As the gold and silver light faded away, the platform returned to normal. Huo Yuhao and the women stood upon it, each bearing either a golden sun or silver moon imprint on their foreheads.
The damaged body of the rare Frost Centipede species, now bathed in the power of the Goddess of Love's trial, was able to move again—but still couldn't channel soul power.
In front of Huo Yuhao floated a pure white rosebud, about the size of a fist, waiting to be nourished and bloom.
"This is the Goddess of Love's Flower?" Huo Yuhao said in surprise.
At this moment, his consciousness descended to personally experience the difficulty of the Love Trial.
So now the question arose—how exactly does one nourish the Flower of Love and complete the trial?
Huo Yuhao looked toward the girls. Clearly, they too had received and understood the contents of their own trials, each bearing a different expression.
Ma Xiaotao was the first to step forward, speaking with undisguised excitement.
"I received the red-tier Love Trial. I need to express my love for Yuhao, assist him, and help the Flower of Love bloom. Once completed, I'll be directly promoted to level 80 and receive a divine-bestowed soul ring."
Currently at level 74, Ma Xiaotao would normally need several years of cultivation to break through the remaining six levels—even with Yuhao's help.
Unlike ultimate attribute soul masters, regular soul masters experience a sharp decline in cultivation speed after the seventh ring.
But this Love Trial could bypass years of painstaking effort.
Next was Ling Luochen.
"I also received the red-tier Love Trial, with the same content and reward as Xiaotao."
With Yuhao's assistance, Ling Luochen had long since reached Soul Sage rank, though her level lagged slightly behind at 72.
Upon hearing the rewards, fellow Soul Sages Hua Yao and Wu Ming looked on with unconcealed envy.
Wu Ming said longingly,
"Is it too late for me to say I like Yuhao?"
Then came Wei Na.
"My trial is the same as the other two sisters', but my reward is a promotion to level 70 and a divine-bestowed seventh soul ring."
Though the reward differed, it was still incredibly generous.
The seven girls of the reserve squad, however, received trials of an entirely different tier.
Bai Shanshan explained,
"Our trials are all black-tier. We must help Yuhao make the Flower of Love bloom and obtain a token of his true love. If we succeed, we'll each get five levels of soul power, and our maximum soul ring age limit will be raised to ten thousand years."
Clearly, the difficulty and reward structure had shifted.
The requirement of obtaining a token of true love made the trial harder—after all, that's no simple matter.
The rewards, while reduced, were still considerable.
"Is the trial tier based on the depth of love?" Yuhao guessed inwardly.
Though the seven girls of the reserve squad were willing to die for him, their love wasn't entirely pure—it included fervent admiration. Don't forget, they were all originally his fan club members, and their cultivation method amplified those feelings.
In terms of talent, they were no slouches either. After their martial souls evolved, they were nearly on par with Ma Xiaotao, Ling Luochen, and Wei Na—truly exceptional.
All eyes then turned to Zhang Lexuan and Xian Lin'er.
Zhang Lexuan was the first to speak.
"I also received a black-tier trial. My reward is a one-level soul power increase and an additional ten thousand years added to my ninth soul ring."
Though it was just a one-level increase, Lexuan's soul power was of such high quality that it surpassed the total gains of all seven reserve girls combined.
In fact, depending on how you evaluated it, her reward might even outshine the red-tier trials of Ma Xiaotao and the others.
Finally, it was Xian Lin'er's turn.
To be honest, her connection to Huo Yuhao came as a shock to everyone. Even Ma Xiaotao and Ling Luochen had never dared imagine such a thing.
The fact that Xian Lin'er was also one of the "sisters" complicated matters emotionally for everyone.
Some thought that her relationship with Yuhao might be pure love—but many others were suspicious they had already crossed the line.
The other women were the most skeptical, because none of them remained virgins.
"Actually…" Yuhao began to speak.
But meeting the amused and knowing gazes of Ma Xiaotao and Ling Luochen, he awkwardly shut his mouth.
He had the heart to speak up for Xian Lin'er, but to get involved now would only make things messier.
Xian Lin'er, meanwhile, felt as if a fishbone was stuck in her throat, her back pricked by thorns, her seat a cushion of needles. She didn't dare turn around, but she could feel that Cai Mei'er's eyes were locked onto her.
Coupled with the curious or strange looks from the others, she couldn't remain calm like the rest—not even daring to meet their eyes.
Everyone at Shrek Academy knew she was married.
From the moment the Love Trial descended, she knew she was finished. All the disgraceful things she'd done were now laid bare. She'd never be able to lift her head again.
Then, a small, cool hand gently grasped hers—helping calm the burning in her face.
She turned her head and saw Zhang Lexuan.
Lexuan's expression was calm as she whispered,
"Dean Xian, at this point, hiding it any further is meaningless. We'll only get trapped here. Let's talk about the rest once we're out of this place."
As someone who had once fought alongside her, Lexuan was willing to stand with Xian Lin'er.
When Xian Lin'er looked to Huo Yuhao, she met his resolute gaze—telling her that no matter what happened, they would face it together.
At last, Xian Lin'er took a deep breath and spoke slowly:
"I've let Duoduo down. But to be honest, my marriage with him was in name only. I married him on a whim back then. It was me who delayed his life."
"My relationship with Yuhao is complicated—born of accidents. Once we're out of here, I'll explain everything to you all. I won't dodge my responsibilities."
"As for my trial, I also received a black-tier one. The content was the same as the others, but my reward was an additional 15,000 years added to my ninth soul ring—no soul power level boost."
Although there was no soul power increase, the soul ring age boost was even higher—an extra 5,000 years.
Cai Mei'er looked at Xian Lin'er, her expression complex. She couldn't even sort out her own emotions.
She had hated Xian Lin'er for years for stealing Yan Shaozhe—yet ironically, Xian Lin'er had ended up playing a dirtier game than her.
Yuhao wasn't even twenty!
How could she bring herself to do it?
"What exactly did you do, Xian Lin'er?!"
Despite her shock, Cai Mei'er believed her—because she knew Xian Lin'er's character. But that only made it more overwhelming.
"No wonder she advanced so fast and found a path to become a Super Douluo—it was all thanks to Yuhao's special physique!"
"Judging by the timing, her transformation started right after returning from the Sun Moon Empire. So… they were already involved back then? And I didn't notice a thing? Xian Lin'er, you're ruthless… and damn good at hiding it!"
"Still, without her connection to Yuhao, she wouldn't have had this opportunity. But… sigh."
Cai Mei'er's expression grew even more conflicted.
She envied the opportunity Xian Lin'er had received but also sighed over the tangled mess of her romantic entanglements.
Suddenly, Cai Mei'er realized something.
"Wait a minute, wasn't her ninth soul ring originally at 85,000 years? That means… if she completes the trial, it'll evolve into a 100,000-year soul ring?!"
Her jealousy spiked again.
After all, her own ninth ring was also 85,000 years—intended to rival Xian Lin'er's.
But with Yuhao involved… she just couldn't accept it.
"Why didn't Shaozhe come along too?"
"No—once we're out of here, I have to bring Shaozhe back with me next time!"
Huo Yuhao, meanwhile, was also surprised that Zhang Lexuan and Xian Lin'er had received black-tier trials.
"If these trials are really based on the depth of love, then… their feelings for me run this deep? Is this what they call love born of time and companionship?"
After discussing the contents of the trial, everyone began considering how to complete it.
It was clear that the trial required Huo Yuhao to complete it together with the girls.
"Watering with love? Love isn't something tangible—how exactly are we supposed to water flowers with it?" Ma Xiaotao said helplessly. "Isn't this just making things hard for us?"
"Maybe... 'watering with love' means we have to express our feelings for Yuhao," Ling Luochén offered her guess.
At its core, this was the Trial of the Goddess of Love—so naturally, it was a test of love.
Everyone else nodded in agreement, finding the guess reasonable.
"Is that it? Whatever, I'll go first!"
As always, Ma Xiaotao took the lead.
Striding forward, she walked up to Huo Yuhao. The flower bud sat between them.
Just as she was about to hug him—to give him a loving embrace—she discovered that the divine power of the Love Goddess was keeping her away.
"We can't express it physically? Does that mean... the trial has to be completed with words?" Wei Na speculated.
Love and desire often go hand in hand—especially for young men and women. In order to prevent trial participants from taking shortcuts, physical contact was not allowed.
Thus, this trial was aptly named: "If You Love, Say It Loud!"
Left with no choice, Ma Xiaotao looked toward Huo Yuhao. But... okay, with so many people watching, she couldn't bring herself to gaze into his eyes passionately.
Even though Ma Xiaotao had a bold personality, her upbringing and inner nature didn't allow her to act like a lovesick girl in front of so many people.
Even when they were alone, Ma Xiaotao wasn't always so daring. In public, there was no way she could pull off such gestures.
Huo Yuhao, for his part, had a naturally shy side and blushed furiously. Still, he forced himself to meet Ma Xiaotao's eyes. His face was red—like a ripe apple.
Seeing his expression, Ma Xiaotao let out a giggle. At the end of the day, Huo Yuhao was still a "younger brother" to her. She decided to stop pretending and express her love the way she usually would.
"Huo Yuhao, I! LOVE! YOU!" Ma Xiaotao shouted loudly.
"Ma Xiaotao, I love you too!" Huo Yuhao shouted back just as loudly.
As their voices fell, a red light burst from both of them, intertwining and merging into a burning flame of passion. It flowed into the rosebud before them.
Under the scorching fire of love, the white rosebud visibly turned pink in color.
"Blossoming Rate: 70%!"
A mysterious voice announced the result.
The love between Huo Yuhao and Ma Xiaotao was so strong that it immediately pushed the Love Goddess's Flower well past the halfway mark.
Surprised and delighted, Ma Xiaotao hadn't expected such a strong effect.
But just as she was about to try again, the voice spoke again: "Next."
Reluctantly, Ma Xiaotao stepped aside.
Huo Yuhao was equally pleased—as if overjoyed that their love had been recognized.
But deep down, he was thinking about how he had just simulated the emotion of love.
To be precise, he had mimicked the feelings Ma Xiaotao emitted.
If he truly had those feelings, he wouldn't need to simulate them.
"As expected of the Love Goddess who died due to betrayal—your test can still be fooled. Speechless. If even you were betrayed, who else could escape it?"
"That's why fake love is everywhere. True love is rare and precious."
"It's no wonder I've sworn off romance. Prioritize your career, and love and success will both follow. Put love first, and you might lose both."
The next person to step up was Ling Luochén.
Compared to Ma Xiaotao, Ling Luochén appeared cooler and more aloof—but her emotions ran deeper and more delicate.
Recalling everything that had happened—the way Huo Yuhao traveled north for her, the happy times they had shared—her eyes brimmed with emotion as she said gently,
"Yuhao, I love you. Thank you for appearing in my life and showing me that even ice has warmth."
"Luochén, thank you for entering my life. You've shown me that sunlight shining through ice creates the most beautiful scenery in the world." Huo Yuhao replied with deep affection.
A radiant light of love blossomed from the two, merging into a glacier-like presence that told of eternal love.
Countless snowflakes drifted down and fell upon the Love Goddess's Flower, transforming its pink petals into a deep red. The rose then quietly bloomed.
"Blossoming Rate: 142%!" (The percent shown here is combined percentage Ma Xiaotao had combined with 70 now Ling Luochen has 72 and the total becomes 142)
"Two percent more than me?" Ma Xiaotao blinked in surprise, then huffed, "I must've held back too much. When we get back, I'll definitely let Yuhao know that I'm bolder than Luochén!"
The flower had bloomed—but the trial wasn't over yet.
Ling Luochén stepped aside. Wei Na came forward and stood before Huo Yuhao.
Looking at him seriously and with great determination, she said,
"Yuhao, I love you. From the moment I met you, I knew we were meant to be."
Huo Yuhao replied, "Wei Na, ever since you appeared in my life, I've felt whole."
Once again, love blossomed between them, merging into a noble snow lotus that conveyed the purity of their bond.
The snow lotus melted into the Love Goddess's Flower, causing it to tremble and swell to the size of a basketball. Vitality radiated from it.
"Blossoming Rate: 213%!" (Wei Na 71)
Ma Xiaotao's eyes widened. "Wei Na too? She beat me by one percent?! Was my confession too plain?"
Ling Luochén smiled slightly and straightened her posture with pride. She felt like she had won. Surely no one can beat my score now. Time to reward Yuhao when we get back.
Wei Na also let out a breath of relief. She wasn't in last place. I wonder how Yuhao will reward me...
Next up were the Seven Jewels.
"Senior Yuhao, my martial soul has tied the red thread for you…"
"Brother Yuhao, I'd fight for you…"
"Captain Yuhao, I'll bloom for you…"
"Yuhao…"
"…"
Every time, love blossomed between Huo Yuhao and each of the Seven Jewels. The light would merge into various visual effects and then integrate into the Love Goddess's Flower, pushing its blossoming rate ever higher.
Though not as strong as the top three, each of the Seven Jewels managed to achieve between 60–69% with their love confessions—still impressive.
The others, watching the stream of heartfelt confessions, had mixed expressions.
Xu Sanshi and Cao Jinxuan were shell-shocked. Can a man really be this popular?
Wang Dong wanted to curse Huo Yuhao's promiscuity—but then realized all the confessions were sincere. She couldn't bring herself to speak ill. Furious, she puffed up like a pufferfish. "Argh! I'm so mad!"
Xiao Xiao was deeply moved by the love on display. She wanted that kind of love too—and started sneaking glances at Wang Dong.
Jiang Nannan's expression grew complicated. It was as if she were lamenting her life. In the end, she closed her eyes. Having already lost her purity, and not choosing Xu Sanshi, she no longer felt worthy of true love.
Hua Yao found herself missing someone she had once secretly loved. If only I had been braver… maybe I wouldn't have so many regrets now.
Wu Ming was deeply affected too. Though she was touched by the love, she didn't like how many women Yuhao had. "Tch. Scumbag."
Cai Meier glanced at Xian Lin'er with a strange expression. "So... are you going to do this too?"
By the time the Seven Jewels finished their confessions, the Love Goddess's Flower had reached a blossoming rate of 667%.
It had completely transformed—no longer a single rose, but a massive bouquet of sixty-six deep red roses, each the size of a basketball, vibrant and dewy.
And next—Zhang Lexuan's turn arrived.
In the shimmering bubble above, the silent figure in the black robe finally stirred—watching the scene on the platform with a serious gaze.
Zhang Lexuan walked up to Huo Yuhao. But before speaking to him, she glanced at the black-robed figure inside the floating bubble. Her gaze was complicated, but when she looked back at Yuhao, it became increasingly resolute.
"Yuhao, there was a time I thought I was someone destined for misfortune. My clan was wiped out, and I was the only survivor. Elder Mu, who adopted me, also met a tragic end in his later years. Even Beibei, whom I helped raise, suffered hardship. I always thought… I wasn't meant to be happy."
"I never thought I'd fall in love with someone else. If you hadn't appeared, I probably would have gone through with the engagement and married Beibei."
This sentence stunned many onlookers—especially Ma Xiaotao, Ling Luochen, and others who had known Zhang Lexuan for a long time. None of them had known that she had once been engaged to Beibei.
"So doesn't that mean Little Brother Yuhao stole Beibei's fiancée?" Xu Sanshi's expression twisted in shock as he instinctively glanced toward the black-robed figure.
Back in their days at Shrek Academy, Xu Sanshi and Beibei had been known as twin stars—close brothers in every way.
And now… they were still brothers!
What was he supposed to do now?
The black-robed figure inside the bubble trembled slightly.
Zhang Lexuan didn't turn back to look at him. She only kept her eyes fixed on Huo Yuhao as she continued.
"I used to question whether what we have was right or wrong. But later, I understood—no matter what, I want to walk this road with you, because…"
"I love you!"
"To be with you, I'm willing to give up everything, just to stay by your side—without regret or hesitation!"
Everyone was shaken by Zhang Lexuan's confession.
No one had expected this cool, aloof senior sister of the inner courtyard to possess such a side—to be so genuine and fearless in love.
It also made people even more curious about the story between her and Huo Yuhao.
"What must they have gone through…" Cai Meier murmured to herself.
In truth, what Huo Yuhao and Zhang Lexuan had experienced together wasn't too much, and it wasn't even especially heart-wrenching.
But Zhang Lexuan was a pure-hearted person.
If not for what happened today, she would have buried everything deep in her heart and never spoken a word. But when confronted with this situation, she chose to lay it all bare and made a vow to give everything.
"Lexuan, no matter what happens in the future, I will face it with you," Huo Yuhao promised with utter sincerity.
Love radiated from the two of them.
That light condensed into a brilliant full moon, and moonlight fell upon the Love God Flower. Its blooms increased from sixty-six to seventy-seven, with each flower glowing radiantly.
"Bloom Rating: 736%!"
An increase of 69%.
As the Love God Flower continued to bloom, the impact of each increase became more significant.
Once she worked out the growth rate, Ma Xiaotao slapped her thigh in frustration. "Damn it, I really lost out on eloquence! I didn't confess hard enough—that's why I only got a 70% increase!"
Ling Luochen rolled her eyes at her.
Weina giggled to the side.
By now, it was clear to everyone that 70% was a critical threshold. All who had taken the black challenge stayed below that—at most hitting 69%.
Ma Xiaotao, Ling Luochen, and Weina had only just barely crossed 70%, showing how difficult it really was to raise the bloom percentage.
Just then, the crowd noticed something strange—the black-robed figure inside the bubble had started clapping, as if applauding Zhang Lexuan in support.
Xu Sanshi was dumbfounded.
Of course, the people from Shrek Academy knew the black-robed man's identity—none other than Beibei, the Dark Dragon Saint Son of the Holy Spirit Cult.
"What's going on with Beibei? Is he actually supporting Lexuan and Yuhao? But wasn't Lexuan his fiancée?" Xu Sanshi was hit with another wave of disbelief—but also relief.
Others exchanged confused glances as well.
Yet Beibei truly did support Zhang Lexuan and Huo Yuhao. In fact, he was now moved to tears.
To Beibei, Zhang Lexuan was like both a mother and a sister. He had never had romantic feelings for her—he had always seen her as a respected elder.
When he learned about the engagement, he had even tried to dissolve it. But at the time, Lexuan had refused, out of respect for an agreement made with Mu En.
However, Beibei had long since considered the engagement null and void—and had later fallen in love with Tang Ya.
As for Huo Yuhao, he was someone extremely important to Beibei—a brother for whom he would give his life. He could never repay Yuhao for everything he'd done.
So seeing two of the most important people in his life come together—how could Beibei not be happy? How could he not be moved?
"Brother Yuhao, even if you've been a bit of a flirt, I know your feelings for each of them are sincere. I'm at ease entrusting Lexuan to you. I hope you both have a beautiful future. I'll always support you!" Beibei said through the bubble, though no one could hear him.
When Zhang Lexuan saw Beibei applauding her and showing his support, she finally smiled.
It felt like a single mother finding a new partner—and receiving her child's blessing.
With Beibei's public endorsement, the others could only follow suit and offer their blessings.
Wu Ming sighed. "I can't believe even Senior Sister found her other half… When will I find mine?"
But any man for Wu Ming had to be stronger than she was—someone like Huo Yuhao.
Too bad… Yuhao already had too many girlfriends. Wu Ming wasn't sure she could accept that.
At last, the final and most significant person—Xian Lin'er—stepped in front of Huo Yuhao.
The entire arena fell silent. Even those within the bubbles held their breath.
Would this be a trial of inner turmoil?
Or a defiance of societal norms with a public confession?
Standing before Huo Yuhao, Xian Lin'er couldn't speak for a long time. Her lips moved as if to speak, but she hesitated again and again. Her inner struggle played out in every flicker of her expression.
This time, however, it was Huo Yuhao who spoke first.
"Dean Xian, it's okay. No matter what the future holds, I'll take responsibility. Since I carry the future of Shrek on my shoulders… I will also carry your part of the burden."
"So, will you walk this path with me?"
Xian Lin'er stared at Yuhao in a daze, her mind drifting back to the bittersweet love of her youth and the decades lost to pride and stubbornness. In Huo Yuhao, she had finally found peace.
She closed her eyes… but opened her mouth.
"I will."
Love rises with the wind, and wind stirs unspoken feelings.
Right or wrong—may love last forever.
The light of love bloomed from both of them and fused into a dragon-shaped shadow, which then flew into the Love God Flower.
The Love God Flower blossomed to eighty-eight flowers!
"Bloom Rating: 801%!"
An increase of 65%.
Cai Meier sighed deeply. She suddenly realized how immature her own view of love had been.
"Maybe… Xian Lin'er is truly happy," she murmured.
For the sake of love, everyone has moments when they throw caution to the wind.
Years ago, Cai Meier herself had defied convention to steal Yan Shaozhe away.
In truth, Huo Yuhao was also surprised by Xian Lin'er. He had thought they were just friends in bed—but clearly, she had developed deep feelings for him.
Why?
Let's call it the feelings that blossom over time.
After all, it was only with Huo Yuhao that Xian Lin'er could let everything go and feel at peace.
Where the heart is at peace, there lies love.
And so, the final chapter of Huo Yuhao and the girls' trial came to a close.
The Love God Flower rose into the sky and then burst into a brilliant explosion, transforming into countless rose petals that rained down from the heavens.
A booming voice echoed throughout the space—majestic and vast.
"Trial complete. Rewards distributing!"
"Trial overachieved. Eighty-eight Love God Flowers bloomed. Achievement unlocked: 'Love Unto Death.' Additional rewards granted—"
All participants receive one Divine Love Purification—enhances talent and tempers spiritual power.
All participants receive a 50,000-year-grade soul bone! The soul bone will fill an empty slot; those with full sets will receive an external soul bone.
All participants' soul compatibility increased by 50%!
All participants' lifespans increased by 50 years!
"If the heavens have feelings, they too shall age; yet though all things perish, love endures!"
"True love is eternal!"
BOOM!!!
Dazzling gold and silver light fell like rain, completely engulfing the platform—and the figures of Huo Yuhao and the others disappeared within it.
Under the astonished gazes of all present, golden and silver radiance descended upon the platform, engulfing the figures of Huo Yuhao and the girls, initiating their baptism.
The rewards followed suit, fusing directly into their bodies.
Naturally, Huo Yuhao also received a reward.
However, the reward landed on the little mutated Frost Jade Centipede .
First, all the injuries on the little Frost Jade Centipede were healed. Huo Yuhao's feigned death plan had now reached its conclusion.
Then, it received a divine technique from the Goddess of Love, named "First Glance of Life." Its effect was to draw the target toward the user—a control-type divine technique. It could be used even without divine power, though with significantly reduced strength.
The cultivation method of the divine technique was directly imprinted into Huo Yuhao's mind and could not be passed to others, as it required a seed of the Goddess of Love's power. It also needed diligent training to unleash its full potential.
Acquiring this new divine technique also meant Huo Yuhao obtained a seed of the Goddess of Love's power, which he could use to further comprehend and develop the technique in the future.
Next, a god-bestowed soul ring descended, but it couldn't be absorbed into the body of the little Frost Jade Centipede . In the end, Huo Yuhao had it swallowed and hidden in its belly.
All this happened during the purification process of the Goddess of Love's power.
The golden and silver light refined the little Frost Jade Centipede 's body, enhancing its potential and spiritual power.
Then came the bonus rewards.
Huo Yuhao received a 50,000-year torso soul bone imbued with the Goddess of Love's power. It too couldn't be fused and was stored in the Centipede 's belly.
Meanwhile, the others successfully fused with their soul bones or external soul bones during the purification.
As for the other reward—spirit power compatibility—this pertained to Martial Soul Fusion Techniques.
Generally, when spirit power compatibility exceeds 50%, there's a chance to activate a Martial Soul Fusion Technique. The higher the compatibility, the stronger the technique. Even if no fusion technique is awakened, cultivating together becomes far more effective.
Because the little Frost Jade Centipede was a perfect disguise for Huo Yuhao, the changes in compatibility were still based on his spirit fluctuations.
Later on, once Huo Yuhao absorbed the Centipede 's full cultivation, he'd be able to perfectly replicate its current state, allowing him to benefit from the improved compatibility.
In other words, ideally, once the purification process ended, Huo Yuhao and each of the girls would have the potential to develop their own Martial Soul Fusion Techniques.
Even the girls might be able to unleash fusion techniques together.
"This must be the essence of the Goddess of Love's power—it's about fusion. Martial Soul Fusion requires emotional resonance, and that's most likely to happen between lovers," Huo Yuhao speculated.
True love brings unity of heart and mind.
It all made sense.
As for the last reward—an extra fifty years of life—well, it was better than nothing.
That was the case for the little Frost Jade Centipede spirit and for Huo Yuhao.
But for the others, it was something more.
For Titled Douluo near the limit, who lived only 200–300 years, an extra 50 years was a full one-fifth of their remaining life.
The women were visibly changed by it. Externally, they appeared more youthful. Already young to begin with, the girls now radiated even more vitality.
The most transformed was Xian Lin'er, who went from a thirty-something mature woman to the appearance of someone in her twenties. Youthful and still carrying her mature charm, she looked even more alluring.
Zhang Lexuan, Ma Xiaotao, Ling Luochen, and the other women in their twenties now looked like girls in their late teens.
When the glow of the Goddess of Love's power finally faded, Cai Mei'er saw Xian Lin'er's "reverse aging" and instantly abandoned all other thoughts—her heart was filled with envy and desire.
"Why does it even reverse aging? So jealous!" Cai Mei'er was practically drooling with envy.
As her long-time rival, seeing Xian Lin'er grow younger was even more painful than growing older herself.
Though Xian Lin'er had done things that went against morals—she had gained youth in return.
What she lost was morality. What she gained was time.
Those on the platform gradually recovered from the purification of the Goddess of Love. As they looked at each other, they could clearly see each other's transformations, and as they sensed the new power within, unrestrained joy filled their eyes.
Most of all, when the girls saw "Huo Yuhao" fully recovered from his injuries, they were overjoyed—some even cried with relief.
Huo Yuhao didn't just stand there. He was the first to speak:
"Thank you, everyone. My recovery is all thanks to you!"
Some were touched, some were delighted, some were embarrassed.
Among them, Xian Lin'er had the most complicated emotions and remained silent.
Ma Xiaotao rushed forward to hug Huo Yuhao.
But he quickly stopped her, putting on a shy expression and speaking urgently:
"Dean Cai and the others are still trapped. We're not out of danger yet."
"I can feel it—right now, we can choose to stay and watch or leave directly. I plan to see what happens next."
Once the topic turned serious, the girls all composed themselves and became anxious again.
Huo Yuhao reassured them:
"It's okay. This isn't a trial of death. I believe everyone still inside will make it out safely with us!"
The girls all nodded.
Then, those who chose to stay were enveloped in bubbles and gently floated upward, clearly to prevent interference in the coming trials.
Next up, based on strength, was Cao Jin Xuan.
He landed on the platform nervously. Though many had gone before him, when faced with the trial himself, he couldn't stay calm.
The questioning voice rang out:
"Question one: Do you have someone you love?"
Cao Jin Xuan replied,
"No, I've always focused on cultivation and never thought about love. But I do quite enjoy cultivating."
The voice answered:
"Ordinary person."
Cao Jin Xuan instantly became heated—"Are you serious?"
But he didn't dare argue aloud.
As long as he passed the trial, he didn't care if they called him a moron.
The voice said:
"Then please leave."
Cao Jin Xuan sighed in relief. Though he lost the chance to observe further trials, at least he passed and survived.
"Captain Yuhao, everyone, I'll go ahead. You better come out soon! I'm waiting for you!"
With that, he was lifted off the platform, rising into the water and disappearing.
Then it was Xiao Xiao's turn.
"Question one: Do you have someone you love?"
Xiao Xiao looked toward Wang Dong, her gaze firm:
"Yes!"
She understood that everyone had to take a gamble for their own lives. And she realized—this might be her one and only chance.
She had to be brave!
Even if it meant risking everything!
"Question two: Who is the person you love?"
Xiao Xiao answered seriously:
"Wang Dong!"
Inside her bubble, Wang Dong's expression changed drastically.
But the bubble still carried him down to the platform.
"Question three: Wang Dong, do you accept Xiao Xiao's love?"
Everyone's expression changed again—the question had shifted.
"Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao are different—they're not a couple. It's one-sided love from Xiao Xiao. That must be why the question changed," Hua Yao analyzed.
She had long since seen through most of the relationships in the group—except the tangled mess involving Huo Yuhao, Zhang Lexuan, and Xian Lin'er.
On the platform, Wang Dong parted his lips, about to answer.
But at that moment, Xiao Xiao spoke first.
"Wang Dong, you don't need to answer me right away. I know my love is one-sided, but I really like you!"
Xiao Xiao had finally gathered her courage to confess.
"I admit, the first time I fell for you, it was because of your appearance. Yes, I'm that shallow of a girl."
"But after we became friends—cultivating together, fighting side by side, enduring trials—I gradually found myself falling not just for your looks, but for your talent and strength. So even when I met Captain Huo Yuhao, whose looks rival yours, I still chose you."
"Then I watched you grow. I came to understand who you truly are. You act proud and domineering on the outside, but deep inside, you're more gentle than anyone. You train hard, never slacking. You live upright, pure as ice and clean as jade. So even when Captain Huo Yuhao grew stronger than you, I still liked you. No, I liked you even more."
Wang Dong: (gritting teeth) "When you're confessing, there's really no need to compare me to that bastard Huo Yuhao!"
"I don't know when it happened, but I realized what I feel for you isn't just simple affection anymore!"
"Wang Dong, I love you!" Xiao Xiao shouted loudly, then stared straight at Wang Dong, forcing herself not to look away.
Even though Wang Dong found Xiao Xiao's confession deeply moving—and given her cute looks and sweet personality, any man who wasn't impotent would say yes on the spot—if it were that bastard Huo Yuhao, he'd have jumped her already…
But—!
She, Wang Dong, is a girl!
And clearly, during this trial, lying wasn't an option.
Though Wang Dong didn't want to speak such a cruel truth, in order not to hold Xiao Xiao back, she had to respond.
There was no correct answer to the "change" question. Only by being honest could they maximize their chances of surviving.
Wang Dong's lips trembled. In the end, she squeezed out two words:
"I'm sorry."
Then she turned her head away.
Many people looked stunned. Everyone knew Xiao Xiao liked Wang Dong, and Wang Dong had always been close with her. Why would she reject her now?
Was Wang Dong just another scumbag who toyed with girls' feelings?
Wait—another?
Among them, Xian Lin'er and Cai Mei'er, two high-ranking Academy officials, had complex and difficult-to-describe expressions.
Xiao Xiao burst into tears on the spot. Her small frame wavered as if she could collapse at any moment.
But despite her petite appearance, she showed surprising resilience. She wasn't crushed by Wang Dong's rejection. Instead, she asked seriously:
"Why?"
Wang Dong took a deep breath.
"Because… I'm a girl."
Xiao Xiao: "???"
Everyone else: "!!!"
Huo Yuhao (delighted): Yes! This is what I've been waiting for!
Instantly, Xiao Xiao stopped crying, and everyone else stopped speculating.
Wang Dong let out a helpless sigh. With her back to Huo Yuhao, she reached inside her clothes, rummaging around for a moment before pulling out a long cloth band.
When she stood up again, her obviously female features were fully revealed—her upper body now clearly feminine, even more so than Xiao Xiao's.
Xiao Xiao looked down at her own feet.
Suddenly, she felt like crying again.
"I've lost… utterly lost…"
Not only had she lost in love, but even as a girl, she'd lost.
"What the f—!" Xu Sanshi blurted out.
Big bro turned out to be big-boob sis?!
Hua Yao, Wu Ming, Ma Xiaotao, and the other girls quickly turned to look at Xian Lin'er and Cai Mei'er with confused expressions.
What the hell was going on at the Academy?!
How had someone cross-dressing as a guy made it all the way to the inner court?
Zhang Lexuan pursed her lips—she didn't get it either.
Xian Lin'er and Cai Mei'er both sighed and exchanged a glance. A mutual understanding passed between them—they were both exasperated.
Actually, they hadn't known at first either. It was Mu En who tipped them off. They'd found information in the inner court's library that revealed the Radiant Butterfly Goddess martial soul only appears in female soul masters.
After combing through records and confirming the facts, the upper management suspected that Wang Dong had a special reason tied to the Clear Sky Sect for disguising herself, so they chose not to expose her. Instead, they secretly supported her in various ways.
For example, allowing Wang Dong to live alone during her time in the outer court.
Shrek Academy's relationship with the Clear Sky Sect was special. When help was needed, it had to be given.
They never expected the secret would blow up now—and in such a critical moment.
In short: they regretted it. They regretted it very much.
Now, all Xian Lin'er and Cai Mei'er could do was hope nothing would happen to Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao.
Even the trial's voice seemed momentarily stunned by the drama. There was a brief pause before it resumed.
"False love — punishment descends!"
"You two must endure punishment together. Only through punishment can your sins be cleansed. Otherwise — execution on the spot!"
Wang Dong's face changed dramatically. She quickly raised her head and shouted:
"If someone must be punished, punish me! I'm the one who deceived Xiao Xiao's feelings—let me bear everything alone!"
"No, it's my fault. I'm the one who deserves to be punished." Xiao Xiao wiped away her tears, though her eyes now looked hollow, as if her spirit had been shattered—already resolved to die.
But the voice did not reply.
Instead, a beam of gold and silver light fell from above, forming a chain that bound Wang Dong's left hand and Xiao Xiao's right hand together, the two standing less than ten centimeters apart.
Then, the platform beneath them gave way.
They fell, unable to use soul power or martial souls, screaming as they plummeted into endless darkness.
"Wang Dong! Xiao Xiao!!"
Everyone cried out in shock.
A flash of golden light flickered in Huo Yuhao's eyes.
That moment of silence from the trial wasn't hesitation. It was the God King Tang San intervening, forcibly changing the outcome.
The punishment was fake.
The "reward" was real.
And now that he'd dealt with them, next up… would be him.
Huo Yuhao wondered what Tang San had in store.
A glowing screen appeared in front of the group, showing what was happening to Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao.
The two of them had arrived on a new platform—this one bleak and lifeless, surrounded by chaos. The only feature was a towering pillar that seemed to stretch into the heavens, destination unknown.
The two stood in silence for a moment, then exchanged words. Xiao Xiao nodded, and they began to cooperate.
Working together, they searched the entire platform. Apart from the pillar, there were no clues.
Finally, they stood before it, ready to climb.
With no access to soul power, they had to rely purely on physical strength. Fortunately, both had always trained their bodies.
The pillar was very smooth but not completely featureless—barely grabbable, just enough for the two to embrace it.
So, each took one side, using each other for support, and began to climb upward.
But of course, the "punishment" wouldn't be so easy.
When they reached a height of a hundred meters, the color of the pillar changed—from white to red.
Clouds appeared around them, with flashes of lightning inside.
And then, unsurprisingly, the lightning struck.
There was nowhere to dodge on the pillar.
Xiao Xiao was hit squarely.
The sudden shock made her slip, but Wang Dong, gritting her teeth, used the chain on her arm to pull her back up.
The lightning wasn't fatal, but the numbness and pain were real.
It felt less like a trial and more like torture.
Another bolt came—this time aimed at Wang Dong.
BOOM!!