Leaving the Soul Tool Department's experimental area, the sky outside was already dark.
Along the wide path, sparse and slender soul-tool street lamps glowed softly, their light reflecting off the metallic buildings of the department, giving the place a strangely serene atmosphere.
Ning Tian silently followed beside Xu Zihuang. Every time they came here, the one Fan Yu focused on most was Yu Tianhuang, while she herself became nothing more than a background figure.
Yet she didn't mind at all—because Yu Tianhuang was the one person who made her set aside her pride.
The two walked along the cool path toward the Martial Soul Department. In the past eight months, they had taken this route together countless times.
As the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's sole heir, she had carried immense pressure since childhood. These walks were the most relaxing part of her day.
At the same time, her state of mind had gradually shifted—something she herself hadn't even realized.
"Will you go home over the break?" Ning Tian asked softly.
Xu Zihuang smiled faintly, glanced at her, then shook his head.
"Home? I don't have one anymore."
Ning Tian's expression froze. Lowering her head, she bit her red lips.
"I'm sorry…"
"It's nothing." Xu Zihuang lifted his gaze to the star-filled sky, his deep violet eyes calm.
For someone like him, emotions were too much of a luxury.
At the same time, a faint weariness spread within his eyes.
After so long pretending, nerves constantly taut, his mental state was nearing its limit. He needed this holiday to rest.
In silence, they reached the lakeside path near the Martial Soul Department.
After about five minutes, Xu Zihuang suddenly spotted a familiar figure by Sea God Lake.
"Senior Brother Xu?"
At his call, the tall figure leaning against a lakeside stone turned instinctively.
He was tall, with thick brows, bright eyes, a straight nose, and square jaw—handsome and imposing. It was Xu Sanshi. But his face was clouded with gloom.
"Ning Tian, you go ahead. I'll talk with Senior Brother Xu for a while." Xu Zihuang gestured to her, then walked over.
Ning Tian nodded slightly, understanding, and left the space to them.
Xu Sanshi teased with a grin. "Not bad, you kid."
"Don't misunderstand, Senior Brother—it's just friendship," Xu Zihuang replied with a smile, recognizing his meaning.
Imitating him, Xu Zihuang leaned against the stone, gazing at the darkened lake.
After eight months, he and Xu Sanshi had grown quite close.
Though Xu Sanshi wasn't as gentle as Beibei, being fiery and quick-tempered, he was loyal and straightforward.
To be honest, compared to Beibei, whose mind was always full of little schemes, Xu Zihuang preferred dealing with Xu Sanshi.
Perhaps Beibei meant no harm, but Xu Zihuang disliked that kind of calculating nature—simply a matter of personality clash.
Over these months, Xu Sanshi often came to him for advice on pursuing Jiang Nannan.
But Xu Zihuang knew well—unless Jiang Nannan's heart-knot unraveled, the two could never truly be together.
He had even suggested Xu Sanshi give up, but underestimated his persistence.
Xu Sanshi was the straightforward type, emotions coming and going quickly. After chatting for a while, he was back to his usual easygoing optimism.
"Forget it, one day Nannan will realize how good I am." He patted Xu Zihuang's shoulder heavily, as stubborn as ever.
"I'm off. Tianhuang, get some rest early too."
After parting, Xu Zihuang enjoyed a hearty dinner reserved for core disciples in the cafeteria before returning to his dormitory.
The next morning.
Xu Zihuang and Tuoba Yu arrived early at the classroom.
Xu Zihuang sat by the window, chin resting on his hand, helplessly watching Tuoba Yu, Zhou Sichen, and Cao Jinxuan chattering excitedly.
With the holiday so close, the three were too lively—when Xu Zihuang returned to the dorm last night, they had already been talking until dawn, dragging him into it.
Even now in class, they showed no signs of stopping.
Students arrived one after another. Most smiled and greeted Xu Zihuang at his window seat.
On the eve of break, everyone was excited—except Huo Yuhao.
Following Wang Dong inside, he kept his face dark.
He knew full well he could never pass the advancement exam next term.
Before long, Wang Yan and Mu Jin entered the classroom.
Wang Yan walked to the podium, while Mu Jin sat quietly at the back.
"Students, today is your last day of first year. There are no lessons. I'll say a few words, then you may return to pack and leave."
At once, cheers erupted across the room. Though they had known break was near, hearing it from Wang Yan's own lips was different.
Smiling, Wang Yan continued: "This year, both Teacher Mu and I have seen your efforts. On behalf of us both, I thank you. Your hard work has brought honor to our class."
"But—" His smile faded slightly.
"Shrek Academy is unlike other academies. We have no final exams. Instead, next term there will be a harsh advancement assessment. The content changes each year—even Teacher Mu and I don't know yet. But one thing is fixed: to advance from first to second year, your soul power must reach rank 20, and you must obtain your second ring."
"Those who haven't yet reached rank 20 must work hard this break. Breakthrough to rank 20 and gain a ring—that is the only way to prove you've stepped into the level of Great Soul Master."
"But even with two rings, passing the assessment isn't guaranteed—it depends on the test. Shrek Academy always values strength above all. Let me tell you, last year the test required each student to individually face a hundred-year soul beast under a teacher's supervision. Remember—individually, without outside help. If the supervising teacher intervened, the test was over. This is the academy's most common exam. If it's the same for you, be grateful—it only tests pure strength. But sometimes, it may be tougher, involving luck, strength, and wisdom together. Those usually happen in higher grades. Most likely, your test will be similar to last year's."
"When I graduated, the happiest moment wasn't the start of break—it was after passing the assessment and beginning a new year. For most students, the eve of break is like hell descending—unless you intend to quit the academy. Otherwise, you know what you must do."
"That's all. Class dismissed. Go pack."
His words wiped away much of the class's excitement—especially for those below rank 20.
Even some above rank 20 lacked confidence in facing a hundred-year soul beast alone.
Though many had century rings, few had actually killed the beasts themselves. And the class exam remained unknown.
Still, a number brimmed with confidence in their strength.
"Time to pack, going home!" Zhou Sichen cheered. With both his skills summoning powerful century beasts, defeating one was no problem.
"Monitor, Jinxuan, Tuoba—tonight let's feast at the big hotel in North Shrek City. My treat!"
"You'd better be ready to bleed dry," Cao Jinxuan chuckled, exchanging looks with Tuoba Yu.
Zhou Sichen puffed his chest. "I've got money to spare!"
"Count us in?" Huang Chutian popped up, with two identical twin girls behind him.
Blue-haired, rosy-cheeked, they were none other than the sisters Lan Susu and Lan Luoluo.
Though not top-ranked in strength, they possessed a powerful fusion skill.
Zhou Sichen's smile froze, but since he had spoken, and with the pretty twins present, his pride soared.
"Anyone free tonight is welcome!"
And soon, he learned cruelty—almost the entire class agreed, save for a few loners.
After eight months together, they weren't deeply bonded, but certainly familiar.
It wasn't about freeloading—it was simply the mood.
They even invited Wang Yan and Mu Jin, though both politely refused.
With the time and place set, the students dispersed.
Only Dai Huabin, Zhu Lu, Wang Dong, and Huo Yuhao didn't join. Even Xiao Xiao "betrayed" them.
Wang Dong noticed Huo Yuhao's bowed head, fists clenched, veins bulging, body trembling.
"What's wrong, Yuhao?"
"I'm fine. Don't mind me." His hoarse, trembling voice said otherwise.
Wang Dong frowned deeply. After eight months of Yuhao's constant outbursts, his patience wore thin.
"Hmph. Acting like I want to care." With a cold snort, he left.
After Wang Dong left, Wang Yan quietly set a white form on Yuhao's desk.
It was the last bit of dignity he could offer.
"Yuhao, the academy's rules won't change. If you want to stay, you can apply to transfer to the Soul Tool Department. Think it over."
With a sigh, he left with Mu Jin.
Having taught him for eight months, he understood Yuhao well—unyielding, yet too stubborn, too sensitive.
Perhaps moving to the Soul Tool Department would ease his burden.
Yuhao sat a long while, then slowly raised bloodshot eyes.
"Even if I go to the Soul Tool Department, I'll stay."
Compared to his gloom, Xu Zihuang's side was cheerful.
But as they neared the dorm, laughter cut off abruptly.
Standing there was Nanmen Yuner, her light-green hair flowing, dark-green eyes soft.
Seeing Xu Zihuang, she smiled and handed him an ornate letter.
"Sister Qin graduated a few days ago. Before leaving, she asked me to give you this."
Xu Zihuang squeezed it lightly—it was thick, with something inside.
He tucked it into his soul guide, thoughtful.
Meeting his gentle gaze, Nanmen Yuner opened her lips as if to speak, but held back. Smiling, she turned and left.
As she walked away, unseen, her eyes dimmed. She had chosen to disappoint Qin Yin's good will.
For a boy like the shining sun, she would only watch from afar.
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