The Soul Ascension Pill and the Profound Water Pill were of the same grade.
The Profound Water Pill's effect was to cleanse the marrow and refine the body, raising a soul master's potential, while the Soul Ascension Pill could directly enhance a soul master's cultivation.
For example, if a rank thirty-one soul master took one, it could basically allow them to touch the bottleneck of rank thirty-two—or even directly push them up one level.
Generally speaking, its effect fell within this range. The higher a soul master's rank, the less obvious the effect; but for lower-ranked soul masters, a single Soul Ascension Pill could save them much time in arduous cultivation.
It counted as one of the highest-grade pills.
And very few plant-type soul masters could produce them. Annual production never exceeded twenty pills, and they were usually consumed internally.
Even with Xu Zihuang's father's former power, he had never been able to obtain one for him. That alone showed their precious rarity—truly priceless.
Though Yan Shaozhe hadn't said it outright, everyone could tell he was going head-to-head with Qian Duoduo.
Qian Duoduo was furious.
"Yan Shaozhe, what do you mean by this?"
Yan Shaozhe shrugged innocently.
"I'm very satisfied with this year's freshmen. Is there a problem with slightly increasing the assessment rewards?"
Qian Duoduo nearly fainted from anger. From the time they were young and entered Shrek Academy together, he had always been suppressed by Yan Shaozhe.
Whether in talent, in strength, or even in verbal sparring, he had never once gained the upper hand.
He truly wanted to beat Yan Shaozhe up, but if they actually fought, he wouldn't be Yan Shaozhe's match.
It was no exaggeration to say that even if Yan Shaozhe gave him one hand, he still wouldn't stand a chance.
Xu Zihuang was delighted to watch Yan Shaozhe and Qian Duoduo spar like this. The more they competed, the more benefits their promises to him would contain.
On the surface, he feigned apprehension, but in his heart he thought—let them keep arguing. The more they fight, the more I gain.
Finally, under the joint persuasion of Du Weilun and Fan Yu, the two gave up.
Yan Shaozhe still wore his gentle smile, but Qian Duoduo looked utterly vexed.
Meanwhile, on the assessment field, the match between Ning Tian's team and Xie Huan Yue's team had already been decided.
Though Xie Huan Yue's personal strength was formidable, his teammates Luo Tianlong and Luo Tianba lacked both quality martial spirits and strong cultivation. Overall, their team was clearly weaker than Ning Tian's trio.
With Ning Tian's Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda amplifying them, the Luo brothers were both crushed and eliminated. Left alone, Xie Huan Yue could not hold on and was defeated.
Xie Huan Yue's martial spirit, the Pi Pi Elephant, had astonishing defensive power. To break his ball-like defense, ordinary attacks were useless. Only two methods worked: extreme attribute attacks, like high-temperature flames or ultra-low-temperature ice, or extreme sharpness.
Wu Feng's Red Dragon martial spirit happened to meet the first condition with its high-temperature flames.
Thus, the final two teams advancing to the championship round were decided.
Yu Tianhuang's team and Ning Tian's team—both from Freshman Class Nine, led by Mu Jin.
In the stands, Mu Jin looked delighted. Ever since she had lost to Zhou Yi back then, she hadn't felt such joy.
The other freshman teachers congratulated her. For two teams from the same class to seize both first and second place—this was unprecedented in Shrek Academy's history.
"Student Yu Tianhuang, return to your teammates. I look forward to your performance in the final." Yan Shaozhe's smile did not fade.
"And what I said earlier still stands. You're a clever child—I trust you know how to choose."
Xu Zihuang rose, bowed to everyone, and left the stands.
Vice Dean Qian Duoduo of the Soul Tool Department, however, was utterly deflated. With no enthusiasm, he barely responded to Xu Zihuang.
Other than their money, the Soul Tool Department truly had little advantage compared to the Martial Soul Department.
Du Weilun stepped forward before the four remaining teams and announced solemnly:
"This afternoon, Yu Tianhuang's team and Ning Tian's team will compete for the championship of this year's freshmen assessment. Between Xie Huan Yue's team and Dai Huabin's team, the winner will take third place. For now, you may go rest and prepare for the afternoon match."
The four teams lined up vertically, each captain standing in front.
Xu Zihuang stood beside Ning Tian, and to her right was Cui Yajie—the only uninjured member of Dai Huabin's team. Last was Xie Huan Yue.
Just as Du Weilun finished speaking, Ning Tian suddenly stepped forward.
"Director Du, I think there's no need for our team and Yu Tianhuang's team to hold a final. We concede."
As she spoke, her eyes turned toward Xu Zihuang, a breathtaking smile on her face.
Against Yu Tianhuang, they had no real chance to begin with. To make this decision wasn't hard.
And if it was Yu Tianhuang, she was willing to lower all her pride.
On the other side, Cui Yajie also stepped forward with a bitter smile.
"Director Du, that healing teacher just told us—Dai Huabin and Zhu Lu won't be able to return for this afternoon's match. We concede as well."
Du Weilun pondered a moment, then nodded.
Conceding was fully within the rules.
That being the case, the rewards and class divisions for the freshmen assessment could be finalized ahead of time.
And so, without a final match, this year's freshmen assessment's top three were decided.
As classmates, the six members of Class Nine's two teams walked out of the assessment grounds together, heading for the cafeteria.
Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian walked in front, chatting happily. Wu Feng trailed one step behind, glaring jealously at the two of them.
Since childhood, Nanmen Yun'er and Ya Lu had always been close, so they naturally paired up, leaving only the pitiful Tuoba Yu alone at the back.
Both Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian had special identities, both were worldly and experienced. Almost any topic one raised, the other could follow, leaving Wu Feng sick with envy.
She knew Ning Tian had never smiled so often when facing her.
Under Xu Zihuang's subtle guidance, the topic shifted to Ning Tian's Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial spirit.
"You really don't need to be so modest. If your martial spirit evolves into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, it would absolutely be the strongest auxiliary-type tool martial spirit in the world."
Ning Tian's expression grew wistful. She lifted a jade hand to tuck back a loose strand of golden hair, her delicate nose wrinkling adorably.
"Since our ancestor Ning Rongrong, no one in the clan has managed to evolve their martial spirit into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. In my generation, I fear it won't change either."
Xu Zihuang's thoughts stirred, recalling the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well in the depths of the Sunset Forest.
He knew of a method to evolve Ning Tian's martial spirit into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. But he had to weigh the pros and cons—and consider whether Ning Tian could truly be of use to him.
After all, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was one of the ancient sects rooted in the Douluo Continent. To use them would not be easy.
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