at least a Soul Doulu level powerhouse in the future!
But according to Xuan Zi's words, they gradually realized that becoming strong is no easy feat. Even geniuses cannot succeed without hardship!
Just like the eight who fell in battle—with their performance against the hundred-thousand-year soul beast, their strength and talent would have undoubtedly allowed them to become Titled Douluo in the future. Yet, they perished halfway...
Only geniuses who survive and grow are true geniuses!
Why are all the students in the inner courtyard so strong? They are forged through blood and death!
Xuan Zi took another sip of wine. No one could see the tears glistening in his disheveled hair.
He had been the team leader back then. As a Level 98 Super Douluo, he had caused the most student's death in Shrek Academy's history.
Though many years had passed, the pain and regret remained buried deep in Xuan Zi's heart.
Though no one blamed him, the inner condemnation never faded.
Like a demon in his heart, it led him to abandon himself and become addicted to alcohol.
The former number one genius of Shrek Academy had fallen. Xuan Zi was trapped at the Level 98, unable to breakthrough.
After sharing his personal experiences and discussing some profound principles, Xuan Zi shook off his sadness and got down to business.
He pulled out a chicken leg from his storage soul guide and, while eating, said, "Do you know about the Shrek Seven Monsters?"
"Every five years, the academy selects a new Shrek Seven Monsters. They represent Shrek in the Continental Elite Young Soul Master Tournament, held every five years."
"With the emergence of soul guides, this grand event holds a different significance compared to the Continental Elite Young Soul Master Tournament ten thousand years ago."
"During the holy war thousands of years ago, the invaders from the Sun Moon Empire were defeated by Shrek Academy and the three empires of the Douluo Continent. However, the three empires were severely weakened in the process."
"Over the years, the Sun Moon Empire has never abandoned its ambitions or the idea of reigniting war. They have been secretly developing soul guidance devices, steadily increasing their overall strength. They have even created soul guidance devices capable of threatening the lives of Titled Douluo!"
"The primary reason the Sun Moon Empire has not dared to act is because of Shrek Academy! If not for Shrek maintaining peace on the continent, the Sun Moon Empire would have launched a new war!"
"This is no exaggeration. If the Sun Moon Empire wishes to dominate the continent, its first target is not any of the three empires but Shrek Academy!"
"Only Shrek has the ability to unite the three empires against the Sun Moon Empire. Only we possess the high-end combat power to rival the Sun Moon Empire's top soul masters."
"Though the Sun Moon Empire dares not launch a war, they constantly test us. The best way to do so is through the Continental Elite Young Soul Master Tournament."
"By observing the strength of the younger generation, they aim to determine whether Shrek Academy's power is waning. Therefore, in this competition, our only opponent is the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy!"
Upon hearing the name "Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy," Xu Sanshi couldn't help but ask, "Elder Xuan, are we going to participate?"
Xuan Zi glanced at everyone and snorted, "With your current strength, do you think you're qualified? The age requirement for the Continental Elite Young Soul Master Tournament is under twenty years old."
"That's why this selection is among core disciples under fifteen. The next Continental Elite Young Soul Master Tournament will be your stage!"
"Today's selection match is to choose the reserve team—substitutes for the Shrek Seven Monsters. Although you reserve members may not appear on stage, you are qualified to observe the matches."
"This is both training and an opportunity for you to adapt to the atmosphere of the Continental Elite Young Soul Master Tournament in advance."
The reserve team!
Representing Shrek Academy and becoming the new generation of Shrek Seven Monsters is undoubtedly the highest honor they can achieve in the academy!
Except for Beibei and Tang Ya, who had known about this for some time, the other five widened their eyes in excitement upon hearing Xuan Zi's words.
"Ahem," Xuan Zi coughed and continued, "However, don't get too excited. Today's selection match hasn't decided everything. Don't think you can relax after entering the reserve team. Over the next five years, you will constantly be scrutinized and tested. To truly represent the academy, the first step is ensuring you can enter the inner courtyard."
"Only the strongest will eventually represent the academy. Two of this year's regular players were recently replaced. Do you understand? Until the last moment, nothing is certain."
"What! Two people were replaced?" Several members of the reserve team were shocked.
Then, they thought of Huo Yuhao.
No wonder Huo Yuhao didn't participate in the reserve team selection. He was aiming for a spot among the Shrek Seven Monsters!
"Your selection to the reserve team is an academy secret. No one is allowed to disclose it. Otherwise, you will be disqualified. From now on, you will train with me once a week."
"There is one month left before the Continental Elite Young Soul Master Tournament. I will take you to train with the current Shrek Seven Monsters. I hope you seize this precious opportunity to improve yourselves as much as possible. Alright, you may all leave."
After finishing his chicken soup, Xuan Zi waved his hand, dismissing everyone.
Wang Dong'er and the other seven exchanged stunned glances.
Only then did they realize that Huo Yuhao had given them a tremendous gift!
Especially Jiang Nannan and Xiao Xiao, who were particularly excited. Their backgrounds weren't as strong as Wang Dong'er and Beibei's, and they lagged behind Xu Sanshi.
Being selected for Shrek Academy's reserve team and receiving intensive training was undoubtedly a shortcut to becoming powerful!
Before today's selection, they hadn't expected such a seemingly simple event to determine something so significant.
Xu Sanshi was also thrilled.
This year, he had followed Beibei's example and deliberately repeated a grade to be in the same class as Jiang Nannan.
However, blindly imitating others didn't yield good results.
Jiang Nannan was annoyed by Xu Sanshi's persistent advances.
Beibei: Use your turtle brain and think carefully. Can your situation be compared to mine and Xiaoya's?
Fortunately, thanks to Huo Yuhao's occasional barbecue gatherings and team-building efforts, the seven-member team had developed a strong bond.
In today's brawl, Xu Sanshi had shone, expertly using the Xuan Ming Substitution technique and coordinating flawlessly with Jiang Nannan!
Now, Xu Sanshi was overjoyed to have entered the reserve team alongside Jiang Nannan. This provided him with a legitimate opportunity to spend more time with her.
He felt he was on the verge of reaching the pinnacle of his life, with the beauty within his grasp!
As he thought this, Xu Sanshi secretly glanced at Jiang Nannan not far away...
[Achievement Triggered!]
[Achieved Jiang Nannan's 'Reserve Team Matters' Achievement. Reward: Swift Shadow Gu.]
[Swift Shadow Gu: A third-level Gu worm. After use, speed increases sharply, leaving a trailing shadow like a tail.]
[Evaluation: Swift as a rabbit.]
[Achievement Triggered!]
[Achieved Xu Sanshi's 'Shrek's Most Affectionate' Achievement. Reward: Canopy Gu.]
[Canopy Gu: A third-level Gu that hardens the soul master's skin like white jade and reduces the effectiveness of long-range attacks like the Moon Blade.]
[Evaluation: A beautiful turtle's shield.]
…
To celebrate their victory in the reserve team selection, Huo Yuhao and the seven reserve team members gathered for dinner in a secluded corner of Sea God Island.
After a year of training, everyone had learned to be self-sufficient.
Though Huo Yuhao still ended up grilling the fish.
Well, this time, he and Caitou were present, so no one was left out.
Huo Yuhao felt somewhat relieved looking at the future team.
If nothing unexpected happened, the seven before him were all promising candidates for Titled Douluo!
He could also gain achievement tasks from them, so it was a win-win.
The only hindrance now was the Tang Sect.
Of the eight present, except for Huo Yuhao and Caitou, everyone else had already joined the Tang Sect.
Wang Dong'er and Xiao Xiao had joined as early as their first year.
Jiang Nannan had been persuaded by Tang Ya to join for the Tang Sect's unique skills and to grow stronger.
Upon learning this, Xu Sanshi naturally joined the Tang Sect for Jiang Nannan.
Beibei and Tang Ya had also promised to match them up when the opportunity arose. For this, the wealthy Xu Sanshi had even offered a few Pills as a reward.
Additionally, Bai Yan, who had transferred to the Soul Guidance Department, had teamed up with Wang Dong'er and Xiao Xiao during the freshman assessment.
It could be said that the Tang Sect was thriving!
Huo Yuhao had a perfect solution for this: to establish the Soul Transmission Tower in advance and integrate the Tang Sect into it.
'Well, once Electrolux and I perfect the soul method, we can proceed.'
Moreover, Huo Yuhao could take the Tang Sect's diluted skills and refine them into something more suitable.
That was the general idea.
As for how to execute it, they would wait until their soul power levels were higher.
After a homely dinner, He Caitou approached Huo Yuhao for a private conversation.
Huo Yuhao was surprised. He had only taken the soul guidance department as an elective, differing from the original storyline where he apprenticed under Fan Yu. What did He Caitou want to discuss?
Though puzzled, he followed He Caitou to a quieter spot.
It was already dark, and bright stars dotted the clear sky.
Sitting on a wooden chair beside Huo Yuhao, He Caitou looked up at the sky, his expression solemn.
"Yuhao, I heard from the teacher that you don't want to participate in the Ultimate Soldier Plan?"
'So that was it.'
The day after the reserve team list was announced, Huo Yuhao had been taken by Fan Yu to meet the two deans of the Soul Guidance Department to discuss the Ultimate Soldier Plan.
But Huo Yuhao's stance was firm.
'Extreme Solo Soldier? No thanks, I won't go!'
He hadn't joined the Soul Guidance Department to learn stealth, infiltration, and sabotage.
If he had that time, wouldn't it be better to focus on training?
Huo Yuhao nodded to He Caitou, "I am indeed against the Ultimate Soldier Plan because it holds no meaning for me!"
This kind of hollow plan was just a scheme to secure funding, completely at odds with Huo Yuhao's philosophy.
'What Extreme Solo Soldier?'
'Even without this plan, I, Huo Yuhao, can still annihilate the enemy nation!'
…
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