Whoosh—
Chen Junting opened his eyes and exhaled the stale air from his lungs.
His body faintly radiated fluctuations of soul power — a clear sign he was on the verge of breaking through from the peak of level 35 to level 36.
But he was still just one step away from a full breakthrough.
"This Gold of Life is truly remarkable."
Glancing at Dugu Xin, still deep in meditation across from him, Chen Junting couldn't help but murmur to himself.
In just three months, his cultivation had advanced nearly two full levels.
For any Soul Master, that was an almost impossible rate of progress — even for someone born with innate full soul power.
"Hehe."
Just then, a familiar chuckle echoed in his mind.
"Old Yi."
Recognizing the voice, he immediately focused inward. Soon, Electrolux's figure appeared before him.
"Jun Ting, it's been several days since you last came to study the magic patterns and soul guide arrays of your world with me."Electrolux, leaning on his scepter, gazed at Chen Junting.
"Mr. Yi, I've been preparing for the assessment," Chen Junting replied. Though he didn't believe anyone could take the freshman championship from him, he wasn't arrogant. He knew even a lion uses full strength against a rabbit. Facing opponents with martial soul fusion techniques, he had to prepare with the utmost seriousness.
"Make your plans as you see fit," Electrolux said with a slight nod, a smile playing on his lips. After all, part of the reason he'd summoned Chen Junting today was to offer a reminder.
Having come to see Chen Junting as a promising junior — even a potential disciple — he naturally didn't want him to neglect his studies.
But there was another reason.
"I also came to remind you of something."
Electrolux pointed to the Eye of Life hanging above the Sea of Spirit. "Before you used the Gold of Life, your physical fitness and cultivation talent were already stabilized by natural treasures, so the Gold of Life only gave you limited improvements. The real reason for your rapid cultivation speed now is the residual life energy still cleansing your body. Once that energy fades, your pace will return to normal."
"I see!"
Chen Junting's eyes lit up with understanding.
He had sensed something was unusual long ago — nearly two levels in just three months was far beyond normal, even for him. Now, it all made sense.
"Since you understand, I won't keep you. Focus on your training."
With that, Electrolux turned and stepped through an emerald green doorway, disappearing from the Sea of Spirit.
Chen Junting returned his focus to his body.
"A bit of a pity."
Though he sighed at the thought, his eyes remained calm, as if it didn't trouble him much.
A flash of light flickered from the ring on his finger, and a walnut-sized, emerald green pill appeared in his palm. Its crystalline surface radiated a fresh fragrance, and a halo of light danced across it.
The Soul-Ascension Pill.
He had saved it ever since becoming a Soul Master. Now, it would help him break through level 36.
He placed the pill in his mouth and bit down gently. A rush of rich, refreshing aroma burst forth, and the green liquid trickled into his stomach.
The entire dormitory filled with the lush scent of nature, like a field of flowers in full bloom.
Even Dugu Xin, still meditating, was stirred awake by the fragrance.
Just one breath—
"A Soul-Ascension Pill!?"
Feeling his mind clear instantly, Dugu Xin immediately recognized the elixir Chen Junting had consumed. Sensing the turbulent soul power in the air, he thought: He's about to break through level 36.
A surge of urgency welled up in him.
Without hesitation, he re-entered meditation, focusing completely.
Soon, waves of soul power rippled through the room.
---
The next morning, at the assessment grounds.
With only the top 64 teams competing, fewer than 200 people were present, and the area was much quieter than three days before. Around 30 academy teachers lined the perimeter.
Chen Junting and his companions stood with Class Nine, chatting with Ning Tian and Wu Feng about potential recruits for Shrek Academy.
Time ticked by.Dugu Xin glanced around, frowning.
Most teams had already gathered, but Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong were nowhere to be seen. He moved closer to Chen Junting and whispered, "Jun Ting, Yuhao and Wang Dong aren't here yet."
Just then, Mu Jin hurried over, clearly worried too.
"Chen Junting, have you seen Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong?"
Chen Junting and Ning Tian exchanged looks and shook their heads.
Mu Jin's expression darkened.
Before she could say more, Du Weilun's voice rang out as he began calling the roll.
Mu Jin had no choice but to return to her place.
Ning Tian and Wu Feng frowned in concern.
"What's going on with those two?"
"Don't worry."
Chen Junting remained calm. Though his memory was vague, he recalled that Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong had been late due to something related to their martial soul fusion technique.
Glancing at Du Weilun, now calling the names of the second class, he reassured them, "Nothing serious could've happened inside the academy. They probably just got delayed. Once they arrive, they'll just need to admit their mistake. Director Du will likely let it go."
"Sigh…"
Though still worried, Ning Tian said no more and hoped they would arrive soon.
Just as Du Weilun called out the names of Class Six, hurried footsteps echoed from the entrance.
In the quiet assessment area, the sound was especially jarring.
Everyone turned to look — two figures were rushing over, faces filled with panic.
Their disheveled appearance, with dirt and dew on their bodies, made them look like they had crawled out of a ditch.
Du Weilun's expression darkened, and even Mu Jin and Ning Tian frowned at the embarrassment.
"Report!"
Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong reached the space between teachers and students and shouted, though their trembling eyelids betrayed their anxiety — especially Wang Dong, who looked ready to dig a hole and hide.
Du Weilun lowered his list and asked sharply, "Which class are you from? What happened?"
Too embarrassed to speak, Wang Dong stayed silent. Huo Yuhao had no choice but to step forward.
"Reporting to Director Du, Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong from Class Nine. We're late because we over-practiced."
Du Weilun's face darkened further. Glancing briefly at Mu Jin, he snapped, "Late for the assessment? Do you have any sense of time? You two will clean every corridor in the freshman teaching building after today's matches. Return to your team."
"Yes, sir!"
Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong replied weakly, hurrying back.
Chen Junting, as if expecting this, noticed Zhou Yi had quietly joined Mu Jin. Though he couldn't hear their conversation, Mu Jin's expression soured, her glare sharp enough to pierce Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong through and through.
Chen Junting could only shake his head. Those two are in trouble.
As they rejoined the team, Wu Feng couldn't resist teasing, keeping her voice low, "What were you two doing? Sleeping outside together and overslept? How do you end up late for the elimination round?"
She gave them a mischievous look.
Her words instantly turned their faces crimson.
Seeing their reaction, Wu Feng smirked knowingly, as if she'd stumbled upon a scandal.
Before she could press further, Wang Dong snapped back, "We were preparing a surprise for the match! You'll see — we'll beat you senseless."
Wu Feng scoffed, full of disdain. "Tsk! You two?"
Meanwhile, Huo Yuhao bowed his head apologetically. "Sorry, Sister Xiaotian, Brother Junting…"
"Enough, Yuhao."
Ning Tian waved him off, her irritation fading. "You've already been punished. No need to dwell on it."
Chen Junting added firmly, "But remember this lesson. Don't let it happen again."
"Yes, Sister Xiaotian, Brother Junting."
---
(End of Chapter)
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My fukin Stones mate,eh!!~