"Wait, it's really the Dean and Vice Dean?"
"No way, why are these two big shots personally presiding over the event? Who was able to invite them out?"
"Strange, shouldn't it be Senior Sister hosting?"
"Hold on! Is the original host—hungry for love—joining the event too? Doesn't that mean Senior Sister is right across from us?!"
"..."
The outer court disciples quickly figured it out, all sporting bewildered faces and sneaking glances at Su Wen. In the inner court, Su Wen and the Senior Sister had always shared a subtle and oddly complicated relationship. No one knew what exactly was going on, but it looked like tonight, everything would finally be revealed.
"Attention, boys," Cai Meier's gentle voice rang out.
"In a moment, forty-five beams of light will rise, each representing a spot—a lotus blossom. This first stage is to secure priority in claiming spots. The order of the following stages will be determined by the position you secure now. Remember, from left to right…"
As her words fell, the boys cracked their knuckles with excitement, itching to jump in.
This was also a crucial chance to demonstrate their strength.
Of course, those who took earlier spots would have a better chance of success in confessing, since people tend to remember who made the big entrance.
"Begin!"
"Splash—"
Xu Sanshi's robust aquamarine soul power condensed into a turtle shell, covered in complex patterns. He hurled it hard across the lake's surface and leapt high after it.
Using the turtle shell to surf the waves.
Xie Huanyue curled himself up like a skipping pebble, bounding swiftly toward the lotus platforms.
Bei Bei, meanwhile, turned himself into a streak of lightning, darting over the water.
Yet these three were slightly outclassed.
The real advantage belonged to the four flying inner court disciples; two of them were even seven-ring Soul Saints, who swept through as quick as shooting stars, instantly claiming their spots.
Su Wen hesitated, not wanting to flaunt himself, so he let a pair of immaculate, gigantic wings unfold from his back. With a beat, he glided across the sky and gently landed in the fifth position, right after the four fliers.
A small mishap occurred in the process.
Xu Sanshi sneakily switched places with the first Soul Saint with his Xuanming Switch, much to the other's helpless frustration. But rules were rules.
"Boss, that was awesome…" Xie Huanyue, just behind Su Wen, gave a silent thumbs-up.
"That was awesome?" Su Wen was stunned.
Only then did he realize that more than half the girls' gazes were on him—some fiery, some complicated.
Glancing at the azure wings fanning out behind him, Su Wen suddenly understood.
He'd been mistaken...
Using the power of wind to glide was merely a skill flex; people would just nod and move on—after all, this was a matchmaking event, not a martial tournament.
But to Su Wen, his Azure Luan Wings seemed ordinary—just a tool. But to everyone else, they were gorgeous and regal, delicate as swords, tips curling gently, layer upon layer of feathers exuding a sense of peerless nobility.
Combined with his handsome face, tall figure, and the shimmering stage lights, he looked like a celestial immortal bathed in clouds and moonlight.
The epitome of a divine aura blending with flawless good looks—a silent, deadly style flex.
"Su Wen, your guy is really good-looking…"
On one lotus, Han Ruoruo turned towards a girl beside her, both dressed in white dresses and veiled hats, and sent a voice message with a sly grin.
"Cleaned up like this, he's absolutely gorgeous."
"He's always handsome," Zhang Lexuan replied softly, her eyes watery as she gazed at Su Wen—now catching all the attention.
"True, but today, he's on another level…" Han Ruoruo licked her lips. "You, girl, always eating so well, yet you hide him away."
"What, getting interested too?" Zhang Lexuan shot a glance at her best friend.
"Not exactly. I don't like cougars chasing young grass. I'm just admiring the view." Han Ruoruo chuckled.
"Han! Ruo! Ruo!" Through gritted teeth, Zhang Lexuan glared from beneath her hat. If not for the need to conceal her identity, she'd rip this girl's mouth right off for being so annoying.
"Lexuan, my bad, my bad…" Han Ruoruo quickly begged for mercy.
This bestie was no longer the same—she'd already reached Titled Douluo level, terrifyingly powerful, miles ahead of Han Ruoruo, who was still stuck at Soul Saint. If she got angry, Han would probably crawl out of the arena.
The two beauties bickered.
The other girls watched with mixed emotions, but most knew their place—everyone realized a "bloodbath" around Su Wen was imminent, so after a few greedy glances, they turned their attention elsewhere. Only a select few gazes burned hot, and even if it was a moth flying to flame, they'd still try.
"The night is short, the scenery beautiful," Yan Shaozhe smiled. "But let me remind you—all who fall in the water are immediately disqualified. Let's begin!"
"Xu Sanshi!"
"Alright!" Xu Sanshi bounced with excitement.
He sailed once more on his turtle shell, charging toward the girls' lotus platforms.
His martial spirit gave him excellent aquatic abilities, but since he couldn't touch the water, he had to use his shield as a boat.
He uncovered the hats of two girls, but met his match with the third, who kicked him so hard in the chest that he almost fell in the lake.
The boys whistled in amusement.
Three other inner court disciples tried next. One, Gu Fan, also used white feathered wings, smirking as he tried to kick up the girls' skirts with strong winds—only to be swiftly KO'd by Wu Ming's fiery dragon and knocked into the water.
The others managed to uncover one or two hats each. Of course, since this was for fun, the girls were eager to show their faces, and the boys, when they approached, only exchanged light "fights"—no real combat.
"Su Wen!"
Yan Shaozhe called the name, lips quirking up.
The place quieted.
All eyes turned to him.
There was no shortage of geniuses at Shrek Academy—some of whom might one day become pillars of the soul master world, all present classmates.
With so many talented monsters, even the most gifted only stood out a little, but rarely overshadowed all.
Su Wen was the outlier.
He had both looks and strength, and a charismatic personality to match. When given responsibility at the last tournament, he shouldered enormous pressure. Even during past academy crises, he stood at the front, holding off waves of evil soul masters.
Every event was explosive.
Anyone who'd witnessed these scenes could never forget him.
Especially the young, lovestruck girls.
"Alright!"
Su Wen's wings appeared, gently fanning the air as he floated to the girls.
This was just the unveiling-hat stage, not the real challenge, so he kept calm.