On the podium, the teachers' faces were filled with astonishment. They hadn't expected that a team led by a Spirit Grandmaster with only one soul ring, accompanied by two other Spirit Grandmasters, could defeat Dai Huabin's team—which consisted of three Spirit Elders.
Moreover, Dai Huabin was no ordinary Spirit Elder. His Martial Soul, the White Tiger, was one of the strongest beast-type Martial Souls, making him superior even among others of the same rank.
This surprise was shared by both deans, especially Yan Shaozhe. He had been fully confident that Dai Huabin's team would win. In addition to their higher soul power, that team also possessed a Martial Soul Fusion Skill—a rare and formidable combined ability. Yet, the result had been unexpected. Dai Huabin's team lost without even getting a chance to use their Fusion Skill.
Now, after witnessing the skills demonstrated by Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong, Yan Shaozhe began to doubt— even if the Fusion Skill had been used, the outcome might not have been different. Both sides possessed high-quality Martial Souls, but intelligence and strategy appeared to be the decisive factors.
However, what displeased Yan Shaozhe the most was the loss of a bet he had made with Qian Duoduo. He had chosen Dai Huabin's team as the winners, and as a result, he now had to hand over one talented student to the Soul Tool Department. That was a significant loss for the Martial Soul Department.
His expression turned sour as he glanced over and saw Qian Duoduo looking at him with an innocent face.
"You really didn't know?" Yan Shaozhe asked, his voice low but sharp.
Qian Duoduo gave a wry smile. "What do you think I knew? He trains in your department. What could I possibly know? Don't tell me you're trying to accuse me of tricking you, Old Yan?"
Yan Shaozhe snorted. Qian Duoduo quickly added, "Don't forget our bet. Since I won, I have the right to choose one new student to become a core disciple in my department."
Yan Shaozhe's face grew darker at those words. He let out a long sigh, trying to keep his emotions in check. Despite his displeasure, as a dean, he had to remain professional.
"Fine, I won't go back on my word," he said flatly. "But remember this, Qian Duoduo, talented students like them shouldn't be restricted to one department. If they show promise in the Martial Soul Department, I hope you won't hold them back. And don't forget the conditions of our bet: you may only choose a new student whose soul power is below level 30."
Qian Duoduo grinned widely, his eyes gleaming like a merchant who had just struck gold. "Of course! I'm not narrow-minded, Old Yan. I won't hinder their growth. But for now, I'll be choosing one of those three." He pointed toward Huo Yuhao's team.
Yan Shaozhe slowly shook his head and looked toward the arena, where Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong were still trying to steady their breathing after the intense battle.
"Which one will you choose? If it's Wang Dong or Xiao Xiao, forget it. I've already designated them as core disciples of the Martial Soul Department even before this final match."
"No problem," Qian Duoduo replied calmly. "They're not the ones I want."
"Then who?"
Qian Duoduo smiled, then said with full confidence, "I choose… Huo Yuhao."
"Do as you wish," Yan Shaozhe replied, turning around. He immediately stepped down from the podium and disappeared from everyone's sight.
Watching his retreating back, Qian Duoduo smiled in satisfaction. Although he didn't burst out laughing, the expression on his face radiated a joy he couldn't hide.
Soon after, Fan Yu approached with a puzzled expression.
"Dean Qian, what exactly happened? Why did Dean Yan look like that?"
Qian Duoduo chuckled lightly. "Let's go as well. I'm a calm person—I shouldn't look too happy in public. But I must say, Fan Yu… this time, you've truly found a rare gem. Our next plans… will depend on that boy."
In the arena, Dai Huabin had regained consciousness. He struggled to stand and helped Zhu Lu to her feet. Cui Yajie, who had previously been outside the arena, quickly re-entered and rushed to them. The expressions on all three of their faces were grim, shrouded in the bitterness of defeat.
The usual arrogance and stubborn pride that filled Dai Huabin's face had vanished, replaced by disbelief and deep reluctance.
I lost… I really lost… I lost to two people whose soul power is far lower than mine. How could this happen? How is this even possible…?
On the other side, Huo Yuhao—with his extraordinary eyesight—could clearly see the changes in Dai Huabin's expression. A feeling of indescribable satisfaction welled up in his heart. He realized that aiming at the peak of someone's pride and crushing it there… was an incredibly satisfying form of revenge.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere in Huo Yuhao's team was in complete contrast. Bright smiles lit up the faces of the three teammates.
"We won."
"We're the champions."
Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao shouted joyfully. Without hesitation, they lifted Huo Yuhao and tossed him into the air, cheering with pure excitement.
Three people, one team. They had claimed the championship title in the freshman assessment final. But who was truly the core of this team? Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao knew the answer very well.
There was no doubt that Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao had shown outstanding abilities throughout the tournament and had caught the attention of many teachers. However, without Huo Yuhao's spiritual detection, his spirit shock, his strategic understanding of the battlefield, and his critical attacks—could they have made it this far? If Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong hadn't fused their souls, could they have won?
Huo Yuhao's personal strength was still weak. But even if a Soul Master above level 25 were to replace him, they might not be able to accomplish what he had done. Beyond being teammates, Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao secretly held deep admiration for him. Only they knew how hard Huo Yuhao worked—and just how immense his talent was.
Soon, Zhou Yi, who was usually known for being strict, came running down from the podium. For the first time ever, the usually cold teacher looked as joyful as a child. She hugged her three students, laughing and jumping with joy.
On the other side, Dai Huabin's homeroom teacher also came over to console and encourage his students. However, Dai Huabin didn't react much. From time to time, he cast sharp glances toward Huo Yuhao and his team, both fists clenched tightly.
"Next time… I won't lose again!"