Of course, judging by Zhou Yi's dark expression, she was clearly not pleased with this outcome.
After all, her highly anticipated seed team had failed to advance past the round of 32, and even this runner-up position was purely due to luck, having nothing to do with her decision-making or teaching methods.
"And finally, our first place team."
Du Weilun's gaze lingered on Huo Yuhao's team with a complicated expression before he spoke solemnly.
"Huo Yuhao's team, consisting of Huo Yuhao, Gu Yue Na, and Zhu Lu. Please step forward."
The announcement was met with thunderous applause and a surge of murmurs.
"Who would've thought Huo Yuhao would take first place? I honestly thought it'd be that 'Naked Battle God' from Class One."
"Yeah, me too. Was this competition rigged? That 'Naked Battle God' just gained fame, and the academy immediately issued a rule banning disrobing in fights the very next day. Talk about targeting someone. If he'd been allowed to strip, who knows who would've won!"
As the murmurs filled the air, Tang San clenched his fists unconsciously. His eyes, like venomous snakes lurking in the shadows, were fixed on Huo Yuhao, saying nothing.
After delivering a few inspirational remarks to the students, Du Weilun finally concluded the award ceremony.
"Please return to your newly assigned classes. The first-place team, please follow me to claim your additional reward."
With that, Du Weilun cast another complex glance at Huo Yuhao's team before turning to lead them toward the faculty offices.
After winding through the hallways, Du Weilun did not take them to his office. Instead, they arrived at a familiar location: the Dean of the Martial Soul Department's office.
Pushing open the door, Du Weilun respectfully called out, "Dean, they're here."
"Come in, come in."
Yan Shaozhe, who had been waiting for some time, nodded with a smile. His face showed no trace of gloom, only a kindly expression.
Compared to the calm Huo Yuhao and Gu Yue Na, Zhu Lu was visibly surprised. She hadn't expected the Dean himself to personally present their reward.
"Have a seat, all of you."
Yan Shaozhe gestured toward the sofa with a warm voice.
As the trio sat down, Yan Shaozhe went straight to the point, taking out a wooden box he had previously shown Tang San and placing it in front of Huo Yuhao.
"I won't exaggerate when I say that the value of your victory in this freshman assessment is unparalleled in the history of Shrek Academy. This is your additional reward for winning first place. Open it and take a look."
Huo Yuhao opened the wooden box and glanced inside. Upon seeing the spirit bone inside—of a far higher quality than anything he had seen in his past life—he closed the lid calmly.
"Thank you, Dean. Since we've received our reward, if there's nothing else, we'll…"
"Wait. There's one more thing."
Before Huo Yuhao could finish, Yan Shaozhe interrupted him. Taking a deep breath, he bowed deeply to Huo Yuhao under Du Weilun's astonished gaze.
"Huo Yuhao, I must apologize on behalf of myself and the Martial Soul Department for underestimating you. Failing to recognize your talent was a grave oversight. I hope you can forgive us for our previous actions. To show my sincerity, I'm prepared to…"
As Yan Shaozhe proposed his compensation plan, Du Weilun couldn't help but recall their conversation the previous day.
"Dean, isn't this cost a bit too high just to mend relations? And you're even apologizing personally…"
Yan Shaozhe had merely shaken his head.
"For Shrek Academy, the value of an old man nearing his hundredth year, whose potential has already peaked, is incomparable to that of a young prodigy with boundless potential. There's no question of which is more important.
"Besides, all I'm sacrificing is a bit of dignity. If he's willing to join the Martial Soul Department, I'd even…"
Returning to the present, Yan Shaozhe lifted his head, his gaze blazing with determination.
"Huo Yuhao, as I said, that was merely an apology and compensation. If you're willing to join the Martial Soul Department, I'll triple any conditions offered by the Soul Tool Department."
The room fell silent at this bold statement. Du Weilun's face changed as he realized the implications: Yan Shaozhe had essentially given Huo Yuhao a blank check.
Huo Yuhao's deep blue eyes, however, remained as tranquil as ever.
"Thank you, Dean Yan, for your offer, but I have no intention of joining the Martial Soul Department. Beyond this reward, I won't accept anything else."
He then stood up, pulling his companions along as he prepared to leave.
"Can you at least tell me why?"
Yan Shaozhe's voice stopped him.
"It's not about the conditions or a grudge against the Martial Soul Department," Huo Yuhao said coldly. His voice carried an edge of anger as he continued:
"My reason is simple: you are Sister Xiao Tao's teacher.
"We are not enemies. The Martial Soul and Soul Tool Departments are not in opposition. As a student of the Soul Tool Department, I can still befriend students from the Martial Soul Department.
"I just don't want to see my friend's teacher compromising their dignity in front of me. That's all."
With that, Huo Yuhao bowed slightly and left the room with his companions, leaving Yan Shaozhe and Du Weilun momentarily stunned.
As the door clicked shut, Yan Shaozhe slumped onto the sofa, muttering self-deprecatingly, "An old man like me being schooled by a child… how humiliating."
Despite himself, Du Weilun smiled faintly. "Dean, about Huo Yuhao…"
"Let him go. At least he left me with some dignity."
Yan Shaozhe sighed, then chuckled to himself. "No wonder Xiao Tao looks at him differently…"
Huo Yuhao sighed deeply and shook his head in a seemingly helpless manner.
Zhang Lexuan smiled faintly and gestured for him to take a seat on the sofa across from her desk. "You didn't actually come here to complain about the Academy's administrative politics, did you? Let me guess, there's something you want to discuss with me?"
Huo Yuhao nodded seriously. "Yes, Senior Zhang, I have a request."
"Go on," Zhang Lexuan replied, her expression softening slightly.
"I'd like to ask you to take part in the upcoming freshman tournament, acting as a mentor for the new teams that will be representing the Academy," Huo Yuhao explained, his tone direct yet respectful.
Zhang Lexuan raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "You're asking me to step into such a role? Isn't that something traditionally handled by the instructors of the participating classes?"
"It is," Huo Yuhao admitted. "But the stakes this time are unusually high. You're one of the Academy's most experienced and skilled graduates. Your presence as a mentor would not only inspire confidence but also elevate the teams' performance. I believe you're the best candidate for the job."
Zhang Lexuan leaned back slightly, crossing her arms as she considered his request. Her gaze never wavered from Huo Yuhao's. "It sounds like you've thought this through. Are you certain that my involvement wouldn't cause unnecessary tension among the faculty or between the students?"
"I'm certain," Huo Yuhao said firmly. "This is about more than internal dynamics. The tournament is a chance for Shrek to demonstrate its strength and unity on a much larger stage. If we want to make an impact, we need our best leading the charge."
For a moment, silence hung in the room as Zhang Lexuan weighed her options. Then, she let out a small laugh. "You've become quite persuasive, Huo Yuhao. Very well, I'll consider your request. But if I agree, I'll have some conditions of my own."
Huo Yuhao smiled faintly. "I'm listening."
"First," Zhang Lexuan began, "I'll need full authority to make decisions for the team I'm mentoring. No interference from other instructors or administrators. Second, you'll personally join me in coordinating the teams' training sessions. After all, you seem to have a clear vision for how this tournament should go."
Huo Yuhao's smile widened slightly. "Agreed. I'll ensure you have complete autonomy, and I'll assist with the training as needed."
"Good," Zhang Lexuan said, standing up from her chair. Her voice took on a decisive tone. "In that case, you can count on me to take part. But don't expect me to go easy on anyone during training. If they're going to represent Shrek, they'll have to earn it."
Huo Yuhao rose as well, a hint of gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you, Senior Zhang. Your support means a great deal."
Zhang Lexuan waved a hand dismissively. "Don't thank me yet. The real work is just beginning."
As Huo Yuhao left Zhang Lexuan's office, his mind was already racing with plans for the upcoming tournament. He knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but with Zhang Lexuan on board, he felt more confident than ever.
Meanwhile, Zhang Lexuan watched him leave with a thoughtful expression. She couldn't help but feel a spark of anticipation. The tournament promised to be an extraordinary event, and she was determined to play her part in making it unforgettable.
(End of chapter)