The Proving Grounds Awaits
With the foresight of a transmigrator, Yao Xuan understood the specific challenges ahead. In Class 1, Grade 1, two students—Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi—stood out. Both were already Great Soul Masters, and more critically, they possessed a Soul Fusion Technique. Such techniques were legendary rarities in the soul master world, capable of merging the powers of two individuals to break through conventional limits, often allowing them to challenge foes one or even two major realms above their own. Though their synergy might not yet be perfect, their combined force would undoubtedly approach the level of an ordinary Soul Venerable.
Yet, to Yao Xuan, what did it matter?
The Ancestral Dragon Martial Soul exerted a pressure that dominated all draconic lineages. Furthermore, the sheer might he now possessed—forged in daily battles against a Soul Emperor and tempered by a burgeoning primordial bloodline—rendered such tactical advantages negligible. In the following days, he maintained his disciplined rhythm of cultivation, a calm eye in the center of the academy's growing anticipation, quietly awaiting the tournament's start.
Two weeks later, the air at Donghai Academy crackled with palpable energy. The annual Promotion Tournament had arrived.
For the students, it was a spectacle and a crucible. Glory, future opportunities, substantial material rewards, and a permanent mark in their academic records hung in the balance. For the teachers, it was a showcase of their pedagogical prowess, with success translating to recognition and career advancement.
Among the faculty, Wu Zhangkong was an island of serene confidence. Having witnessed Yao Xuan's breakthrough and the subsequent refinement of his terrifying power, Wu Zhangkong harbored no doubts. In his estimation, Yao Xuan alone possessed a significant probability of sweeping through all challengers across all six grades. The strongest student in the entire intermediate division was a high-level Soul Venerable—formidable, perhaps, but not to one who had sparred daily with a suppressed Soul Emperor and held his own.
And Yao Xuan was not alone.
His teammates had flourished under the relentless special training. Xie Xie, shedding his last vestiges of casual arrogance, had broken through to Level 20 just a week prior, officially becoming a Great Soul Master. Gu Yue's progress, while more measured, saw her reach Level 19, her control over the elements growing ever more precise and terrifying. Tang Wulin, benefiting from the dense soul power environment Yao Xuan unconsciously created during cultivation, had doggedly pushed himself to Level 14, his Blue Silver Grass revealing greater resilience and his physical power continuing to surprise.
As for Yao Xuan himself, advancement to Great Soul Master had unlocked the second layer of the Creation Soul Forging Technique. The efficiency of his soul power absorption and refinement increased dramatically, with nearly twenty percent of his energy now condensed into a semi-liquid state of profound purity. A breakthrough to Level 22 was still some weeks away, but his mental fortitude and physical attributes—the true foundations of his combat strength—had climbed to new heights.
The intensified battles with Wu Zhangkong, now fought at a higher level of suppressed power, once again yielded richer rewards. Over the fortnight, Yao Xuan accumulated nearly three hundred Golden Evolution Points, investing them directly into his bloodline and pushing its awakening to 16.8%. The well of points was nearly drained, but the power thrumming within him was more tangible than any currency.
That afternoon, the tournament commenced. A dedicated arena had been constructed on the central playground: a stage of ten-centimeter-thick alloy reinforced with soul-guiding runes, surrounded by a humming barrier generator to contain the clashes of young talents. To minimize academic disruption, the lower-grade matches were scheduled after classes.
As the final bell rang, students streamed from the buildings. Most senior students, considering first-year matches a triviality, departed for their own pursuits. Only a handful of the idly curious and the members of tomorrow's opposing class, Grade 1 Class 3, lingered in the sparse stands.
Under Wu Zhangkong's icy gaze, the students of Class 5 formed a neat, silent line beside the arena. Shortly after, Class 4 arrived in a noisy, boisterous group led by their homeroom teacher, Kong Hanwen—a short, stout man with a perpetually smug expression.
"Teacher Wu! A true graduate of the advanced division, your discipline is impeccable!" Kong Hanwen called out, his voice dripping with false camaraderie as he gestured to the orderly Class 5 lineup. "Such neat formations! But, of course, battles aren't won by standing neatly. You'll witness the true caliber of my Class 4 soon enough."
Wu Zhangkong did not turn his head. His eyes remained fixed on the arena, as if Kong Hanwen were nothing more than a faint, irritating buzz. The dismissal was absolute and infuriating.
Kong Hanwen's face flushed. "So confident! Well, let the arena be the judge!" He stomped back to his own students, his bluster failing to fill the silence left by Wu Zhangkong's disdain.
Five minutes later, Dean Long Hengxu arrived, his robes billowing slightly as he took his place at the center of the stage. His eyes swept over the gathered students and teachers.
"The Promotion Tournament for the First Grade begins now," his voice boomed, amplified by a subtle application of soul power. "Class 5 challenges Class 4. Teacher Wu Zhangkong, have you selected your participants?"