Chapter 38: Freshman Assessment Begins

"Okay, kid, it's almost time."

In the vast sea of spirit, Electrolux's voice echoed.

"Mr. Yi, thank you for your guidance these past days."

As Chen Junting spoke, his consciousness gradually returned to reality. His eyes fluttered open, revealing the familiar interior of his dormitory.

Three months had passed since he arrived at Shrek Academy. Now, the much-anticipated freshman assessment was only days away. Over this period, he had advanced to the peak of level 35, leveraging the benefits of the Gold of Life. His mental strength had also seen significant improvement. Each night, he entered the Spiritual Sea, absorbing knowledge on magic patterns and soul guidance arrays.

His life had been nothing short of fulfilling.

"Dugu, time to go."

Snapping out of his thoughts, he turned to Dugu Xin, who was still immersed in his cultivation. After a brief exchange, the two swiftly headed to the cafeteria for breakfast before making their way to the classroom.

Today marked the grouping and assessment of the new students.

---

Class 9: Freshman Year

Despite class not yet starting, the seats were nearly full. Conversations buzzed around the room, filled with anticipation for the freshman assessment. Some students, however, displayed anxious expressions—those who knew their strength was lacking.

The moment Chen Junting and Dugu Xin stepped in, the chatter ceased. In unison, every gaze turned toward Chen Junting.

The meaning was clear.

With him present, Class 9 had not just a chance to compete—but a real shot at winning.

Ignoring the stares, Chen Junting and Dugu Xin moved through the rows of desks, taking their seats beside Ning Tian.

"You're quite popular," Ning Tian teased, casually brushing back her long hair, which had grown noticeably over the past three months.

"As long as Teacher Mu Jin arranges it, I don't mind," Chen Junting replied coolly. His gaze swept over the class, and the moment his eyes met those watching him, they quickly averted their stares. Satisfied, he turned back to Ning Tian.

"The assessment is a good opportunity to scout for talent. Shrek Academy may not accept them all, but as part of the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, we welcome promising individuals."

"Agreed."

Ning Tian nodded. This had been part of their goal in attending Shrek Academy in the first place.

At that moment, Wang Dong walked over. "So, how are you planning to proceed with your cultivation?"

Beside him, Huo Yuhao also stood attentively.

Ning Tian smiled. "If nothing unexpected happens, the five of you should end up in the same class."

"The five of us?"

Wang Dong blinked in confusion before glancing at Huo Yuhao. "Wait… are you all choosing the control system?"

The entire group fell silent. Then, realizing something, a smirk crept onto Chen Junting's lips. "Wang Dong, let me guess. You assumed each department had its own class. Then, when you saw Yuhao choosing control, you decided to do the same."

His next words struck like an arrow.

"Attack and control are inseparable."

"Pfft!"

Ning Tian and Dugu Xin burst into laughter. Even Wu Feng couldn't hold back, openly giggling at Wang Dong's flustered expression.

"Hey! Stop laughing!"

Wang Dong rushed to Wu Feng, covering her mouth in embarrassment. "I just didn't want to be separated from Yuhao! I didn't know the class divisions worked like this!"

His panicked explanation only made things worse. Huo Yuhao wanted to disappear, while many girls in the class shot betrayed glances at him, their hearts shattered.

Suddenly—

"Wang Dong! What are you doing!?"

The entire class fell silent.

At the door, Mu Jin stood with a thick stack of papers, glaring at Wang Dong. His current posture—hovering over Wu Feng—resembled a boy teasing a girl.

"Ah! Teacher, I can explain!" Wang Dong jumped back, flustered.

Mu Jin, however, waved dismissively. "No time for that. Everyone, take your seats."

She handed the stack of documents to Ning Tian for distribution. "Fill these out with your chosen cultivation path."

Once everyone received a form, Mu Jin continued. "As you all know, the freshman assessment is next. Those who pass will be officially assigned to their respective classes. The strong attack and control classes will be Class One. The agile attack and defense classes will be Class Two. The auxiliary combat-support classes will be Class Three. The remaining soul masters—such as food and healing types—will form Class Four."

The room fell into focused silence. Choosing a class was a major decision for their future training.

Mu Jin's tone grew serious. "Reducing ten classes to four means many of you will be eliminated. However, I expect Class 9 to avoid this fate. Now, listen carefully to the assessment rules."

She explained the two-part structure: a round-robin match followed by an elimination round. The round-robin results would determine who got expelled.

Some students paled at the prospect of being forced to leave Shrek Academy. However, Mu Jin soon provided an alternative.

"Of course, there's also the freshman assessment for the Soul Guidance Department. I don't know the exact details, but given their struggle to recruit students, I imagine their assessment is easier."

This statement sparked conflicted looks. Many dismissed the Soul Guidance Department but now found themselves considering it.

Chen Junting shook his head. These students believed the Soul Guidance assessment would be an easy way out, but with their mindset, they would struggle to adapt, let alone excel.

With the explanation complete, everyone finalized their choices.

Mu Jin reviewed the submissions, nodded in satisfaction, and then announced the team assignments.

"Group One: Chen Junting…"

---

(End of Chapter)

---

Stones~