For a moment, Tang San harbored doubts about Yu Xiaogang's training methods.
"No, the teacher must be correct."
Tang San shook his head, unwilling to believe that a "learned and talented" teacher could deceive him.
The training persisted until three in the afternoon before concluding.
"I have matters to attend to later, so rest up. In the evening, head to the spirit fighting arena to hone your skills!"
"Remember, though you're no longer Shrek Academy students, never forget its spirit!"
"I'm indifferent to outsiders, but you must meet the requirements—especially those for graduation!"
Zhao Wuji's smile took on a sinister edge as he continued, "Before turning twenty, if you fail to secure the Silver Medal in the Soul Fighting Arena and reach level 40, I will not sanction your graduation!"
"Whoever it is, I'll expel them without hesitation!"
"As the martial spirit instructor, I assert this with confidence!"
Zhao Wuji crossed his arms, his voice imbued with solemnity.
Even if they transferred to another academy, the standards would be nearly identical, save for the absence of the silver fighting badge and the possibility of earlier graduation than Shrek's.
But did they desire such leniency? No, they were the elite, the chosen ones. Failing to meet these criteria would render them unworthy of graduation!
Moreover, the current conditions far surpassed those of the past. There were no excuses for failure.
"Yes, we understand..."
The group's response was listless, their voices barely audible after the exhaustive training, their throats parched, their energy spent.
They slumped to the ground, heads bowed in fatigue.
"Have you not eaten? I want to hear you!"
Zhao Wuji's roar was fierce, nearly manifesting his "Martial Spirit True Body."
Jolted by his intensity, everyone responded with vigor: "Yes!"
"We will redouble our efforts!"
"Good, I shall take my leave first. Rest well."
With that, Zhao Wuji strode toward Xue Beng, who remained nearby, his expression one of utter astonishment.
Is this the norm for rural training?
Terrifying!
He had neither witnessed nor heard of such rigor.
If only Heaven Dou Royal Academy possessed such a culture, how splendid it would be!
In decades to come, those graduating from the academy would surely be formidable.
The more Xue Beng observed Zhao Wuji, the more impressed he became.
This formidable Soul Saint, still so youthful, was destined to ascend to Soul Douluo.
Securing his allegiance would bolster Xue Beng's confidence in rivaling Xue Qinghe.
Furthermore, this Soul Saint's pedagogical prowess eclipsed that of the three education committee members.
What did they know of teaching? They merely indulged the students, lavishing resources upon them...
Heaven Dou Royal Academy lacked for nothing but educators capable of truly instructing students.
It was logical, considering the student body comprised nobility, and most instructors hailed from similar backgrounds. How could they subject students to such rigorous training under normal circumstances?
Moreover, these were noble students. Such intensity risked familial offense.
This explained why Heaven Dou Royal Academy, despite its superior resources and facilities, produced few noteworthy students. Nobility equated to elegance, after all.
Once Xue Beng and Zhao Wuji had departed, Ma Hongjun couldn't resist grumbling, "Ever since Old Zhao realized his gravity control could enhance our training, he's become increasingly teacher-like."
"Fatty, to echo Teacher Zhao, if you're unwilling to exert yourself, there are others who will. He reserves his soul power for those who merit it."
Maintaining gravity requires the consumption of soul power, and for Zhao Wuji, sustaining it for an extended period is not as effortless as it appears.
Tang San was puzzled.
How could Zhao Wuji be willing to expend his soul power to assist an ordinary person?
It was unthinkable!
"Let's rest quickly. Who knows if Old Zhao is watching us secretly, like Dean Flanders does."
"If we don't comply with his demands, what awaits us tomorrow will be far worse than mere training," Dai Mubai declared before sprawling out on the ground.
Upon hearing this, Oscar and Ma Hongjun nodded in agreement, promptly ceasing their chatter to rest.
Tang San massaged his shoulders, moved to a quiet spot, sat cross-legged, and commenced his Mysterious Heaven Skill practice.
Indeed, practicing the Mysterious Heaven Skill was far more beneficial than simply resting.
As time passed, evening approached.
The group then made their way together towards Heaven Dou City.
The Heaven Dou Royal Academy was situated on the outskirts, nearly a half-hour's journey from the city center.
They were no strangers to the Heaven Dou City Great Spirit Arena, though their recent rigorous training schedule had kept them away.
Navigating the familiar route with ease, Dai Mubai and the others swiftly reached the Heaven Dou City Soul Fighting Arena.
"Did you hear that?"
"?"
"There's a new referee at the Great Spirit Fighting Arena. He exudes such elegance."
"Even His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, attended the spirit fighting match he officiated!"
The conversation between two passersby piqued the interest of Dai Mubai, Tang San, and the others.
A new referee?
The news gave Dai Mubai and Tang San a sense of foreboding.
Dai Mubai felt a chill run down his spine, while Tang San was slightly less perturbed.
"Is that man's name Neuvillette?" Xiao Wu inquired instinctively.
One of the conversing girls nodded and replied, "Yes, little sister, it is Lord Neuvillette. I'm surprised you're acquainted with him!"
"You must have witnessed the spirit fighting match presided over by Lord Neuvillette, right?"
"I have, indeed! I've even participated in a battle he officiated!" Xiao Wu boasted, hands on hips and head held high. The conversation had lifted her spirits from earlier despondency.
"What? You were fortunate enough to compete..."
"Please, do tell us more!"
"At that time, Neuvillette was in Suotuo City, and I visited the Suotuo City Soul Fighting Arena..."
"You wouldn't believe how many competitors registered, all aiming for the eighth venue..."
"I was indeed fortunate!"
Dai Mubai, Tang San, and the others exchanged looks of astonishment.
Why did Xiao Wu seem to transform into a different person at the mention of Neuvillette?
Dai Mubai gave Tang San a sympathetic glance and shook his head slightly.
Tang San thought to himself in frustration, 'Why does Neuvillette continue to haunt me?
Didn't he come to Heaven Dou City as a tourist?
And yet, he's still found work?'
"I don't see it as a problem. Brother Neuvillette is fair and just in his role. I actually admire him as a referee," Ma Hongjun remarked, glancing at Tang San.
His comment caught the attention of the two passersby.
"Little guy, you may not be a good looker, but you sure have a way with words!"
"The matches overseen by Lord Neuvillette are almost casualty-free."
Ma Hongjun's eyes narrowed, and his forehead creased. What did they mean by 'not a good looker'?
He might not be obviously attractive, but he certainly wasn't bad looking.
For a moment, Ma Hongjun was unsure whether the young lady was complimenting or insulting him...