Chapter 9

In Teacher Zhou's Office

Shen Yin's Pov

"I thought you didn't want to reveal your spirit ring."

"After our last conversation, I began second guessing my decision. By revealing my hand, the school would be more willing to shield me from possible enemies. However, I hope that school will not probe into my background."

"I understand. Now, mind explaining on what happened during your little journey."

"Teacher Zhou, my spirit essence went through an evolution."

"I obviously know that!!!"

"....I also gained a new essence."

"A third essence?! Are you sure?"

I nodded in response and looked up at her shocked expression. I held up my hands and produced a small twister. A black ring was shining right beside me. As long as I will it, the wind spirit's ring would change its color. This is actually similar to Yuhao's imitation but I need to have a contract with the said spirit beast.

"A 10,000 year old ring!!"

"This is my third essence from a Primordial Wind Spirit Lord that had a Absolute Wind attribute."

"Absolute Wind!! Your body shouldn't have been able to hold up so how?"

"Most likely due to the fact that I have another spirit bone."

"Another spirit bone!! Brat, your luck is heaven-defying but how did you defeat a 10,000 year old spirit beast."

"While hiking through the forest, I had an accidental encounter with two spirit beasts fight. They were both on similar levels of power."

"Two 10,000 year old beasts?!"

"Yes, I hid within the bushes and merely observed the fight from the far side. Once both beasts were exhausted and near death, I took advantage of the situation to launch my strongest attack towards both of them."

"How badly injured were those two beasts to be killed by a Spirit Elder of rank 40...Anyways, does that mean you have a total of three 10,000 year old rings?"

"Yes. Sadly, I only obtained one spirit bone from one of the spirit beasts. The other one did not have a spirit bone. My luck seems to be limited to that point."

"Hahaha, you're practically a monsters by now but lucky for you this is a school that train monsters. Now that the exam is over, you'll be moving up to the next year. What do you wish to do?"

"For now, I'm thinking of remaining in your class. Is that ok?"

"Oh, why is that? Aren't I harsh and strict?"

"It is because of that harsh and strict nature that I believe I can grow faster and stronger."

"Very good! Very good! A good child."

Next Day

All the students that passed the exam gathered, including me. The results and rewards of the tournament were announced. The school will aid the top 3 teams in finding a suitable ring. I, who didn't participate, would not be receiving that award. Yuhao's team that cane in top will get a special reward from the school which I know are spirit bones.

"In this group of candidates, there will be a selected few to be our core pupil. I will announce the list of candidates. Shen Yin, Wang Dong, Xiao xiao, Dai Huabin, Zhulu, Zhou Si Chen, Lan Susu, Lan Zhizhi, Ningtian, Wu Feng. These students will become core students of the outer academy."

'As expected, Yuhao was not called out because of his spirit level. The school will regret their decision later on as Yuhao grows. It's their loss after all.' I berated them in my mind. I felt sorry for Yuhao as I saw him look down with a grim expression. Don't worry, he'll just have to continue to grow from now on. You have friends who know how capable you are.

"There were some outstanding students, but their talent level does not warrant them a position as a core pupil right now...Yuhao, Cui Yajie, Huang Chu Tian...your talent and abilities..."

3rd pov

'It's not anyone's fault, I can only be mad at myself...' Yuhao thought to himself and calmed down.

"Yuhao, are you okay?" Wang Dong asks worriedly.

"I'm alright. I'm not qualified to be a core pupil..."

"No way! They just don't know how amazing you are!"

"That's right! I mean even our class's strongest Shen Yin acknowledges your prowess. It's the school that's blind." Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao tries to cheer him up.

"Wang Dong, Xiao xiao...I'm really fine. I do need to continue working hard. Maybe I can ask Brother Yin to give me tips on close combat. He seems to be well versed in those."

"Well, he does need the skills if he wants to use his tool spirit."

Shen Yin's Pov

After the announcement, everyone including me were split into four classes. The main protagonist and his team along with me were arranged into the same classroom. Our teacher would be Teacher Zhou and Wang Yan.

After the assembly, I headed to Shrek's Spirit weapon building to find Teacher Fan Yu.

"Teacher Fan Yu, I made up my mind. I wish for you to take me in as a student. I won't be imprudent and ask for you to accept me as a core student. I only wish to learn more about soul weapons so..." I did a 45 degree bow.

"Is that really ok? You're going to be a core student of the outer academy. Are you sure you thought this through? You should know that the two departments don't get along."

"Yes, that's why I request of you to not accept me as a core disciple as to not cause too much conflict between the two departments. Besides, I'll just have to show that I have potential in both departments."

"Mhm. It should be fine as long as you made your own decisions. From now on, you'll be helping with the analysis and development. No slacking off on your studies."

"Yes."

Not long after, Teacher Zhou came with Yuhao to discuss about Yuhao joining the department as a core pupil.

Timeskip >>>

"Brother Yin, what are you doing here anyway?"

"Ah, I'm here for the same reason as you."

"Eh?! Even though you're going to be a core pupil of Wuhun group?!"

"It's best to learn as much as I can right. Moreover, unlike you, I'm not a core pupil of this department. But, I guess we'll be working together."

"Yes! Let's do our best!"

"Hn."

After Teacher Zhou brought us out of the building, she revealed her real face to us. I was surprised that I was involved in this revelation. She told me that core pupil or not, I am still an official student of the Spirit Guidance department. Seeing her youthful face in person is definitely different than seeing in the book.

3 months later >>>

We are now official students of Shrek Academy. My spirit level advancement was starting to slow down since it's getting more difficult to break through to the next level. I was only able to go up by one level during these weeks which means I am currently a rank 43, Spirit Ancestor.

Our class is in the midst of electing a class president. Our teacher Wan Yan recommended Yuhao to become our class president but a lot of our classmates protested against this decision, only those from our former class didn't disagree including me.

Wu Feng, a fellow core pupil of the outer academy, as one of the first ones to voice out her disagreement, "Teacher Wang! I have a problem! Yuhao doesn't possess the talent to become the class president!"

"Huo Yuhao's team won the tournament. He has his own strong point. The recommendation is based on his ability and was through a lot of debate and discussion." Teacher Wang tries to convince the class that Yuhao isn't as weak as they think he is.

"If it's about ranking, wouldn't it make sense for student Shen Yin to become class president then! There's no doubt that he is the top student within the first years with four spirit rings while student Yuhao only has one spirit ring."

"Student Shen Yin was indeed one of the candidates recommended to become class president but the person in question decided to step down from the position and relinquish it to student Yuhao."

"What?! No matter, I am totally against it. Let us fight! If he wins, I'll accept it!" Wu Feng argues.

"Hmph! If you want to fight, then fight me. Come, let's go to the arena!" Wang Dong defends his roommate.

"Enough." Teacher Wang successfully stops them before a fight could break out by intimidating them. He isn't a teacher of Shrek for show. "Let the whole class decide. Whoever disagree with Yuhao being class president, raise your hand."

3rd pov

The outcome was obvious, more than half of the class raised their hands. They simply couldn't swallow their pride and accept a student with only a single 10 year old ring become their leader. Several of them were confused as to why Shen Yin didn't raise his hand despite being the strongest in the class and whole year group. 'Isn't he frustrated?' They disregarded that thought as him being supportive of Yuhao as his friend from the same original class.

"Eh? Do you have anything to say, Yuhao?" Teacher Wang asks.

"Before you make your announcement, I want to say...I accept Wu Feng's challenge. If I win, please decide then!"

Yuhao himself knew that if he backs out from this fight today. He will never be able to look up at himself in the future. Everyone will look down on him. His self-respect would be damaged. He also didn't want to keep being protected by Wang Dong, Xiao xiao and Brother Yin. So...he chooses to battle! Even if he loses, he wants to lose as a man.

The whole class gathered at the stadium. Almost everyone were mocking and insulting Yuhao in their seats. Xiao xiao, Wang Dong and Shen Yin were sitting together. Xiao xiao got along with him after Wang Dong introduced them to each other.

"Brother Yin, can I call you that? Since Yuhao calls you that, I can too right?" Wang Dong asks the silent person beside him.

"Go ahead." Shen Yin replies.

"Then, me too! Brother Yin, as the strongest one in the year group, you must protect me when there's trouble." Xiao xiao squeezes in, not letting go of the chance to get closer to this golden thigh. Shen Yon nodded in response.

"Anyway, brother Yin, why didn't you defend Yuhao back then? I'm sure that if you had put in some words for him back then, everyone in class wouldn't have said anything against Yuhao becoming class president. Aren't you two very close?" Wang dong asks.

"Yuhao isn't someone who needs my protection. The reason I didn't help him wasn't because I didn't care. If I had aided him at the time, Yuhao would still be looked down on and be talked behind his back. Yuhao has to earn respect and recognition from the class if he wants to move on." Shen Yin says while staring at the arena below, to be more specific, he was staring at Yuhao who had a look of determination.

"Such wise words. Brother Yin definitely makes a good advisor or brother but you should smile more often." Xiao xiao compliments and teases him.

"Thank you. I'll keep that in mind." Shen Yin replies emotionlessly which makes Xiao xiao and Wang Dong sweat drop at him for his lack of expressions. 'Well, it's Brother Yin after all," they thought at the same time.

"Match...Start!!"

Everyone's focus landed on the fighting ring. Wu Feng instantly summoned her ring and charges at Yuhao, who had closed his eyes. Just as Wu Feng got close and was about to land a hit, Yuhao manages to dodge to the side.

"Brother Yin that movement!" Wang Dong exclaims softly.

"Yes, Yuhao came to me asking for some advise in close combat. I taught him a few techniques he could implement into his fighting style. Paired up with his spirit eye..."

"I see. His moves are so fluid and calm, it's so much better than before. Wu Feng's attacks aren't hitting at all."

Yuhao got behind Wufeng and landed several hits. Everyone was surprised seeing Yuhao actually winning against Wu Feng who is levels higher than him. The angered Wu Feng used her spirit ability and summoned her dragon claw. Somehow, Yuhao ended up angering her even more as he accidentally grabs her skirt while dodging. Wu Feng really went at him out of rage and embarrassment. Yuhao uses his soul shock. As a result, both him and Wufeng suffered from that exchange.

Yuhao appears to have fallen unconscious while Wu Feng was on her knees holding her head. It only took her a few minutes to recover from Yuhao's attack.

"Huo Yuhao, you wait and see. As ling as you're in class one, I'll go against you everyday! I will get you kicked out of the academy! Hmph!"

"Wait! I still haven't lost!!" Yuhao stands back up, his eyes glaring fiercely at Wu Feng.

'Here it comes.' Shen Yin thought.

In a second, the air around the boy changes. Only Yuhao himself and Shen Yin will know what had exactly happened.

'Yuhao's eyes' changed color? Could it be like student Shen Yin, his essence evolved?' Teacher Wang questions in his mind. He knew from Shen Yin's profile that he originally had daggers as his essence but it later on evolved to become a Glaive.

In a matter of seconds, no one could comprehend what had occurred but Wu Feng had collapsed out of the blue after staring at Yuhao eye to eye. The teacher ran over to check up on her and announced that she had fainted. "Yuhao wins!!"

'Yi Lai Ke Si has awaken inside of Yuhao. Such terrifying power. The title god of death suits him well. Someday, I might need to face against this. It gives me goosebumps just by imagining it.' Shen Yin frowns ever so slightly at this.

Shen Yin, Wang Dong and Xiao xiao went down to the stage to congratulate him.

"Yuhao! You little! It's too amazing!" Wang Dong was the first to rush to him.

"I won." That was the last thing Yuhao said before collapsing.

"Yuhao!!" Wang Fong catches him.

"He has some severe injuries. Bring him to his bed." Shen Yin instructs.

"Bed?! We have to take him to the medical office!" Wang Fong shouts at him.

"Don't worry. I happen to have a healing spirit ability." Shen Yin calmly reveals.

"A healing ability?!" Xiao xiao exclaims.

Wang Dong and him went to their dorm room and laid Yuhao on Wang Dong's bed because it was more comfortable. Shen Yin, then, summons his Glaive with his Yang blade facing up.

'Dawn Sky Wind Glaive 2nd spirit ability: Star's Faith.' A purple ring appears beside him.

Wang Dong: 'A purple ring!'

The Yang blade emits a beautiful golden glow and Yuhao's entire body glows along with it. After a few minutes, it was obvious that Yuhao's complexion was getting better and better. It took 30 minutes for Yuhao to heal completely.

"He should be fine by now. He just needs rest at this point to recover his spirit energy."

"Such an amazing skill." Wang Dong was astonished to see his Brother Yin having such a convenient and rare skill. "Ah, I'm sorry for yelling at you before, Brother Yin."

Shen Yin: "It's okay. I know you're just worried for Yuhao. I'm counting on you to keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't push himself like this ever again."

Wang Dong: "I will! You can count on me."

Shen Yin: "Thank you. Cone to me if there's any problem at all."

Wang Dong: " Then I'll take you upon that offer and ask you fo help whenever we have troubles." *smirks*

Shen Yin: "I'll help solve it no matter what it is. Both you and Xiao xiao are treasured friends of Yuhao. Which means, you're my friends as well."

The next day

After their little hectic morning, Wang Dong explains what happened yesterday when he blacked out. How he (Wang Dong) carried him to his (Wang Dong) bed, how Brother Yin used his ability to heal him and so on. Yuhao became more grateful of them, both Wang Dong and Shen Yin.