As expected, there were no so-called surprises—before absolute strength, everything else was meaningless.
Four freshmen at the Soul Elder level had led their teams into the top four. Such a spectacle had not been seen at Shrek Academy for centuries.
After the buildup of yesterday and today, Xu Zihuang had truly become famous throughout the outer court.
He had even gained the title of Number One Control of the Outer Court, standing alongside Beibei and Xu Sanshi.
Beibei was known as the strongest attack-type martial soul in the outer court, Xu Sanshi as the strongest defense.
The weight behind the title of Number One Control was undeniably heavy.
Of course, Xu Zihuang's vision ensured he would never grow complacent over such a hollow reputation.
After dinner, under the awed and envious gazes of the other freshmen, Xu Zihuang and Tuoba Yu returned to their dormitory.
Tuoba Yu sat on his bed, uncharacteristically solemn, his brows furrowed as though weighed down by something.
After a long silence, he suddenly lifted his head and looked toward Xu Zihuang, who was by the balcony, eyes closed, savoring the scent of Mo Xue Ji flowers.
"What is it, Tuoba?" Xu Zihuang opened his eyes as if sensing it, his deep violet gaze under the rose-gold glow of sunset like flawless amethyst—noble and serene.
He had already noticed Tuoba Yu's unusual state earlier that afternoon, and had a vague idea of the cause.
Taking a deep breath, Tuoba Yu seemed to steel himself, then said gravely, "Tianhuang, would you mind listening to something about my family?"
Xu Zihuang gave a small nod and walked to sit on his bed.
For Tuoba Yu to bring up such a sensitive matter first meant he truly regarded him as a friend. No matter the reason, Xu Zihuang had to respond with the respect it deserved.
This was the basic rule of conduct.
Meeting Xu Zihuang's gaze, Tuoba Yu gave a bitter smile. "You probably realized it this afternoon. The reason I was in low spirits was because of Dai Huabin from Class Five."
"Dai Huabin should be from the White Tiger Duke's line, right?" Xu Zihuang had long suspected this, so he wasn't surprised at the mention.
Although he knew Tuoba Yu's family lineage traced back to the Holy Dragon Sect that had submitted to Spirit Hall ten thousand years ago, he had never delved into the specifics of their grudges and history.
Tuoba Yu nodded, his expression complicated.
"Ten thousand years ago, Spirit Hall's ambition swelled, and they provoked war with both the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires. My family's line descended from the Holy Dragon Sect, one of the original Seven Great Sects. After Spirit Hall's defeat, our family, having chosen the wrong side, was purged by the two empires. At that time, the Emperor of the Star Luo Empire—the ancestor of the White Tiger Duke's line—sentenced all members of the Holy Dragon Sect as traitors. He even issued a decree forbidding any descendants of the sect from ever stepping foot in the Star Luo Empire again."
"Though after ten thousand years, the decree no longer carries much force, our elders always taught us juniors to face this history, to atone for the blood debt of our ancestors. We were told to serve the nation, hoping through merit to one day erase that shameful decree. When I saw Dai Huabin today, these memories came rushing back."
Xu Zihuang brushed back a strand of violet hair from his face, his expression solemn.
The Holy Dragon Sect's sins against the two empires and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan were undeniable. Yet that Tuoba Yu's family could face that history and seek redemption was worthy of respect.
Having spoken the words hidden in his heart, Tuoba Yu felt greatly relieved.
"When I first heard your surname was Yu, I wondered if you might be a descendant of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Luckily, I was overthinking it—otherwise, I truly wouldn't know how to face you."
Xu Zihuang gave him an unreadable glance, though in truth he felt little.
Raised under the Sun Moon Empire's royal education, he had no particular sense of identity with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
After chatting idly for a while, the two naturally turned to cultivation for the night.
At dawn, when the first light broke across the east, Xu Zihuang and Tuoba Yu carried on as usual—after washing up and eating a hearty breakfast in the cafeteria, they made their way unhurriedly to the assessment grounds.
Today, this year's freshman champion would be decided.
At the edge of the grounds, the other three teams—including Nanmen Yuner's—were already waiting.
After joining her, Xu Zihuang and Tuoba Yu quickly stood ready.
Compared to yesterday, the audience was much larger today. Naturally, all were teachers; the students still had classes.
Under the watchful eyes of so many teachers, the students merely exchanged glances, not words.
Yet Dai Huabin, standing at the front of Class Five's lineup, never took his eyes off Xu Zihuang after he arrived.
His gaze was vicious, brimming with battle intent.
But Xu Zihuang looked calmly forward, unconcerned. To him, Dai Huabin's mentality was far too childish.
He had never once regarded Dai Huabin as a true rival.
Dai Huabin was simply unworthy.
This time, the lot-drawing was not presided over by the Martial Soul Department's Director Du Weilun, but by an elderly man in white who had taken his place.
Standing respectfully at his side, Du Weilun's demeanor made clear this elder's exalted status in the academy.
"Greetings, young ones. I am Yan Shaozhe, the 261st Headmaster of Shrek Academy," the white-clad elder said with a warm smile. His presence was gentle, like any ordinary old man.
But at the revelation of his identity, every student except Xu Zihuang instinctively straightened. Even Dai Huabin was no exception.
The Headmaster of Shrek Academy, leader of the continent's foremost academy, stood as an equal to any emperor. Moreover, the Headmaster was always a Title Douluo-level powerhouse.
That he himself would appear here was something none of the freshmen had expected.
"I know you're all wondering why I've come. Normally, even at the final stage of the freshman assessment, a vice-headmaster would suffice to show the academy's regard. But I must say, your class's performance has greatly pleased me. You are the most gifted batch of freshmen in nearly a thousand years. I am very interested in you. So, I came. And I will watch all your matches today. I hope you can give me a surprise. Now, let's begin the drawing."
Of course, the Headmaster would not personally host the draw. Du Weilun hurriedly stepped forward to take the task, though Headmaster Yan himself held the box for the students.
Du Weilun called out loudly: "Freshman Class Nine, Yu Tianhuang's team, step forward to draw."
As he spoke, he leaned slightly toward the Headmaster, lips moving faintly.
The Headmaster gave a barely perceptible nod, his warm smile unchanged as his gaze fell meaningfully on the approaching Xu Zihuang.
"Young man, I hope that in today's assessment, you and your team will show your true strength."
Xu Zihuang, having already dealt with apex figures like Elder Xuan and Elder Mu, felt no pressure before Yan Shaozhe.
Drawing a lot with steady hands, he bowed respectfully to the Headmaster before passing it to Du Weilun and returning calmly to his team.
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