Suppressing her curiosity, Xian Lin'er chose not to press Huo Yuhao about his spirit skills and instead spoke with a warm smile.
"I can tell you very responsibly that your spirit skill is exceptionally suited for pairing with soul tools in combat. If you join the Soul Tool Department, it will fully maximize your potential."
"Uh..."
Huo Yuhao blinked, momentarily unsure how to respond.
He couldn't exactly say he was joining the assessment just to enjoy the perk of three months of free meals, could he? As for joining the Soul Tool or Martial Soul Department, it didn't matter much to him since he didn't really need anyone to teach him either cultivation or soul tools.
Still, if he had to pick, Huo Yuhao was slightly more inclined toward the Soul Tool Department. Joining the Martial Soul Department might only grant him the fully-equipped set of spirit bones promised by Yan Shaozhe in his past life, which included at least one hundred-thousand-year bone.
In his previous life, he'd been thrilled by the thought of such treasures, but after reincarnating, he valued the rare metals the Soul Tool Department could provide even more.
Luckily, he didn't have to make a decision right then, as Zhang Lexuan came over to his side.
Zhang Lexuan shot him a meaningful look, suggesting she would handle things, then turned to Xian Lin'er with a smile.
"Dean Xian, this is only the first day of school, and Yuhao hasn't even figured out the differences between the Martial Soul and Soul Tool Departments yet. How can he decide so soon? Why don't you give us a couple of days? I'll explain both departments to him in detail first, and then he can make a decision."
Since Xian Lin'er had already seen Huo Yuhao's potential, it was only natural for Zhang Lexuan to wait until Yan Shaozhe returned before they discussed it further.
With no competition at hand, Xian Lin'er wouldn't be offering high incentives right now. If Huo Yuhao were to join the Soul Tool Department under such conditions, the resources he'd receive would likely be much lower.
"This girl… trying to make us bleed, huh?"
Xian Lin'er easily understood the implications of Zhang Lexuan's words but wasn't offended. She looked at Huo Yuhao with an amused expression and teased, "I must say, your new homeroom teacher is looking out for you. I'm almost a little envious. Fine, since Lexuan says so, I'll come back after Yan Shaozhe returns."
She was determined to secure Huo Yuhao for the Soul Tool Department, after all. With the Soul Tool Department's abundant resources, Huo Yuhao's talent justified any cost she might need to pay.
Most importantly, she doubted Yan Shaozhe would be as eager to fight for Huo Yuhao as she was, especially after witnessing his spirit skill. While Spirit Detection and Simulation were powerful, they mainly provided a significant boost in using soul tools, whereas in the Martial Soul Department, they'd only be supplementary.
With Gu Yuena and Tang San around as well, would Yan Shaozhe compete for three students at once? Even if he wanted to, the Martial Soul Department didn't have the resources for it.
With this thought, she patted Huo Yuhao on the shoulder and looked toward Du Weilun.
"Director Du, let's begin the next match."
Du Weilun wiped his forehead with a weary expression and nodded.
"Everything is according to Dean Xian's arrangements."
With how things were going, even if the Martial Soul Department could keep a few of these talents, it would cost them dearly. They were now in an auction battle for two treasures they'd hoped to snag without much effort. The pain was real.
As Huo Yuhao, Zhang Lexuan, and other spectators exited the field, the second assessment was about to start, and the students' excitement had reached its peak. They eagerly watched the direction of the waiting area.
When a silver-haired girl slowly walked out, their eyes lit up.
"First a handsome guy, now a beautiful girl—this year's freshmen are incredible…"
Ignoring the attention on her, Gu Yuena walked straight to the center of the field and stood still. Before the audience could snap out of their admiration of her beauty, three purple spirit rings unexpectedly rose around her feet, and the intense purple glow caused Xu Sanshi to stagger in shock, nearly tripping over.
"Goodness… what kind of monsters did the academy enroll this year?"
Both freshmen he'd seen so far were starting with thousand-year spirit rings! Xu Sanshi was starting to wonder if he was falling behind the times.
Facing this newcomer, who seemed even stronger than Huo Yuhao, Xu Sanshi dared not show any hint of arrogance and immediately released his martial soul.
With two yellow and one purple spirit ring appearing, his already muscular figure swelled, and his black school uniform stretched taut over his robust physique.
"Huh? Xuanwu Shield?"
Noticing the dark green, blood-red-eyed snake on Xu Sanshi's shield, Huo Yuhao couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
He remembered in his previous life, Xu Sanshi had a Black Tortoise Shield during his time in the outer court since his Xuanwu bloodline had not yet fully awakened. But this time, it seemed his opponent had already awakened his Xuanwu Shield.
"Junior Brother Huo, you actually know about it?"
Bebe, noticing Huo Yuhao's interest, asked with curiosity.
"I just happened to hear about it but haven't actually seen it."
Bebe didn't care if Huo Yuhao was being truthful. He chuckled and explained, "Since you passed the assessment, I can tell you. Before you freshmen arrived, Xu Sanshi was considered the most talented in the outer court, and even I could only match him when using my full power."
Huo Yuhao nodded slightly. These two were known as the Twin Stars of the outer court in his past life, not just for their cultivation speed, but because their martial souls were more than they appeared.
One had the bloodline of the Xuanwu divine beast, and the other carried the top-tier Holy Light Dragon bloodline. Their natural talent was truly exceptional.
After explaining, Bebe's curiosity was piqued. "By the way, Junior Brother Huo, if you were up against Xu Sanshi in the assessment, do you think you'd have a chance?"
"It's hard to say."
Huo Yuhao smiled. "Xu Senior's defense-type spirit is naturally a counter to me."
Using the tactics he'd just shown against Bebe, defeating Xu Sanshi would be nearly impossible. In terms of inter-departmental restraint, control spirits were often least effective against defense spirits, which excelled at enduring attacks.
Without activating his Sin of Pride, his physical power alone couldn't break through the Xuanwu Shield.
Of course, if he used Spiritual Shock, that would be a different story. Xu Sanshi, with only Spirit Elder-level cultivation, would likely be knocked out instantly.
"Looks like you held back a lot against me, huh, Junior Brother Huo?"
Bebe laughed at himself, "Finding a strong opponent in the outer court isn't easy, so let's spar again sometime."
"Sure thing."
Huo Yuhao nodded with a smile. In the meantime, the duel on the field was about to begin.
"Come at me—"
Finally, Xu Sanshi suppressed his usual smirk and looked at Gu Yuena, his face filled with determination.
"Let me see what this freshman class can do!"
As his words fell, an aura of dark green energy surged around him, exuding the terrifying pressure of a divine beast. Xu Sanshi was not one to back down before a fight; even though Gu Yuena's spirit ring composition was intimidating, his spirit skills were also enhanced by the divine beast imprint.
"Ready—Begin!"
With Xian Lin'er's command, everyone in the arena froze at the sight before them.
Gu Yuena's first and second purple spirit rings lit up in succession, and her long, silver hair began to emit a faint glow. A silver staff appeared in her hand, and as she waved it, nearly ten fiery orange-red fireballs materialized around her.
The scorching heat swept across the field, and even the audience felt its intensity.
Seeing the fireballs, Xu Sanshi's battle spirit completely vanished. He swallowed hard and muttered despairingly.
"Hey, can we call a truce?"
But the next moment, with a wail, the fireballs swarmed toward him.
"Arrgh—!!"
Xu Sanshi's screams echoed through the arena for several minutes before dying down.
The spectators covered their eyes, unable to bear watching this one-sided battle any longer.
In addition to fireballs, an array of elemental attacks relentlessly assaulted Xu Sanshi. He managed to hold his own at first, but soon, all he could do was scream.
Finally, scorched and bruised, Xu Sanshi raised his trembling hands, shouting in anguish.
"I surrender! I surrender!"
With the battle over, Gu Yuena calmly retracted her staff and spirit, then turned to Xian Lin'er.
"I won."
(End of Chapter)
I had a fever yesterday so I couldn't post a chapter.
Although from the displayed strength, Gu Yuena didn't seem as powerful as he was, that effortless demeanor clearly wasn't something a normal Soul Elder should possess.
Both he and Huo Yuhao only had this kind of power early on due to their rebirth; how could she achieve it?
Ruling out the possibility that she too was reborn, Tang San's brow furrowed even deeper.
Could she be a genius Huo Yuhao discovered and nurtured?
Inside the resting area.
Xu Sanshi was gripping Bei Bei's neck in frustration, shaking him as he furiously shouted.
"I knew it! You set me up! You knew something was up with that junior and tricked me into fighting him, didn't you? That's why I got trashed so badly!"
Cough, cough. Bei Bei spread his hands, looking innocent. "I really didn't know! I approached the junior for other reasons. Besides, you're always lamenting that no one can break through your defenses. Now that someone has, isn't that a good thing?"
"How is that the same?!"
Thinking back to the nightmare-like experience he'd just gone through, Xu Sanshi's body shuddered involuntarily as he angrily retorted.
"I almost saw my great-grandma just now!"
As he said that, he glanced toward the two people who had suddenly embraced each other mid-conversation, his tone slightly hesitant.
"Are those two… a couple or something?"
At first, he hadn't thought much of it, but after Gu Yue Na defeated him and immediately went to find Huo Yuhao, he started to sense something was off.
"Doesn't seem like it."
Bei Bei shook his head slowly, then couldn't help but glance over at Zhang Lexuan, who was talking with Xian Lin'er and Du Weilun, sighing softly.
"But I really do need to make some progress myself."
Xu Sanshi was puzzled. "Make progress with what?"
But Bei Bei gave him a mysterious sidelong look. "Because some people still don't get it."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Xu Sanshi looked more confused. "Are you talking about me?"
"Take a guess."
"..."
After passing the assessment, there wasn't much Huo Yuhao and Gu Yue Na needed to worry about. They just had to wait for Yan Shaozhe and Xian Lin'er to come with their offers.
After bidding Zhang Lexuan and the others farewell, the two headed out of the arena.
Soon, they saw two familiar figures waiting at the Soul Arena entrance.
"Sister Xiao Ya, Sister Nan Nan, you're still here?"
Hearing his voice, Tang Ya and Jiang Nannan turned their heads. When they saw Huo Yuhao, they both broke into delighted smiles.
"It's your first day of school, so Nan Nan and I planned to have a meal together to celebrate."
"We were going to find you at the freshman teaching building after our classes, but we heard the announcement and came straight to the arena," Jiang Nannan explained.
"Xiao Ya, didn't we agree that I'd treat this time?" Jiang Nannan said, a little helpless.
Sharing meals usually meant splitting the bill, but it seemed Tang Ya was trying to avoid letting her spend money.
"Oh, we're all close friends here. It's the same, it's the same…"
Seeing Tang Ya scratching her head with a guilty smile, Jiang Nannan chided her lightly.
"No, we agreed. Besides, you two have done so much for my family; one meal is hardly a big deal."
Knowing her friend's stubborn nature, Tang Ya could only give in, turning to Huo Yuhao for help, waiting for him to make a decision.
Seeing Jiang Nannan's expectant face, Huo Yuhao hesitated, then smiled and nodded.
"Alright, we've already accepted quite a few meals from you before, so one more doesn't hurt. Thanks, Sister Nan Nan."
Ever since Jiang Wanjun recovered from her illness, Jiang Nannan no longer had to spend all her earnings on her mother's treatment.
Though she was still thrifty, as someone who frequented their house, Huo Yuhao had clearly noticed the improvement in their quality of life.
It was just a meal, after all; it was no big deal.
Jiang Nannan finally smiled with relief.
"Alright then, let's go find something good to eat outside the academy."
While the academy cafeteria had decent food, it didn't have tables and chairs, and takeout wasn't allowed. To the old students in the outer courtyard, eating in the cafeteria felt a bit like imprisonment.
Who invites people to stand and eat?
It was a total hassle.
Even Huo Yuhao started thinking about just getting ingredients from the cafeteria to cook himself.
After all, the energy utilization in his own cooking was much higher. Although the cafeteria chefs were skilled, they weren't on par with him, and a lot of energy in the ingredients was lost during the cooking process.
He wouldn't have cared about this before, since his body couldn't fully absorb it anyway.
But now, with the Sin of Gluttony, he naturally wanted to extract every ounce of value from his food.
Another reason was that his cooking better suited Gu Yue Na, Tang Ya, and the others' tastes.
Watching Gu Yue Na frown every time she ate in the cafeteria and then ask for an ice pop afterward always made him laugh.
Dean's Office, Martial Soul Department.
Knock, knock, knock.
Yan Shaozhe, who had just returned to the academy, heard the knocks on his door and frowned.
For some reason, he suddenly had a bad feeling.
"Come in."
Creak—
As his words fell, the door opened from the outside, and as if to fulfill his premonition, even before Du Weilun walked in, his urgent voice called out,
"Dean, you're finally back. We have a problem."
"Again?"
Yan Shaozhe was stunned. "Is it about the freshmen again?"
Du Weilun wore an awkward expression and explained.
"Zhang Lexuan applied for an internal candidate assessment for Huo Yuhao and Gu Yue Na today. By the time I found out, the inner courtyard had already approved the request."
"An internal assessment?"
Yan Shaozhe instinctively looked at Du Weilun. "What was the assessment content? Did they pass?"
Du Weilun nodded. "The content was one-on-one battles against Bei Bei and Xu Sanshi, and both of them won easily. Most importantly, as soon as Dean Xian from the Soul Tool Department heard about it, she rushed over to witness it herself."
There was no need to say anything more. Yan Shaozhe already knew what Xian Lin'er would do when she saw such talented individuals.
She would try to recruit them.
"This is troublesome…"
Yan Shaozhe murmured, and Du Weilun instinctively lowered his head, his voice filled with guilt.
"I apologize, Dean. This whole situation was my failure…"
But as a seasoned veteran, Yan Shaozhe quickly saw through Du Weilun's intentions and merely glanced at him before retracting his gaze.
"It's alright; this isn't your fault. Now, we need to focus on how to keep these two geniuses in the Martial Soul Department."
Zhang Lexuan's application for the internal assessment likely went through the upper ranks of the inner courtyard, something an outer courtyard head like Du Weilun couldn't influence.
As for Xian Lin'er, that was another story. Her fiery personality meant even he might not have been able to stop her if he had been there.
What was done was done; he wasn't someone who would dwell on regrets.
Seeing that Yan Shaozhe wasn't blaming him, Du Weilun let out a slight sigh of relief, and then spoke up again.
"Actually, Zhang Lexuan mentioned something about this…"
After recounting what Zhang Lexuan had told Xian Lin'er, Yan Shaozhe instinctively raised an eyebrow, sighing in admiration.
"So she wants the Martial Soul and Soul Tool Departments to compete for them? She really is invested in that boy!"
In fact, he remembered now that Huo Yuhao was the boy who saved Zhang Lexuan in the Star Dou Forest and even insulted Elder Xuan to his face.
Yan Shaozhe's eyes suddenly brightened as he thought of something and looked at Du Weilun.
"Did Dean Xian agree to Zhang Lexuan's proposal?"
"Yes."
Du Weilun nodded, cautiously adding.
"Dean Xian said we should set a time to talk to the freshmen together... in a fair competition."
"A fair competition… Well, that simplifies things."
Yan Shaozhe smirked slyly and then continued.
"Tell me everything about Huo Yuhao and Gu Yue Na's performance in the assessment, especially Dean Xian's reaction."
"Yes."
Although Du Weilun didn't understand Yan Shaozhe's motives, he still recounted every detail he'd witnessed.
Upon learning that Xian Lin'er seemed especially interested in Huo Yuhao, Yan Shaozhe glanced down at the student file on his desk, his smirk growing wider.
"A Spirit Eye Martial Soul... No wonder she's so invested. Fine, we'll let her have him."
"Huh?"
Du Weilun blinked, momentarily thinking Yan Shaozhe had lost his mind and hastily reminded him.
"Dean, while Huo Yuhao is only a Soul Grandmaster, he's still a rare talent with his first two spirit rings being millennium rings. Judging by his assessment performance, he's far from weak; we can't—"
But before he could finish, Yan Shaozhe raised a hand, cutting him off.
(End of Chapter)
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