The award ceremony for the junior division's championship took place as scheduled. The event was straightforward, attended only by the champions of the four matches and the officials of the Tianhai Alliance Tournament committee.
Although there were four finals, only two schools took the championships: East Sea Academy claimed the individual and five-man team titles, while Sea Land Academy secured the three-man and seven-man team championships.
The prize-giving began, and the rewards were quite substantial. Apart from a golden trophy for display, all other rewards were in Federation currency—a practical prize given that, while the Tianhai Alliance lacked many resources, money was not one of them.
The first award was for the individual champion, who received a generous sum of five million Federation coins, presented as a universal gold card. Next were the three-man and five-man team awards, with prizes of ten million and twenty-five million Federation coins respectively, also in gold cards. Just like that, Jing Shaoyu received two gold cards, each worth five million.
Finally, the seven-man team award, the most prestigious, came with thirty-five million Federation coins and a mysterious prize, which would be delivered directly to the championship team's hands after the ceremony—its special nature sparking curiosity and speculation among the attendees.
The awards highlighted the scarcity of resources for Soul Masters in the East Sea region, often considered a remote area within the world of soul cultivation. Federation coins, instead of cultivation resources, served as the main reward, underscoring the limited access to soul training materials in the region.
For Xu Xiaoyan and Xie Xie, both from affluent backgrounds, the hefty monetary prizes brought little excitement. To them, money was simply a number. To Gu Yue, it held even less value; in her view, it was no different from printed paper with numbers on it, hardly more valuable than wildflowers.
However, Jing Shaoyu and Tang Wulin were delighted. Although Jing Shaoyu wasn't particularly in need, he remembered his family's teachings about the importance of financial security. As for Tang Wulin, he was probably the one who needed the money most, and his joy and excitement showed clearly.
After the brief ceremony, the five from East Sea Academy left the venue to return to their hotel, leaving behind the Sea Land Academy girls who had hoped to introduce themselves and strike up a conversation with them.
In the hotel room, Wu Zhangkong was already waiting. Upon seeing him, the five students' faces lit up with pride, particularly Xie Xie, who seemed especially eager.
"Hey, Teacher Wu, we won the championship! Isn't there some kind of reward for us?" Xie Xie grinned.
"Yes," Wu Zhangkong uncharacteristically smiled. This unexpected reaction made Xie Xie stumble back, surprised. However, Wu Zhangkong continued, "Watching this tournament has confirmed for me that you all have the potential to enter Shrek Academy. Therefore, I'll be doubling your training."
"What?!" Xie Xie's face fell in despair, and the others looked equally less enthusiastic.
"But…" Wu Zhangkong's unexpected twist recaptured everyone's attention, and they looked at him with hope, waiting for what he had to say. "Given your outstanding performance in the tournament, you may take a one-week break when we return to the academy. After that, we'll resume training."
"Yes!" Xie Xie immediately revived, leaping up in joy.
Jing Shaoyu, Gu Yue, Xu Xiaoyan, and Tang Wulin also looked relieved. Wu Zhangkong wasn't entirely heartless after all. As a top graduate of Shrek Academy, he clearly understood the importance of balancing hard work with rest.
Watching his students' happy faces, Wu Zhangkong's gaze softened. "Alright, go pack your bags. We'll head back to East Sea City this afternoon."
"This afternoon?" Xu Xiaoyan asked curiously. "But what about the youth and adult divisions? We're not staying to watch?"
Wu Zhangkong shook his head. "Those matches are of little relevance to you. If you expect your strength to be at their level by the time you reach their age, then you can stay."
Xu Xiaoyan opened her mouth but decided not to argue, unsure whether to agree or disagree. Wu Zhangkong glanced at her, then turned to Jing Shaoyu. "Jing Shaoyu, come with me. The rest of you, start packing."
Jing Shaoyu followed Wu Zhangkong out of the room and into his mentor's quarters. He was wondering what this was about when a woman walked in. Her confident entrance and ease suggested she was a regular here.
Looking at Wu Zhangkong, Jing Shaoyu noticed a slight trace of annoyance on his normally stern face as he introduced her. "This is my junior sister. You can call her Teacher Shen."
Jing Shaoyu nodded in understanding, realizing that she was likely Shen Yi, the Shrek Academy teacher who had accompanied Ye Xinglan and Xu Lizhi's group.
While Jing Shaoyu observed her, Shen Yi was also sizing him up. She had been deeply impressed by Jing Shaoyu—not just by his handsome appearance, but by his remarkable talent.
A ten-year-old Soul Elder was not unheard of in Shrek Academy's history. A Soul Elder with three thousand-year rings was also rare, but when these two were combined—a ten-year-old Soul Elder with three thousand-year rings—it was unprecedented in the Academy's recent history.
Moreover, Shen Yi was intrigued by Jing Shaoyu's healing capabilities. His Life-attribute healing Martial Soul, as Wu Zhangkong's junior sister, was well aware of the significance of such a talent within Shrek Academy. It was rare and invaluable.
This was why she had been so determined to meet him and secure his acceptance into Shrek Academy, so that a certain individual on Sea God Island would notice him early.
"Hello, you're Jing Shaoyu, right?" Shen Yi smiled warmly. "As your teacher has probably mentioned, he and I are both from Shrek Academy, and I'm also a teacher at the outer court there."
"I know," Jing Shaoyu nodded, his expression calm. It wasn't difficult to guess that she wanted him to join Shrek Academy.
"Great, then I'll be straightforward. Would you be willing to come back to Shrek Academy with me?" Shen Yi asked seriously.
"I plan to join Shrek Academy, but not alone. I'll go together with my teammates," Jing Shaoyu replied firmly.
Shen Yi sighed with a tinge of resignation, while Wu Zhangkong's face broke into a small smile. Shen Yi glanced between them and said, "Very well, Senior Brother, we'll see each other at Shrek Academy."
With that, she turned and left.
Watching her leave, Wu Zhangkong remarked quietly, "There's still time to change your mind."
Jing Shaoyu chuckled. "Why would I? With my talent, getting into Shrek Academy will be a piece of cake."
Wu Zhangkong's gaze grew complex as he muttered, "You're quite confident, aren't you?"
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