Douluo Continent: The Eternal Dawn

Chapter 128 Upgrade Assessment
The students in Class 1 of the second grade were all listening attentively to Wang Yan's explanation of the precautions for this afternoon's upgrade assessment. No one knew what Ye Xixuan had been going through at that moment.

Tang Wutong was fiddling with something under the table, but on the surface she put on a dignified and proud appearance, with both of her jade-like arms resting on the table.

Ye Xixuan also stared straight ahead without looking to the side. His expression showed no sign of anything unusual, except that something seemed to be suppressed deep within his dark and deep eyes.

The two thought they had concealed their actions perfectly, but from Wang Yan's perspective, apart from Tang Wutong's little movements under the table, he could clearly see the subtle interactions in their eyes.

Perhaps this is a special talent that every teacher has as a homeroom teacher.

"That's all for today's class. Everyone go back and prepare, and try to get into top form. We'll meet in the Beast Fighting Zone this afternoon for the unified assessment." The morning class didn't end with the bell ringing. After explaining all the important points for the afternoon's upgrade assessment, Wang Yan immediately put away his lesson plan and announced the end of get out of class.

"Ye Xixuan, Tang Wutong, as the class leader and deputy class leader, you should organize the students in your class when you gather in the Beast Fighting Area this afternoon."

"Yes, Teacher Wang!" Ye Xixuan and Tang Wutong were both taken aback, a hint of panic flashing in their eyes, before they quickly responded in unison.

As Wang Yan walked out of the classroom, he shook his head helplessly.

His homeroom teacher was only a five-ring Soul King, while Ye Xixuan and Tang Wutong were both exceptionally talented individuals with Soul Ring ratios far exceeding the norm. In terms of absolute strength, he was even inferior to either of them.

So after noticing Ye Xixuan and Tang Wutong's little antics, Wang Yan simply turned a blind eye. After all, a teacher's strength is inferior to that of a student, so they don't really have much confidence.

Of course, this is because he doesn't know exactly what Tang Wutong did; otherwise, it would have shocked his worldview.

With their homeroom teacher Wang Yan gone, the class immediately became noisy. Moreover, without the gloomy and unsociable Dai Huabin, the overall atmosphere of Class 1, Grade 2 improved considerably, and the students undoubtedly revolved around Ye Xixuan and Tang Wutong.

Zhou Sichen and Cao Jinxuan, unable to contain their gossip, headed towards Ye Xixuan and Tang Wutong as soon as get out of class ended.

Earlier, when Wang Yan called his name, Ye Xixuan subconsciously reached out and grabbed Tang Wutong's delicate and tender ankle, and he was already close to reaching his limit.

Seeing that Zhou Sichen and Cao Jinxuan were about to discover her, Tang Wutong's shyness finally prevailed, and she hurriedly pulled her right foot back. This sudden movement, however, pulled down her white lace stockings.

Ye Xixuan felt something in his right hand and couldn't help but stare at Tang Wutong beside him, slightly startled.

Under Ye Xixuan's strange gaze, Tang Wutong put her shoes back on and looked at Zhou Sichen and Cao Jinxuan with a slightly flushed face.

Left with no other choice, Ye Xixuan secretly stuffed the sock that Tang Wutong had taken off into his pants pocket.

Zhou Sichen jumped up in front of the two of them excitedly and said something.

"Class monitor, you two are really together?! When did this happen?!"

"Who told you that I was with her?" Ye Xixuan remained seated in his chair, looking at Zhou Sichen with an expression that remained unchanged.

Upon hearing Ye Xixuan's answer, Tang Wutong instantly bit her red lips in a wronged manner, as if about to explode. However, remembering Ye Xixuan's reaction just now, she quickly calmed down.

Physical reactions don't lie. If Ye Xixuan really didn't like her, how could he have tolerated her previous behavior?

Considering Ye Xixuan's past behavior, the love-struck Tang princess immediately drew a conclusion: Ye Xixuan is a hypocrite; he clearly likes her deeply, but he just doesn't dare to admit it to her face.

"If you like me, just say it! Don't you even have that much courage?" Tang Wutong muttered to herself, but she didn't expose Ye Xixuan's thoughts in public. A pleasant smile appeared on her lips.

"However, I don't mind your timidity in relationships, because I will gradually give you the courage to take the initiative to express your feelings to me."

As Princess Tang entered another moment of fantasy, Cao Jinxuan looked around at the two of them in surprise and couldn't help but ask a question.

"Um, really not? I feel like your relationship is even closer than that of a couple."

"You're quite the smooth talker." Tang Wutong could no longer contain her smile and stood up with a haughty snort.

"Do you think Ye Xixuan and I are a good match?"

"They're a perfect match, absolutely a perfect match." Zhou Sichen and Cao Jinxuan were practically born with a talent for flattery, and the two of them made Tang Wutong extremely happy.

Zhou Sichen nodded in deep agreement, "In my opinion, you and the class monitor are a match made in heaven."

“Si Chen is right. If there’s anyone in this world who is worthy of being the class monitor, I really can’t think of anyone else besides you.” Cao Jinxuan chuckled and chimed in.

Tang Wutong gave Ye Xixuan a charmingly disdainful look, pouted, and said, "Did you hear that?"

Just then, Xiao Xiao, Tang Wutong's roommate, also walked over. Looking at Zhou Sichen and Cao Jinxuan, she couldn't help but pout and mutter a complaint under her breath.

"Two sycophants."

"Xiao Xiao, I get the feeling you're a bit envious and jealous of the vice class monitor," Zhou Sichen said sternly.

"Aren't you roommates? This won't do."

Cao Jinxuan immediately chimed in, instantly understanding the unspoken message and teasing, "Xiao Xiao, be honest, do you also like the class monitor? If you really do, just say it and compete fairly with the vice monitor. If you keep it hidden in your heart, you'll really have no chance."

"You?!" Xiao Xiao pointed at Cao Jinxuan, her face full of anger, and even a little aggrieved. However, her gaze was more focused on Ye Xixuan and Tang Wutong, her eyes filled with shame and indignation, her eyes red-rimmed.

Finally, she burst into tears, covered her face with her hands, and ran away quickly with her short little legs.

"Uuuuuu——"

"How can you talk like that? Are you satisfied with making someone cry?" Zhou Sichen elbowed Cao Jinxuan in the lower back in an annoyed tone.

Cao Jinxuan said innocently, "I didn't know Tiao Xiaoxiao was so easily teased. She seems to be really crying. Let's go and apologize to her later."

"Can you two just shut up for a second?" Ye Xixuan calmed down and glanced at the two of them with annoyance. As he spoke, he stood up, walked past Tang Wutong, and made a move to walk out of the classroom.

Watching Xiao Xiao's departing figure, Tang Wutong frowned in shock.

Xiao Xiao also likes Ye Xixuan?! There's a mole right beside her?!
She hadn't expected that Xiao Xiao, who looked so small, was actually so well-hidden, especially since they were roommates.

As her mind raced with thoughts, Tang Wutong noticed Ye Xixuan passing by her. She quickly caught up and questioned him angrily.

"Why does Xiao Xiao like you too?"

"How would I know? You're asking me? Aren't you her roommate?" Ye Xixuan replied perfunctorily. The awkward feeling he had just experienced made him feel like he had a fire burning inside him, which also affected his emotions.

Now he just wants to stay away from this Tang princess.

Zhou Sichen and Cao Jinxuan exchanged glances, thinking of apologizing to Xiao Xiao, and then followed after her. Their focus always seemed to be different from that of normal people; they immediately noticed the change in Tang Wutong compared to when she first entered the classroom.

"Hey, vice squad leader, why are you missing a sock?"

Tang Wutong subconsciously stopped and turned around to look at Zhou Sichen and Cao Jinxuan. Then, she playfully tossed her long, pinkish-blue hair behind her, as if showing off something.

"Go ask him!"

Ye Xixuan's body stiffened, and the muscles on his face twitched slightly.

He suddenly had a strong urge to take the sock out of his pocket and stuff it into Tang Wutong's mouth, but he ultimately restrained himself.

Ye Xixuan was so displeased because he knew Zhou Sichen and Cao Jinxuan's personalities all too well. Having heard such explosive news from Tang Wutong, the two would likely spread the word far and wide before the afternoon's advancement assessment even began.

"Ah—" While Zhou Sichen and Cao Jinxuan were still imagining things, Ye Xixuan had already walked away quickly, followed by a certain smug Tang princess.

This is the general structure of Class 1, Grade 2. Ye Xixuan and Tang Wutong are the absolute core figures, and a small circle of core disciples of the outer academy of Class 1, Grade 2 has emerged around them.

For example, Xiao Xiao, Tang Wutong's roommate, and then there are the two brothers, Zhou Sichen and Cao Jinxuan.

Sisters Lan Susu and Lan Luoluo, who are even more shy, are barely able to squeeze into this circle. As for Huang Chutian, he has long since become a clown. Although he knew Ye Xixuan the longest, his emotional intelligence is his biggest weakness, and he is not as popular as Zhou Sichen and Cao Jinxuan.

Now that Dai Huabin has been expelled and Zhu Lu has gone to Class 2, the only remaining core disciple in Class 1 of the second year is Wu Feng.

However, after being tortured by Ye Xixuan during the freshman assessment, coupled with Ning Tian's admonitions and warnings, she has basically been studying in Class 1 of the second year with her tail between her legs for the past year, never daring to show her face.

The afternoon upgrade assessment took place as scheduled in the Beast Fighting Zone.

As the largest area exclusively for Shrek Academy, the Beast Fighting Zone covers an area of ​​enormous size, equivalent to the combined size of all the teaching buildings, dormitories, and Shrek Square of the Martial Soul Department. It is also the largest independent building within Shrek Academy.

On the Douluo Continent, only a handful of forces possess the capability to raise spirit beasts. Even the royal families of the major empires would never easily undertake such a task, as raising spirit beasts is no simple matter. It requires not only maintaining the spirit beasts' wildness and natural habits but also ensuring their safety, in addition to taming and controlling them. The investment required is far beyond the imagination of ordinary people.

Shrek Academy, however, single-handedly raised spirit beasts on such a massive scale, demonstrating its profound resources. The Beast Fighting Area is mainly divided into two areas: one is hidden from the students and used to raise spirit beasts, called the Beast Pen. The Beast Pen is primarily built underground, with only a small portion above ground.

The other area was the Colosseum, a place specifically for Shrek Academy students to conduct practical training and assessments. At this moment, the students of Class 1 and Class 2 of the second year, led by their respective homeroom teachers, entered the Colosseum one after another, preparing to begin their advancement assessments.

The Colosseum is a massive oval shape, with the entire building divided into four levels. The bottom three levels are arched structures, each supported by stone pillars on either side of the archway. The fourth level is decorated with pilasters and faces the four large arches below.

In terms of scale, this arena can definitely be described as magnificent and grand, capable of accommodating at least tens of thousands of spectators.

To ensure the safety of the students, twenty teachers were already waiting here early on, serving as invigilators and referees.

Dean of Studies Du Weilun also arrived. He was the chief examiner for the day, and he sat on the high platform on the fourth floor of the Soul Arena with four other experienced teachers, in charge of the subsequent assessment and scoring.

Ye Xixuan and Tang Wutong stood at the front of their class line, while Xie Huanyue and Cui Yajie led the second-year class, class two. Although Cui Yajie's Nine-Tailed Fox Martial Soul was somewhere between an agility-based attack and a control-based attack, it actually leaned more towards the agility-based attack.

This also shows that there are indeed few talented agility-type Soul Masters. The top-tier Soul Masters who can stand at the pinnacle are always those with strong attack and control abilities.

Since they were participating in an assessment, the group did not sit in the stands, but instead lined up neatly in the area outside the Soul Arena.

Xiao Xiao, standing in the second-grade class, stared at Ye Xixuan and Tang Wutong's retreating figures with red-rimmed eyes, clearly looking like she had just been crying. However, with Zhou Sichen and Cao Jinxuan teasing her, her emotions had stabilized considerably.

On the high platform, Du Weiren's calm voice rang out.

"Let's begin the assessment. Class 1 of the second year will send out their students first, followed by Class 2."

Ye Xixuan nodded to Wang Yan, then strode out with his assessment form in hand. He handed the form to a teacher responsible for delivering it, who then placed it in the lift-up compartment below the judging platform.

Soon, Ye Xixuan's assessment form was in Du Weilun's hands, and his subsequent upgrade assessment results would be recorded on it.

The next moment, all the teachers and students present, including Du Weiren, focused their attention on Ye Xixuan.

In truth, given Ye Xixuan's cultivation and strength, the advancement exam from first to second year was no challenge for him at all. However, the spirit beasts in the Soul Battle Zone could be chosen at will, ranging from the lowest-level hundred-year spirit beasts to ten-thousand-year spirit beasts, but a hundred-thousand-year spirit beast was out of the question.

A 100,000-year-old soul beast is enough to make any soul master soar to the sky. With its soul rings and soul bones combined, it has a total of four 100,000-year-old soul skills. How powerful is that?

Ye Xixuan viewed this upgrade assessment more as a test of his own abilities, and silently walked to the center of the arena.

Two teachers were assigned to act as referees in order to better protect the safety of the college.

The referee on the left asked, "What do you major in?"

"A strong offensive type," Ye Xixuan said calmly.

As usual, the referee continued to remind them: "Now, choose the soul beast you will be testing."

"I choose the ten-thousand-year-old soul beast."

"A ten-thousand-year-old soul beast? Are you sure?" The referee was taken aback.

In fact, apart from Tang Wutong and Du Weilun, almost everyone present had the same reaction.

The news of Ye Xixuan's battle against the Shadow Wolf Soul Saint Coro had only spread within the inner academy. Those in charge of today's advancement assessment were mostly teachers from the outer academy, and were unaware of it.

Their understanding of Ye Xixuan was limited to that one freshman assessment back then.

Even Wang Yan, the homeroom teacher, was somewhat surprised by Ye Xixuan's choice. Having a ten-thousand-year soul ring and facing a real ten-thousand-year soul beast head-on are two completely different things.

Generally speaking, only Soul Masters with a cultivation level of six rings or higher have absolute confidence in dealing with ten-thousand-year-old Soul Beasts; Five-ring Soul Kings can at most only protect themselves. Of course, the extreme elite Soul Kings from Shrek Academy's inner court are an exception; almost every one of them possesses the ability to fight enemies of a higher level.

Du Weilin's voice came from the high platform again.

"Let him choose."

"Yes, Director Du." The referee replied respectfully, then gestured towards the distance.

"Get ready, the assessment is about to begin."

The heavy, clanging of metal mechanisms filled the air, and a strange figure slowly emerged from the shadows of the iron gate.

It was about two feet long, or a little over half a meter, and its entire body was covered with a thick layer of dark golden carapace. It had six thick and powerful short legs growing from its belly, and its mouthparts were ferocious and sharp like saber teeth. It had six eyes on its head, two large and four small, which emitted a ghostly green light.

This was none other than a mighty ant king with ten thousand years of cultivation.

Thousand-Pound Ants are quite common in the Soul Beast Forest, but those that can break through to the ten-thousand-year level are extremely rare. This is because these soul beasts do not possess any powerful soul skills; their strength and defense are their only strengths, making it almost impossible for them to cultivate normally to the ten-thousand-year level.

Once a soul beast like the Thousand-Pound Ant breaks through to the ten-thousand-year realm, it means that it must have undergone some kind of mutation and is no longer the same species as the ordinary Thousand-Pound Ant.

Ye Xixuan's attention was focused on the exceptionally thick forelimbs of the Thousand-Pound Ant King. They resembled the pincers of a scorpion-like soul beast, but were not exactly the same; they looked more like three sharp spikes fused together. With each swing, they shimmered with a strong earthy-yellow light.

No matter how low-level a soul beast is, its intelligence will be greatly enhanced after it has cultivated for ten thousand years.

The two antennae on the top of the Thousand-Pound Ant King's head trembled slightly, and it moved its six sharp legs, slowly approaching Ye Xixuan, its six eyes gleaming.

Ye Xixuan snorted coldly, and a cold, deathly, and extremely oppressive aura burst forth from his body.

Purple! Purple! Black! Black!
Four spirit rings rose from beneath his feet. In particular, the moment the last two black ten-thousand-year spirit rings rose, everyone could clearly see a layer of deep black light suddenly spreading from his body.

These two black spirit rings were particularly large, and the two purple spirit rings surrounding them were pulsating at the same frequency.

Many second-year students who were not familiar with Ye Xixuan were already exclaiming in surprise, all shocked by Ye Xixuan's terrifying soul ring ratio.

Upon seeing this, Wang Yan let out a sigh of relief mixed with complex emotions.

With his four-ring Soul Master cultivation, Ye Xixuan had completely surpassed him in terms of Soul Ring ratio.

Under the watchful eyes of the entire audience, Ye Xixuan raised his arms in front of him. The purple soul ring that ranked first shone with a magnificent purple light, and his arms were instantly covered with a thick layer of black dragon scales with sharp edges. His hands transformed into dragon claws, and a cold luster flowed across the sharp claws.

At the same time, the Demonic Mark appeared on his body. He stomped his left foot hard, and with a loud bang, he shot up like a cannonball in front of the Thousand-Pound Ant King.

Affected by Ye Xixuan's aura, the Thousand-Pound Ant King froze for a moment, instinctively crossing and raising its forelimbs in front of it.

Ye Xixuan's right claw gripped the Thousand-Pound Ant King's forelimbs, unleashing his extreme dark-attribute soul power and terrifying strength.

"Boom—" The ground beneath the Thousand-Pound Ant King's feet cracked layer by layer, and its other four short legs were also deeply embedded in the cracks. The dense and heavy earth-attribute soul power emanating from its body was also being eroded by the all-pervasive dark aura. A sharp shriek came from its ferocious maw, and its entire body was directly overturned by Ye Xixuan.

Ye Xixuan was completely suppressing the Thousand-Pound Ant King with his own soul power and strength. Perhaps because he possessed the bloodline of Long Xiaoyao, his current performance was exactly like that of a true Dark Saint Dragon Soul Master. His powerful physical strength, powerful dark attribute abilities, and even his aura seemed identical.

Through the power hidden within his own martial spirit and bloodline, Ye Xixuan perfectly replicated all of these.

"Bang, bang, bang—" The Thousand-Pound Ant King's body slammed into the ground three times in succession, each impact leaving a huge crater. Finally, it managed to stabilize itself by inserting its two front pincers into the ground.

Its six eyes were filled with anthropomorphic terror.

The entire arena fell silent. Even Wang Yan, whose martial soul was barely related to dragons, could vaguely sense the pressure emanating from Ye Xixuan, who was in a superior position.

If a Soul Master with a common dragon or earth dragon martial soul were here, the sense of oppression they would feel would probably be even stronger.

Zhou Sichen stared wide-eyed in amazement and exclaimed, "The squad leader's fighting style wasn't this violent before!"

"Xiao Xiao, I'm starting to think that being class monitor might not be the right fit for you." Cao Jinxuan blurted out his true feelings again.

"If the class monitor is so violent, wouldn't you be crying every day if you actually got together with him?"

"What did you say?!" Xiao Xiao's pretty face instantly turned bright red, both embarrassed and ashamed. They were all Soul Masters, and had been exposed to far more things since childhood; they were definitely not ordinary, ignorant teenagers.

Distracted by Cao Jinxuan, everyone looked at Xiao Xiao with strange expressions.

Faced with such immense pressure, Xiao Xiao's mental endurance was nearing its limit, and tears began to well up in her eyes, making her look like a wronged little girl.

Our Princess Tang was even more impressive. She turned around, glanced at Xiao Xiao's short and thin figure, and snorted disdainfully.

"Give her a break with her small frame; she's not even good enough to be Ye Xixuan's appetizer."

(End of this chapter)