At this moment, Du Weilun's voice rang out once more.
"Freshman Class Nine, Yu Tianhuang's team, lot number one."
Number one meant they would compete in the first match of the semifinals. Inside the box there were only four numbers, two marked as one and two as two.
"Freshman Class Nine, Ning Tian's team, draw your lot."
Xu Zihuang walked down from the stands just as Ning Tian approached.
The tall Ning Tian was only half a head shorter than Xu Zihuang. Her slightly wavy golden short hair looked neat and tidy, her long lashes framed azure eyes, and under the glow of her hair her fair skin seemed even more radiant.
Her delicate features adorned her lovely face as she gave Xu Zihuang a faint, elegant smile before the two brushed past each other.
Up in the stands, Mu Jin gripped the railing with both hands, pride shining in her eyes.
Although Yu Tianhuang and Ning Tian were able to lead their teams into the top four largely due to their own outstanding talent, as their teacher she still felt honored.
"Freshman Class Nine, Ning Tian's team, lot number two."
Hearing that Ning Tian and Yu Tianhuang had drawn different lots, Mu Jin's smile deepened.
"Congratulations, Teacher Mu. This way, both of your Class Nine teams have a chance to enter the finals. There's even a real possibility you'll take both first and second place in the freshman assessment," said Teacher Jiang of Freshman Class Five with heartfelt congratulations as he approached.
Mu Jin modestly waved her hand.
"Teacher Jiang flatters me. Your Class Five's Dai Huabin team is also very strong. Nothing is decided yet."
"As long as we don't run into your Yu Tianhuang's team, that's good enough," Teacher Jiang said with a wry smile.
"Freshman Class Five, Dai Huabin's team, lot number one."
The result Du Weilun announced next made Teacher Jiang's face twitch uncontrollably.
"Speak of the devil…"
With that, the outcome for Xie Huanyue's team was already clear without even drawing.
Semifinal Match One: Freshman Class Nine, Yu Tianhuang's team versus Freshman Class Five, Dai Huabin's team.
Semifinal Match Two: Freshman Class Nine, Ning Tian's team versus Freshman Class Two, Xie Huanyue's team.
Accompanied by Du Weilun and the respectful greetings of the teachers, Yan Shaozhe arrived at his special seat in the stands.
It was a wide, protruding section with the best view, allowing him to overlook the entire assessment area.
Though this was only the annual freshman assessment held three months into the school year, nearly every inner court student of Shrek Academy had once shone during this very test. After being recognized, they were given full training. That was precisely why Dean Yan Shaozhe personally came to observe: this year's freshmen were exceptionally strong.
Normally, even for Shrek Academy students, reaching three rings took until around the third year. And three rings was also the minimum requirement for promotion from third to fourth year.
Yet in this year's freshman class, four Soul Elders with three rings had already appeared. Such strength made them almost certain to enter the inner court in the future.
But the main reason was Yu Tianhuang—the genius with three thousand-year soul rings.
At the same age, even Tang San, the Sea God of ten thousand years ago and a member of the original Shrek Seven Devils, could not compare to such talent.
In Shrek Academy's long history, those whose talent could rival his could be counted on one hand.
It was no exaggeration to say that Yu Tianhuang already had the qualifications to become an inner court disciple.
"Weilun, in today's first semifinal, who do you favor?" Yan Shaozhe asked with a smile.
Du Weilun frowned slightly before relaxing again.
"In terms of individual strength, Yu Tianhuang is definitely superior. The overall strength of both teams' members is about the same. I lean toward Yu Tianhuang. Control-type soul masters naturally counter assault-types, and his soul skills are so powerful. Dai Huabin may find it hard to even break free from his control. I'm just a little worried he might be a member of the Body Sect."
"That's nothing to worry about."
Yan Shaozhe smiled and nodded, his gaze resting briefly on Dai Huabin and Zhu Lu in the arena.
You two youngsters, I hope you can at least put some pressure on him.
At that moment, a powerful voice suddenly boomed.
"Old Yan, I hear this year's freshmen include a genius with a spiritual attribute Body Martial Soul?"
Yan Shaozhe's smile instantly froze, though he didn't turn his head.
"Qian Duoduo, what are you doing here? Let me make this clear first—you're not to target these freshmen."
The newcomer was a burly man in his fifties, his face unlined but his hair completely white, bristling like steel needles that gave him a rugged look. Standing at least 2.2 meters tall, his broad shoulders and strong back made him seem like hewn granite. His muscles showed no signs of slackness with age. His bronzed skin gleamed with a metallic luster under the sunlight. A thick metallic aura clung to him. Following him was none other than Fan Yu, who had once discussed Huo Yuhao with Zhou Yi.
Yan Shaozhe did not turn, but Du Weilun quickly recovered from his shock, bowing respectfully.
"Vice Dean Qian, greetings. What brings you here?"
This smiling, easygoing Vice Dean Qian Duoduo was precisely the man in charge of the daily affairs of the Soul Tool Department, holding a position even higher than Du Weilun's.
At Shrek Academy, such a position was not easily attained. There were two paths: one was outstanding teaching ability and contribution to the academy, and the other was overwhelming personal strength. In the vast Shrek Academy, there were only four deans in total, including vice deans. They were the true pillars of the academy. To hold such a position was never just about contribution—it also required top-tier personal power.
Qian Duoduo laughed heartily and plopped down beside Yan Shaozhe.
"Passing through. Thought I'd take a look. Old Yan, you're still as stingy as ever."
Du Weilun stepped aside, greeting Fan Yu before finding a seat behind the two deans.
Yan Shaozhe smiled slightly. "So it's settled then—you're just here to watch. If you want to target my freshmen, forget it."
"Yes, yes, just to watch."
The muscles of Qian Duoduo's face twitched slightly as he exchanged a subtle glance with Fan Yu behind him.
Of course, he wasn't here simply to watch. He had come precisely for Yu Tianhuang.
A spiritual attribute Body Martial Soul, reaching the Soul Elder level before twelve years of age. His talent, physique, and martial soul all perfectly matched the needs of their plan.
But since he had already spoken, with Yan Shaozhe's temperament, there was no way he could act openly.
Still, once it was confirmed that Yu Tianhuang met the requirements, they could always take their time.
As long as you chipped away at the wall carefully, an opportunity would come eventually.
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