Shen Yi's voice still echoed over the arena, and the stands had yet to quiet down when a figure silently appeared in the center of the main platform.
The newcomer wore a simple white robe, his face serene, his eyes as deep as the ocean, seemingly containing an entire galaxy within them.
Simply by standing there, the previously noisy square fell into complete silence. All students, teachers—including Wu Zhangkong and Shen Yi—instinctively straightened their backs, their gazes filled with utmost respect.
This was Yun Ming, the Pavilion Master of the Sea God Pavilion, and the Atlas Douluo.
Unlike what others might imagine, this pavilion master wasn't overly busy. His presence at Shrek Academy served more as a stabilizing force.
His gaze swept over the five on the platform, then lingered briefly on Xie Xie and Xu Xiaoyan below, who looked somewhat disheartened, before settling momentarily on Gu La and Bai Yuan, who had been directly admitted without trials.
Gu La still wore his signature lazy expression, showing little interest in anything, while Bai Yuan calmly met Yun Ming's gaze, his eyes as calm as still water.
"This selection aims to choose talents for the Star Luo exchange delegation."
Yun Ming's voice wasn't loud, but it reached every ear clearly, carrying a soothing power that calmed the hearts of all present.
"The five on the stage, along with Gu La and Bai Yuan who were admitted directly, will form the first-year representatives. Three days from now, you will compete against the second-year team."
"At that time, the elder council of the Sea God Pavilion will observe the match and make the final decision regarding the seven individuals representing Shrek Academy to travel to the Star Luo Empire."
"However," Yun Ming's tone shifted slightly, his gaze once again falling on Gu La and Bai Yuan, carrying a subtle scrutiny.
"After careful consideration, the strength of Gu La and Bai Yuan far surpasses the scope of outer court students. To ensure fairness in the exchange matches, these two will automatically secure two spots on the final roster and will not participate in further selections."
This announcement lifted Tang Wulin's spirits. There was still hope! He instinctively glanced at Xie Xie and Xu Xiaoyan below, his eyes conveying a silent message: "There's still a chance."
Xie Xie forced a smile, while Xu Xiaoyan clenched her small fists tightly.
The moment those words left Yun Ming's lips, the entire arena erupted in shock.
Two slots directly predetermined?! This was almost unheard of in Shrek Academy's history, but it also indirectly confirmed just how unfathomable the strength of these two individuals truly was.
Upon hearing this, Gu La's lips curved slightly, seemingly satisfied with the outcome—as long as his spot wasn't taken away, he didn't care about the specifics.
Bai Yuan gave a slight nod, indicating acceptance.
Yun Ming continued, "Therefore, the remaining five members of the first year may select two substitutes from among the outstanding candidates who were eliminated. These substitutes will join the match against the second-year team. From both teams, we will select the most qualified individuals to represent the academy on the Star Luo trip."
This news was like a ray of light piercing through Tang Wulin's heart.
"Great!"
Tang Wulin nearly shouted aloud. This meant that Xie Xie and Xu Xiaoyan still had a chance.
As long as they demonstrated sufficient value, they could potentially join as substitutes—or even as official members—and travel to the Star Luo Continent.
As comrades who had entered Shrek Academy together from Donghai (East Sea) Academy and fought side by side ever since, Tang Wulin couldn't bear to leave them behind.
He turned to Gu Yue and Ye Xinglan, his eyes burning with fierce determination. "We must win! Beat the second years, prove our strength as the first year, and show the elder council that we deserve more spots!"
Ye Xinglan's sharp gaze softened slightly as she nodded faintly. "Exactly. The second years are merely stepping stones on our path forward."
Her fighting spirit burned intensely. Defeating stronger opponents would validate her swordsmanship.
Gu Yue remained cold and aloof, but her gaze flickered imperceptibly when she heard "eliminated students have a chance." She briefly glanced toward Xu Xiaoyan's position before returning to her usual icy calmness, simply murmuring an indifferent "Mm."
Xu Lizhi nodded firmly, though his face was still pale, his eyes were resolute. "Wherever Sister Xinglan goes, I go too! I'll make the best buns!"
Wu Siduo let out a soft snort, exuding the pride of the Ghostly White Tiger. "Who the opponent is doesn't matter. Winning is all that counts."
After announcing the latest decision, Yun Ming vanished, reappearing moments later on the Sea God Island, embracing Ya Li's soft figure.
"Ah, being the pavilion master is exhausting."
Yun Ming tilted his head back, complaining to his beloved.
Ya Li understood him. With so many matters at hand, the academy's decisions weren't easily overturned. However, Gu La and Gu Yue were disciples of the Spirit Pagoda, and their futures wouldn't belong to Shrek. It wouldn't do for them to steal all the limelight during the exchange.
Under the watchful eye of the Sea God Pavilion, Yun Ming had no choice but to compromise. He even prepared to increase the number of participants. Coincidentally, this year's selection of the new generation of Shrek's Seven Monsters was approaching, and the Sea God Pavilion intended to prepare early.
Moreover, one of the goals of this exchange wasn't just to promote peace between the two nations—it included establishing a Shrek branch on the Star Luo Continent.
Thus, it was essential for the students to make a name for themselves on another continent.
---
Three days later
Soul Arena, Shrek Academy.
The atmosphere inside the venue was solemn and tense. Several elder council members of the Sea God Pavilion sat on the highest observation deck, their invisible pressure enveloping the entire arena. Yun Ming sat in the center, his gaze calm.
On either side of the arena, two teams stood ready.
First-Year Team:
- Captain: Tang Wulin.
- Vice-Captain: Gu Yue.
- Members: Ye Xinglan, Wu Siduo (who wanted to be captain but failed), Xu Lizhi, Xie Xie, and Xu Xiaoyan.
Second-Year Team:
- Captain: Yuanen Yehui.
- Vice-Captain: Le Zhengyu.
- A burly power-type battle soul master, a slender agile attack-type battle soul master, an auxiliary system tool soul master wielding a softly glowing scepter, and two control-type soul masters positioned behind the team.
The second-year lineup was nothing short of luxurious, especially their captain, Yuanen Yehui. Standing there, she resembled an immovable mountain, her calm gaze exuding a natural sense of pressure.
Le Zhengyu, on the other hand, appeared more flamboyant, radiating the holy and fiery aura of a fallen angel.
"How did we end up facing him again?" Xie Xie muttered under his breath. They had already clashed during the opening assessment, in the Spirit Pagoda, and in the work-study dormitory. Now, here they were again.
"Titan Giant Ape and… Fallen Angel." Xu Xiaoyan's face tightened with worry. "Captain, I might not be able to restrain her for long."
"It's okay. Do your best," Tang Wulin replied.
Tang Wulin took a deep breath, feeling the immense pressure emanating from the opposing team. But his eyes showed no fear, only fiercely burning flames. For his comrades, to prove himself—this battle required every ounce of his strength!
"Both teams, prepare!" the referee's voice rang out across the arena.
Tang Wulin barked low, "Stick to the plan! Xinglan, take the left flank. Siduo, restrain the right. Lizhi, get the buns ready. Gu Yue…"
He turned to Gu Yue, but she had already fixed her gaze on Yuanen Yehui, elements beginning to swirl silently around her as if she hadn't heard his command.
Tang Wulin's heart sank, but there was no time to dwell on it. His Golden Dragon Claw instantly covered his right arm, the power of the Golden Dragon King bloodline surging forth. A low dragon roar echoed faintly as he stepped forward, charging directly toward Yuanen Yehui.
"Begin!"
With the referee's command, the arena exploded like a powder keg!
Ye Xinglan's sword flashed like a streak of light, aiming for the agile attacker of the opposing team, attempting to cut off their support routes.
Wu Siduo transformed into a blur of purple-black, her Netherworld Spirit Cat martial soul enhancing her with chilling killing intent as she lunged toward Le Zhengyu. Her goal: to entangle this powerful heir of the Holy Angel!
Xu Lizhi had already summoned his Bun martial soul, soul power surging as he began forming recovery meat buns.
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