Wang Nan's two supervisory missions proceeded smoothly.
Even among Spirit Masters of the same spirit power rank, Shrek Academy Disciples are far stronger than ordinary Spirit Masters, not to mention when their spirit power rank surpasses their opponents'.
On the way back, Wang Nan took a break and told Zhang Lexuan about his findings in Lingdou City.
"What's your judgment?" Zhang Lexuan asked after listening.
"I'm not entirely sure, but the most likely possibility is that the boss's hometown is indeed performing similar sacrifices."
"Okay, I will report it to the Academy and let them investigate." Zhang Lexuan said seriously, looking into Wang Nan's eyes.
A moment later, Zhang Lexuan stood up.
"Alright, prepare to depart. Xiao Tao, you switch positions with Wang Nan. You'll be responsible for the right side of the team, and Wang Nan and I will be at the very front."
Everyone looked at Zhang Lexuan, a little confused.
"Four years from now, you will represent Shrek Academy in the Soul Duel Tournament." Zhang Lexuan saw their puzzled expressions and patiently explained. "For a team to unleash its full strength, there needs to be a captain to command the battle."
Zhang Lexuan didn't say more, but the others already understood.
Initially, Zhang Lexuan had brought Ma Xiaotao along as a prospective captain. In fact, choosing the person with the highest spirit power rank as captain is what most teams do, as it also helps to win over the others.
However, after this supervisory mission, Zhang Lexuan discovered that Ma Xiaotao's heart-nature was a bit impulsive. In contrast, although Wang Nan was younger, he never lingered in battle, acted decisively, and maintained a sense of vigilance. This caution, surpassing that of other team members, could better protect the team's safety.
"I understand." Ma Xiaotao's 'captain' position was taken, but she didn't seem to mind at all. She nodded and obediently moved to the right side of the team.
"You, follow me." Zhang Lexuan activated her flying spirit tool and ascended into the air. Wang Nan quickly followed.
"As the person walking at the very front of the team, in addition to being the first to face and react to the situation ahead, you must also consider the overall strength of the entire team." Zhang Lexuan said to Wang Nan while controlling her flying spirit tool.
"As a captain, you must have a sufficient understanding of every member's situation in the team. Even a hastily formed team should know the approximate strength and spirit tendencies of its members."
Zhang Lexuan taught Wang Nan a lot of things along the way, just like a teacher. The reason she would later be called the Inner Courtyard Senior Sister, besides her strength, was also largely due to her ability to answer questions and solve problems for every Inner Courtyard Disciple.
"Oh, right. The Academy lowered the selection standards for Inner Courtyard Disciples two years ago. After we go back this time, you should be able to apply to study in the Inner Courtyard."
"What's the Inner Courtyard assessment?" Wang Nan asked curiously.
"For ordinary Disciples, the Inner Courtyard assessment includes two parts: practical combat and heart-nature, as well as a recommendation from at least one Inner Courtyard Disciple. As a reserve member of the Shrek Supervisory Group, your heart-nature and recommendation won't be a problem. All that's left is the practical combat assessment."
"The assessment for the attack system is the simplest. In previous years, the assessment involved gathering Disciples who passed the heart-nature test for one-on-one matches, and the winners would be selected into the Inner Courtyard. In other words, the elimination rate for entering the Inner Courtyard is at least fifty percent. Of course, you are only in your fourth year now, and you will have one opportunity to apply to enter the Inner Courtyard each year until you graduate from the Outer Courtyard in your sixth year."
Zhang Lexuan looked at Wang Nan. "However, as far as I know, there has never been a situation where a Core Disciple failed the Inner Courtyard assessment."
Wang Nan didn't know if this counted as comfort, but he still thanked Zhang Lexuan. The rest of the journey was mostly uneventful, and the group quickly returned to the Academy.
The three Inner Courtyard Disciples returned to Sea God Island; they still had to report the details of this supervisory mission to the Academy. The remaining Outer Courtyard Disciples also parted ways, heading back to their dorms to rest.
Wang Nan, however, did not return to the dormitory with Gongyang Mo but instead went to the Fighting Soul Zone.
He was not a procrastinator. Since he had decided to participate in this year's Inner Courtyard assessment, he wanted to confirm it with Sun He as soon as possible. At this time, Teacher Sun should still be teaching practical combat in the Fighting Soul Zone.
Wang Nan, familiar with the route, arrived at the Fighting Soul Zone. As soon as he entered, he saw many people gathered around a ring, most of them first-year Disciples in white school uniforms.
'Didn't the freshman assessment end a long time ago? What are they all doing here?'
Wang Nan looked from afar and found that the two people currently battling on the ring were familiar faces.
One of them was Xu Sanshi, who had spoken to Wang Nan on the day of freshman registration. Although he was in a battle, he still had a smile on his face. The other person was a boy of similar height to Xu Sanshi, with eye-catching dark blue hair.
Wang Nan had seen this child next to Mu En before. If he wasn't mistaken, it should be Beibei. However, at this time, Beibei was not as refined and amiable as he would be later. His face was a bit grim, and his right hand, crackling with violent lightning, continuously struck Xu Sanshi.
"Who do you think will win?"
Teacher Sun had arrived beside Wang Nan at some point.
"The one with the shield." Wang Nan chuckled. "Although the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon seems to have the advantage right now, he hasn't actually caused much damage to that defense system Disciple."
"On the contrary, his continuous attacks consume more spirit power. If he can't find a weakness in that defense system Disciple in a short time, he will undoubtedly lose if the stalemate continues."
"Not bad. You've certainly broadened your horizons after that trip." Teacher Sun nodded, fully agreeing with Wang Nan's judgment.
"Teacher Sun isn't teaching today?"
"Hmph, with you not 'causing trouble' in class, dealing with the other few kids is a matter of minutes." Teacher Sun suddenly sighed. "You didn't come to see me for a practical combat lesson this time, did you?"
"Mm." Wang Nan nodded. "I want to apply to participate in this year's Inner Courtyard assessment."
"You rascal, during the entrance assessment, I knew I wouldn't be able to keep you for all six years. You were bound to apply to enter the Inner Courtyard early. I just didn't expect you to reach this stage without even spending half your time in the Outer Courtyard."
Teacher Sun suddenly brought up the entrance assessment, giving off a 'I knew you were special from a young age' vibe. However, he didn't sigh for too long. "I'll arrange the registration for you, but there's still some time until the official assessment. Use this time to prepare well."
"I understand, Teacher Sun."
"Then you can watch for a bit, verify your judgment, and I'll go prepare your registration."
Watching Teacher Sun leave the Fighting Soul Zone, Wang Nan suddenly felt a sense of farewell, like when he was about to graduate in his previous life. However, before he could fully savor it, a voice from the ring interrupted him.
"Hey, Senior Brother over there, want to come up and spar?"
Xu Sanshi had already won the match and was waving at Wang Nan, clearly recognizing him.
Xu Sanshi only had two Spirit Rings right now, so how could he be Wang Nan's opponent? He simply had that kind of personality, unable to resist striking up a conversation when he saw someone he knew.
Wang Nan just waved back at the ring and then walked out of the Fighting Soul Zone.