Chapter 25: Class 1 of the Freshmen

The next morning, the opening ceremony was held at the East Sea Academy's central square. Around eight hundred junior students and close to two hundred senior students gathered, forming neat formations according to their grade levels.

Jing Shaoyu stood in the freshman formation, his gaze drifting unconsciously to the teacher lineup next to them. There, he spotted the icy figure of Wuchangkong, the once-renowned inner court disciple of Shrek Academy and the dream man of many female students and teachers at East Sea Academy. Not far from him stood two women who looked similar—the sisters Ye Yingluo, Class 1's headteacher, and Ye Yingrong, Class 3's headteacher.

Ye Yingluo looked at Wuchangkong with a complex expression, a mix of admiration and resentment, showing her strong-willed nature.

"Students, welcome! Today marks the annual opening ceremony. Now, let's invite our headmaster, Dean Yu, for a few words."

Dean Yu Zhen, the head of East Sea Academy, appeared to be a man in his sixties with an unassuming, scholarly demeanor. Despite his white hair and glasses, he radiated an aura of intellect and wisdom.

"Students, greetings. Every year at this time, I feel a sense of nostalgia. Some students graduate and leave, while others advance from the junior to senior division, and new students join our academy. To me, the academy is like the lifeblood of the Federation, constantly supplying it with capable individuals. I hope you all will…"

Dean Yu spoke eloquently, without notes, his heartfelt speech lasting for a solid quarter of an hour before he concluded.

With his speech over, it was time for the most anticipated part of the ceremony: class assignments.

The junior division's head teacher, Long Hengxu, took to the podium, his face serious as he cleared his throat.

"We will now begin class assignments for the new students. As you know, here at East Sea Academy, the lower the class number, the more outstanding the students. However, this isn't absolute; we hope those in lower-ranked classes strive to improve. This year, we have 108 new students, divided into five classes. Students I call out, please step forward to join Class 1: Jing Shaoyu, Xu Xiaoyan, Zhang Yangzi, Wang Jinxi, Wei Xiaofeng..."

Class 1 had only sixteen students. As Jing Shaoyu observed his new classmates, they also examined him, especially since Xu Xiaoyan was already clinging to his arm, making the pair a standout in the lineup.

"Tang Wulin, Zhou Changxi, Xie Xie, Yun Xiao..." As Long Hengxu finished calling out the students assigned to Class 5, the class assignments were complete. "Class teachers, please lead your students back to their classrooms to get acquainted."

With an impassive expression, Ye Yingluo strode over and addressed them coolly, "Class 1, follow me!"

In the classroom, the sixteen students settled into their seats as Ye Yingluo took her place at the podium. Her frosty face softened into a slight smile.

"I am Ye Yingluo, and I will be your headteacher from now on," she said. "Congratulations on joining Class 1; this means you are already more accomplished than others upon entry. It's your duty to maintain this excellence until you graduate in your sixth year. Remember, you're in Class 1—you are naturally superior to other classes!"

The nine-year-olds felt a surge of pride at her words, although Jing Shaoyu remained calm, fully aware of the harsh reality that would emerge with the advent of Class 0.

"Excellent," Ye Yingluo said with a smile, pleased by the students' enthusiasm. "Now, let's start with introductions. Please state your name, spirit, soul power, and future goal. Let's begin with the first row on the left."

"My name is Zhang Yangzi. My spirit is Dark Phantom Hawk, with a soul power of level 21. I'm an Agility-type Spirit Master." The boy in the front left row spoke with confidence and calmness. Jing Shaoyu recognized him immediately as an old acquaintance.

Sitting behind Zhang Yangzi was a lean boy—none other than Wang Jinxi.

"I'm Wang Jinxi. My spirit is Bone Dragon King, with a soul power of level 21. I'm an Assault-type Spirit Master!" Wang Jinxi stood up boldly, his voice loud and clear.

Having two Spirit Masters back-to-back brought an air of excitement to the classroom. Many students looked at Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi with admiration. Zhang Yangzi remained stoic, while Wang Jinxi basked in the attention.

"I'm Duan Xiaopeng, level 17 soul power, with a Sea Eagle spirit. My goal is to become an Agility-type Spirit Master."

"My name's Wei Dayong, level 16 soul power, with Giant Sea Elephant as my spirit. I aim to become an Assault-type Spirit Master."

The next students were Jing Shaoyu's roommates, both with decent spirits and solid potential. They were likely to reach Spirit Emperor or even Spirit Sage if they followed a steady path.

"I'm Xu Xiaoyan, level 22 soul power, with Starwheel Ice Staff as my spirit. I'm a Control-type Spirit Master." Xu Xiaoyan's introduction drew the attention of all the boys. She spoke shyly, flustered by the surprise on everyone's faces. Many of the boys, feeling inferior, quickly averted their gazes.

When it was Jing Shaoyu's turn, he stood, instantly drawing everyone's attention, including a brief, surprised glance from Ye Yingluo.

With a calm smile, he said, "My name is Jing Shaoyu. I have level 27 soul power, and my spirit is Primordial Elf. I am a Healing-type Spirit Master."

"Wow!"

"No way!"

The front row's reactions were that of typical students, but Wei Xiaofeng's voice was full of disbelief. He stared at Jing Shaoyu, stunned that the boy he'd dismissed as just a pretty face was actually a high-level Spirit Master with a soul power of 27! The revelation left him feeling dejected and dispirited.

Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi, seated at the front, also looked at Jing Shaoyu with wide-eyed amazement. Both were Spirit Masters and understood what it meant for someone to reach that level at nine years old. They thought of themselves as prodigies, but seeing someone close to Spirit Elder status at their age was a humbling experience. Three more levels, and he would be a Spirit Elder! That could take him just one year—meaning he could be a ten-year-old Spirit Elder.

Exchanging glances, both boys saw the determination in each other's eyes; they wouldn't give up so easily.

"So you're Jing Shaoyu? Excellent, very good. You may sit," Ye Yingluo said, her eyes shining with delight and excitement.

"I'm Ling Dong, with level 15 soul power and Heavenly Demon Mink as my spirit. I aim to be an Assault-type Spirit Master!"

One by one, the sixteen students introduced themselves, leaving Ye Yingluo smiling brightly. With five Spirit Masters and eleven Spirit Scholars, each with a minimum soul power of 15, she had no doubts that this Class 1 would go down as one of the best in the academy's history.

"Wonderful," Ye Yingluo said, clapping her hands. "Since introductions are complete, we'll finish for today. Tomorrow, during class, we'll select a class president. Those interested should prepare!"

Her gaze lingered on the Spirit Masters in the group, making her intentions clear.

With that, Ye Yingluo left the classroom. The students began to disperse in small groups; today's only event was class assignment, so they were free until classes officially started the next day.

"Brother Shaoyu, I have to head home for a bit. Want to come with me?" Xu Xiaoyan walked over, clearly annoyed as she pouted.

"I think I'll pass." Jing Shaoyu remembered Xu Xiaoyu from last night and hesitated, giving her a sheepish grin. "I'm planning to go to the Mecha Association."

"Fine." Xu Xiaoyan, though disappointed, didn't press the issue. Instead, she muttered in frustration, "It's all because of Dad and Grandpa—they're so annoying! They're ruining my chance to spend time with Brother Shaoyu at the Mecha Association."

Jing Shaoyu chuckled at her complaint, thinking, If that's how it is, I'm definitely not going to your house anytime soon!

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