Shao Wentao knew a bit about Shi Yu's background. He had seen him working in the student cafeteria several times while eating there. His family situation was clearly difficult.
After thinking for a moment, he said, "There are several underprivileged students in the class who already have soul rings. I can give you one of their quotas."
"This way, you won't need to get a soul ring on credit. But in return, you must promise me to perform exceptionally well in the upcoming freshman assessment. Win glory for the class—don't waste this opportunity."
"Thank you, Teacher!" Shi Yu said in surprise, quickly expressing his gratitude. "I'll do my best to get a top-three ranking at least!"
Shao Wentao smiled and nodded. "Good."
The other teachers nearby had varying expressions. Some didn't care, while others looked as if they wanted to say something—You're barely level 20 after obtaining a soul ring, and you dare to make such a bold promise?
But since he was just a student and they were teachers, it would have been inappropriate to say such things out loud, so they kept quiet.
A few minutes later, Shi Yu took the approval documents from Shao Wentao and headed to the Soul Hunting Department to process the matter.
"You're lucky," the teacher there said while registering him. "There are inner courtyard students taking part in their semester assessment. We'll be heading to the Star Dou Great Forest soon to obtain soul rings. If you came any later, you would've missed the group."
"Seems like I'm in luck," Shi Yu smiled. Better to arrive at the right time than too early.
"I hope you're lucky enough to find the right soul beast. Spirit beasts with space attributes like yours are rare—it mostly comes down to luck," the teacher added with a pessimistic tone.
"I hope so too," Shi Yu replied, silently praying. Finding a soul ring is hard enough; finding a space-attributed one? That's a miracle.
After receiving the final documentation, Shi Yu rushed toward the school gate—the designated gathering point.
He ran while using spatial movement. Each step covered several meters, clearly far beyond what an ordinary sprint could achieve.
He didn't want to be late and risk missing the team's departure.
Zhang Lexuan, dressed in casual clothes, was walking unhurriedly toward the school gate. Today, she was tasked with leading several outer courtyard students to the Star Dou Great Forest to help them obtain their soul rings. Ensuring their safe return was part of her inner courtyard assessment.
The quality of the soul rings acquired and the condition of the students upon return would affect her evaluation.
This type of assessment was common in the inner courtyard. It served two purposes: testing the capabilities of inner courtyard disciples and helping outer courtyard students acquire soul rings—killing two birds with one stone.
Suddenly, Zhang Lexuan's gaze shifted to the side. A figure had just flashed past.
Her soul power surged instinctively—a subconscious reaction—but she managed to suppress it.
Her eyes followed the figure, focusing slightly. Was that... teleportation? Continuous teleportation?
"How can someone with such low cultivation teleport multiple times in a row?" she wondered, full of questions.
Teleportation wasn't unheard of, but repeated teleportation—several or even dozens of times in succession—was something she had never seen before.
Strange… Still, Zhang Lexuan wasn't particularly nosy and didn't try to stop him. She wasn't the curious type.
At the school gate, three outer courtyard students stood waiting. They were scheduled to head to the Star Dou Great Forest today, waiting for the inner courtyard disciples who would lead them.
"Nannan, I got your favorite breakfast." Xu Sanshi approached Jiang Nannan with a flattering smile.
But Jiang Nannan didn't appreciate it. She said coldly, "Xu Sanshi, have you already forgotten our bet?"
Xu Sanshi's smile faded. His expression turned grim, and he clenched his teeth. He shouldn't have brought it up. The thought of it made him furious—That brat Shi Yu had embarrassed him thoroughly.
Every time he tried to talk to Jiang Nannan lately, there were whispers and mocking looks. He had become a joke.
He had tried challenging Shi Yu again, but the kid refused him flatly, giving him no chance for revenge. Infuriating.
"Even if I get laughed at, I'll never give up on you," Xu Sanshi said stubbornly.
"Hmph." Jiang Nannan turned away. She had no way of dealing with this persistent rogue.
Xu Sanshi wasn't one to back down easily and continued pestering her shamelessly.
"Sister Nannan!" Shi Yu ran up to the school gate and spotted Jiang Nannan immediately. Smiling, he waved to greet her.
Hearing his voice, Jiang Nannan smiled as well and waved back.
Xu Sanshi's face darkened immediately, glaring at Shi Yu.
Only then did Shi Yu notice that Xu Sanshi was there too. This guy really broke the bet agreement again.
"Sister Nannan, are you also part of the team going to get soul rings?" Shi Yu asked as he approached, glancing around.
It was still class time, so few students were at the gate. Those gathered here were most likely the ones joining the expedition.
He saw Jiang Nannan, Xu Sanshi, and a student who looked like Beibei. He wasn't sure though—the guy had once spoken up for Xu Sanshi, so he could only guess.
"Yes. But what about you? Aren't you supposed to be in class?" Jiang Nannan asked, smiling softly.
"I just broke through to level 20 and need a soul ring. A teacher at the Soul Hunting Department asked me to join the team led by inner courtyard disciples," Shi Yu explained.
"Congratulations! What a coincidence—this team must be the one you're supposed to join," Jiang Nannan said, genuinely happy.
"It really is quite the coincidence." The two chatted happily.
Xu Sanshi, on the other hand, was fuming with jealousy. Seeing the two of them getting along so well, he couldn't hold back anymore.
"Shi Yu, stay away from Nannan!" he roared.
Both Shi Yu and Jiang Nannan turned to look at him.
"Xu Sanshi, you have no right to control how I get along with Shi Yu," Jiang Nannan said, frowning.
"And what about the bet?" Shi Yu added. "Weren't you the one who should be staying away from Sister Nannan?"
"I broke the bet. So what?" Xu Sanshi replied shamelessly.
Shi Yu narrowed his eyes. "Nothing much. It just proves your character is garbage. If I scold you, you won't improve anyway. I just don't have the energy to waste on you."
"I can't force you to keep your word, but I can remind you of one thing: a real man honors his promises. Otherwise, you'll be mocked and insulted. Honestly, 'turtle' or 'bastard' suits you better."
Pfft! Jiang Nannan couldn't help but giggle. Remembering Xu Sanshi's martial soul, she thought the description was hilariously accurate.
"You're dead!" Xu Sanshi roared, his soul power surging in fury.
Jiang Nannan immediately stepped in front of Shi Yu, her own soul power flaring up to shield him from the pressure.