"Luo Chuan, your group stay for a moment."
At this moment, just as Tang Luochuan and his companions were about to leave, Yun Ming's figure appeared before them on the platform, his tone calm.
"Teacher?"
Na'er's adorable little face showed a trace of contemplation. Though she didn't know what her teacher intended, it probably... wouldn't interfere with her plans to go out with Brother Luo Chuan!
"Pavilion Master, you wanted to see us…?"
Meanwhile, Tang Luochuan and the others spoke respectfully. Apart from Tang Luochuan, Gu Yue, and Na'er—who interacted with him most frequently—the rest couldn't hide their excitement.
This was the Sea God Pavilion Master, the foremost figure of Shrek Academy. Either of his titles alone was enough to make countless powerhouses tremble, let alone them.
"Nothing serious."
"You've all done exceptionally well."
Yun Ming looked at the nervous group of young men and women before him and shook his head with a smile, signaling them to relax.
Was he really that intimidating?
"Pavilion Master..."
Hearing this, Tang Wulin and the others were momentarily stunned, their hearts swelling with joy. Being praised by a powerhouse like the Pavilion Master wasn't an everyday occurrence.
"And Luo Chuan's Battle Armor crafting techniques—even us old-timers were deeply impressed. Truly, the new generation surpasses the old."
At this moment, Cai Yue'er also appeared, her face wearing a kindly smile as she spoke candidly.
"Of course, our Wu Lin isn't far behind either."
"Strive to become a Saint Craftsman soon."
Zhuo Shi and Feng Wuyu then made their appearance, their gazes turning toward Tang Wulin as they spoke with smiles.
"A Saint Craftsman? I'll definitely get there."
Tang Wulin nodded with a smile, though his mind was already racing. Currently a sixth-rank Forging Grandmaster, he had already demonstrated his talent at Shrek Academy...
Bringing Sister Zi Xin here was one step closer!
"Alright, you must be tired from today's matches. Go rest for now. When the opportunity arises, have Na'er bring you all to Sea God Island to visit us."
Seeing the group somewhat overwhelmed by the attention, Yun Ming shook his head and chuckled.
"Yes!"
"..."
That night.
"Ye Hui, believe in yourself."
"You're the best!"
Yuanen Yehui adjusted her attire, took a deep breath, and stepped out of her dormitory. Composing herself, she headed toward the restaurant where she had agreed to meet Tang Luochuan and the others.
Today would be the day she truly introduced herself!
Meanwhile, inside the restaurant.
Led by Tang Luochuan, the first-year students had already gathered, and among them was Mu Xi from the second year.
"Congratulations, everyone. Your performance today has spread widely throughout the academy."
Mu Xi smiled warmly at the group. Though she hadn't participated in the competition, she had clearly kept a close eye on their progress.
As a spectator, she might have even understood their situation better than they did themselves.
"It's all thanks to Brother Luo Chuan / our boss."
Hearing this, the group first laughed but quickly shook their heads, fully aware of who truly deserved the credit. They weren't letting pride get the better of them.
Their talents were indeed remarkable, and they even possessed two Martial Soul Fusion Skills. But without the Battle Armor crafted by Tang Luochuan, they might have still beaten the second-years—but never this decisively.
"You all are truly strong."
"Don't underestimate yourself."
Hearing this, Mu Xi shook her head and said, "Opportunity is also part of one's strength, isn't it?"
"By the way, Luo Chuan, I have a question for you."
At this moment, Mu Xi suddenly thought of something as her gaze turned toward Tang Luochuan, her mind flashing with speculation.
What she was thinking about was none other than the Battle Armor she had observed up close during class that day—Yuanen's Battle Armor. That Battle Armor...
Not only was its quality exceptionally high, but it also bore some resemblance to Luo Chuan's work. She had felt something unusual about it that day—could it have some connection to Luo Chuan?
She had been meaning to ask him about it earlier, but she hadn't seen him all day. Now, during dinner, she finally had the chance to bring it up.
"Mhm, go ahead."
"That Yuanen's Battle—"
"Luo Chuan, I'm here."
Just as Mu Xi was about to speak, Yuanen Yehui's figure appeared in everyone's sight. She was now dressed in a dark-colored gown.
"Ye Hui, you're here."
Seeing the newcomer, Tang Luochuan smiled faintly before turning his gaze back to Mu Xi beside him and saying slowly:
"Your question."
"You'll know the answer very soon."
"Really...?"
Mu Xi wore a thoughtful expression, nodding half-believingly. Would she really know the answer so soon?
"It seems..."
"I'm the last one to arrive."
On the other side, Yuanen Yehui was momentarily stunned as she looked at the gathered group before her, silently clutching the hem of her dress.
She shouldn't have spent so much time picking out clothes!
Now she was the last one here!
"Not at all."
"Sister Ye Hui, Brother Luo Chuan and I just returned from the Inner Court not long ago."
At this, Na'er quickly shook her head, wearing a sweet smile as she spoke earnestly.
"That's right."
Tang Luochuan said with a smile.
"We only just arrived ourselves."
Gu Yue also looked at her, a relatively warm smile appearing on her usually calm face.
"Really...?"
Though she knew this was likely just to comfort her, Yuanen Yehui's eyes still brightened as she spoke softly.
At least Luo Chuan and the others were considerate of her feelings!
"Sister Ye Hui, come sit down."
"You can't just stand there."
At this moment, Wu Siduo, who was closest to her, smiled and gently pulled her over.
"Thank you, Si Duo."
Yuanen Yehui responded with a smile, her voice light.
Yet as she looked at the girl before her with her ordinary expression, she couldn't help but recall their previous one-on-one duel.
And then, the other's next words left her completely stunned.
"Sister Ye Hui, did you watch our match against the second-years today? Why didn't you participate?"
"With your cultivation, I'm sure you're stronger than most of the competitors."
Wu Siduo asked curiously, her tone gentle.
"Well..."
Yuanen Yehui paused, a beautiful smile appearing on her face.
She had been planning to reveal her identity to everyone, but she hadn't expected Si Duo to ask first. How would the other react when she later learned that she was Yuanen?
"About that..."
"There's actually something I've never told everyone, and even Luo Chuan has been helping me keep it a secret."
Yuanen Yehui chuckled lightly, her gaze unconsciously drifting toward Tang Luochuan as she spoke slowly.
"Hmm?"
Hearing this, everyone became curious. What could this secret they'd been kept from be?
"Hmm..."
As Yuanen Yehui released her Soul Power, a massive ape-like form instantly materialized in her palm.
Witnessing this scene, Tang Wulin and Xie Xie beside her wore expressions of astonishment, Xu Xiaoyan's small mouth hung open in shock, and Wei Xiaofeng looked as if he'd seen a ghost...
Wu Siduo, in particular, was completely dumbfounded.
"Ye Hui-jie..."
"Your Martial Soul is! What is this?"
Wu Siduo's face was filled with confusion, clearly having never anticipated this turn of events, and she couldn't help but exclaim.
"I am Ye Hui, but also the class monitor of Class 1, Grade 2, and previously Si Duo's opponent—Yuanen."
"Let me formally introduce myself."
"I am Yuanen Yehui."
The girl wore a bright smile as she stated this plainly.
She was Ye Hui, but also Yuanen.
(End of Chapter)