Minutes later, the spectator stands around the square were packed to the point of bursting, with a vast sea of heads stretching as far as the eye could see. The din of excited chatter filled the sky, seemingly endless.
High above, the sun was beginning to sink, casting a softer light over the arena.
Dong!
A crisp chime rang out, silencing the buzzing crowd as the final match of the freshmen assessment was about to begin.
Whoosh!
As the chime faded, several figures streaked across the sky, and the crowd's eyes followed their path until the figures reappeared atop the high stage overlooking the square. Xiao Yan recognized some of these elder figures—Grand Elder Xuan, Yan Shaozhe, and Elder Zhuang.
"Didn't expect all these old masters to attend. They're taking this final match very seriously," Xiao Yan murmured.
Yan Shaozhe stepped forward, raising his hands to quiet the crowd. His gaze swept over the audience before settling momentarily on the black-robed youth of Class Seven. Just then, the tall, bespectacled Dean of the Soul Guidance Department, Qian Duoduo, nudged Yan Shaozhe's shoulder.
"Shaozhe, who do you think will win today?" Qian Duoduo asked with a smile.
Yan Shaozhe chuckled. "I'm putting my money on Dai Huabin's team. Although Class Seven has managed to defeat several teams with Soul Elder-level opponents, Dai Huabin's team is stronger overall. He reached thirty spirit power levels by age twelve, even surpassing his brother who's training in the inner courtyard."
Qian Duoduo yawned and stretched. "I don't know, Shaozhe. The fact remains that your Combat Department's Zhou Yi once suffered a setback against that kid from Class Seven."
Yan Shaozhe laughed it off, responding, "Nonsense, old Qian. Elder Xuan already mentioned that someone secretly helped that kid back then. There's no way a one-ring soul master could match Zhou Yi on his own."
"We'll see soon enough, won't we?" Qian Duoduo shrugged, rubbing his chin thoughtfully before adding in a serious tone, "I heard one of Class One's students showed an evil-attribute spirit during the semi-finals this morning. Those traits could lead him to become an evil soul master down the road."
"This is on you, Shaozhe! The academy's reputation is at stake."
Yan Shaozhe's face darkened. "We can't control the nature of one's spirit. Evil traits in a spirit don't make a soul master evil by default. But don't worry, I've already expelled that student. A spirit like his has no place in Shrek Academy."
Meanwhile, Xiao Yan's team and Dai Huabin's team had entered the arena, observing each other from across the field. Dai Huabin didn't recognize Xiao Yan at first, but a sneer soon appeared on his face. He ran his thumb across his throat, making a deadly gesture toward Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan's dark gaze chilled as he muttered to himself, "Dai Huabin, just you wait."
---
As the minutes ticked by, the much-anticipated final match finally arrived. A bell tolled across the arena, and the crowd's roaring cheers instantly quieted.
Yan Shaozhe stepped to the edge of the stage, holding a Soul Amplifier. His voice rang out clearly over the hushed arena: "As the 261st Dean of Shrek Academy, I hereby declare the final match of this year's freshmen assessment… to begin!"
Boom!
The crowd erupted into thunderous cheers, filling the air with excitement.
The referee stepped into the arena and gestured to both teams to approach.
Xiao Yan, carrying his massive black ruler on his back and clad in his black robe, strode forward at the head of Class Seven. Behind him were Lan Luoluo and Lan Susu. On the other side, Dai Huabin led his team into the arena, flanked by two young women.
The referee brought both teams to the center, instructing them in a deep voice, "This is the freshmen assessment final. In the arena, you are free to move as you wish and give it your all. Don't hold back—I'll intervene as needed. Anyone I remove from the arena will be considered defeated."
"Understood," both teams replied in unison.
Xiao Yan's eyes, filled with a cold glint, locked onto Dai Huabin. Likewise, Dai Huabin's eyes narrowed as a faint murderous aura radiated from him. He appeared far more hardened than others his age.
"Introduce yourselves," the referee commanded.
"Xiao Clan, Xiao Yan."
"Lan Luoluo, Lan Susu."
Dai Huabin's team responded with visible hostility, "Dai Huabin, Zhu Lu, Cui Yajie."
The referee extended his arms, signaling both teams to retreat to the edge of the arena. "Move to the perimeter. Begin when I give the signal."
Both teams backed away, and Dai Huabin's fierce gaze never wavered from Xiao Yan, his murderous intent barely concealed. Xiao Yan met his glare without flinching, his eyes flashing with traces of red.
"Begin!"
The referee raised his hand, then slashed it down to signal the start of the match.
As soon as the match started, Dai Huabin shot forward, shouting, "White Tiger, Possession!"
"Everyone, don't hold back. Let's finish them in three minutes."
A white light exploded from Dai Huabin's body as he charged forward, his arms extending out as his chest puffed up. His muscles swelled under his soul power, and his hands grew into massive claws, each one razor-sharp, eight inches long, and gleaming with a deadly light. He looked every bit like a ruthless killing machine.
Two yellow and one purple soul rings appeared around Dai Huabin, glowing as he closed in on Xiao Yan.
"White Tiger…" Xiao Yan muttered, a trace of surprise flashing through his eyes. Had his own spirit not mutated, he might have wielded this very spirit. But he quickly brushed the thought aside as his killing intent surged.
-Support me in Patreon for more chapters 35+ chapters in there
patreon.com/GodofTL236
Thanks!