"The influence Luo Chuan has on her..."
"It's truly immense."
Cai Yue'er wore a thoughtful expression. Before this, Yuanen Yehui had been someone who only cared about cultivation, never even making friends outside of it.
"I hope..."
"Things continue this well."
A smile graced Cai Yue'er's face as she murmured to herself.
"Class President..."
Not long after, during break time, Yuanen Yehui heard a voice calling out to her. Turning, she saw two girls standing beside her, looking at her with emotion-filled eyes.
"What is it?"
Yuanen Yehui's expression remained calm. She naturally recognized the two before her—Bai Hanying and Ye Xingmo, her former teammates from the Exchange Tournament.
"Nothing, it's just..."
"You're really beautiful."
Bai Hanying smiled, her eyes practically sparkling as she spoke, her heart filled with countless emotions.
She had always thought the class president was an unapproachable cultivation fanatic—a stereotype that had persisted until now. Who would have guessed she was actually a girl?
"Ah? Thank you."
"Am I really that beautiful?"
Yuanen Yehui froze for a moment, clearly not expecting such words. A flicker of surprise crossed her face as she replied softly.
"Mhm, mhm."
Bai Hanying nodded cheerfully. Beautiful? She was absolutely stunning.
Little ol' me just loves telling the truth.
"Same here."
Beside her, Ye Xingmo also nodded, though she quickly changed the subject, her gaze shifting to Yuanen Yehui with a hopeful gleam in her eyes.
"Class President, are you free this weekend? If you have time, could you spar with me?"
Ye Xingmo's eyes brimmed with anticipation. Like Yuanen Yehui, she was passionate about cultivation and growing stronger. But before, she had assumed the class president was aloof and male, so she never considered the idea.
Now, though, such a strong class president was the perfect sparring partner!
"Oh? Sure."
Yuanen Yehui's eyes lit up as she smiled and nodded. At the same time, the weight in her heart finally lifted. She had once worried that people might treat her differently after learning the truth about her.
"But clearly..."
"Things are just fine!"
A smile lingered on Yuanen Yehui's face as she thought to herself.
As expected...
Trusting Luo Chuan was never the wrong choice!
After this, life at Shrek Academy continued much as before for the students—mornings filled with classes, afternoons dedicated to personal cultivation.
However, the reputation of this generation's first-year students as the strongest had been firmly cemented within the academy. At least ten of them already possessed the potential to enter the Inner Court.
Wu Siduo's Self Martial Soul Fusion Skill was a rarity even across the ages. Ye Xinglan, wielder of the Star God Sword, had comprehended sword intent at such a young age. Xu Xiaoyan, with her Star Wheel Ice Staff, boasted absolute control abilities!
Additionally, the undying Xu Yucheng, the restraining Luo Guixing, and the shadow bear Yang Nianxia were also highly regarded.
Especially Tang Wulin, whose status as a sixth-rank Forging Master wasn't just unmatched among the outer court—there were scarcely any in the entire academy who could surpass him.
But even he was only the forging committee member of Class One, Grade One. The class president, Tang Luochuan, though low-key, was rumored to already possess the strength of a five-ringed Soul King. Even the Pavilion Master, Yun Ming, held him in high regard.
Of course, what shocked everyone afterward was undoubtedly the identity of the class president of Class One, Grade Two—Yuanen...
This year was also hailed as the liveliest in Shrek Academy's history.
"..."
Two months later, in Class One, Grade One, all the students sat in their assigned seats, their eyes fixed on the podium as they awaited the arrival of their two homeroom teachers.
Among them was Tang Luochuan, whose cultivation had already broken through to level 55.
Now, the first semester at the academy was nearing its end, and with it came the final event before the holidays—the one thing everyone was curious about: the final exams.
"Brother, Gu Yue (older female)..."
"What do you think our exam will be about?"
Tang Wulin couldn't hide his curiosity as he glanced toward Tang Luochuan and muttered. The same thought crossed the minds of everyone around him.
Exams were undoubtedly an unavoidable part of any academy—just as a romance continent couldn't exist without double standards, or a competition continent without competitions. They were an absolute necessity...
In the past, the final exams at Eastsea Academy had always been challenge-based, such as in the Primary or Intermediate Spirit Ascension Platforms, since everyone was still very young back then.
But now, at Shrek Academy...
What would it be like?
"Probably something challenge-related too. I'm not entirely sure, but we'll find out once the teachers return," Tang Luochuan replied with a smile, shaking his head. He pondered for a moment, his impression of the final exams still vivid. After all, this seemed to be the very moment that would earn Wu Lin the infamous title of "Train Killer."
For him, completing it would naturally be a breeze—something anyone with hands could do. And with everyone else having improved, they'd handle it with ease too. Of course, regarding the "Train Killer" situation...
He'd have to keep an eye on Wu Lin.
"I think so too," Gu Yue nodded, though she found it hard to muster any real interest in the so-called final exams. When the time came, she'd just casually complete it alongside Luo Chuan.
"But whatever the exam is, I doubt it'll be difficult enough to stump us," Wu Siduo remarked calmly, a faint smile on her lips.
"Of course not," Ye Xinglan and Xu Xiaoyan exchanged glances, laughing in agreement.
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"Students, today is the last day of the semester. Starting from dismissal, we'll begin the final task before the holidays—the final exams..."
Not long after, when Shen Yi and Wu Zhangkong appeared in the classroom, they cut straight to the chase, explaining the arrangements for the final exams.
"Over the next month, you'll travel to at least ten different cities. In each city, you must defeat a Soul Master at least five levels higher than you..."
"Academy teachers will monitor your progress and record your scores. These scores will determine whether you can enter the Inner Court in the future."
Shen Yi spoke slowly, her tone indifferent.
However, as they listened to her words, the students present all wore thoughtful expressions. Traveling to ten cities within a month and challenging opponents stronger than themselves in each city...
It was indeed quite a challenge!
But everyone could tell that this was clearly the academy's way of honing their combat experience. None of them found it difficult—on the contrary, it seemed almost too simple.
After all, for students of Shrek...
What was so daunting about surpassing levels?
"This exam content..."
"Surprisingly simple, isn't it?"
Beside Tang Luochuan, Wu Siduo wore a pensive expression. She had thought Shrek's challenges would be far more difficult, but it turned out to be less exaggerated than expected.
"Ah, one last thing."
"Before the final exam, all Soul Guidance Devices will be confiscated by the academy, and no Federal currency is allowed. In other words, during this month..."
"Whether it's travel expenses, food, or lodging..."
"You'll all have to earn it yourselves."
At this point, Shen Yi added with a kind smile. It was this very statement that brought a sense of relief to the students' hearts while simultaneously making their expressions grow more solemn.
Challenging strong opponents in ten cities naturally wasn't difficult. With today's advanced technology, traveling to another city wouldn't take much time. But doing so without a single cent to their names...
Would still consume a lot of time.
"Luo Chuan, Gu Yue, your situation is special. The Pavilion Master issued a notice last night exempting you from the final exam. However, afterward..."
"There will be an even greater challenge tailored specifically for you."
At this moment, Wu Zhangkong looked in their direction, a faint smile on his face as he spoke slowly.
Geniuses were not all the same. For true prodigies, the arrangements naturally differed as well. Tang Luochuan and Gu Yue before them undoubtedly deserved new rules.
None of the other students voiced any objections to this, as the two of them unquestionably had the qualifications.
"Yes, teacher."
Hearing this, Tang Luochuan and Gu Yue merely exchanged a glance, showing no significant emotional reaction. Instead, they felt a sense of calm.
Being exempt from the final exam meant they wouldn't have to waste a month challenging so-called "strong opponents." After all, for the two of them, even opponents a full major realm above wouldn't pose a threat.
"Still, a greater challenge..."
"Sounds quite impressive."
Tang Luochuan pondered inwardly. A challenge so formidable that even he would feel its weight?
It sounded... rather exciting.
Beside him, at that very moment, a glimmer of light flickered in Gu Yue's eyes, clearly deep in thought—though her train of thought was entirely different from Tang Luochuan's.
"With everyone gone for exams this month..."
"Nothing should disturb my time with Luo Chuan, right?"
Gu Yue's mind wandered, and the corners of her lips curled up slightly before quickly smoothing back down.
(End of chapter)