32 Chapter 32: Rewards and Core Disciples

However, as the Director of the Teaching Department, he naturally possessed strong psychological resilience. After a brief period of frustration, he quickly recovered, showing a slight, somewhat helpless smile on his face.

"I must say, you all performed excellently and made me look quite foolish today. I underestimated the power of your Martial Soul Fusion Skill and have no one else to blame. Since you've seen my back, I won't charge you all a fee," he said.

As soon as these words were spoken, laughter spread across the high platform. It had to be acknowledged that Director Du Weilun's personal charm was immense; a simple sentence had resolved his embarrassment, and with his self-deprecation, the teachers felt an inward respect for him. Would they have remained as composed as Director Du Weilun if they had been in his position?

Director Du Weilun continued, "I know that without a clear explanation, there will surely be doubts in everyone's hearts. First, I want to affirm what I just said. I was not mistaken—the ultimate champions are the new student team composed of Wang Dong, Xiao Xiao, and Huo Yuhao. They've won the final victory in this freshman assessment competition with their stunning performance and truly deserve to be the ultimate champions."

He reiterated the declaration of the championship results, causing Dai Huabin and his team's expressions to sour even further.

Director Du Weilun said, "Everyone saw what happened just now. As a teacher, I must prevent any possibility of injury to such excellent freshmen. Both sides used Martial Soul Fusion Skills, and just by sight, I believe even the two deans could not determine the outcome of the attacks. I had no choice but to test it with my own body. I know you all saw the Hell White Tiger, the fusion between Dai Huabin and Zhu Lu, injure me, and you thought they had won. But let me ask you this, as a Soul Douluo, am I so weak defensively? Their Fusion Skill might be between a three-ring Soul Venerable and a two-ring Grand Soul Master, but under my Soul Power protection, would I have been directly injured by their cultivation if it could truly harm me? In that case, I might as well not serve as the Director of the Teaching Department."

After hearing this, the anger and dissatisfaction in Dai Huabin's eyes gradually subsided. Indeed! Director Du Weilun was right. As a formidable eight-ringed Soul Douluo, could their Martial Soul Fusion Skill really have injured him? This seemed somewhat incredible.

Director Du Weilun continued, "After hearing this, you should know the answer. Yes, the reason the Hell White Tiger could injure me was because of another soul skill I was facing head-on. Wang Dong, Huo Yuhao, I still don't know the name of your Martial Soul Fusion Skill. As the person who personally experienced your Fusion Skill, don't I deserve to know?"

Wang Dong chuckled softly and said, "Director Du, you are the first one to withstand our Martial Soul Fusion Skill. This was also the first time we used it in battle after our successful experiment."

Director Du Weilun looked at him with some astonishment and asked, "I am honored. So, may I know its name now?"

Wang Dong nodded and replied, "Of course. Yuhao, you tell him."

Huo Yuhao looked at Dai Huabin in the distance and spoke in an even tone, "Our Martial Soul Fusion Skill is called: Withering in Brilliance, The Golden Road."

Director Du Weilun's gaze turned toward the ground, his eyes flickering with shock. On the ground of the assessment area, there was a thirty-meter long trench about half a meter deep, gleaming with a captivating golden shine, sparkling brilliantly under the sunlight.

Until then, the teachers on the high platform had only been focused on the outcome of the battle, but upon hearing the name from Huo Yuhao, they noticed the brilliant Golden Path. The Golden Path extended all the way to where Director Du Weilun was standing.

Director Du Weilun nodded slightly and said, "I must say that your Martial Soul Fusion Skill is the most unique one I have ever seen. With your level of cultivation, to be able to exert such power has already exceeded the scope of my study on Martial Soul Fusion Skills. I believe that the compatibility of your Martial Souls must be incredibly high."

Having said that, he turned back to Dai Huabin and his team, continuing, "The reason why your Hell White Tiger was able to injure me is only one. Because before your attack hit me, I was already struck by their Golden Road. Only then did your attack land. The effects of Martial Soul Fusion Skills are the secret of any Soul Master. These are all I can disclose. Both Deans were present earlier, and I believe they were able to discern the superiority and inferiority of the two skills as they hit me by the changes in Soul Power."

"Your Hell White Tiger is very strong. Under the circumstances just now, if you had managed to dodge the frontal attack of the Golden Road, you would undoubtedly have won. However, after being hit by Xiao Xiao's soul skill, you were delayed, meaning it was impossible for you to dodge. In such a situation, being hit head-on by the Golden Road guaranteed your defeat. That's all I can say for now. The freshman assessment is fully concluded. Tomorrow morning, a freshman assembly will be held to award the top three teams and to divide the first-year class."

"To be humble in victory and gracious in defeat is essential for progress. You are all amongst the most outstanding freshmen I have ever seen. I hope this one match will not affect your future development. If that's all, we will end here."

After finishing his speech, Director Du Weilun turned and left, quickly departing from the testing area.

Dai Huabin's upper body swayed, and he almost fell but was steadied with Zhu Lu's assistance. The defiance and pride that had been on his face were now gone, replaced by disbelief and intense unwillingness.

I lost, I actually lost, lost to two opponents whose cultivation is far inferior to mine. How is this possible? How can this be?

Huo Yuhao's eyesight was exceptionally good, allowing him to clearly see the changes in Dai Huabin's expression. A sense of indescribable satisfaction suddenly rose in his heart; he found that striking at Dai Huabin's most proud aspect was seemingly a very effective form of revenge.

"We won."

"We are the champions."

The cheers of Xiao Xiao and Wang Dong suddenly erupted, and both grabbed Huo Yuhao, throwing him into the air amidst his cry of surprise.

The three of them, one team. They had ultimately won the championship of the freshman assessment finals. Who was the true core? Xiao Xiao and Wang Dong were well aware.

Undoubtedly, in match after match, Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao displayed their formidable strength, earning the attention of all the teachers. But without Huo Yuhao's Spiritual Detection, Soul Shock, the grasp of the battlefield, and the crucial interventions, could they have reached this point? If they replaced Huo Yuhao with a Soul Master over level 25, could they have done any better? Putting aside friendship, both Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao truly admired him. Only they knew that Huo Yuhao not only was willing to work hard but also possessed astonishing talent.

Class teacher Zhou Yi didn't know when she had descended from the high platform and charged toward them. This usually strict teacher was now as excited as a child, embracing Huo Yuhao and the other two, jumping up and down with exhilaration.

The class teacher of Dai Huabin's class also came over to comfort the three of them. However, Dai Huabin's expression remained unchanged. His eyes occasionally glared viciously at Huo Yuhao and his companions. His fists clenched tightly, thinking, "Next time, I will not lose!"

The results of the final match of the freshman assessment quickly spread throughout the academy. That evening, Huo Yuhao once again skipped his class, didn't go to sell grilled fish, and instead took Wang Dong, Xiao Xiao, along with Bei Bei and Tang Ya, out into the wilderness to grill fish just for them.

Bei Bei and Tang Ya had completely not expected Huo Yuhao's trio to win the championship. They had given up hope when they learned that there were three three-ring Soul Masters among the freshmen. Yet, Huo Yuhao brought a huge surprise to them.

"Wang Dong, do you still want to join us at Tang Sect?" Tang Ya finally remembered the serious business after she had her fill of grilled fish.

Wang Dong eagerly nodded, saying, "Of course I want to join!"

Tang Ya giggled and said, "Alright, since you won the championship, the Sect Master can't go back on her word. I'll grant you special permission to join the Tang Sect. Xiao Xiao, what about you? Interested?"

Xiao Xiao blinked and muttered, "Tang Sect?"

Tang Ya said, "Yes, the Tang Sect. We may not offer any special perks, but there is one thing for sure, we don't hoard our secrets. To our own people, all the ultimate techniques of the Tang Sect are open for your cultivation."

Xiao Xiao smiled and said, "Then okay, I'll join too. I don't have a sect anyhow. Sister Tang Ya, I want to learn that footwork from Yuhao."

Tang Ya nodded generously and said, "No problem, I'll teach you all later." Despite her outwardly carefree demeanor, she was ecstatic inside. Wang Dong's strength was unquestionable. Huo Yuhao's trio's championship was largely due to his powerful performance. And Xiao Xiao's potential was not a bit less than Wang Dong's, she had the Twin Martial Souls! Yet she agreed so easily to her proposal.

What Tang Ya didn't know was that Xiao Xiao's willingness to join the Tang Sect was because of Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong. The Martial Soul Fusion skill displayed by Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong was too dazzling. Moreover, the more Xiao Xiao interacted with them, the more she took a liking to Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong. Compared to Wang Dong, Huo Yuhao might be lacking in strength and appearance, but his stability and perseverance were attributes that Wang Dong did not possess. Xiao Xiao believed Huo Yuhao's achievements would definitely not fall short of Wang Dong's in the future. Forming a team with them would be beneficial for both cultivation and their futures.

In the world of Soul Masters, good partners are extremely important. Xiao Xiao had grown accustomed to the exhilarating feeling of battle under the cover of Huo Yuhao's Spiritual Detection. The trio's coordination was also becoming more and more tacit. At Shrek Academy, if they could enter the Inner Court in the future, they would have to interact for at least ten years. If they could keep up this kind of teamwork, then by the time they left Shrek Academy, this team would be incredibly solid.

After all, Xiao Xiao was still a young girl. She was considering her future and trustworthy partners, without any overcomplicated thoughts. And Tang Ya, incidentally, secured quite a bargain for the Tang Sect.

By now, the Tang Sect had grown from just two people to five, and considering their young ages, it seemed they had finally achieved some scale.

Bei Bei said, "Now that you've passed the new student assessment, you're going to be assigned to classes soon. Offense and control belong to the same category. Since you're all part of one team, you should be placed in the same class. Yuhao goes without saying, but Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao, you must have heard that the Tang Sect is famous for its hidden weapons. It's just that with the advent of Soul Guidance Devices, hidden weapons gradually exited the stage of history, which is also an important reason for the decline of our Tang Sect. For the rise of the Tang Sect, we must revive the use of hidden weapons, but it can't be the simple hidden weapons of the past. Only by combining hidden weapons with Soul Guidance Devices is there a possibility of regaining our former glory. What are your thoughts on Soul Guidance Devices? After officially becoming first-year students, you'll be able to take elective courses in Soul Guidance Devices."

Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao exchanged glances, both of them frowning slightly, and Xiao Xiao said in a low voice, "Because I have Twin Martial Souls, if I study and make Soul Guidance Devices, there might not be enough time for cultivation. I think we, as Soul Masters, should still prioritize cultivation. Studying Soul Guidance Devices is something that Soul Masters with poor talent or inferior Martial Souls are willing to do, right?"

Wang Dong nodded and said, "I agree with Xiao Xiao. I'm not too keen on learning Soul Guidance Device casting either."

After the two expressed their thoughts, they expected Bei Bei and Tang Ya to be displeased, but to their surprise, both of them laughed. Tang Ya said somewhat helplessly, "You two really are outstanding students from the Martial Soul Department! This is a typical mentality of Martial Soul Department students. In fact, it's not just you, even Bei Bei and I also feel that there isn't enough time for cultivation. We hardly spend any serious time on Soul Guidance Devices either. It's up to you. The Tang Sect won't restrict everyone's cultivation path. I was just asking if you were interested. You all have excellent talents, and it really isn't good to be distracted. We can only wait until the Tang Sect recruits some disciples who specialize in Soul Guidance Devices in the future."

"Teacher Xiao Ya, I want to take an elective in Soul Guidance Devices," Huo Yuhao suddenly said at this moment.

Tang Ya's eyes lit up, "Yuhao, you're willing?"

Huo Yuhao nodded and said, "Soul Guidance Devices have their own magical properties. They have replaced our Tang Sect's hidden weapons as the most valued weapons across the continents, and their power must be immense. I want to give it a try. If I don't have the talent, then so be it, but if I do, I also want to learn."

"That's great! That's wonderful!" Tang Ya was overjoyed, "However, cultivating Soul Guidance Devices really suits you. Your Martial Soul belongs to the spirit class, lacking offensive methods. If you have Soul Guidance Devices to assist you, your combat power will greatly increase. Moreover, in the field of Soul Guidance Devices, the deeper the understanding, the greater the power when using them."

Bei Bei reminded him, "Little junior brother, you should also manage your cultivation time well, your Martial Soul still has a lot of potential. Don't focus too much on cultivating Soul Guidance Devices. Soul Power and Soul Rings are the fundamentals for us Soul Masters. Even for some powerful Soul Guidance Devices, sufficient Soul Power is required to activate them."

"Yes, senior brother," Huo Yuhao quickly agreed. He had his own plans in mind; having witnessed the formidable power of Fixed Soul Guidance Devices, he had become interested in Soul Guidance Devices. He was very aware of the strength of the opponents he would have to face if he wanted to seek vengeance in the future. He needed to utilize every power available to him. How could he know the extent of the power of Soul Guidance Devices without learning about them?

What he didn't know was that this idea of his would soon be validated, and Soul Guidance Devices would open another door for him.

Tang Ya said casually, "However, speaking of which, it's not certain that you can successfully choose to take the Soul Guidance Department either. Ah, there are indeed many benefits to winning the freshman assessment, but that doesn't mean there aren't problems! Yuhao, if you can't get into the Soul Guidance Department, just concentrate on your cultivation. That will be just as good."

Huo Yuhao was stunned for a moment, "Teacher Xiao Ya, why wouldn't I be able to enter the Soul Guidance Department?"

Tang Ya said, "Do you know what the reward is for winning the freshman assessment championship?"

When she mentioned the word "reward", the eyes of Huo Yuhao and the other two couldn't help but light up, being young boys and girls, they were not very good at hiding their emotions. Shrek Academy is the best Soul Master academy in the world, and they were the champions of the freshmen assessment, how could their reward be anything but outstanding?

Unable to wait any longer, Wang Dong asked eagerly, "Teacher Xiao Ya, what will our reward be?" Having joined the Tang Sect, he now addressed Tang Ya in the same manner as Huo Yuhao did.

Tang Ya said, "Although the rewards for each freshman assessment differ slightly, they are generally not too far apart. Generally speaking, the amount of the reward is based on the overall quality of the freshmen. I don't know about other things, but in the years since I've been at Shrek Academy, there has never been a case where a new student already had the strength of a Soul Venerable. You are the first. So, I estimate that your rewards will be very substantial. I don't know what the specific rewards will be, but one reward that is certain to be there, is that of Core Disciple."

"Core Disciple?" Huo Yuhao and the others had heard this term before, mentioned by Class teacher Zhou Yi.

Tang Ya nodded and continued, "You are the champions of the freshmen assessment, so becoming core disciples of the Martial Soul Department should be no problem. And once you become core disciples of the Martial Soul Department, the academy will invest more resources in you, so you can study hard and become stronger Soul Masters. In this case, the Martial Soul Department certainly won't allow you to be distracted by elective courses in the Soul Guidance Department. In our academy, the Martial Soul Department has always taken the lead."

It was then clear to Huo Yuhao and the others. Just the thought of being a core disciple who could eat the most nutritious meals every day made Huo Yuhao's face light up with joy.

Bei Bei looked at Huo Yuhao and a hint of worry flashed in his eyes, but in the end, he didn't speak his concerns. He hoped in his heart that he was merely being overanxious.

In the fresh morning, another sunny day had arrived. Thanks to the Sea God's Lake within the campus, the air in Shrek Academy was not only fresh but also very moist.

All the freshmen who had passed the assessment gathered in Shrek Square, waiting for the upcoming division into classes.

Soon, Director Du Weilun of the Martial Soul Department, along with over a dozen teachers, arrived in front of the students. Among these teachers, Huo Yuhao only recognized two: their former class teacher Zhou Yi and Teacher Wang Yan. He only had a vague impression of the other teachers.

Director Du Weilun held a folder in his hand and, with a smile, swept his gaze over the group of young students before saying, "I believe everyone knows by now that the freshmen assessment elimination round has ended, and the final top three have been determined. Next, I will make the official announcement and declare their rewards. Third place in the freshmen assessment goes to the Huang Chutian team, with team members Huang Chutian, Lan Susu, and Lan Luoluo. Fall in."

That's right, the Huang Chutian team, who had been defeated by Huo Yuhao's team, managed to achieve an excellent result by winning third place. They were defeated by Dai Huabin's group in the semi-finals but defeated the Zhou Sizhen's team, whom Huo Yuhao's team had also beaten, in the match for third place. It could be said they were fortunate, as the Lan Sisters' Martial Soul Fusion Skill had just recovered in time for the battle against Zhou Sizhen's team, enabling them to win. Otherwise, if it had been a contest purely of personal strength, they would not have been able to win.

Under Huang Chutian's leadership, the three walked out together, coming before Director Du Weilun, their young faces slightly flushed with excitement. Achieving third place had already exceeded their expectations!

All first-year students erupted into thunderous applause. After the elimination rounds, a little over 300 first-year students remained, almost a third of the number at the start of the school year.

"In second place, Dai Huabin's team, which includes members Dai Huabin, Zhu Lu, and Cui Yajie. Step forward."

Applause rose again, but when Dai Huabin and his teammates stepped forward, there was not a hint of excitement on their faces. Dai Huabin himself looked especially tense, heads slightly lowered as if preoccupied with his thoughts, his eyes even showing a few traces of bloodshot.

Director Du Weilun paused briefly before announcing in a raised voice, "Now, please welcome with warm applause, the ultimate champions of the new student assessment. They are Wang Dong's team, consisting of Wang Dong, Xiao Xiao, and Huo Yuhao."

The arena immediately burst into enthusiastic cheers. At the announcement, Huo Yuhao and his teammates were slightly stunned.

According to the name initially registered by the first-grade class, their team should be called Huo Yuhao's team, with Huo Yuhao being the team leader! However, amidst the cheers and applause of the many first-year students, the trio didn't dare to delay and quickly stepped forward. During their approach, Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao deliberately fell half a step behind, allowing Huo Yuhao to lead the way.

Seeing the three approaching, Director Du Weilun showed a slight smile and gestured for them to stand in the center. Huo Yuhao looked towards Dai Huabin, who was in turn watching Wang Dong. Clearly, he didn't believe that his own defeat had anything to do with Huo Yuhao.

Director Du Weilun said, "Now, I will announce the rewards for the top three teams of the new student assessment. The top three teams will all receive a unified reward from the academy, where each member can request a soul ring from the academy when needed. The academy will assist in obtaining the most suitable soul ring that they can bear."

Upon hearing this, the first-year students were instantly filled with surprised admiration. This reward was effectively a promise from the academy that the next soul ring for the nine of Huo Yuhao's team would be the extreme limit. For example, if Huo Yuhao's second soul ring could handle seven hundred years, then the academy would find a seven hundred-year soul ring suitable for him. The same applied to everyone. This reward was incredibly significant.

Director Du Weilun continued, "Considering the outstanding performance and the undefeated record of the champion Wang Dong's team throughout the competition, the academy has decided to grant them a special reward. This reward will be kept confidential by the academy. After class division is over, you may follow me to collect it."

A special reward? This was what set the champions apart from the second and third place. Huo Yuhao's team instantly perked up with excitement, the slight discomfort from being named Wang Dong's team by Director Du Weilun dissipated by the exciting prospect.

No one would raise an objection about Huo Yuhao's team receiving an additional reward. On their path forward, they had defeated teams led by Soul Venerables such as Ningtian, Xie Huanyue, and Dai Huabin. All three major Soul Venerables among the new students had fallen to their hands. One could say their championship was fairly won without any shortcuts, and receiving more rewards was only natural and deserved.

Director Du Weilun said, "Alright, you may return to your places."

Huo Yuhao and the other eight made their way back to their original spots.

Director Du Weilun spoke again, "The quality of this year's new students has surpassed the past. I hope you all continue to work hard. Diligence is rewarded by heaven, and without effort, even great talent will not yield good returns. Our Shrek Academy is the best Soul Master academy on the continent, and we hope you all graduate smoothly and achieve excellent results. Given that this new student competition has brought forth a few exceptional freshmen, the academy has specially authorized some students to become core disciples of the outer courtyard. Now, I will announce the names."

Shrek square instantly fell silent—core disciples weren't limited to those in the top three teams! Although Director Du Weilun didn't say it, who didn't know that core disciples of the outer courtyard would receive preferential access to the academy's resources? The matter affected their personal interests, so the young students listened intently, each fearing they might miss their own name.

Director Du Weilun opened the folder in his hands and read, "After the academy evaluated the performances of the new students in the assessment, the alternatively verified core disciples are: Wang Dong, Xiao Xiao, Dai Huabin, Zhu Lu, Zhou Sizhen, Cao Jinxuan, Lan Susu, Lan Luoluo, Ningtian, and Wu Feng."

When Director Du Weilun mentioned the core disciples, Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong, and Xiao Xiao thought simultaneously that Teacher Xiao Ya's message was indeed correct.

The names of Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao appeared at the very front, and both were clearly excited. However, to their surprise, after their names, Huo Yuhao's name was not mentioned. Instead, it went directly to Dai Huabin. How could this be? Huo Yuhao was their team leader!

As Director Du Weilun continued, they still held onto a glimmer of hope, but in the end, Huo Yuhao's name was still not called.

Huo Yuhao was stunned; in an instant, he felt as if something had been drained from his heart, and his complexion immediately turned pale.

Ever since he entered Shrek Academy, he had given his all, training desperately every day, striving for progress. While others rested, he trained; while others slacked off, he continued his training. After the start of the freshman assessment, he did his best along with his teammates and eventually earned the highest honor for new students. Yet, why, why am I not a core disciple? Why?

On the surface, Huo Yuhao appeared calm, but inside, he harbored a darkness that others did not possess. This darkness, which had been accumulating since childhood, almost erupted when he saw Dai Huabin, but he managed to suppress it with his rationality. At this moment, however, he felt like he could no longer hold back. Why, why are they doing this to me? He finally understood why Director Du Weilun previously announced Wang Dong's team instead of Huo Yuhao Team when calling them forward – it was a decision already made!

Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao stood by Huo Yuhao's side and naturally sensed his abnormal behavior. Wang Dong hastily grabbed Huo Yuhao's arm, fearing he might act impulsively. But now, Wang Dong didn't know what to say either. He and Xiao Xiao had become core disciples, but Huo Yuhao had not; what could be going through Huo Yuhao's mind?

Director Du Weilun continued, "Considering that during the freshman assessment, there were some students whose talents and abilities were lacking, but who also performed well, the academy has decided to grant them the treatment of core disciples temporarily until the end of this academic year. If they can make a breakthrough during next year's advancement exam, they will be considered for promotion to official core disciples. The list is as follows: Huo Yuhao, Cui Yajie, Huang Chutian, Long Xiangyue, Nanmen Yun er. The announcement is complete."

Huo Yuhao's gaze was somewhat hollow as the resentment in his heart gradually subsided. Yes, my abilities are indeed lacking. Among all the people announced by Director Du, I am the only one below level 20 in cultivation. Core disciple treatment, oh core disciple treatment! A trace of desolation flickered in the depths of his eyes. Bowing his head slowly, Huo Yuhao buried that sorrow deep in his heart.

Perhaps, if not for the martial soul fusion skill with Wang Dong, I wouldn't even have this core disciple treatment. But whom could I blame? Only myself for not being strong enough. Only the fact that in their eyes, my first soul ring is but of the tenth-year grade. A hint of self-mockery appeared at the corners of Huo Yuhao's mouth, but when he lifted his head again, his eyes bore a new chill.

"Yuhao, are you okay?" Wang Dong asked softly.

Huo Yuhao shook his head lightly and managed a forced smile, "I'm fine; I just don't qualify to be a core disciple. I'm only a level seventeen soul master, after all."

Wang Dong protested anxiously, "No, it's not like that. They don't realize how important you are…"

Xiao Xiao nodded repeatedly as well.

Huo Yuhao's smile became a little more natural as he said, "I'm really fine. Director Du mentioned that I could enjoy the treatment of a core disciple. That's already very good. I'll continue to work hard. Perhaps when the time comes for the promotion assessment, I might become an official core disciple."

Wang Dong sighed softly and let go of Huo Yuhao's hand. Having lived together for such a long time and being partners in using a Martial Soul Fusion Skill, he understood Huo Yuhao's character quite well. On the surface, Huo Yuhao appeared calm and had a mild temper, but in reality, he was a very strong-willed person. The stubbornness and resilience hidden in his heart were something Wang Dong got to know gradually, especially after Huo Yuhao shared his background. However, no one could help him overcome the hurdle in his heart; he had to rely on himself.

The next step was class division; the entire first grade was split into four classes. Class one comprised direct-attack class and control-class battle soul masters, class two included defense class and agile-attack class battle soul masters, class three consisted of support-class battle soul masters, and class four included battle soul masters and tool soul masters with various other special attributes such as the food class and healing class.

Undoubtedly, class one had the strongest overall strength, and Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong, and Xiao Xiao were all assigned to this class. The strongest in class two was undoubtedly Xie Huanyue, who excelled in defense; his Pipi Elephant Martial Soul was truly unique. In class three, not all support-class students were only for support—they were those who could directly assist in battle, such as Ningtian, the owner of the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda Martial Soul. As for class four, these were mixed-type soul masters whose combat strength was relatively weaker, but often had exceptional abilities in certain specific areas, with the most important ones being the food class and healing class.

The division into classes was pretty much the same for every grade, only that the higher the grade, the fewer students there were in each class. Shrek Academy's elimination rate was always very high. Even the students who managed to graduate from the outer courtyard every year did not exceed fifty. That is to say, of these more than three hundred students, it would be quite an achievement if twenty percent could make it to the end.

Next was the introduction of each class's class teacher. The only good news for Huo Yuhao was that Zhou Yi became one of the class teachers for the first-grade class one; each class had two class teachers, and the other one was Wang Yan, who thought highly of Huo Yuhao.

Even Zhou Yi did not know that Wang Yan, who normally taught higher grades, had come to teach in the first-grade class one because of Huo Yuhao, joining her in teaching.

"All right, everyone, please follow your class teacher back to the teaching building according to your new class assignment. Wang Dong, you three come with me to receive your rewards," announced Director Du Weilun.

Huo Yuhao seemed to have returned to his normal state by now, at least on the surface, no one could tell that his emotions were affected in any way. The three followed Director Du to the teachers' office area located behind the high-grade teaching building.

Director Du's office was on the top floor; the room was much larger than Zhou Yi's, but not overly decorated, though it had as many as four bookcases. Each bookcase was filled with a rich collection of books.

Director Du smiled slightly and gestured towards the sofa, "Please take a seat. Huo Yuhao, don't feel burdened. You saw, aside from yourself, there are also students from the teams that ranked in the top three who did not become core disciples. Your performance was quite good, especially since you can assist Wang Dong in achieving the Martial Soul Fusion Skill, but you still need to improve your personal abilities. When you get your second soul ring, you can submit an application to the academy, and use the rewards from this competition to obtain a sufficiently good soul ring. If you perform impressively in the assessment for the second-year upgrade, the academy will consider promoting you to an official core disciple."

"Director Du, it's not like that, Huo Yuhao wasn't assisting me, he was..." Wang Dong had just started speaking when Director Du raised his hand to stop him, seeing the exchange as nothing more than a display of friendship between a few kids.

Huo Yuhao also tugged on Wang Dong's sleeve, then respectfully said to Director Du, "Director Du, I will definitely work hard, thank you for your concern."