Chapter 42: Xiao Clan, Xiao Yan!

"This thing is far weaker than Teacher's Bone Spirit Cold Flame," Xiao Yan remarked as he stared at the purple-red flame in his hand.

"Hmph." Yao Lao snorted, rolling his eyes. "Isn't that obvious? My Bone Spirit Cold Flame is a true Heavenly Flame, ranked eleventh on the Heavenly Flame list. This purple flame wouldn't even count as a high-tier beast flame in Dou Qi Continent."

A dark line appeared across Xiao Yan's forehead as he helplessly shook his head. What he had thought to be a remarkable find was dismissed by Yao Lao as practically worthless.

"Don't be disheartened. This purple flame is still in its infant stage, so its power is bound to be weak. But once you cultivate it, its strength should increase significantly. By then, even the Titled Douluo of this world might hesitate to confront it," Yao Lao said, trying to console him.

Xiao Yan nodded. "Teacher, how should I cultivate this purple flame? I doubt it'll be easy."

"To nurture this flame, you'll need fire-attributed heavenly materials. We can check the auction house in town when we have time," Yao Lao advised. "Also, it would be beneficial for you to train under the blazing sun from now on."

"Understood, Teacher. We'll visit the auction house and try our luck," Xiao Yan murmured, a hint of determination in his voice.

---

The following morning, as the sun rose over Shrek Academy, the quiet campus burst to life. Streams of students, full of youthful vigor, poured out of various corners of the academy, all heading to the freshman assessment area in the Martial Soul Department.

Today, a high platform had been set up on the northern side of the assessment area, towering twenty meters above the ground. Supported by six metal pillars, it allowed a clear view over the entire assessment zone.

After a quick wash, Xiao Yan met up with Lan Luoluo and Lan Susu, and together they made their way to the 8th assessment area, where their opponents were already waiting.

On the viewing platform, Wang Yan, Zhou Yi, and other freshman instructors stood overlooking the assessment zone. Four classes stood out this year: Class 1, Class 5, Class 7, and Class 9, with each class's seed teams maintaining undefeated records. In the upcoming thirty-two-to-sixteen round, Class 7's seed team would face Class 9's.

"Oh, isn't that Teacher Zhou? I heard you lost to a student recently." A female teacher in her thirties walked up to Zhou Yi with a smirk. "That student was transferred to Class 7, wasn't he? How convenient—today he'll be facing our class's seed team. Don't worry, I'll make sure my students avenge you and give him a lesson."

Zhou Yi sneered, her eyes narrowing. "Mu Jin, do you really think your team has this in the bag?"

The woman, Mu Jin, though older, was still vibrant and attractive. With a mocking smile, she replied, "Not necessarily. My strongest student has just over thirty ranks of spirit power. If they had forty or fifty, the match would be assured. Unlike some people, we don't struggle against children even with sixty ranks."

Zhou Yi's eyes turned cold. "Are you here just to provoke me?"

Mu Jin's smile vanished as she stared back defiantly. "And if I am? You like expelling students; let's see you try that with me. Watch closely—I'll make sure my students humiliate that brat of yours."

Zhou Yi's expression darkened with fury as she snapped, "Care to make a bet, then?"

"Bet? What are you wagering?" Mu Jin accepted without hesitation.

A subtle gleam flashed in Zhou Yi's eyes as she turned her back to Mu Jin. "A soul bone. Dare to bet that?"

Mu Jin's pupils shrank slightly. Soul bones were incredibly precious, and for Zhou Yi to stake one meant she was putting everything on the line.

"What are you two up to?" A golden flash signaled the arrival of an elder with disheveled hair, barefoot and holding a purple-red gourd of wine—Elder Xuan.

"Elder Xuan," the two teachers greeted with a respectful bow.

Wang Yan also approached the elder and bowed. "Elder Xuan, you're here to observe?"

"Hmm," Elder Xuan grunted, finding a spot to sit as he continued sipping his wine and munching on his chicken leg, his gaze drifting down to the arena.

Below, Xiao Yan stepped forward, lightly tapping his toes on the ground, his black robe fluttering around him. The huge Heavy Xuan Ruler strapped to his back made for a striking image. The Lan sisters followed suit, each taking their positions.

Facing them was a trio of girls, all beautiful in their own way. The leader, with golden hair, had sharp blue eyes, her face framed by long lashes. To her left stood a red-haired girl with piercing red eyes, and on the right, a girl with long, soft green hair and gentle green eyes.

"Teams, introduce yourselves!" The examiner called out.

"Xiao Clan, Xiao Yan!" The black-robed boy stepped forward, lifting his head slightly. His voice, though soft, echoed like thunder acro

ss the assessment zone, reaching every ear in the crowd.

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