Chapter 167: End of the Exam? 

The fourth exam was located on the second floor. Jing Shaoyu and his companions followed Shen Yi into the building.

The second floor's decor was completely different from the first. The walls were primarily white, with golden patterns and soul-guidance circuits etched into the ceiling, exuding an air of mystique.

However, for Jing Shaoyu and his team, who had backgrounds in mecha design and manufacturing, these soul-guidance circuits were elementary. Jing Shaoyu's expertise went without saying, while Gu Yue and Xu Xiaoyan were both certified Level 4 professionals—Gu Yue in mecha design, and Xu Xiaoyan in mecha manufacturing.

Yes, Xu Xiaoyan had chosen mecha manufacturing as her secondary profession. While this field wasn't gender-restrictive, it was still surprising for someone as petite and delicate as her to pursue such a technically demanding discipline. Even more impressive, she had reached Level 4 in just four years since starting at the age of nine.

Jing Shaoyu understood her reasoning. It was about team coordination. With him acting as an all-around mecha repair specialist, Gu Yue's design skills and Xu Xiaoyan's manufacturing expertise made them a well-rounded combat team. As for metal forging, they could easily outsource that to a forging master, at least until they needed materials for four-word battle armor.

Shen Yi led the group into a spacious room. The space was mostly empty, except for two rows of chairs along the walls. On the far side of the room, three examiners sat behind a long table, their eyes immediately locking onto the three young candidates.

The examiners' faces lit up with interest upon seeing the trio. Jing Shaoyu's team had an undeniably striking presence. Despite being soul masters, humans are visual creatures, and attractive candidates often received more leniency and goodwill.

Jing Shaoyu, too, observed the three examiners. Among them, one stood out—a white-haired elderly woman sitting at the center. Her cold, indifferent expression and strong demeanor suggested a high-ranking position. The other two, middle-aged men, seemed slightly deferential to her.

Jing Shaoyu quickly realized who she was: Cai Yue'er, the Silver Moon Douluo, one of the elders of the Sea God Pavilion and the dean of Shrek Academy's outer court.

Shen Yi respectfully greeted the elderly woman. "Elder Cai!"

"Oh, it's little Shen Yi! What brings you here?" Elder Cai's frosty demeanor softened into a smile.

"These three are my senior brother's students," Shen Yi replied warmly. "I wanted to personally ensure their success."

"Oh? Students of that rascal? No wonder." Cai Yue'er's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "Alright then, let's see what his teaching skills amount to."

"Yes, Elder Cai!" Shen Yi's tone was cheerful. She turned to Jing Shaoyu and the others and explained, "This test involves showcasing your most outstanding skill or strength. Remember, it must be related to your capabilities as a soul master."

After delivering her instructions, Shen Yi stepped back, allowing the exam to proceed.

The trio fell into contemplative silence, pondering what to showcase. They understood the test's premise and were carefully considering how to best impress the examiners.

"Alright, children," Cai Yue'er announced. "Your thinking time is up. Start from the left."

All eyes turned to Xu Xiaoyan, standing at the far left. She took a deep breath and confidently stepped forward, stopping in the center of the room to face the examiners.

"Greetings, esteemed teachers!" Xu Xiaoyan curtsied sweetly, her radiant smile exuding innocence and charm.

Even Cai Yue'er's cold demeanor softened slightly at the sight of Xu Xiaoyan's bright, angelic presence. "Go ahead, young lady. Show us your best."

Xu Xiaoyan extended her hand, and an ethereal golden staff materialized in her grasp as starlight coalesced around her. Three purple soul rings appeared beneath her feet, and her aura transformed into one of elegance and mystery.

Cai Yue'er's eyes lit up, and she instinctively sat up straighter.

"This is my martial soul, the Star Staff," Xu Xiaoyan introduced proudly, her confidence shining through.

Before she could say more, Cai Yue'er interrupted her. "Star Staff? I know of it. It's an exceedingly rare astral-type martial soul. The Xu family once gained fame for wielding it. Are you, by chance, from that family?"

"Yes!" Xu Xiaoyan blinked in surprise. "You've heard of my family?"

"Shrek Academy knows very little that isn't worth knowing," Cai Yue'er said with a faint smile, her tone brimming with pride. "That's enough. You may return."

"But…" Xu Xiaoyan hesitated. "I haven't demonstrated anything yet."

"There's no need," Cai Yue'er said dismissively. "Knowing your lineage is enough. Your martial soul's absolute control over starlight is well-documented. You're dismissed."

"Thank you!" Xu Xiaoyan curtsied again, her mischievous eyes twinkling. She skipped back to Jing Shaoyu's side, beaming with relief.

Jing Shaoyu stood up, patting her on the shoulder. "Looks like you're good to go."

Xu Xiaoyan gave him a reassuring smile of encouragement as he walked to the center of the room.

Cai Yue'er's gaze sharpened as she studied him. "What's your relationship with those two girls?"

Caught off guard, Jing Shaoyu hesitated before responding, "Childhood friends and confidantes."

"Which one?" Cai Yue'er pressed further.

"Both." Jing Shaoyu's candid response made the two male examiners frown.

"Both?" Cai Yue'er's face darkened, and her earlier goodwill evaporated. "You intend to lead them both on? Leave at once. Shrek has no place for students with questionable morals."

Jing Shaoyu's calm expression betrayed no emotion. Instead of arguing, he nodded. "Understood. I apologize for wasting your time."

He turned to leave without hesitation, his composure leaving the examiners stunned.

Xu Xiaoyan and Gu Yue, however, rose to their feet, their faces filled with indignation. If Shrek wouldn't accept Jing Shaoyu, they had no intention of staying either.

Seeing the two girls preparing to leave, Cai Yue'er's expression turned stormy.

At that moment, Shen Yi rushed forward and grabbed Jing Shaoyu's arm. "Elder Cai, this is a misunderstanding! There's more to this story!"

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