Chapter 94: The Trial is Here
As usual, Ling Shuang and Wang Dong'er walked into the classroom side by side.
The combination of two extraordinary appearances naturally attracted the attention of many girls, though the two were already used to it.
However, after news of Ling Shuang's relationship with Jiang Nannan spread, the number of female students who used to approach him noticeably dropped.
This change made Ling Shuang feel much more at ease.
Being surrounded by admirers might be flattering at first, but over time, the endless conversations became wearisome.
He was more than happy to see this shift.
But it was a different story for Wang Dong'er.
While she had been disguised as a boy, her appearance ranked just below Ling Shuang's in class.
Now that Ling Shuang had Jiang Nannan, the girls who gave up on him quickly turned their sights to Wang Dong'er who, outwardly, appeared single making life quite uncomfortable for her lately.
"Ahem."
Wang Yan, who had been standing silently on the podium, gave a light cough. The noisy classroom quieted down, and all eyes turned to the teacher.
Wang Yan nodded in satisfaction and began to speak, "Ling Shuang, Wang Dong, Wang Qiu'er, Dai Huabin..."
He read out a long list of names.
The sharper students quickly picked up on what all these people had in common they were all core disciples.
After the upgrade assessment, there had been a few changes to the list of core disciples, though not many. Most retained their status.
One notable change was the addition of Huo Yuhao, whose performance in the upgrade assessment had earned him a spot.
Wang Qiu'er, who had temporarily joined Shrek Academy, was also listed as a core disciple due to her outstanding talent.
This had initially caused dissatisfaction among many students, who felt it unfair for someone admitted as an exception to receive such a title.
After all, Wang Qiu'er hadn't made much of an impression during the assessment—she'd casually defeated a mere hundred-year soul beast, and most students remained unaware of her true strength.
But those doubts vanished when she crushed a series of challengers one after another, including Dai Huabin, who was once hailed as the strongest under Ling Shuang.
In the world of soul masters, raw strength spoke louder than anything else.
After listing the names, Wang Yan continued, "All of you, come with me to my office. The rest may study freely."
Under the curious and envious gazes of the class, the core disciples stood and followed him out.
Wang Yan's office quickly filled up.
Once everyone arrived, he calmly stated the purpose of the gathering, "I've called you here to inform you about an upcoming event."
"In three days, the Outer Court will hold a core disciple selection competition. The academy has made an exception this time and will allow second-year core disciples to participate. Use the next two days to prepare."
"I can't disclose much about the purpose of this selection yet. All I can say is that seven individuals will be chosen to carry out a special mission."
"But what I can reveal is this if you're selected, the mission will be an extremely rare opportunity."
The students exchanged glances upon hearing this.
Only seven would be chosen?
Though being core disciples already marked them as elites among their peers, core disciples from other years were equally exceptional and older.
As everyone knew, in the early and middle stages of cultivation, age translated directly into strength.
They might all be geniuses, but the older ones had trained longer. Why would they be weaker?
Most couldn't help but look at Ling Shuang, who remained expressionless and calm.
Aside from him, none of them could confidently say they would definitely advance.
"That's all I had to say. You may leave."
"Yes," everyone responded and exited the room.
After stepping out, Wang Dong'er leaned in toward Ling Shuang. "Ling Shuang, what do you think this selection is for?"
Ling Shuang, already aware of the purpose, gave nothing away. "Does it matter? We'll know in three days."
"You're right," Wang Dong'er replied casually.
Since there wasn't any punishment involved, she felt no pressure at all.
"Ling Shuang…" Just as she was about to continue, a figure suddenly inserted herself between them.
Looking at the face nearly identical to her own, Wang Dong'er immediately bristled with anger.
Yes, the newcomer was Wang Qiu'er.
"Sister Qiu'er, is something wrong?" Ling Shuang kept up the pretense that Wang Qiu'er was his distant cousin.
"Nothing." Wang Qiu'er didn't explain. Instead, she reached out and wrapped her arms around Ling Shuang's.
Though Wang Dong'er and Wang Qiu'er looked 90% alike, the remaining 10% made all the difference.
Wang Qiu'er looked more mature externally, at least.
Her features were sharper, her figure fuller.
If Wang Dong'er could be described as a flat plane, then Wang Qiu'er was more like an apple.
Among the many girls around, she stood out, especially as she pressed herself intimately against Ling Shuang, burying his arm in her soft embrace.
Ling Shuang ignored the sensation and turned his gaze elsewhere.
Wang Qiu'er wouldn't act so clingy for no reason.
What was the motivation?
He soon caught sight of Dai Huabin, whose eyes blazed with anger, and Zhu Lu, standing awkwardly behind him, her face dark.
It became clear.
Just like in the original story, Dai Huabin had apparently fallen for Wang Qiu'er after she defeated him.
Ling Shuang had no interest in who Dai Huabin fancied.
But judging by the fresh scratch on his face and Wang Qiu'er's sudden behavior, he could guess the general picture.
Dai Huabin had confessed to Wang Qiu'er, only to be beaten up again.
That was exactly what had happened.
Wang Qiu'er couldn't understand how someone could be so repulsive.
Most male students who dared approach her backed off after being beaten. This guy only got more enthusiastic.
This was Shrek Academy, not the Star Dou Great Forest. She couldn't just kill him.
If she could, Dai Huabin would've long been skewered on her Golden Dragon.
With no better option, she had turned to Ling Shuang.
That disgusting man seemed to fear Ling Shuang quite a bit.
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(End of this chapter)