Chapter 65: Rewards and Core Disciples

The first light of dawn spilled over Shrek Academy, bathing the ancient grounds in gold. Mist clung to the stone paths, and a chill breeze swept over the square as hundreds of students gathered beneath the rising sun.

Today was the day.

Freshmen who survived the brutal assessment had assembled in Shrek Square. Some stood tall with pride, others wore weary smiles. Among them, Du Weilun arrived with a dozen teachers trailing behind. His sharp gaze swept across the square—measuring, noting, evaluating.

Pride flickered in Mu Jin's eyes as she took her place. Her students had made history.

Outside the square, a crowd of older students had gathered to witness the final ceremony. Among them were Bei Bei, Tang Ya, Xu Sanshi, and Jiang Nannan.

Du Weilun stepped forward, opening a folder. His voice rang out, firm and clear.

"The freshman assessment has ended. For those eliminated—regret. For those who remain—welcome to Shrek Academy."

Thunderous applause erupted. Some cheered. Some cried. Emotions rippled through the square.

But Du Weilun didn't pause.

"The top three teams have been decided. I will now announce the rankings and their corresponding rewards."

He looked down at the folder.

"Third place—Ning Tian's team. Members: Ning Tian, Wu Feng, Nanmen Yuner."

The trio stepped forward. Ning Tian's steps were calm and confident. Wu Feng smirked. Nanmen Yuner flushed with excitement.

Applause.

But not everyone clapped.

In Class 5, Dai Huabin sat still, jaw clenched. Zhu Lu mirrored him, eyes narrowed.

Du Weilun continued.

"Second place—Wang Dong's team. Members: Wang Dong, Huo Yuhao, Dugu Xin."

More applause followed as the trio walked forward.

Wang Dong raised a brow. Wang Dong's team? But then remembered Mu Jin's words. So that's how the school was handling it.

Huo Yuhao didn't care.

His eyes locked on Dai Huabin.

You looked down on me? Now watch me step over you.

He passed Chen Junting with a quiet nod. "Thank you, Brother Junting."

Junting smiled and said nothing.

Du Weilun paused again, then raised his voice.

"First place—Chen Junting's team. Members: Chen Junting, Qin Lan, Gao Ming."

The applause this time was deafening.

Junting stepped forward with a smile. From the crowd, Xu Sanshi whistled and gave him a thumbs up. Dai Huabin's cold stare didn't even register.

But Junting did notice someone else.

Fan Yu.

The man was late. Clearly, here for Yuhao. But too late to change anything.

Du Weilun spoke again.

"As top three, each team is entitled to a reward from the academy. When the time comes to acquire your next soul ring, Shrek Academy will personally assist you in finding the most suitable soul beast."

Gasps of shock spread through the square.

Even Junting raised his brow in approval.

But Du Weilun wasn't done.

"In addition, due to their undefeated record, Chen Junting's team will receive a special reward. The contents are confidential. After class division, you will receive it privately."

Another wave of murmuring rippled through the crowd.

When the teams returned to their places, Du Weilun took a moment before speaking again.

"You've all proven yourselves, but talent alone is not enough. Remember—effort is the foundation. Dreams are your fuel. Work hard, and one day, you may graduate from this academy with pride."

His next words silenced the entire square.

"Now, I will announce the core disciples of the Martial Soul Department's outer courtyard."

He flipped a page in the folder.

"Chen Junting. Wang Dong. Ning Tian. Wu Feng."

Junting barely reacted. But his gaze flicked toward Qin Lan and Gao Ming.

They didn't seem disappointed.

Du Weilun went on.

"In view of outstanding effort despite limitations in talent, the following students will receive provisional core disciple status until the end of the year: Qin Lan, Gao Ming, Nanmen Yuner, Dai Huabin, Zhu Lu."

Junting glanced at his teammates again. Qin Lan met his gaze calmly.

"Boss Chen," she said quietly under her mask, "we're satisfied."

Her tone was genuine. Gao Ming nodded beside her. "Honestly, we're lucky to even be on that list."

Junting didn't argue. They were right.

But something still tugged at him.

He turned slightly.

Dugu Xin.

His name hadn't been called at all.

"...You've already made your choice, haven't you?"

His words were barely audible.

At the same time, Huo Yuhao stared at Dugu Xin, concern written all over his face.

"Xin, are you okay?"

Wang Dong stood beside him, hand gripping his wrist tightly.

"You didn't get called either… what's going on?"

Dugu Xin chuckled and pried Wang Dong's hand free.

"You think I'm that fragile?" He glanced up at the platform. "I've already made arrangements."

Their confused looks made him smile again.

"Look there," he said, pointing.

Fan Yu had stepped forward beside Du Weilun, holding a separate document.

He opened it.

"After consultation between departments, Huo Yuhao is officially named a core disciple of the Soul Guidance Department's outer courtyard. He retains permission to continue studies in the Martial Soul Department."

The square exploded.

For the first time in a thousand years, a Martial Soul freshman had been claimed by the Soul Guidance Department.

Even Dai Huabin's mocking smile froze. His face paled, his posture stiff.

He looked like a clown who just realized the stage lights had been turned off.

But he found small comfort when he noticed Dugu Xin's name was still nowhere to be seen.

With the announcement done, class division began.

The first-years would now be split into four classes:

Class One: Control and Power.

Class Two: Defense and Agility.

Class Three: Support.

Class Four: Special Types—food, healing, and odd-attribute soul masters.

Mu Jin had already been appointed head teacher of one class.

And standing quietly beside her…

Was Wang Yan.

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(End of chapter)

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Gimme some~~~