Wang Dong laughed and said,
"Are you being tormented to the point of madness? Oh, right, let's cultivate here. Later, when Teacher Zhou comes back and sees us waiting for her but still cultivating, she'll definitely be very pleased and won't be angry with us anymore."
Huo Yuhao tapped him on the head and said,
"You're only good at thinking up these devious schemes."
"You're the one who uses tricks. There are still a few matches this afternoon. What's wrong with us recovering our soul power here? Are you doing it? If so, hurry up."
As he spoke, he took off his shoes and jumped onto the arena, sitting cross-legged, his two hands reaching out to wave at Huo Yuhao.
Huo Yuhao usually cultivated whenever he had time, so naturally, he had no intention of refusing now. He also sat down next to Wang Dong, and their four palms met. The two simultaneously circulated their soul power.
This time, the process of circulating their soul power was completely different from yesterday afternoon. Their soul power was much closer now. Just a moment after they began, the Hao Dong power appeared, and it even automatically circulated along its old trajectory, with its speed increasing slightly.
Because both of them closed their eyes when they started cultivating, they didn't notice that at the point where their palms met, three colors—blue, purple, and golden light—appeared in succession, continuously swirling from their arms and extending to their entire bodies. Gradually, both of them were enveloped by a three-colored halo.
Initially, the two of them only intended to recover a bit of soul power, but unexpectedly, not long after they started cultivating, they entered a meditative state, completely oblivious to everything around them.
A moment later, Zhou Yi returned, bringing another person with her. If Wang Dong and Huo Yuhao had been awake at this moment, they would have been shocked, because that person was none other than Wang Yan, the teacher who had supervised the first ten matches of their assessment.
Seeing the two children cultivating, Zhou Yi was extremely astonished, and Wang Yan was, to say the least, shaken. Then, as if understanding each other, both of them raised a finger to their lips, signaling the other to remain silent.
Zhou Yi's eyes were full of questions, but Wang Yan just looked at her and shook his head. Then he gently stepped forward and sat down to observe Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong. The more he observed, the more he felt the uniqueness of their cultivation process, and the more terrified he became, instinctively rubbing his hands together.
Zhou Yi had known Wang Yan for quite some time. She clearly remembered that he only made this gesture when he was extremely nervous and excited. And she herself, although not very knowledgeable about martial soul fusion, could also feel that Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong's current cultivation state was extremely strange; at least, she had never heard of it before. Two soul masters cultivating together? Not only did their soul power not conflict, but it also fused and supported each other? And the circulation speed of those three colors—blue, purple, and golden light—was truly fast. Even a Soul Venerate level soul master might not be able to keep up!
Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong circulated their soul power for thirty-six cycles before stopping. At this point, not only had both of their soul powers fully recovered, but their cultivation also seemed to have improved a little.
They both sighed simultaneously, then retracted their soul power, and the three-colored light on their bodies slowly dissipated.
When they both opened their eyes, they felt extremely refreshed; the speed of their cultivation was truly astonishing. However, a moment later, they were startled to discover that not far away, Zhou Yi and Wang Yan were silently sitting and watching them. Huo Yuhao exclaimed in surprise.
"Teacher Zhou, Teacher Wang."
Only then did both of them remember they were in Zhou Yi's office.
Huo Yuhao said awkwardly, "Teacher Zhou, we both want to quickly restore our soul power so we can fight this afternoon, so..."
Zhou Yi waved her hand and said, "No need to explain, diligence is good. This is Teacher Wang Yan, a genius teacher from the theoretical school. His title is a rank higher than mine, and he has done a lot of research on Martial Soul Fusion Skills."
Wang Yan smiled and said, "I don't think an introduction is necessary. We've met before. I was the supervisor for their previous ten assessment matches."
His expression had returned to normal now, but what about his inner thoughts? Only he knew.
"Teacher Wang."
Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong bowed respectfully to Wang Yan.
Wang Yan nodded and said, "I have carefully observed your cultivation process just now. Initially, I didn't believe Zhou Yi's words, but now I have to admit my ignorance. I am absolutely certain, and I can vouch for you to Zhou Yi that everything is true. You have successfully fused your martial souls and the Martial Soul Fusion Skill."
Zhou Yi looked at him in surprise but had no intention of interrupting.
Wang Yan said, "Your soul powers fuse without any conflict, and you can even help each other cultivate. This has not been recorded in the Shrek Academy's ancient texts for ten thousand years. There is only one explanation for this: your martial souls have fused with a hundred percent compatibility. This has only existed in legends until now. Furthermore, congratulations, you two. From now on, when your soul powers fuse, they will form a state of 'two yet one,' and your speed will increase several times over. I even dare to say that in the future, you will definitely become the pride of Shrek Academy."
Huo Yuhao couldn't help but secretly admire Wang Yan's explanation. He already knew all of this, but it was because Tianmeng Bingcan had told him. Yet, this Teacher Wang, just by observing from the outside, could figure it out. He truly lived up to his reputation as a theoretical genius of the academy.
Wang Dong asked, puzzled, "Teacher Wang, then why can't we use the Martial Soul Fusion Skill today? Is there still some problem?"
Wang Yan chuckled and said, "Little imp, do you think Martial Soul Fusion Skills are like other ordinary soul skills? That you can use them whenever you want? If you want to use them, both your martial souls and spiritual power must be in their best state. This perfect martial soul fusion is the first time I've seen it, but based on my experience, usually after just completing the fusion, there will be a delay after each use. During this time, you cannot continue to use it. I guess it might be seven days. Later, as your cultivation increases, this period will gradually decrease."
Huo Yuhao asked, "Teacher Wang, then when will we be able to use this Martial Soul Fusion Skill freely?"
Wang Yan said,
"It's too early to answer you now. I guess it will take at least until you reach level seventy with a true Martial Soul body. However, your Martial Soul fusion is the most perfect type, so it cannot be compared to other cases. I suggest that from now on, you try to perform your Martial Soul Fusion Skill every day until you can no longer perform it. Only then can we accurately determine how long your temporary suspension will be. Remember, once you know the result, you must immediately come find me. I want to witness your Martial Soul Fusion Skill with my own eyes. I'm too curious!"
Thanks to Wang Yan's explanation, Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong now had a clearer understanding of the Martial Soul Fusion Skill.
Zhou Yi, who had been silent until now, suddenly asked, "Teacher Wang, since they have such a perfect fusion rate, besides assisting each other in cultivation, are there any other benefits?"
Wang Yan laughed heartily and said, "Teacher Zhou, don't be so greedy! You've already picked up two treasures, isn't that enough? Just this cultivation assistance alone has doubled their speed. You don't see anything now, but in a few years, I dare say that in less than three years, they will be outstanding among their peer students. Absolutely no disciples of their age will be able to catch up to their cultivation. However, your question isn't entirely wrong. The other advantage is power."
"You should have guessed this point, right? According to the rules of Martial Soul fusion, the higher the compatibility, the greater its power. However, such a case has never appeared before, so we don't know how powerful it can be. That's why I hope to witness them perform their Martial Soul Fusion Skill with my own eyes. Moreover, I also really want to know what kind of attack it is."
Zhou Yi nodded and said, "Thank you for enlightening me, Teacher Wang. You and I should report this matter together."
Wang Yan shook his head, smiled, and said, "No need. You can report it alone. You should have been promoted to a high-level teacher a long time ago. Besides, you discovered those two kids, not me. How can I take credit from you?"
Zhou Yi smiled and nodded at him.
Wang Yan stood up and said, "You two kids, you must work harder. Try to get into the top eight teams. At that time, high-level teachers will come to watch your matches. Moreover, the prize for this championship is not small, so you can't miss it. I believe in you, and if you have any questions later, just come find me. My office is on the fourth floor. Teacher Zhou, I'll be leaving now."
Zhou Yi immediately stepped forward to see Wang Yan to the door. Before leaving, Wang Yan turned back to glance at Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong before departing.
Zhou Yi did not go back into the room this time, but waved for Wang Dong and Huo Yuhao to come over.
"Let's go eat. Lunch today is on me."
Although she didn't say anything more, this action alone expressed her apology for the previous misunderstanding.
Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong were surprised but quickly calmed down. They excitedly ran out of the room, following Zhou Yi downstairs to the cafeteria.
Zhou Yi's treat was indeed extraordinary. Today was the first time they had ever tasted the highest-grade dishes. Not to mention Huo Yuhao, even Wang Dong had never eaten anything so delicious before.
The most premium dishes in the cafeteria were extremely expensive, and the menu changed daily, with prices calculated in gold soul coins. Today, there were only two types of premium dishes. Zhu Yi didn't hesitate to order two portions for each person, spending a total of nearly sixty gold soul coins.
"Teacher Zhu, please don't be so extravagant."
Huo Yuhao said awkwardly. He had been selling grilled fish for a long time and still hadn't earned sixty gold soul coins.
Zhu Yi said, "Eat quickly while it's hot. Do you think the academy makes these premium dishes to earn money? In fact, among all the dishes here, these are the only ones that cause the academy to lose money."
"What?"
Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong asked almost simultaneously.
Zhu Yi chuckled softly and said, "Of course, it's to nourish the students' bodies. Do you two know what these two dishes are?"
As she spoke, she pointed to the table.
Both dishes were fragrant. One was soup, and the other was steamed meat.
The main ingredients of the steamed meat were thinly sliced meat and tendons. The sauce on top exuded a rich aroma. The meat and tendons were cooked until tender yet firm. The fat from the meat rendered out, creating a rich flavor that wasn't greasy. Just looking and smelling it made one's mouth water.
As for the soup, a golden color shimmered on its surface. Although there was only broth in the bowl, its aroma was even richer than the steamed meat, and it seemed to carry the scent of herbs.
Huo Yuhao certainly wouldn't know the names of these two dishes. Wang Dong hesitated for a moment before saying, "Teacher Zhu, this steamed meat, the meat seems to be from a Lin Jia Mo E (Armored Crocodile)? As for the soup, I don't know..."
Zhu Yi nodded and said, "As expected of a disciple from a prominent family, you are absolutely right. This steamed meat is indeed made from the meat of a Lin Jia Mo E. It is an amphibious soul beast, and its meat can be said to be a great tonic for soul masters who want to improve their physique and enhance their flexibility. It is very rare. Because the scales of this soul beast are extremely hard, comparable to diamonds, preparing it requires an exceptionally skilled chef. Therefore, I can assure you that our Shrek Academy is not only the number one academy in the world, but our chefs are also the best. An adult Lin Jia Mo E must be at least a thousand years old. Now do you see how precious this dish is?"
"And this soup is from a type of flying soul beast. It has the effect of soothing internal organs. It is very beneficial for future cultivation."
"Oh, I almost forgot. Last time I mentioned that there were three Soul Venerates with cultivation above level thirty in this assessment. These three children are all disciples of large families. Not only do they have good talent, but they have also been nourished since childhood, which is why they can reach the Soul Venerate stage at this age. Wang Dong, I think you also had similar treatment before coming to the academy, so why haven't you reached this cultivation level? Are you lazy? Or is there another special reason? If I remember correctly, you just turned eleven not long ago, right?"
Wang Dong nodded and said, "Teacher Zhu, I will definitely surpass level thirty before I turn twelve."