Here are some methods to support me:
PAYEER: P1134728698
Skrill : [email protected]
Webmoney (WMZ Purse): Z820148229030
Your support would mean the world to me, and I genuinely appreciate any help you can offer.
Chapter 98: Personal Grudges
As Zhang Lexuan's words slowly fell, the entire viewing stand fell into an uneasy silence. Every teacher present froze, not daring to utter a single sound.
Yan Shaozhe's smile faded slightly, and his gaze fixed sharply on Zhang Lexuan. The teasing tone he had worn just moments ago was gone, replaced by a calm, controlled seriousness.
"Then I shall watch closely," he said, voice steady. "I'm eager to see what kind of surprises your two precious students can bring me, Lexuan."
"You will see," came a clear, crisp voice.
The instant Xian Lin'er spoke, Yan Shaozhe's expression darkened further. Looking up, he noticed Xian Lin'er—who had somehow appeared on the viewing platform—walking toward them. His expression flickered before forcing out an awkward, strained smile.
"Xian Lin'er, what are you doing here?"
"Spare me the fake courtesy," Xian Lin'er said coldly, her gaze scanning the six students below. "I came here to make sure you don't try any underhanded tricks during the assessment."
Yan Shaozhe's face darkened further.
"Yan Shaozhe," she continued, her voice sharp and unwavering, "I don't care about a normal assessment, but if I catch any of your people trying to sabotage the fairness of the match, I won't just dismantle your assessment area today—I'll report it directly to Elder Mu En."
"You don't really think you've already won, do you?" Yan Shaozhe sneered, his patience fraying.
"Do we need to rely on tricks to deal with you?" Yan Shaozhe's tone was icy. "Don't overestimate your two students!"
"What? Do you think our students are weak?"
Xian Lin'er arched an eyebrow, her expression unyielding rather than offended.
"Then perhaps Dean Yan can lift the restriction on Spirit Tool usage," she said pointedly. "I trust the Dean would have no objection to our Spirit Guidance Department students using the skills they excel at, right?"
Yan Shaozhe's face stiffened. His mouth opened and closed several times, yet he could not bring himself to agree.
Since joining the Spirit Guidance Department, Huo Yuhao and Gu Yuena had been fully trained under Xian Lin'er's supervision. No information about their aptitude with Spirit Tools had leaked.
Though the outside world knew nothing, the occasional gleam of pride on Xian Lin'er's face over the past months hinted that these two were extraordinarily talented.
For Tang San to face both of them alone was already risky. If they were allowed to use Spirit Tools, victory would likely be impossible.
Yan Shaozhe's inner thoughts swirled, yet his outward demeanor remained imposing. He snorted coldly and replied, "I won't fall for your tricks. Don't think I'm ignorant about spirit tools. They've only been in the Spirit Guidance Department for three months. No matter how talented they are, they haven't even reached the Level 1 Spirit Engineer, have they?"
"I'm afraid as soon as I agree, those two will bring out the spirit tools you personally custom-made for them, won't they?"
As if anticipating Yan Shaozhe's response, Xian Lin'er had no interest in further argument.
"Coward. Since Dean Yan has said so, our Spirit Guidance Department can let you have your way."
With a soft snort, she ignored Yan Shaozhe's increasingly livid face and strode to stand beside Zhang Lexuan.
From a distance came a familiar, slightly swaying figure holding a wine gourd. As the teachers respectfully stepped aside, the figure drew closer.
It was Xuan Zi, who rarely showed interest in freshmen assessment. Wang Yan's curiosity got the better of him, and he asked, "Elder Xuan, what brings you here?"
Xuan Zi found a comfortable spot at the edge of the viewing platform and waved dismissively.
"Don't mind me. I just came to see what that kid who dared to scold me face-to-face is capable of."
"…Huh?"
Wang Yan's expression changed as his gaze flicked subconsciously to Huo Yuhao below.
He couldn't help but feel a thrill. This seemingly obedient youth had actually dared to scold Elder Xuan directly? That was bold.
Of course, he didn't dare ask for the details. His attention shifted back to the upcoming match.
As two of the top championship contenders, this battle captured the full attention of every teacher. Even students who had been defeated earlier now gathered around the perimeter to watch this highly anticipated fight.
In the past, the Academy might have driven such spectators away.
But this time was different. Observing battles between peers of such caliber was not only a waste of time, but it also showed students the vast gap between themselves and true top-tier talent—motivating them to train harder.
The Academy naturally turned a blind eye.
Many teachers even brought their own class's students to watch this match, which carried the intensity of a finals bout. The area around the stage soon swarmed with spectators, as though a true championship had arrived.
"Both sides, announce your names!"
Looking at the six people who had arrived, Du Weilun spoke in a deep voice.
For him, a Spirit Douluo-level Director, to personally act as the referee for this match showed how much Yan Shaozhe valued this competition.
"Freshman Class One, Zhou Sichen."
"Freshman Class One, Cao Jinxuan."
The surrounding spectators were thrilled, but Zhou Sichen and Cao Jinxuan were far from pleased.
Being forcibly assigned to a team with Tang San was embarrassing enough. Now, with the entire audience watching, humiliation was unavoidable. They could already imagine being whispered about in the cafeteria.
At first, they had consoled themselves: at least they had a strong teammate. Stay low-profile during the competition, aim for second place, and it wouldn't be too bad.
But after advancing from the Top 32 to the Top 16, they now faced an even more formidable team. This was not what they had expected!
"Freshman Class One, Tang San."
Tang San had no time to consider his temporary teammates' thoughts. His attention was fully captured by Huo Yuhao, who was likewise staring at him.
The heartbeat in his chest surged like never before. In his past life, the enemy who had betrayed him now stood before him. The impulse to tear Huo Yuhao apart had to be suppressed with tremendous effort.
Noticing Tang San's outward calm, yet the pronounced veins on his neck, Huo Yuhao silently exhaled.
If it weren't for the restriction of only being able to absorb once every three days, his Original Sin of Wrath might have already been unlocked with Tang San.
"Freshman Class Five, Huo Yuhao."
"Zhu Lu."
"Gu Yuena."
Once all names were announced, Du Weilun nodded slightly. With the aid of his Spirit Power, his voice, though not loud, carried clearly to every ear present.
"Due to the strength of both teams, I will serve as the referee. You are free to display your full power. Attack your opponent without holding back."
"Any participant removed from the stage by my intervention shall be considered eliminated. Understood?"
As Du Weilun finished, Huo Yuhao felt a gentle squeeze on his hand. Glancing sideways, he saw Gu Yuena blink at him twice.
No words were needed—he understood.
We can fight at full strength!
"…Yeah, right in your dreams!" {T/N: If Gu Yuena uses her full power, everyone will die there lol}
Huo Yuhao almost choked back a laugh, coughing lightly to regain composure. He looked at Tang San silently, then gently squeezed Gu Yuena's hand.
"I would like to kindly ask both of you for a favor," he said softly, then turned to Zhu Lu. "This match… is somewhat a personal matter. Let me handle it alone."
Not only Zhu Lu, even Zhou Sichen and Cao Jinxuan were momentarily stunned.
Seriously?
He intends to face all three alone?
Tang San's expression darkened sharply. He could barely believe what he had heard.
Huo Yuhao wanted to fight him alone?
"Just because he had relied on the power of the Original Sin Gods in his previous life to perish with me after I had finished fighting the God of Destruction, he thinks he is on the same level as me!?"
Tang San was a Spirit Elder; Huo Yuhao merely a Spirit Grandmaster. The gap in cultivation was massive.
Yet, Huo Yuhao clearly wasn't afraid. Even with his million-year Spirit Rings, Tang San knew the true limit of their power was constrained by the body. The thousand-year rings Huo Yuhao currently had were not enough to create an insurmountable gap.
And he had hidden weapons—a clear advantage.
How could Huo Yuhao dare fight him alone?
Huo Yuhao gave no explanation. As he spoke, his teammates gave their own.
"…Fine."
Without hesitation, Gu Yuena and Zhu Lu turned to Du Weilun and declared, "We two forfeit."
Under the astonished gazes of the audience, the two walked off the stage.
Even Xuan Zi's brows knitted slightly. His eyes studied Huo Yuhao with a mixture of doubt and astonishment.
From their earlier encounter, he had gained some understanding of Huo Yuhao's character. He did not believe the boy's actions were a true withdrawal, yet this implied Huo Yuhao had the confidence to face three opponents alone?
Could he have misjudged him?
Impossible.
Huo Yuhao appeared to be a control-type spirit master, his abilities mainly supportive. Aside from superior physicality, he showed no notable offensive skill. He believed his judgment was correct.
Yet…
Why did Huo Yuhao dare?
On the stage, Du Weilun swallowed hard. Watching the two seemingly surrender so easily, he felt a sudden, profound unease.
After one match after another, these two grew increasingly mysterious.
Were these two truly people that their Battle Spirit Department, or rather Shrek, could take under its wing?
(End of Chapter)