Chapter 23: Core Disciple

A moment later, after the soul power on the field dissipated, Yan Shaozhe finally released his Soul Weapon True Form, but his once very imposing appearance now looked a bit disheveled.

The upper half of the left sleeve had been burned to ash, and the arm itself was blackened by the fire.

Three claw marks appeared on the right sleeve.

For a moment, Yan Shaozhe couldn't help feeling a bit embarrassed.

He couldn't believe he was beaten like this by the freshmen; if Qian Duoduo found out, he would laugh at him for a month.

Then he cleared his throat, adopted a calm demeanor, and said:

"Very good, you all performed well. I'm surprised that, as freshmen, your cultivation has reached this level.

And you have all unleashed your Soul Weapon Fusion Techniques.

I have personally felt the strength of your Soul Weapon Fusion Techniques.

This competition ends here; once two attacks collide, a pair will inevitably be left disabled, and only then was I forced to act.

"Alright, I announce that the champion of this competition is …"

Everyone looked at Yan Shaozhe in anticipation, except Mu Jin, whose face remained calm; after all, whoever it is, they're all from her class.

"Su Yun Tian Team!"

After speaking, Dai Huabin, who had seemed subdued, suddenly stood up and shouted at Yan Shaozhe: "Why? I'm not convinced!"

Yan Shaozhe gave him a cold glance; if Dai Huabin weren't from the White Tiger Duke Mansion, his audacity to defy a superior and shout at me would have earned him dismissal.

"Dai Huabin, I have already sensed the power of your two Soul Weapon Fusion Techniques. As I said before, if they collide, a pair will inevitably be injured—that refers to you and Zhu Lu."

"I…" Dai Huabin was momentarily speechless.

"Alright, that's all I have to say. The Freshman Assessment is complete; tomorrow morning the Freshman Conference will be held to award the top three teams and to conduct first‑year class assignments."

"Do not boast in victory, do not be discouraged in defeat; this is essential for progress.

You are among the most outstanding freshmen I have ever seen.

I don't want this competition to affect your future development. That's all."

Having finished, Yan Shaozhe briskly left.

Back in the lounge, Jiang Nannan was waiting; when she saw Su Yun Tian return, she ran over excitedly and gave him a hug.

"Yun Tian, I knew you were the best!"

Feeling the softness in his arms, Su Yun Tian smiled contentedly, until Wang Dong cleared his throat nearby and brought him back to reality.

Jiang Nannan also noticed this and quickly stood up.

For some reason, every time she saw Su Yun Tian, a surge of emotion rose in her heart; she was at the age of first love, and having lacked affection since childhood, she realized she might have fallen for the person who once saved her.

"How about it, no injuries?"

Jiang Nannan brushed the hair by her ears, blushed, and whispered softly.

Seeing this scene, Wang Dong instantly flared up.

In his mind he shouted, "Your face is as red as a hammer!"

"Yun Tian is mine! Mine!"

"It's fine; it's just that my lack of skill caused a slightly high soul power consumption." Su Yun Tian waved his hand, indicating he was unharmed.

"That's good. Tomorrow the academy will award you. If I'm not mistaken, you should all receive the Core Disciple status in addition to the rewards." Jiang Nannan smiled faintly and said.

"Core Disciple? Senior, what's that?" Hearing Core Disciple, Wang Dong's eyes lit up, and his previous hostility toward Jiang Nannan vanished.

"The so‑called Core Disciple is a special title the Slake Academy grants to students with exceptional talent.

After becoming Core Disciples, the academy will pour more resources into you, allowing you to become stronger soul masters."

"Sounds great!" Wang Dong exclaimed excitedly.

"Since you're the champions of this competition, the list of Core members will definitely include you."

……

In the early morning, another bright sunny day arrived.

All who passed the Freshman Assessment gathered on the Slake Playground, awaiting class assignments.

Soon, Du Weilun arrived at the front of the students, accompanied by a dozen teachers.

Holding a list, Du Weilun smiled: "The Freshman Assessment Elimination Match is over; now I'll announce the top three and their rewards."

"Third place: Dai Huabin, Zhu Lu, Cui Yajie, step forward."

Indeed, after losing to Su Yun Tian, Dai Huabin's team faced Ning Tian's team again and naturally lost to Huo Yuhao, the child of destiny.

"Second place: Ning Tian, Huo Yuhao, Wu Feng, step forward."

"First place: Su Yun Tian, Wang Dong, step forward!"

Applause rang out as the eight stepped forward from the line.

Only Dai Huabin's complexion looked off, while Huo Yuhao wore a smile, clearly in a great mood.

Du Weilun said: "Alright, now I'll announce the rewards for the top three Freshman Assessment teams.

Each of the top three teams will receive the academy's standard reward; whenever they need a soul ring, they may request one from the academy, which will help them obtain a soul ring they can bear and that best suits them."

Du Weilun paused, then added: "In view of Su Yun Tian's and Wang Dong's outstanding performance, the academy will grant a special reward; after class assignments, come to my office to collect it."

"Next is the matter of Core Disciple Quota; due to your excellent performance, the academy has granted additional slots."

After the eight returned to their teams, Du Weilun opened the list and said: "Below is the Core Disciple Quota:

Su Yun Tian, Wang Dong, Huo Yuhao, Ning Tian, Wu Feng, Dai Huabin, Zhu Lu, Lan Susu, Lan Luoluo, Xiao Xiao, Xie Huan Yue."

Although Xiao Xiao's team didn't achieve a high ranking, her dual martial souls still attracted the academy's attention.

"Additionally, congratulations to the second‑class homeroom teacher, Mu Jin, on being promoted to senior teacher!"

After speaking, the teachers applauded; Mu Jin grinned broadly, while Zhou Yi's face turned as black as a pot bottom.

After class assignments, the meeting concluded. The Slake Academy has four classes; Class One comprises the Attack Class and Control Class, with Xiao Xiao, Wang Dong, Su Yun Tian, Huo Yuhao, Dai Huabin and others in it.

Class 2 is Defense Class, Class 3 is Support Class, and Class 4 is Food Class and Healing Class.

At the same time, the system's voice also sounded in the mind.

【Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing the mission; the system begins upgrading!】

I just don't know how long the upgrade will take.

After a slight complaint, Su Yun Tian and the two also followed Du Weilun back to the office.

At this moment, Du Weilun took out a pouch from the Soul Guide Device, which also seemed to be a Soul Guide Device.

"Open it and take a look; this is a reward the academy gave you as an exception. I can guarantee it's absolutely the most precious reward in a century."

Su Yun Tian and Wang Dong exchanged a glance, then infused soul power.

A pale yellow soul power undulation emanated from the pouch, and a palm-sized bone flew out.

"Soul bone!" Wang Dong exclaimed in shock.

"The left leg bone of the Empty Bright Panther is suitable for Attack Class and Control Class soul masters to absorb. As for who gets it, you two decide." Du Weilun smiled slightly.

(End of chapter)