17 Who I Am, Core Pupil

[ Sea God Pavilion, Elder Hall ]

One hooded figure slammed their hands on the round table, where all the other elders were seated. "What is there to discuss! This kind of character, even if he is talented, will only bring calamity to the Douluo Continent! No need to think further, I vote to directly expel him."

Although no one else spoke after these words, their faint nods indicated their approval. After all, Xin Qing proved himself not only to be 'excessively cruel' in the eyes of the elders, but also 'extremely unrestrained.' Having this kind of ticking bomb in the academy... naturally, they did not agree.

However, at this time, a slovenly figure rose from his seat in protest. He was Xuan Zi. "Do not worry, I have recently taken in Xin Qing as my disciple and confirmed his character is somewhat misunderstood. Elder Ye, do not be so quick to proclaim judgement."

The hooded figure called Elder Ye sneered. "Guardian Xuan, even though I greatly respect your strength, I cannot simply hand this matter over to you. It is dangerous for not just Shrek's prestige, but also survival in time of crisis. When this student of yours becomes powerful, can you truly say with full confidence, that he would aid Shrek in times of crisis?"

Surprising all the elders, Xuan Zi said, "This... you must see directly. I have invited my disciple Xin Qing to this hall to receive judgement." Being such powerful and wise figures, they all realized that he must have great confidence in this disciple of his, all choosing to reserve their judgement and observe Xin Qing.

Indeed, if Elder Ye had asked this to Xuan Zi directly after the New Student Exam, he would hesitate to answer. However, upon meeting up with Xin Qing afterwards and being given an explanation, he better understood the nature of his disciple.

One rocking elder hidden by the building's shade could be seen with a tranquil expression.

The sound of footsteps echoed through the hall as Xin Qing walked in, his bamboo hat strapped to his back as it would be a sign of disrespect to wear it in their presence.

All the elders were startled to find that instead of the wild appearance they expected from the rumors, Xin Qing appeared to exude an unfathomably serene and noble aura. Many elders instantly understood that a youth with such an aura would not be simple, as they intended to hear him out.

Elder Ye, as the largest proponent of expelling Xin Qing, was the first to ask questions. "Student Xin Qing, what are your intentions by attending Shrek?"

Xin Qing answered calmly, completely unintimidated by the high-level figures around the table. His own response was also a question. "What intention could I have other than to become strong?"

The elders showed no response to this as it was neither a wrong answer nor a way to ascertain his character. Elder Ye knew this himself, which is why he asked the question as an opener. He would now begin to drive to the heart of the matter.

He looked deeply at Xin Qing as he asked, "And do you understand what Shrek requires from you?"

Xin Qing nodded. "Shrek needs two things from me: to advertise my success as a product of Shrek and a righteous character, both boosting the academy's prestige."

Elder Ye nodded, "This is correct. So... can Shrek expect these things from you." The expressions of the hooded elders could not be seen, however, their hands tightened. This was the important question.

Xin Qing who had been looking at Elder Ye had looked to the entirety of the group before him as he spoke slowly. "I have no qualms with the first requirement, however... I am afraid that I disagree with the second point."

All the figures in the hall stood up as powerful auras broke loose. Elder Ye looked towards the shaken Xuan Zi, "I knew it. Elder Xuan, I am afraid you are mistaken this time. I will eradicate this disciple of yours unless you do so yourself." Xuan Zi had a look of disappointment as if he felt deceived.

Xin Qing was completely unabashed in front of these pressures as he only looked towards the rocking elder, who was still as tranquil as ever. He continued amidst the chaos, saying, "The righteousness you seek is not the same kind as the one I am willing to offer."

Hearing this, the elder's toned down their aggression, as it meant that he was not going to completely deny righteousness.

Peacefully closing his eyes, Xin Qing continued lightly, "You are right to fear my character, however you are wrong in your reasons for doing so. If you wish to know who I am, may you only hear this."

The elders leaned in with curiosity, being influenced by the youth's great charisma even if his character was currently uncertain. Xuan Zi looked at Xin Qing as his smile grew. This was the first sentence he had heard in Xin Qing's explanation to him, when he was wholly convinced.

Xin Qing's character stood tall and upright as he reopened the deep abyss of his eyes.

"What need will Shrek have for my sword...

...when all its enemies run at the sound of my name?"

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[ Shrek Academy, New Student Exam Grounds, Awards Ceremony ]

The school had waited for everyone to recover before calling them back. Xin Qing did not return, but as they planned to wait, the headmaster said that it was no longer necessary as he began to dole out prizes.

First, he gave the championship awards to Team Qing, and although their captain was not around, his prizes would be reserved for him. Dai Huabin was still proud and flaunted the medal, especially before Wang Dong and Yuhao, who were greatly irked by the display. Although Yuhao had defeated Huabin in the two versus two, he did not feel as though it was enough to make up for the humiliations of the past.

He did not blame Xin Qing, however, as he knew it wasn't right for the latter to forfeit simply because he ended up on the same team as Huabin. In fact, he was even grateful to him, as Xiao Xiao told him that Xin Qing had purposely let them fight Huabin, knowing that he could win. In the end, it was only Yuhao blaming himself for being too weak.

This feeling became greater after both Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao were accepted into as core pupil of Wuhun Group while he was not. This was due to the fact that Yuhao was of a lower spirit level and had a ten-year ring, making him appear inferior than others in the eyes of the academy, despite his team's placements. Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao wanted to comfort him but were unable to after seeing Yuhao put on a brave front.

When everyone returned to classes, Zhou Yi announced that there would be a one month vacation, dismissing everyone. After that, she took Yuhao with her to the Weapons Guide Facility, another department of Shrek, where he would learn under them as a core student.

The next day...

Now in the new class, Zhou Yi would be teaching the official students of Shrek, the ones who had the best performance and potential in the New Student Exam. It was initially supposed to be Wang Yan, a knowledgeable Spirit Emperor, however Zhou Yi was put in charge as both the championship and runner-up teams were her students. Seeing this as a great indicator of her teaching ability, Shrek entrusted the class to her, despite her methods.

As this was something separate from the conflict of Wuhun Group and Spirit Guiding Group, even Yuhao was here. Many other familiar faces were here too including Wang Dong, Xiao Xiao, Team Ning, Dai Huabin, and Zhu Lu. Of course, Xin Qing was also here as he was unanimously elected to be Class President, due to his tyrannical strength.

Team Ning's fiery, red-haired Wu Feng wished to challenge him but knew she was not up for the task, biting her lips in silence.

After that, classes proceeded as normal, everyone heading to Wuhun Group's Facility except Yuhao and Xin Qing. Although Xin Qing was a student of Wuhun Group, no teacher dared to take him when Xuan Zi was his mentor. And so, he trained under Xuan Zi for the 8-month period.

When Xin Qing had first taken Xuan Zi as his master, he did not truly feel anything for the relationship. It was only when Xuan Zi affirmed his character in front of all the elders, choosing to believe in him, that Xin Qing had truly taken him in his heart as a master.

A former elder of Nine Sun Sword Sect, even if it was only shortly, he knew how damaging such an action could be to one's influence inside a circle. In a sense, Xuan Zi had bet his authority and reputation on Xin Qing, and for that, Xin Qing was no longer going to treat him as a stranger, putting him in his heart.

This was Xin Qing's true character and Xuan Zi had began to felt the disparity in treatment, becoming smiles each day.