Du Weilun looked in the direction where Yan Shaoze had left, then delivered an announcement to everyone.
"The freshman assessment has concluded. Tomorrow morning, there will be a freshman assembly to present awards to the top three teams, as well as the class assignments for the first years."
"Don't be arrogant in victory, and don't lose heart in defeat. This is important for your growth. All of you are among the best freshmen I've ever seen. I don't want this competition to affect your future development. That's all."
After his speech, Du Weilun also stepped down from the podium.
The final results of the freshman assessment quickly spread throughout the academy. Meanwhile, Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong stepped down from the stage and tried to find Wang Feng among the spectators. However, they couldn't find him.
They assumed Wang Feng had already returned to the dorm and decided to head back as well. But before they could leave, they were pulled aside by Xiao Xiao and Tang Ya to gather together.
Unable to refuse, Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong joined them. Deep down, they hoped that Wang Feng might be waiting at the meeting place. However, their hopes were dashed when the only person there was Bei Bei.
Bei Bei welcomed the four of them warmly, and they all sat down together. Meanwhile, Huo Yuhao started grilling fish under Tang Ya's hopeful gaze.
Neither Bei Bei nor Tang Ya had expected Huo Yuhao and his teammates to win the championship. After learning that there were three spirit masters with three rings among the freshmen, they had lost hope. But Huo Yuhao's victory brought them a pleasant surprise.
Tang Ya once again invited Wang Dong to join the Tang Sect. Wang Dong hesitated, but finally replied that he would join if Wang Feng also became a member of the Tang Sect.
Tang Ya was slightly disappointed, but seeing that Wang Dong was still unsure gave her a bit of hope. She then turned to Xiao Xiao with the same offer. Although initially hesitant because Wang Dong hadn't joined, Xiao Xiao eventually agreed after learning that Huo Yuhao was already a member of the Tang Sect.
Xiao Xiao had become used to and comfortable with fighting under Huo Yuhao's spiritual detection. If Wang Dong joined as well, it would be even better.
In the world of spirit masters, having a good team was very important. Xiao Xiao had grown accustomed to the exhilarating battles under Huo Yuhao's spiritual detection. The three of them had slowly developed unspoken cooperation. At Shrek Academy, if they managed to enter the inner courtyard in the future, they would have to spend at least ten years together. If they could continue working together like this, their team would be very stable by the time they graduated.
After all, Xiao Xiao was still a young girl. She only thought about her future and trusted partners, without any other complicated thoughts. And Tang Ya had received a promising offer for the Tang Sect as well.
After all, Xiao Xiao was still a young girl. She only thought about her future and trustworthy partners, without harboring any other complicated thoughts. And Tang Ya had also received a great opportunity for the Tang Sect.
After that, they began discussing their future plans. Bei Bei asked whether Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao were interested in learning about soul tools, since after officially becoming first-year students, they would be allowed to choose that path. However, both of them expressed concerns that studying soul tools might slow down their martial cultivation.
In contrast, Huo Yuhao firmly expressed his interest in learning about soul tools. "Soul tools have incredible potential. They can replace the hidden weapons of the Tang Sect and become the main weapons across the continent. If I have the talent for it, I want to learn. If not, then so be it."
Tang Ya was delighted to hear this. "That suits you well. Your martial soul is spiritual in nature and lacks offensive abilities. If you can combine it with soul tools, your combat power will increase dramatically."
Bei Bei reminded him, "Junior brother, don't forget to stay focused on your foundational training. Soul power and soul rings are still the core of a soul master's strength. Even powerful soul tool users need high soul power."
"Yes, Senior Brother," Huo Yuhao replied obediently. In his heart, he had already made up his mind. After witnessing how powerful fixed soul tools could be, he realized that if he wanted to take revenge, he had to utilize every available source of strength. And the only way to understand the potential of soul tools was to study them firsthand.
What he didn't yet know was that this decision would open a brand new door in his life.
Tang Ya then casually said, "By the way, you might not be able to take elective courses in the Soul Guidance Department."
Huo Yuhao was surprised. "Teacher Xiaoya, why's that?"
Tang Ya smiled mysteriously. "Do you know what the reward is for winning the freshman assessment?"
Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong, and Xiao Xiao's eyes lit up immediately. They were still young and couldn't hide their excitement. They knew Shrek Academy was the best in the world, so the champion's prize must be something extraordinary.
Wang Dong eagerly asked, "Teacher Xiaoya, what's our reward?"
Tang Ya explained, "The rewards vary a bit each year, but in general, they depend on the overall quality of the freshman class. Since I entered Shrek Academy, I've never seen a freshman class as strong as yours. So I'm confident the rewards will be outstanding. But one thing is certain: you will become core disciples."
"Core disciples?" the three of them asked almost in unison.
Tang Ya nodded. "As champions, you are almost guaranteed to be accepted as core disciples of the Martial Soul Department. That means you'll receive more resources and support from the academy. But it also means that the Martial Soul Department won't allow you to be distracted by courses from the Soul Guidance Department. At this academy, the Martial Soul Department always takes precedence."