Of course, what the other students didn't know was—
Because of the System, Liu Yuan's goal had never been something as simple as "top three."
What he wanted…
Was the championship.
Not just to win—but to crush everyone and claim absolute first place in the Sun Moon Royal Academy's internal tournament.
And beyond that—
To use this victory as a stepping stone to become the captain of the Sun Moon Team.
---
Liu Yuan's Hidden Ambition
Hearing the others' conservative guesses, Liu Yuan couldn't help but smile faintly to himself.
They're all thinking too small…
If I really win the championship…
And become captain…
I wonder what their expressions will look like then.
The curve of his lips rose slightly.
That would be… interesting.
---
Xiao Hongchen Notices
Beside him, the sharp-eyed Xiao Hongchen immediately noticed.
He leaned closer, lowering his voice with a teasing tone:
"Brother Liu Yuan… why are you smiling like that?"
"It even feels a bit… dangerous. What are you plotting now?"
Liu Yuan snapped out of his thoughts and shook his head with a calm smile.
"Nothing."
"I just think this competition will be interesting."
Naturally, he had no intention of revealing his real goal.
He never spoke of things before they were accomplished.
After all—
Speaking too early was a risk.
---
"Really?"
Xiao Hongchen narrowed his eyes, clearly unconvinced.
But seeing Liu Yuan's calm expression, he didn't press further.
This guy is definitely planning something big…
---
The Tournament Begins
On the podium, after finishing all instructions—competition rules, spirit power restrictions, and the ban on large-scale destructive spirit tools—
Mr. Xuan waved his hand.
"That's all."
"Everyone, stand!"
"Head to Second-Year Arena Number One!"
"What begins now… is the class selection!"
"We will choose the five strongest students to represent our class in the grade-level competition!"
---
Battle Ignites
The classroom instantly erupted with excitement.
Students rushed out in a wave, heading toward the arena.
---
Class Selection Matches
The matches began quickly.
Simple format—
Draw lots.
One-on-one duels.
But for Liu Yuan, Xiao Hongchen, and Meng Hongchen—
This level of competition posed no challenge at all.
It was a complete one-sided domination.
Their opponents barely had time to react before being defeated.
---
Final Results
After a series of matches, the five representatives were decided:
Liu Yuan
Xiao Hongchen
Meng Hongchen
Two other strong students (fortunate enough to avoid facing the top three)
By the time it ended, the sun was already setting.
Mr. Xuan dismissed the class.
Students returned to their dorms, each carrying different emotions—excitement, frustration, determination.
---
Meanwhile… Shrek Academy
Far away, in Shrek Academy, inside Shrek City—
The atmosphere was completely different.
---
Inner Court Training Ground
On the Inner Court training ground, intense battle training was underway.
Standing at the edge were two towering figures:
Xuan Zi
Yan Shaozhe
They personally supervised the session.
---
Explosive Training
"Boom—!"
Ma Xiaotao soared into the sky, phoenix wings spreading wide.
Crimson-gold flames erupted like a volcanic explosion, scorching the battlefield.
On the ground—
Dai Yueheng roared as he transformed into a White Tiger.
Each strike shattered the earth, his attacks carrying overwhelming force.
Beside him, Chen Zifeng coordinated flawlessly.
Above them—
Gongyang Mo provided support, beams of light enhancing their strength, speed, and defense.
---
Impressive Growth
Their coordination was seamless.
Their strength had clearly advanced.
After the training ended, everyone stood breathing heavily—but their eyes burned with battle intent.
---
Xuan Zi's Satisfaction
"Good."
Xuan Zi's voice echoed across the field.
"Today's training ends here."
"You've all improved well."
"Go rest and recover. Tomorrow continues."
"Yes, Elder Xuan! Dean Yan!"
The students bowed and left.
---
Pride of Shrek
Now alone, Xuan Zi stroked his beard, smiling with satisfaction.
"Shaozhe, did you see that?"
"This… is Shrek's foundation!"
His voice carried pride.
"Resources have been fully poured into them."
"The core area of Sea God Lake is open for cultivation."
"Heaven-and-Earth treasures are provided without limit."
"And with us guiding them personally…"
"Their growth is explosive!"
---
Ma Xiaotao's Breakthrough
His gaze shifted toward where Ma Xiaotao had left.
"Especially Xiaotao…"
"Her problem is finally under control."
"Thanks to that boy—"
Huo Yuhao
"Using his Extreme Ice to suppress her Evil Fire…"
"The results are immediate!"
"She can now cultivate twice as long as before."
"And her spirit power…"
Xuan Zi's eyes gleamed.
"She's about to reach Rank 69."
---
Absolute Confidence
Yan Shaozhe nodded, equally proud.
"If she breaks through Rank 70 before the tournament…"
"And obtains her seventh spirit ring…"
"Our team's strength will rise to another level!"
His tone turned sharp, filled with absolute confidence.
"At that time—"
"Even if the Sun Moon Royal Academy has some so-called genius…"
"So what?"
"The championship—"
"Will still belong to Shrek!"
---
A Sudden Interruption
Xuan Zi nodded firmly, about to respond—
When suddenly—
A shadow appeared.
Silent.
Like a ghost.
A figure knelt behind them.
Voice hoarse. Urgent.
Shrek's highest-ranking spy in the Sun Moon Empire had returned.