The next morning, Chen Junting arrived at the classroom alone.
As for Dugu Xin—he had entered closed-door cultivation the night before. After they returned to the dormitory, he immediately began absorbing the external soul bone of the Human-Faced Demon Spider to avoid further delay. Deep into the night, he completed the fusion of the Eight Spider Lances and began channeling its energy to devour the Green Phosphorus Snake Poison that had saturated his bones. By dawn, half of his hair had turned black again.
To finish purging the poison entirely, he wasn't planning to attend the last class of the semester.
Chen Junting scanned the nearly empty classroom. After greeting a few early students, he went straight to his seat and sat down, slouching a little as he listened to idle holiday chatter around him.
Soon, Class 9 filled in. Most students wore bright expressions. Even Dai Huabin and Zhu Lu, who usually looked as if someone owed them money, were in better spirits—until they saw Chen Junting.
When Wu Feng, Huo Yuhao, and Wang Dong arrived, the atmosphere grew warmer.
Not long after, Wang Yan entered with Mu Jin. The class bell rang as they arrived, but Mu Jin, noting the excited mood, simply smiled and didn't try to quiet anyone down.
"What? All so eager for break already?" she asked, half-laughing.
With no threat of punishment, Class 9 let loose.
"Yes!" came the chorus.
Wang Yan stepped to the podium, amused. "Looks like you've all got plans to enjoy the break already. Good. I've got the news you've been waiting for."
Mu Jin sat in an empty chair near the back, beside Wu Feng, who instantly straightened up a bit.
Wang Yan went on, "Today is your last day of the semester. The Academy has no further coursework for you. I'll say a few words, and then you're free to leave."
The class exploded into cheers.
A few proudly declared they were already packed, storage soul guides at the ready.
Wang Yan smiled, let them have their fun, and waited for the room to quiet down.
"I've watched your growth this year. One Soul Sect, three Soul Elders, and dozens of Great Soul Masters. You've exceeded expectations. Mu Jin and I are both proud to have taught such a class."
Then he paused, and the mood shifted.
"But—"
That single word was enough to freeze the celebration.
"I need to give you a reminder." His tone turned firm as his gaze swept across the room, pausing on the loudest and weakest among them.
"After the break, there will be an upgrade assessment. Whether or not you move on to second year depends on it."
The cheerful faces hardened instantly.
"Let me explain. To qualify, you must be at least level 21—a Great Soul Master. Most of you meet that, but anyone at level 19 needs to train hard over the holiday."
He raised two fingers.
"There are two types of tests. First, a solo battle against a hundred-year soul beast—no external help. If the supervising teacher steps in, you're eliminated. This is the most basic format."
"The second is a group challenge involving three to seven students. It's rare for first-years, so don't worry too much about it."
He looked around.
"Now you know what this break is really for, don't you?"
Groans erupted across the classroom.
So much for a relaxing vacation.
Wang Yan ignored the grumbling. "That's all. I hope to see every one of you back in the second-year classroom next term. Class dismissed."
With that, he and Mu Jin left.
But the mood lingered. Worry had replaced excitement. Most students now had the upgrade assessment heavy on their minds.
Some, though, were simply reluctant to part ways.
"Yuhao, I'm heading out. Don't miss me," Wang Dong said, lying on the desk, his voice tinged with emotion.
Huo Yuhao opened his mouth to reply, but just then, Chen Junting stood up and interrupted.
"Since it's the start of break," he said casually, "as class monitor, I'm inviting everyone to dinner in Shrek City. My treat."
"Count me in!" Cao Jinxuan and Zhou Sichen shouted.
"Hey, look at our rich class rep flexing again!" they teased.
"In that case, we're definitely coming."
One after another, the entire class agreed—even those who normally kept their distance. After all, everyone knew about Chen Junting's background by now, and most had grown to admire him. His invitation felt natural.
Only Dai Huabin and Zhu Lu declined.
As Class 9 poured out of the classroom, they ran into Ning Tian, the monitor of Class 3, leading a group of students from other classes—Class 2, 3, and even Class 4. Even Xie Huanyue had been recruited by her.
Cao Jinxuan grinned. "Well, if it isn't our lovely sister-in-law!"
Chen Junting and Ning Tian didn't even flinch.
Ning Tian smiled, brushed back a few strands of golden hair, and said, "If you like calling me that, go ahead."
Then she turned to Chen Junting. "Everyone's here. Let's head out together."
"Sure."
"Wait—" Cao Jinxuan blinked. "Are we talking four-class mixer now?"
"It's just a simple gathering," Ning Tian replied with a smirk.
No one believed that, of course.
A massive group of students made their way into Shrek City, attracting attention everywhere they went. Even the old dorm manager downstairs opened his eyes, mumbled something about "a bigger turnout than Bowen's crew back then," and chuckled as he let them pass.
By noon, they had taken over an entire restaurant.
The room buzzed with chatter and laughter. For hours, the students laughed, ate, and made memories that would linger far beyond their time at Shrek.
Eventually, the meal came to an end.
One by one, students left for home.
Though some chose to stay behind...
The bond was set. The term was over—but the journey wasn't.
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(End of Chapter)
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