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"Little Brother Chen, you're truly remarkable."
As Chen Junting stepped down from the dueling platform, Ning Tian's group and the pair of Bei Bei and Tang Ya came to greet him. Bei Bei made no effort to hide his admiration for the freshman who'd just defeated Xu Sanshi.
"Just luck," Chen Junting replied modestly.
"This wasn't luck," Bei Bei insisted, glancing at Xu Sanshi—who stood nearby, disheveled and scowling. Bei Bei's barely suppressed grin only infuriated him further.
"Damn it, Bei Bei—what are you smirking about?!" Xu Sanshi snapped. "If you went up there, you'd probably get wrecked even worse than I did!"
Bei Bei simply spread his hands. "Well, it wasn't me who got wrecked."
"You—!" Xu Sanshi fumed, itching to challenge his so-called friend right then and there. But glancing at his broken arm, he knew he'd just be handing Bei Bei another easy victory. Swallowing his rage, he growled, "Just you wait—I'll get you next time!"
"Anytime," Bei Bei said lightly.
Once Xu Sanshi stormed off, Bei Bei's expression sobered. "That idiot's actions today were pretty shameless—but he's actually a decent guy. He just… completely loses his mind when it comes to Jiang Nannan."
He bowed slightly to Chen Junting's group. "Sorry for the trouble, juniors."
"No worries," Chen Junting waved it off amiably. "Besides, men often become friends through a good fight. After sparring with Senior Xu Sanshi, I'd say we've at least earned each other's respect."
After a few more exchanges, Bei Bei and Tang Ya took their leave. Chen Junting's group decided to find another spot to finish their dinner—and this time, they invited Wang Dong along. After all, as Huo Yuhao's roommate, building rapport was essential.
Once dinner was done, everyone headed back to the dorms. Chen Junting took a few extra grilled fish from Huo Yuhao to bring back for Dugu Xin—he'd promised before leaving, and a promise was a promise.
…
The next morning, Chen Junting opened his eyes.
Across the room, Dugu Xin also ended his meditation.
Today was the first day of classes for Shrek freshmen.
Outside their dorm, the halls buzzed with excitement—footsteps thundered on the stairs, voices rose in eager chatter. Most freshmen were practically vibrating with anticipation.
But Dugu Xin remained detached from the frenzy. His stiff expression, serpent-like gaze, and withdrawn demeanor naturally pushed others away.
"Dugu," Chen Junting said as he pulled on his white freshman uniform, "I'll introduce you to some people later." He straightened his collar, then clapped Dugu Xin on the shoulder. "You've come to the academy—you ought to make a few friends."
"Right?" he added with a knowing look.
Dugu Xin offered a strained smile, bitter and hollow. He couldn't imagine anyone willingly befriending a walking poison tank—except, perhaps, his oddly tolerant roommate.
Reading his thoughts, Chen Junting arched a brow. "Don't believe me?"
"I believe you… sure," Dugu Xin muttered unconvincingly.
After finishing their morning routine, the two headed downstairs—and immediately ran into Ning Tian, Wu Feng, Huo Yuhao, and Wang Dong. Chen Junting promptly introduced Dugu Xin to the group.
To Dugu Xin's astonishment, none of them flinched at his toxic aura. More than that—he could feel their acceptance was genuine.
For the first time in years, something thawed in his chest.
Chen Junting watched this unfold with quiet satisfaction.
After breakfast, the six made their way to class.
The moment they entered the classroom—six striking figures moving in unison—the entire room turned to stare. Within seconds, the classroom erupted.
Every student, male and female alike, was captivated. The group was stunningly handsome and beautiful—but at their head stood Chen Junting, whose victory over a sixth-year prodigy yesterday had already made him famous among freshmen.
High talent. Overwhelming strength. Noble bearing. And undeniably handsome.
The girls' eyes gleamed with sudden, speculative interest.
But the moment Ning Tian looped her arm through Chen Junting's, the atmosphere shifted. Girls' faces fell. Boys' shoulders slumped. Disappointment and resignation filled the air.
The classroom was arranged with two columns on each side and four in the center. Chen Junting and Ning Tian took seats in the very back, center row. Wu Feng sat to Ning Tian's left, Dugu Xin to Chen Junting's right. Wang Dong and Huo Yuhao settled into the last row on the left.
As more students trickled in, the initial clamor gradually hushed to whispers.
Then—
Tap… tap… tap…
The sharp click of high heels echoed down the corridor.
Instantly, Class Nine fell dead silent. Students who'd been whispering snapped upright, backs rigid.
A figure strode through the doorway.
It was Mujin—homeroom teacher of Freshman Class Nine.
Stunningly beautiful, yet radiating an aura of quiet authority.
She scanned the room, her gaze lingering on Chen Junting and Ning Tian for a full two seconds before stepping onto the podium. With a smooth stroke, she wrote her name on the blackboard.
"I am your homeroom teacher, Mujin."
She set down the chalk and smiled warmly—projecting approachability. "I'm sure each of you, to have entered Shrek, is a prodigy in your own right."
Many freshmen puffed up with pride.
But a few—those who'd heard rumors—knew what came next.
Sure enough—
"But—"
The single word transformed her. Warmth vanished, replaced by razor-sharp intensity. She was no longer just a teacher—she was a battle-hardened soul master. The proud freshmen paled instantly.
"What is Shrek?" Her voice turned icy. "Monsters!"
"Prodigies like you are everywhere here! But this academy doesn't just want prodigies—we want prodigies among prodigies! You might think you're exceptional—but I tell you, it's not enough! Only monsters belong among monsters. So in three months, during the freshman assessment, I expect you to prove you're monsters—not mere geniuses—and then leave this place!"
Her tone softened slightly as she shifted topics.
"As monsters, you'll need a leader—a monster among monsters. So the class monitor of Class Nine will be the student with the strongest combat prowess or highest cultivation…"
Before she could finish, every eye in the room turned to Chen Junting. After yesterday's duel—defeating a sixth-year senior—he was the obvious choice.
Mujin's gaze locked onto him.
"Chen Junting."
Chen Junting rose slowly.
"You are now Class Nine's monitor."
She swept the room.
"Any objections?"
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