Though still harboring a bit of unwillingness, the four from Class Five and Wang Jinxi and Wei Xiaofeng walked over to stand together.
Even Wei Xiaofeng didn't dare act out in front of the Dean, but the tension between the two sides was palpable.
Dean Yu Zhen eyed the six students before him, and his brows twitched slightly as he spoke in a cold voice:
"Quite something, aren't you all? Do you think just because you stand out among your peers that you're so impressive? Look at yourselves—out of seven students, two with broken arms, one with a shattered leg still lying in the infirmary. What a joke."
The six of them were left stunned. None of them had expected that the first thing the dean would do upon seeing them was tear into them.
Yu Zhen's face remained stern as he continued:
"I already explained the purpose of creating Class Zero—to prevent wasting your talents.
But don't let that get to your heads. Get rid of your arrogance. If you don't behave, the academy won't show mercy."
"Let me warn you: if anything like yesterday's incident happens again, you will be punished. Don't think being a so-called 'genius' gives you a free pass. You're all frogs in a well—there are countless people in the Federation more talented than you."
"This world has never lacked geniuses. But it's also full of geniuses who died young.
If a genius wants to become great, they must work harder than everyone else.
That's the only way to be worthy of your gifts. Do you understand?"
"Understood…" the six replied, each of them feeling overwhelmed by the dean's sheer presence.
"Good. Now sign these."
Yu Zhen flipped his wrist, and several sheets of paper appeared in his hand. He distributed one to each of them.
The students instinctively took them. Nan Fusheng glanced at the top line:
"Agreement" — written in bold.
The rest of the document basically stated that the signer, [name], voluntarily agrees to remain enrolled in Eastsea Academy for both junior and senior divisions, and will not transfer to another school before completing their education.
The six students were stunned.
What is this all about...?
Yu Zhen explained:
"The academy is investing heavily in Class Zero—greater resources, full support.
This agreement ensures you stay here and don't get swayed off-course by outside influences. That's all. Sign it."
Xie Xie hesitated and asked:
"Dean… shouldn't we discuss this with our families first?"
Yu Zhen lifted an eyebrow.
"Sure. Go home and talk it over. But don't bother coming back to Class Zero. I'm a busy man and won't wait around for you."
Before anyone could respond, Nan Fusheng had already signed. For him, this agreement meant nothing—he came here for Class Zero in the first place. Other academies might not offer such benefits.
Tang Wulin signed without hesitation, too—he didn't even know where else he could go. To someone once deemed a "waste," this opportunity was like pie falling from the sky. There was no reason to refuse.
Gu Yue signed right after Tang Wulin.
With three people already signing, Xie Xie couldn't really object anymore.
Besides, it's not like I planned on leaving Eastsea Academy anyway.
Wang Jinxi signed without complaint as well.
Only Wei Xiaofeng hesitated.
"Dean, I think I should consult my family.
My clan may want me to transfer to a better school during the senior division."
Yu Zhen nodded.
"Everyone has their path.
You may return to Class Two. Class Zero now has six members."
He reached out and took Wei Xiaofeng's agreement back, casually waving him off.
Wei Xiaofeng's expression shifted—he looked conflicted, but ultimately bowed respectfully and turned toward the teaching building without a word.
As soon as he left, Dean Yu Zhen's expression changed. The stern, icy demeanor melted away in an instant, replaced by a warm smile.
The abrupt shift in mood left Tang Wulin and the others momentarily speechless.
"Alright, now that you've signed these agreements, you're officially the academy's core elite students.
We respect Wei Xiaofeng's decision, but I believe... he'll regret it one day."
"Though Eastsea Academy isn't among the top-ranked academies on the continent, we are the only intermediate soul master academy in a major city.
When the full weight of the academy's resources is focused on you, even the legendary Shrek Academy won't necessarily offer better support."
As Dean Yu Zhen spoke confidently, the four freshly signed students visibly brightened. Only Nan Fusheng and Wu Zhangkong, standing off to the side, couldn't help but twitch at the claim.
Honestly, Yu Zhen was overconfident.
Sure, if the academy diverted all its resources to just a few students at low Soul Power levels, maybe they could briefly compete with Shrek.
But once they hit Soul Ancestor level and beyond, the gap would become undeniable.
Shrek Academy wasn't just the "Number One Academy" in name. Located in the heart of the continent, it had access to rare resources, heavenly treasures, and top-tier soul technologies.
Its "strength above all" philosophy meant students either improved or got kicked out.
Nan Fusheng couldn't comment on whether that education model was right or wrong, but the results spoke for themselves.
With endless competitions, high-stakes missions, and peer pressure from a constant flood of geniuses, Shrek students emerged as battle-hardened elites.
Not to mention the Golden Ancient Tree, elite inner court teachers, and a mysterious cult-like school spirit that bound everything together.
But that was a long way off. For now, Nan Fusheng only wanted to use Class Zero's resources to grow stronger. His goal was to reach Sequence 4 during the upcoming Tianhai Tournament and decide what to do from there.
Following the founding of First-Year Class Zero, Eastsea Academy began treating them very differently.
They were assigned a private classroom, far more spacious than others.
Their dorms were also upgraded. No more four-person rooms—now each student had their own, equal in quality to faculty housing. All six rooms were located adjacent to each other.
As soon as Zhang Yangzi learned that Wang Jinxi had signed the agreement, he immediately followed suit.
Thus, Class Zero was officially established—six students, plus their instructor, for a total of seven members.
Wu Zhangkong was also given a new private teacher's suite—right next to the students' dorms—replacing his original quarters with a full apartment.