Facing Ling Luocheng's question, Ma Xiaotao thought for a moment before ultimately shaking her head.
"Let's forget it. Our relationship with him wasn't that good to begin with."
"Besides, the reason the two of us are still intact is entirely because of Little Yuhao. Back then, Little Yuhao didn't remind him at all—there's no telling if Dai Yueheng might vent his anger on Yuhao."
Hearing Ma Xiaotao say that Dai Yueheng might redirect his resentment toward Huo Yuhao, Ling Luocheng's original intention to visit him instantly disappeared.
After all, Huo Yuhao was the most important person to her. Dai Yueheng was merely a classmate they happened to know.
There was no deep bond between them.
"Alright then. Let's go into seclusion and cultivate instead. We won't go see him. We'll talk about it after he graduates."
With that, the two exchanged farewells and went their separate ways.
...
Inside the Sea God Pavilion, only Huo Yuhao and his group of capable supporters remained.
The excitement everyone had felt earlier had been completely wiped away during Yan Shaozhe's scolding of Ma Xiaotao and Ling Luocheng.
Their moods were now tinged with unease.
Yan Shaozhe turned toward them and smiled faintly. "What? Do you feel the academy was too harsh on them?"
"What I want to tell you is this: the more tears and sweat you shed now, the less blood you'll shed on the battlefield in the future!"
"You only get one life!"
"Alright, now let's announce your rewards!"
"Wang Yan!"
Wang Yan stepped forward and bowed slightly.
"Dean Yan."
"I've also heard about your efforts and leadership," Yan Shaozhe said. "Although you didn't directly participate in the battles this time, you provided support to the students with utmost dedication."
"From today onward, you are promoted to a special-grade teacher of Shrek Academy and will teach in the inner court."
"Not only that— the Sea God Pavilion Library will be opened to you for one year. Within this year, you may freely borrow and read its contents."
"However, all reading and research must be conducted within the library."
"What?!" Hearing this reward, Wang Yan couldn't restrain himself even in front of the elders. He jumped up in excitement, his face flushed red.
For Wang Yan, the promotion in position was far less thrilling.
Access to the library—that was what truly made his heart race.
What was stored in the Sea God Pavilion Library?
Countless rare manuscripts, unique copies, and irreplaceable texts and materials.
In Wang Yan's eyes, this was Shrek Academy's most precious treasure.
One full year of reading and research rights—this reward alone meant almost everything to him.
Wang Yan's cultivation had stagnated precisely because he loved researching all kinds of materials.
This reward was simply perfect.
Seeing Wang Yan's exhilaration, Yan Shaozhe smiled faintly.
"Teacher Wang, this is a reward you deserve."
"Your contributions to the academy, and your persistence and dedication in research, have all been seen by us. We hope that over the next year, you'll gain what you seek within the Sea God Pavilion Library."
"Thank you, Dean. Thank you, esteemed elders."
Wang Yan bowed so deeply he was practically bent double. Access to the Sea God Pavilion Library was something he had never even dared to dream of.
The elders all smiled and nodded at him. At Shrek Academy, it wasn't only peak combat strength that was valued.
Theoretical research was equally important and held in equally high regard.
At present, there was even an elder in the Sea God Pavilion with only seven rings of cultivation, devoted solely to theoretical research.
However, elders engaged in theory could not live as long as Titled Douluo-level powerhouses, so their numbers within the Sea God Pavilion had always been limited.
After all, in Douluo Continent I, Yu Xiaogang merely stole information from the Spirit Hall and flaunted his so-called Ten Core Theories of Martial Souls, yet still became a revered "Master."
Let alone someone like Wang Yan, who genuinely conducted serious research and possessed real substance.
How could the academy not value him?
After finishing Wang Yan's rewards, Yan Shaozhe's gaze turned toward Huo Yuhao and the other six.
"Now it's your turn."
"Children, your performance can only be described as astonishing and awe-inspiring."
"In Shrek Academy's history, we've won the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament countless times. But I can say this—your championship is the most meaningful one."
"Perhaps even without equal."
Hearing Yan Shaozhe's solemn evaluation, everyone was deeply moved. They truly hadn't expected the academy to hold them in such high regard.
"Previously, you obtained four soul bones in the Star Luo Empire—just enough for four people. That left three without any."
"So the academy has decided to take out three more soul bones, ensuring that each of you receives one. They will be selected according to your individual abilities and characteristics."
Three more soul bones?
The group was instantly overjoyed. With one per person, there was naturally no need for anyone to compete.
But what shocked them even more was yet to come.
Yan Shaozhe said solemnly, "The soul bone rewards are encouragement for your tenacious struggle in this tournament."
"But you also preserved Shrek Academy's glory. In return, the academy will bestow upon you an honor."
"From this moment on, the academy grants you the title—Shrek Seven Monsters."
At this point, he paused briefly before declaring heavily:
"For life."
"Ah—"
Almost completely uncontrollably, upon hearing the words for life, everyone behind Huo Yuhao exclaimed in shock, staring wide-eyed at Yan Shaozhe.
For a moment, it felt as though their souls had left their bodies.
Huo Yuhao, however, was exceptionally calm. Thinking about it carefully, this title didn't seem too bad.
A new generation of Shrek Seven Monsters ascending to the God Realm and erasing the old generation—wasn't that rather interesting?
And wasn't the one he was truly meant to oppose… the God King Tang?
Seeing their excitement, Yan Shaozhe said in a deep voice:
"Alright, settle down. Look at how excited you all are. Take a look at Huo Yuhao—he's not excited at all. See how steady he is!"
At his words, everyone turned to Huo Yuhao.
Huo Yuhao sat in his seat, calm and composed, his expression serene—as though none of this caused even the slightest ripple in his heart.
Indeed, honors and titles were too illusory.
True strength was always proven by power.
Huo Yuhao understood this deeply.
Yu Xiaogang was the best example.
So what if you're called a Master?
Without strength, true powerhouses won't give you any respect.
Without strength, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan drove him out outright. Even after he became a so-called Master, did the clan ever invite him back?
Those so-called advanced theories—did the clan really lack them?
In their eyes, Yu Xiaogang was nothing more than a joke.
Seeing the others' lack of composure, Yan Shaozhe spoke again.
"Very well. In order to ensure that your future studies at the academy proceed smoothly, the academy will not publicly announce your achievements this time."
"Of course, your deeds will be recorded in Shrek Academy's history. But until you truly graduate from the academy, only you yourselves will know of them."
~~~~~
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(End of Chapter)