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"You're right on time," Mujin teased as Chen Junting entered her office. "Guess Xiao Tian's the only one who can get you to show up."
"It's not like I needed an invitation," Chen Junting shot back playfully. "Besides, I'm only here because you ordered me to, Teacher."
Mujin laughed, shaking her head. "You rascal!"
With all six students present, she dropped the banter. "I called you here for an important announcement. In three days, the Outer Court will hold a Core Disciple Selection Tournament. Originally, second-years weren't included—but the higher-ups suddenly changed their minds."
Her gaze flickered subtly over Chen Junting, Dai Huabin, and Huo Yuhao. "You can guess why. Your performance in the class promotion exam outshone even the upperclassmen. Prepare yourselves."
"Another tournament!?" Wang Dong groaned. "Teacher Mujin, the promotion exam just ended!"
Since Mujin had a close rapport with former Class Nine students, she tolerated Wang Dong's casual tone. "Relax—losing this time won't punish you."
She grew serious. "But I still want you to aim for the seven selected spots. We don't know the mission yet, but Teacher Wang Yan believes it's a major opportunity."
Major opportunity?
The group perked up instantly. Core Disciple status already granted privileges—what could top this?
Their confidence, bolstered by their recent victory, soared.
Dai Huabin's demonic eyes burned with ambition. Seven spots? Mine for the taking!
Mujin nodded, pleased. "Good. Train hard these three days. Aim for two or three slots. That's all—back to class."
She dismissed them with a wave.
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That Evening – Shrek City
Tang Ya's new courtyard hosted a celebratory dinner. Bei Bei had invited Chen Junting's group—even He Caitou wasn't forgotten.
"Fifteenth dish: Braised Green-Scale Shrimp!"
As the plate landed, Ning Tian tried to stop Tang Ya. "This is plenty! Sit and eat with us!"
"No, no—more dishes coming!" Tang Ya insisted, darting back to the kitchen.
Xu Sanshi leaned toward Bei Bei, lowering his voice. "Nannan can cook—I recognize her style in these dishes. But the rest? When did Xiao Ya learn to cook?"
Bei Bei rubbed his temples. "She didn't. These are from a restaurant—she just reheated them. Says 'cooking with her own hands' shows sincerity… even if it's just warming leftovers."
Chen Junting, mid-bite of braised Blackhorn Boar, nearly choked.
Her hands = her cooking?
Genius!
Wang Dong turned to Bei Bei. "Senior, do you know about this selection tournament?"
Bei Bei shrugged. "Just heard from Teacher today."
Wang Dong grilled Xu Sanshi and He Caitou next—same answer.
Then Wu Feng sidled over, eyes gleaming with mischief.
"Want to know?"
"You? How?" Wang Dong scoffed.
"Cross my heart!" Wu Feng thumped her chest. "Call me Big Sis."
"Wu Feng—you're pushing it!"
After futile protests, Wang Dong grumbled, "Big… Sis."
But Wu Feng immediately turned to Ning Tian—making Wang Dong's eye twitch in fury.
I shouldn't have bothered!
Ning Tian, worn down by Wu Feng's pestering, warned, "This is just our guess." She held up two fingers.
"First—why only under-15 Core Disciples? Second—why seven spots?"
The group fell silent, pondering.
Wang Dong and Wu Feng burst out first. "So what does it mean!?"
Before Ning Tian could answer, Chen Junting cut in:
"The Soul Master Competition is coming up."
The pieces clicked. Excitement flared.
Wang Dong blurted, "Does this mean the seven Outer Court picks get to represent the academy!?"
Chen Junting rolled his eyes. "Be serious. Our strongest is Soul Ancestor—we're not main team material. The Inner Court seniors from the special exam will likely be the real representatives. We're just reserves. Unless the main team gets wiped out, we won't compete."
He added, "Just my guess, though."
Wang Dong muttered, "Yeah, right. Teachers aren't idiots—they won't let the main team get wiped out."
Still, their eyes burned with ambition. Becoming main team meant inheriting the Shrek Seven Monsters title—a glory beyond measure!
Unseen, Tang Ya overheard everything.
Hearing Bei Bei might compete while she remained stuck at Soul King—like her father—bitterness twisted her heart. Even Bei Bei's suggestion to change her Blue Silver Grass cultivation path felt futile. At her age, it was too late.
Then—Jiang Nannan's voice called from the kitchen:
"Xiao Ya—help me carry the dishes!"
Tang Ya's melancholy vanished. She beamed. "Coming!"
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