The atmosphere in the hall seemed to freeze following Jing Hongchen's exclamation.
Facing the dean's incredulous gaze, Liu Yuan did not evade the truth. He steadied the turbulent spirit power within his body, then nodded solemnly.
"The Dean's perception is correct. I have indeed successfully condensed my first soul core. The process was somewhat perilous, but it has now completely stabilized."
The moment those words fell, Jing Hongchen's hand, which had been resting on the desk, trembled. Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen stood rooted in place, their expressions shifting from worry to a stunned numbness.
"Did it… really succeed?" Xiao Hongchen forced out hoarsely.
As a genius of the Sun Moon Royal Academy, he understood better than anyone what a soul core represented.
That was a symbol meant only for Titled Douluo—yet it had appeared on a seventeen-year-old Spirit Saint.
After carefully sensing Liu Yuan's aura, which felt as unfathomable as an abyss, Jing Hongchen finally let out a long breath. He leaned back heavily in his chair, nodding again and again.
"Good, good! It's good that you succeeded."
"Xiao Yuan, you have truly opened a new path for the world of Soul Masters. In my lifetime, I've seen countless geniuses, but you're the first to forcibly carve out a new road at the Spirit Saint Realm."
With the shock passing, the atmosphere in the hall instantly relaxed.
Meng Hongchen finally loosened her grip on the handkerchief she had been clutching, her eyes faintly reddened.
For the past month, she had worried every single day that Liu Yuan might suffer Qi Deviation. Seeing that he was not only safe but had even leapt forward in strength, the heavy weight in her heart finally fell away.
"Brother Liu Yuan, you really scared us," Meng Hongchen said softly, a hint of relief and joy in her voice. "As long as you're fine, that's better than anything."
Xiao Hongchen laughed loudly and gave Liu Yuan a solid pat on the shoulder.
"Brother Liu Yuan, since you've fully recovered, we can fight side by side again! With you here, I'd like to see who can stop our Sun Moon Royal Academy in this tournament."
Liu Yuan's eyes flickered with confusion. Looking at Xiao Hongchen's eager expression, he asked, "Fight side by side? You mean the upcoming combat drills?"
Xiao Hongchen froze, then shouted exaggeratedly, "Big brother, you've been in seclusion for a whole month—did you forget the main event? The All-Continent High-Rank Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament is about to begin again! Don't tell me you didn't know?"
"The Soul Master Tournament?" Liu Yuan frowned slightly, quickly running through the timeline in his mind.
"Yes," Meng Hongchen added. "This tournament is different from the previous ones—it's being held in our Sun Moon Empire's capital, Mingdu."
"As the hosts, our academy is under enormous scrutiny. Because your condition was unstable before and you were either semi-comatose or in seclusion, Grandpa didn't want to disturb you and strictly forbade us from mentioning it."
She paused, her eyes shining with anticipation.
"Now that you've successfully condensed a soul core and resolved the issue, you must participate. Our Sun Moon Empire is counting on you to lead us in defending our title."
Only then did Liu Yuan fully recall the matter.
According to the timeline, the new Soul Master Tournament was indeed about to begin.
Scenes from the previous tournament remained vivid in his mind. With this one being held on home ground, it was clear that both the imperial family and the academy were determined to claim victory.
Jing Hongchen watched Liu Yuan sink into thought, not rushing to persuade him as his grandchildren did.
As an elder, he considered things more carefully.
"Xiao Yuan, don't listen to those two for now," Jing Hongchen said gently, his voice filled with concern.
"Although you've condensed a soul core, this is still a very recent breakthrough."
"I'll ask you one more time—does your body truly have no hidden injuries or discomfort? If participating in high-intensity matches would harm your foundation, we would rather you skip this tournament. To me—and to the Empire—your body and future matter far more."
Hearing Jing Hongchen's sincere words, a warmth rose in Liu Yuan's chest.
Just as he was about to answer, a long-silent mechanical voice suddenly echoed within his Sea of Consciousness.
[Ding! Detected that the All-Continent High-Rank Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament is about to begin.]
[Limited-time main quest triggered: Lead the team to win the championship of this tournament!]
[Quest Reward: 1 Primal Kyogre exclusive god-bestowed spirit ring (age adjusted to match the Host's physical endurance limit).]
Liu Yuan's heart jolted, followed by a surge of unrestrained joy.
A god-bestowed spirit ring from Kyogre!
Opportunities like this were rare—he absolutely could not let it slip away.
He raised his head to meet Jing Hongchen's concerned gaze and revealed a calm, confident smile.
"Dean, please rest assured. The soul core within me has completely stabilized, and my current state is better than it has ever been."
"Participating in the tournament will not damage my foundation. On the contrary, it will allow me to better adapt to the power of the soul core through real combat."
Hearing Liu Yuan's firm answer, Jing Hongchen's lingering worry finally dissipated.
He slapped his thigh, his eyes gleaming.
"Good! Since you have this level of confidence, then I have nothing to worry about."
Jing Hongchen rose to his feet, his expression turning solemn.
"Liu Yuan, hear my command. For this All-Continent High-Rank Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament, I officially appoint you as the captain of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy's representative team. You will be fully responsible for all tournament-related matters."
Liu Yuan was momentarily stunned. Before he could respond, Jing Hongchen continued.
"This year is special. Ma Rulong, Chen An, and others from their generation can no longer participate due to age and cultivation limits. We must select a new batch of fresh blood."
He looked at Liu Yuan with complete trust.
"As captain, I grant you the authority to choose the team members. Aside from Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen, who are definite mainstays, you will decide the remaining main and reserve members based on your own observations and judgment. Once the list is finalized, simply report it to me."
Xiao Hongchen immediately winked at Liu Yuan excitedly.
"Big brother, now we really are the 'Liu Family Army'! Whoever you pick, we'll fight!"
Liu Yuan bowed slightly toward Jing Hongchen.
"I will not fail the Dean's trust. I'll compile the most suitable roster for winning the championship on home ground as soon as possible."
After seeing Jing Hongchen and the others off, Liu Yuan returned to his courtyard.
He looked at the fallen leaves scattered across the ground. The first soul core within his body rotated steadily, pure spirit power flowing endlessly through his meridians.
"Another Soul Master Tournament…" he murmured.
"It's been a long time, Shrek Academy."
"I wonder—how strong are you this time?"
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