Yu Yangyan truly did not know that Xu Zihuang possessed twin martial spirits.
His intention had only been to give Xu Zihuang a proper identity and secure Shrek Academy's protection.
As a father, how could he not love his daughter?
Even though, back then, Xu Zihuang's mother had chosen to sever ties and follow Xu Zihuang's father away, the bond of blood was not so easily cut.
Without his tacit approval, his eldest son would never have been able to mobilize the sect's strength to aid Wang Xiao and the others in finding Xu Zihuang's place of imprisonment.
He had even deceived Elder Mu for this.
But in his eyes, Xu Zihuang was only a soul master with a mutated spirit-attribute body martial spirit—nothing more than good talent at best. Even if he stood out in the soul master world in the future, no one would ever guess he carried the blood of the Sun Moon Empire's royal line.
Still less could anyone imagine that Xu Zihuang would one day harbor the "ridiculous" idea of seizing the Sun Moon Empire's throne.
It could only be said that countless coincidences had shaped today's circumstances.
Unaware of all this, Xu Zihuang remained at the lakeside of the Sea God Lake, immersed in meditation.
It felt like only a minute had passed, yet also like an entire century. The warm aura of Light gradually faded.
If an ordinary soul master received this Light's nourishment, it would only purify their soul power, making it more refined.
But Xu Zihuang experienced no such process. His soul power was already of the highest quality, and after being tempered and cleansed earlier by the Spirit's Gold, it had already undergone refinement. Thus, when this aura entered him, it became pure enhancement.
A sharp gleam flashed in Xu Zihuang's deep violet eyes. As he awakened, he was delighted to find that his cultivation had surged straight to rank thirty-five.
Lifting his gaze, he looked toward the Sea God Pavilion on the mist-veiled peak at the center of Sea God Island.
This time, he had well and truly entered the vision of Shrek Academy's upper echelon.
Just then, he felt a presence and turned his eyes forward.
At the foot of the mountain path leading to the Sea God Pavilion, a young woman about twenty-five or twenty-six sat serenely upon a clean slab of bluish stone. Her black hair flowed like silk to her waist, her delicate, flawless face radiant. Her eight fingers interlaced, thumbs touching, resting lightly on her crossed legs. Her gentle, tranquil aura made her unforgettable at first sight.
As Xu Zihuang's gaze fell upon her, the young woman opened her clear, wise black eyes.
Even with his broad experience, Xu Zihuang had to admit that her beauty was enough to dim all else around her.
"My name is Zhang Lexuan. You may call me Senior Sister. Teacher Wang gained some insights earlier and has already gone into seclusion to cultivate."
The young woman smiled warmly.
"Elder Xuan asked me to tell you that after you finish cultivating, you may leave on your own."
The Inner Court's chief disciple—Zhang Lexuan?
Xu Zihuang's expression grew solemn as he bowed respectfully.
"Thank you for the reminder, Senior Sister."
Though it was their first meeting, Zhang Lexuan's attitude toward him was unusually kind. Not merely polite, but sincerely warm.
Ever since Elder Mu had brought her into Shrek Academy, she had regarded the academy as her home.
Just moments ago, Elder Mu and Elder Xuan had told her that Xu Zihuang might surpass her to be cultivated as the next Pavilion Master of the Sea God Pavilion. Yet she felt no resentment at all, only heartfelt joy for the academy.
If Xu Zihuang could earn Elder Mu and Elder Xuan's recognition, he naturally possessed something extraordinary.
"I heard from Elder Xuan that you still need to take part in the freshmen assessment's elimination matches this afternoon. With time running short, shall I take you there?"
Zhang Lexuan rose gracefully, her light yellow long dress tracing her flawless figure.
She wasn't especially tall, her height nearly equal to Xu Zihuang's.
"No need to trouble Senior Sister with such a small matter." Xu Zihuang shook his head with a smile, bowed again, and let three violet rings rise one by one beneath him.
Still, a trace of doubt lingered in his heart. This senior sister seemed far too approachable.
His second soul ring shone.
Before Zhang Lexuan's astonished eyes, countless thin, dark-red crystalline mirrors condensed in midair.
With perfect precision, Xu Zihuang stepped onto the fragile crystal surfaces, each step propelling him forward at breakneck speed.
Step after step, he seemed to stride upon the air itself—a feat only Title Douluo could achieve.
But with her cultivation, Zhang Lexuan could easily discern the truth behind it.
"Condensed soul power, a first ring of thousand-year level, and such exquisite control over soul skills… As Elder Mu and Elder Xuan said, this junior brother's talent truly surpasses mine."
Watching Xu Zihuang vanish into the mist, she murmured softly.
——
The Sea God Lake was vast, yet with Xu Zihuang's speed, it took less than fifteen minutes to reach the lakeside path encircling the academy.
Curiously, he noticed far fewer students moving about today.
No one crossed his path, sparing him trouble.
When he arrived at the assessment grounds, he finally understood why.
Because of his astounding display of talent that morning, word had spread across the entire Outer Court. With the afternoon free of classes, not only freshmen but also most senior students had gathered outside the assessment area to see the truth with their own eyes.
On the platform within, Du Weilun frowned as he looked at the two teams awaiting battle.
On one side were Tuoba Yu and Nanmen Yun'er. On the other, three students from Class Eight.
The trio looked eager and ready.
They were the seed team of Class Eight, each a Soul Grandmaster above rank twenty. At first, when they drew Yu Tianhuang's team, they had resigned themselves. But when the match was about to begin, Yu Tianhuang had yet to appear.
Didn't this give them a chance? Not for the reward of the assessment, but for the chance to secure a higher ranking for their team and win more recognition from the academy.
They weren't delusional. They knew they couldn't match teams led by Soul Elders.
But before they could step onto the field, a figure descended from the sky, shattering dark-red crystals as he landed firmly beside Tuoba Yu and Nanmen Yun'er.
Bowing slightly to Du Weilun, Xu Zihuang said apologetically,
"Sorry, Director Du. I'm late."
"Join your team," Du Weilun said indifferently, his frown easing.
Though strict, he always showed lenience to students of exceptional talent. Besides, Wang Yan had already briefed him before taking Xu Zihuang to Sea God Island.
Everyone present was dazzled by Xu Zihuang's dramatic entrance.
Xu Zihuang could only feel helpless. With the crowd packed outside the assessment grounds, this had been the only way in.
Across the field, the three from Class Eight despaired.
With Yu Tianhuang here, they stood no chance at all. Worse, they would only be made into foils.
Why even bother? If they couldn't win, what was the point?
The three simply forfeited. They were done!
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