Afternoon.
All the freshman classes had assembled in the assessment zone.
The Shrek Academy assessment area was located in the northern part of the Martial Soul Department, adjacent to the Soul Arena. Unlike the much smaller Soul Arena, the assessment zone was several times larger. For outer court students, this was both a paradise for the elite to shine and a nightmare for the underachievers. Every year, around 90% of all assessments took place here, and countless students had left Shrek Academy in defeat after failing in this very place.
The assessment area was oval-shaped, unlike the standard arenas. It was a large, flat expanse. Only the outer perimeter had a low wall, while the inside was subdivided into evenly-sized battle zones based on the needs of each exam.
The freshman assessment was always when the area was divided the most—not just because of the sheer number of students, but also because their destructive power and attack range were limited. Smaller zones were sufficient to test their abilities. The total area exceeded 20,000 square meters, and had now been divided into 20 arenas, each a 30x30 meter square, totaling 900 square meters per field—plenty for first- or second-ring students to maneuver in. A standard Grandmaster's speed of 15 meters per second made this space sufficient, although it was tight for agility-type Soul Masters.
There were 200 freshman teams. After a draw, each 10 teams were assigned to a single arena for round-robin battles. That meant each team had to fight nine matches, totaling 45 matches per arena in the first phase.
But time was limited—the point-ranking phase lasted only three and a half days (including that afternoon). So, 45 matches per arena had to be completed in that time—a major challenge for both the referees and the students.
The schedule was tight. The pressure was intense. There was no room for error.
"All freshmen, please take note. All freshmen, please enter the assessment area immediately. You have ten minutes to report. Late arrivals will be disqualified from this round."
A booming announcement rang out across the area, making all the students tense.
The Freshman Assessment had begun!
"Let's go," Zhu Ziyang said with a smile.
"Yup! Here we come, champions!" Tang Ya shouted excitedly, drawing glances from nearby students, but the three ignored them.
"That's right! We're winning this!" Jiang Nannan added, rare enthusiasm in her voice.
Zhu Ziyang's team was assigned to Arena 12, second row, second from the front. The three headed there together.
When they arrived, the other nine teams were already present. Some students recognized Zhu Ziyang and looked disheartened. Others, unfamiliar with his reputation, remained calm.
A female teacher, about 30 years old, entered the arena. She had a gentle and kind smile, and her elegant appearance was approachable. When she saw Zhu Ziyang's team, she gave a small nod and said apologetically, "Ah, sorry I'm late! Hello, everyone. I'm Liu Xue, your referee for Arena 12."
"Hello, Teacher Liu!" all students in Arena 12 bowed and greeted her.
"No need to be so formal. Time is tight, so let's begin," she smiled and pulled out a list. "Arena 12, round one: Class Three's Lu Shaoyou, Du Shaofu, Wang Shaowei vs. Class Four's Zhu Ziyang, Jiang Nannan, Tang Ya. Both teams, enter the field."
Without hesitation, Zhu Ziyang and his teammates stepped forward, forming a triangle formation—Zhu Ziyang at the front, Jiang Nannan and Tang Ya on either side.
Their opponents were three male students. Clearly recognizing Zhu Ziyang, Class Three's team exchanged bitter smiles. Then, their leader Lu Shaoyou shouted, "Face adversity head-on—no fear!"
"No fear!" the other two echoed.
They formed a reverse triangle, with Lu Shaoyou and Du Shaofu in front and Wang Shaowei in the back. Their grim expressions were replaced by fighting spirit.
Liu Xue observed this and nodded approvingly. This courage was what Shrek Academy expected.
She announced: "Let the match begin!"
Both sides released their martial souls.
On Zhu Ziyang's side, Jiang Nannan's rabbit ears appeared, along with two yellow soul rings. Tang Ya was wrapped in green Blue Silver Grass, also showing two yellow rings. Zhu Ziyang held out his hand—his Scythe of Life and Death appeared, but no soul rings shone behind him.
This shocked Liu Xue. Her own martial soul was the Qiushui Sword, a weapon soul, but even she hadn't reached that level of control. For a first-year to hide their soul rings—how incredible! She was a Soul Emperor, yet even her Qiushui Sword seemed to feel fear toward his scythe.
Was this a top-tier weapon martial soul?
Lu Shaoyou's team, despite their confidence, looked nervous.
Each of them had two yellow soul rings, clearly all at the Grandmaster level.
Lu Shaoyou: Earthburst Bear, 25th-level Power Attack-type
His body bulked up, and his hands turned into massive bear claws.
Du Shaofu: Golden Eagle, 22nd-level Agility Attack-type
His arms grew golden feathers, his hands turned into talons, and he hovered in the air.
Wang Shaowei: Red Bean, 21st-level Food-type Soul Master
His soul rings flashed, producing six red beans, which he handed two each to his teammates.
They were clearly a seed team from Class Three.
"Nannan, take out the food-type first! Xiao Ya, handle the Golden Eagle!" Zhu Ziyang ordered, then charged forward.
Jiang Nannan and Tang Ya followed his lead.
Lu Shaoyou's team reacted quickly. He and Du Shaofu each ate two red beans, then Lu shouted, "Shaofu, go for Zhu Ziyang! Shaowei, stay safe!"
His first and second rings lit up, and his body was covered in a yellow glow. His bear paws doubled in size as he charged at Zhu Ziyang.
Du Shaofu also activated both rings. His claws lengthened and sharpened, and his legs sprouted feathers. With a leap, he soared five meters into the air, diving at Zhu Ziyang.
"Hey! You're underestimating me!" Tang Ya grumbled, unhappy with their plan. Her first soul ring lit up, launching a massive Blue Silver Net at Du Shaofu mid-air.