Ten opponents!
Shen Yi had already arranged this part of the assessment while they were taking the seventh test. So, as soon as they entered, they saw their ten opponents waiting for them.
"This battle follows a rotation system. You are free to choose your opponents. This assessment not only tests your strength but also your judgment. Among these ten, some are stronger, and some are weaker."
These ten individuals were only a year older than Gu You and the others. They all looked about the same age but were undoubtedly top talents who had scored at least sixty points and been admitted to Shrek Academy a year ago. They had already been studying at Shrek Academy for three full years.
Gu You had lost all motivation to compete. This battle was just too uninteresting. If his opponent were a Title Douluo, he might take it seriously.
…
After a thrilling yet somewhat bizarre battle, everyone except Xie Xie achieved full marks, as expected.
"I give up! I really give up!" Xie Xie shouted in frustration as they headed to the next test site. "Why were all of your opponents so weak? But the one I picked was insanely strong!"
"This has nothing to do with luck. You're just not good enough," Gu Yue teased with a smirk as she bent slightly forward.
"Argh! You're always picking on me!" Xie Xie scratched his head in exasperation. Ever since their first meeting, Gu Yue had never given him a good look.
"It's just karma." Gu Yue turned and left coolly.
The final test area was a small room. As they followed Shen Yi inside, they immediately noticed that this room was completely different from the previous test venues. It was dimly lit, without any luxurious decorations. The entire interior was made of metal, with several large screens mounted on the walls.
"Survival. This is your ninth test." Shen Yi's voice echoed in the room. "I believe you've all entered the Spirit Ascension Platform before. This place is similar, but in some ways, the soul beasts inside are real. Defeating them could grant you a spirit ring if you're at a bottleneck, as well as other rewards. In short, once you enter, you'll have to rely entirely on yourselves. Alright, get ready to go in."
Gu You was intrigued. A replica of the Spirit Ascension Platform? The technology behind this fascinated him.
Xie Xie, frustrated from his previous low score, was fired up. "I'm gonna crush this!"
"Will we all be together inside?" Xu Xiaoyan asked hesitantly, clearly nervous about facing soul beasts.
Shen Yi gave her a meaningful look. "Yes. No matter how many people take this test, you will always start together. This test doesn't just assess your survival skills—it also examines your ability to work as a team. Since you're already used to cooperating, you have an advantage. Good luck."
Everyone instantly felt relieved. With Gu You around, they were bound to gain massive rewards.
This was basically free loot. Even if Shrek Academy tried to make the test harder, what could they possibly do? Gu You could kill a 20,000-year soul beast in seconds. Would they actually send in a 100,000-year soul beast?
As they entered the metal compartments, the drawers closed, signaling the official start of the ninth test.
Once the metal drawers shut, two people entered the room. One of them was Cai Yue'er, the Silver Moon Douluo.
Accompanying her was an elderly man with sharp facial features, deep blue eyes, and a towering figure. His long white hair cascaded over his shoulders, and his presence radiated an overwhelming aura, as if he alone could suppress an entire realm. This was Zhuo Shi, the Scarlet Dragon Douluo.
Over the years, his appearance had changed quite a bit. Gu You had been away for a few years, but what had happened at the academy in that time? Why did everyone suddenly have white hair?
"Teacher." Shen Yi respectfully bowed to Zhuo Shi.
Zhuo Shi nodded. "Aside from him, how did the others perform?"
Shen Yi pondered for a moment before choosing the most fitting description. "Beyond imagination."
Cai Yue'er chuckled. "Indeed, they are quite extraordinary—especially Gu Yue. It's a pity she already has a master. Otherwise, I'd do whatever it takes to take her as my disciple."
Shen Yi whispered, "Teacher… what difficulty level should we set for them?"
Zhuo Shi didn't even hesitate. "The highest level."
Shen Yi nodded. Only by doing so could they even attempt to challenge Gu You.
Regardless of the outcome, the academy was definitely going to lose out this time. Knowing Gu You's personality, he wouldn't let this go without extracting some benefits.
A distortion rippled through space. Light flashed.
Five figures materialized in a vast world.
It truly resembled the Spirit Ascension Platform, but this time, they found themselves in a dense and ancient forest—even more primitive than the one from 10,000 years ago.
If Gu You was correct, this was likely a recreation of the Star Dou Forest from an ancient era.
Gu You was the strongest among them, so the other four instinctively followed him. After walking for a while, they found a small hill, which provided a much better vantage point.
Everything remained eerily quiet. Nothing had disturbed them so far.
Something felt off. Gu You signaled for everyone to stay on alert.
Tang Wulin extended his Bluesilver Grass, spreading it across the area to detect any incoming threats.
Gu Yue summoned Wind Birds for long-range scouting.
The remaining three released their martial souls in preparation.
Suddenly—
A deep, guttural roar echoed from the distance!
The moment the sound rang out, even Gu You's expression changed slightly.
At least 60,000 to 70,000 years old…
"Wh-what was that? That was terrifying! Should we even go over there?" Xie Xie turned pale, looking at Gu You with a mix of fear and expectation.
Everyone else also looked at Gu You.
If he said the word, they would follow him without hesitation.
At this point, Gu You had become their unshakable pillar of support.
Even Tang Wulin felt conflicted—his Old Tang always warned him to keep his distance from Gu You, yet whenever he followed him, he gained immense benefits. In that moment, Tang Wulin's trust in Old Tang wavered slightly.
"We're going. Why wouldn't we?" Gu You cracked a grin. "This is a huge opportunity. If we miss it, we won't get another chance. Xiaoyan's soul power is almost at Rank 30. How about a 10,000-year soul ring?"
"A-a 10,000-year soul ring?" Xu Xiaoyan stammered, shocked.
"But Xiaoyan's body and spirit won't be able to handle it!" Xie Xie panicked. Wasn't Gu You just sending her to her death?
"Gu-ge, I really can't. A 10,000-year soul ring is like an insurmountable chasm for me. I—"
(End of Chapter)