Chapter 63: I

They’ve teamed up—they seem to be targeting you.

With a delicate hand propping her snow-white cheek, Gu Yue cast an unobtrusive glance at the nine prodigies on the other side, ablaze with energy.

Expected.

Zhao Xuanzhen’s tone was light, clearly accustomed to fighting across ranks and being surrounded by soul masters—he didn’t mind at all; this was the inevitable path of the strong.

Do you want to be vice-class monitor? Zhao Xuanzhen asked.

Of course I do—I don’t have the whole Xuanlong Street backing me, so I have to work hard to earn contribution points, otherwise…

Is there anyone willing to support me?

Gu Yue’s voice was melodious, carrying a subtle, careless allure; her clear, dark eyes fixed directly on Zhao Xuanzhen, as if longing for an answer.

So are you easy to feed?

If I’m hard to feed, you won’t feed me? Gu Yue tilted her head, frowning.

I’ll feed you—we’ll buy a bowl and go to the Tianqiao bridge; I’ll lie on the ground, you’ll squat by the bridge, and see how many kindhearted people there are in Shrek City.

Gu Yue slowly curved her lips into a faint smile. Then it’s better I work to support you.

The tension between them subsided; Zhao Xuanzhen’s expression remained as calm as still water, betraying no emotion, but a shadow of solemnity flickered unseen in Gu Yue’s eyes.

Though her aggression paled beside Na’er’s, winning Zhao Xuanzhen’s heart was impossibly difficult. He excelled at blending truth with jest, masking his true feelings—Gu Yue could never tell which words carried sincerity.

Gu Yue straightened her spine, preparing for a long war; the harder the campaign to win Zhao Xuanzhen, the more exhilarated she’d be watching Na’er collapse on her knees, weeping.

Twenty minutes passed in the blink of an eye; one hundred and four new students streamed out of the classroom, winding through the twisting corridors toward the Training Ground.

Called the Training Ground, it was in fact a virtual space resembling a Soul Ascension Platform; Shen Yi lightly tapped the wall, and egg-shaped spheres emerged from the metallic floor, splitting open to form cabins.

Wu Changkong said coolly: Each of you pick one and step inside. You’ll be teleported into a forest. The forest has limited boundaries—you’ll easily encounter other students.

Let me reiterate: the last student standing becomes class monitor; the second and third to fall become vice monitors.

The Training Ground is perfectly safe—death means automatic expulsion from the space, causing no harm to your real bodies, so don’t consider camaraderie—use your full strength without restraint.

Once all first-year Class One students lay down, Shen Yi activated the teleportation device; a sensation of weightlessness echoed in each mind.

Hum—

Zhao Xuanzhen opened his eyes. The world before him was a primeval forest—vegetation blanketed the earth, trees lush and dense. He didn’t linger, unfolding his form and advancing into the forest’s depths.

Light and shadow interwove through the woods; Zhao Xuanzhen moved like a phantom, his toes brushing gnarled roots, the flutter of his robe scattering fallen leaves.

Splash—

Sensing prey entering the trap, ancient blue vines hidden beneath rotting leaves coiled like serpents toward his ankles, while at once, whistling sounds erupted from all four directions!

Ahead stood the youth controlling the azure vines, his third soul ring glowing—he split the vines into double their number, layer upon layer wrapping toward Zhao Xuanzhen.

From the bushes on either side burst two figures wreathed in purple lightning, their backs crowned with leopard-shaped phantoms roaring; from above, a streak of emerald light dove down, wings slicing through the air with gale-force winds that tore through fluttering leaves.

Azure Vines, Lightning Leopard, Thunder Leopard, Jade Green Bird!

A hunting squad of four Soul Elders: the Azure Vines soul master set the trap to control the prey, while the three speed-attack soul masters launched their assault!

Good.

Zhao Xuanzhen’s lips curled slightly; as he lowered his hips, visible black-and-white vortices spiraled around him, effortlessly shattering the Azure Vines from every side.

In the next instant, the fastest Thunder Leopard Soul Elder’s claws reached his face; Zhao Xuanzhen’s fingers locked precisely onto the wrist bone. As lightning crackled, the Thunder Leopard felt a colossal force surge backward through his meridians—he was swung in a half-circle and slammed into the Lightning Leopard Soul Elder.

The dark shadow loomed instantly before his eyes; the Lightning Leopard Soul Elder’s face twisted in terror—he’d been charging at full speed, with no time to dodge!

Boom—

Lightning erupted in a blinding flash as the two leopards crashed together, spewing dazzling electric light. After a shrill scream, the sound of cracking bones mingled with the stench of charred flesh; the two Soul Elders collapsed, twitching helplessly before dissolving into white light and exiting the forest.

Two teammates nearly obliterated in an instant, and the enemy hadn’t even used a soul skill—the Jade Green Bird Soul Elder knew his opponent was extraordinary, but there was no turning back; he had to press on! His first and third soul rings flared; his wings transformed into razor-sharp cleavers as countless feather-blades rained from above.

The hem of Zhao Xuanzhen’s robe rippled like waves; his left hand whipped into a whip-lash toward the sky. The seemingly soft force made the air shriek like a snapped bowstring—the Jade Green Bird’s emerald wings beat frantically, but invisible pressure seized their roots, shattering feathers like rain.

Just before white light engulfed him, the Jade Green Bird Soul Elder glanced at the Azure Vines Soul Master—under that gaze full of hope, the Azure Vines Soul Master “lived up to expectations,” skidding to a sudden stop, then turning and fleeing in disgrace!

Bad luck, bad luck, bad luck—I ran into Zhao Xuanzhen right at the start!

The Azure Vines Soul Master swore to heaven—he’d never run this fast in fourteen years!

What joke is this? Three Soul Elders couldn’t last three moves against Zhao Xuanzhen—is this guy even human?

Locking onto the panicked Azure Vines Soul Master, Zhao Xuanzhen raised his palm, gathering a stream of black-and-white energy—but suddenly sensed something, and withheld the release.

Trying to run?

Dappled shadows trembled as a cool female voice echoed: Three pale-blue wind blades whistled toward him; the fleeing Azure Vines had no energy to dodge the ambush—the blades sliced him cleanly in two.

A black-haired girl leapt down from the branches, wind elements still swirling around her fingertips; she glanced at the scorched ground left by the two lightning leopards, then fixed her gaze on Zhao Xuanzhen’s palm, where energy still flowed, and said:

Sorry—I took your kill.

Let’s clear the field.

Zhao Xuanzhen smiled and shook his head; the black-and-white vortices around him coiled into a Taiji diagram.

Mm.

Gu Yue softly replied, stepping beside Zhao Xuanzhen, walking shoulder to shoulder.

They marched straight toward the forest’s center, encountering group after group of allied new students—varying in size and strength—all effortlessly driven out by Xuan Yue.

Rustle—

Passing a dense thicket, Zhao Xuanzhen and Gu Yue halted in perfect unison. A golden blade slashed through the obstructing grass; Ye Xinglan, gripping the Star God Sword, watched the two walk in tandem, pressed her crimson lips together, and said seriously:

I’m here to join you.

One class monitor, two vice monitors—three people is perfect.

Zhao Xuanzhen fell into thought. He didn’t want the class monitor position for the contribution points—he simply disliked anyone towering over him. But since he’d decided to take the role, the vice monitors should be familiar, reliable allies.

After three years together, their relationship was friendship. For Zhao Xuanzhen, no one in first-year Class One was better suited as second vice monitor than Ye Xinglan—he gave a slight nod.

Welcome.

Thank you.

Ye Xinglan smiled, the weight lifting from her shoulders—ten years of stoic expression vanished the moment she became Zhao Xuanzhen’s teammate. She stepped calmly to the other side, joining Gu Yue to flank Zhao Xuanzhen in the center.

The Xuan Yue Xing Team was formed!

In the observation room, Shen Yi watched the trio’s relentless advance and sighed: Zhao Xuanzhen, Gu Yue, Ye Xinglan together… the battle for class monitor is decided.

No, the outcome isn’t settled. Wu Changkong disagreed. Zhao Xuanzhen is already the target of everyone. Tang Wulin, Wu Siduo, Luo Guixing—all top-tier prodigies—have united, and more keep joining; each one is a peerless talent.

Brother, be honest—who do you most hope becomes class monitor? Shen Yi asked.

…Tang Wulin.

After a pause, Wu Changkong answered: The class monitor is the class’s spiritual symbol. He must not only have combat strength but also leadership presence.

I don’t know Zhao Xuanzhen well—I don’t know his character beneath his combat prowess. Tang Wulin is the best student I’ve ever taught—he perfectly fits both criteria.

Brother, I’ve been Zhao Xuanzhen’s homeroom teacher for three years—I know him a bit. Shen Yi sighed. Today’s selection criterion is combat strength. No one but Zhao Xuanzhen can possibly become class monitor.

Ants may overwhelm an elephant, but they can’t kill a dragon soaring in the sky. Anyone whose strength falls far short of Zhao Xuanzhen’s—no matter how many there are—is meaningless before him.

If the Training Ground were the real world, first-year Class One would face a bloody massacre. Even those prodigies atop the Young Talent List would be like lambs awaiting slaughter, utterly powerless to resist.

I’ve always heard teachers speak of the last era, crushed under the dominance of the Sky Pillar Pavilion Master—Shrek’s Twin Dragons, the Spirit Tower’s Twin Phoenixes, Tang Men’s Twin Swords… countless future titans were suppressed into silence by the Sky Pillar Pavilion Master.

Zhao Xuanzhen is already walking that path—and even stronger than the Sky Pillar Pavilion Master was at his age.

Is that so… Wu Changkong murmured. Then I’ll add one more obstacle to his path—let’s see if he can handle it.

Saying this, Wu Changkong approached the voice amplifier soul tool. A cold, chilling voice echoed over the primeval forest:

All students, note: the Training Ground space is transitioning to night!

As soon as the words ended, daylight faded—the night descended!

It’s dark?

The Nine Prodigies had gathered, occupying a lush region of Blue Silver Grass. Xu Xiaoyan looked up at the star-strewn sky and exclaimed happily: Perfect! Now I’m not just baggage!

Tang Wulin clenched his fist, energized: Xiaoyan, your ice staff has evolved into a Star Wheel Ice Staff at night—its star attribute guarantees absolute validity. We now have at least ten percent more chance to defeat Zhao Xuanzhen!

Star attribute?!

Hearing this, Wu Siduo and the others were thrilled. As heirs of great families, they’d heard of the terror of absolute validity. Even one second of Xu Xiaoyan’s star control could decide a battle’s outcome!

Luo Guixing clapped his hands, drawing everyone’s attention, and said gravely: Let’s be clear—before defeating Zhao Xuanzhen, we must stay united. No betrayals.

This prodigy known as the Shackler stared meaningfully at his teammates, especially wary of the Dark Bear Yang Nianxia and the Jade Snake Zheng Yiran. One looked simple-minded but was inwardly treacherous; the other was outwardly and inwardly venomous. They might stab their own allies the moment Zhao Xuanzhen fell.

Understood. Both replied sullenly.

Luo Guixing nodded. These young prodigies all carried pride, unwilling to submit. This temporary alliance of eighteen was far from stable—only Zhao Xuanzhen’s overwhelming strength forced them to unite, or they’d be picked off one by one.

Aside from Wu Siduo and Tang Wulin, the rest were nowhere near as strong as Lan Dian Yuheng was three years ago, let alone Zhao Xuanzhen, who had swiftly ascended the Young Talent List, rumored to have defeated the top four in Shrek Academy one after another.

He topped the Young Talent List at age ten—universally recognized as the continent’s first prodigy. His position atop the list will remain unchallenged for the next eight years. The next era-defining Sky Pillar Douluo is rising like the sun!

Though the number one on the Young Talent List is as fierce as a wolf, young calves fear no tigers. Unless defeated by Zhao Xuanzhen’s own hands, these prodigies will never yield—never acknowledge him in this lifetime!

We have eighteen people total, covering every soul master type, each with unique strengths. Luo Guixing’s gaze burned. Tang Wulin, you’ve been teammates with Taiji Zhao Xuanzhen and Elemental Gu Yue, and fought Ye Xinglan before—tell us how to fight.

The Eighteen Lao had extensive connections: Zheng Yiran’s brothers Zheng Long and Zheng Hu, Xu Yucheng’s old friends, Luo Guixing’s past allies—these eighteen were unquestionably the largest force in first-year Class One.

Tang Wulin had already planned: Today’s competition is for three positions, so Zhao Xuanzhen, Gu Yue, and Ye Xinglan will almost certainly team up to claim them. We assume we’re facing all three at once.

You probably don’t know—Zhao Xuanzhen’s multi-element control surpasses Gu Yue’s. Luo Guixing, your space element is doubly restrained by Zhao Xuanzhen and Gu Yue. So you and Xie Xie take one power-attack and one defense-type to corner Ye Xinglan.

The Dark Demon Scythe excels in close combat but is useless against Zhao Xuanzhen’s monstrous physical strength. Gu Yue isn’t close-range—elemental masters rely on ranged attacks.

Xu Yucheng and Zheng Yiran take three others to hold Gu Yue—Dark Demon Scythe paired with Jade Serpent Emperor poison can stall her for a while.

Zhao Xuanzhen is mine, Wu Siduo, Yang Nianxia, and Xiaoyan—we’ll lead everyone else to fight him.

I’ll use Golden Wen Blue Silver Grass to control the battlefield; Yang Nianxia leads the front line; Wu Siduo strikes from ambush… Xiaoyan, you’re our key—timing the Star Wheel Ice Staff is critical!

Yes! We guarantee the mission!

Xu Xiaoyan’s cheeks flushed, feeling the weight of responsibility!

Li Zhi, you’re our support—provide all three squads with all kinds of buns.

"Y-yes..."

Xu Li stared at three distant black shadows, his voice trembling uncontrollably: "They've come... Sister Xinglan has come, Sister Xinglan..."

Every ounce of his fat quivered—he had never before faced Ye Xinglan as an enemy!

Zhao Xuanzhen’s robes fluttered in the wind, a faint, elusive smile curling at his lips as his gaze swept over the eighteen elite new students gathered before him.

"Perfect. Saves time hunting them down one by one."

"Execute the plan—move!"

Tang Wulin roared, and the eighteen instantly split into three squads, charging toward their designated foes!

"Don't help me—I'll handle my own opponent."

Ye Xinglan gripped the Star God Sword tightly, her eyes resolute, her sword intent surging like a tidal wave!

"Xuanzhen, divide the battlefield!" Gu Yue shared the same intention!

"Gen character—solid wall."

Zhao Xuanzhen’s eyes turned into mysterious deep blue; the ground erupted into stone walls, black-and-white qi swirling like dragons bursting from the earth to sever the three battlefields. Some struck the walls unawares and were shattered—arm bones broken by the impact!

Standing atop the highest stone wall, Zhao Xuanzhen gazed down at the tiny opponents below; moonlight stretched his long shadow behind him, casting the entire forest under a chilling, oppressive pressure.

"Before absolute power, alliances are as futile as ghostly tricks."

"Come together—those who dare challenge me!"

(End of Chapter)