Douluo Continent: Starting with a Heavenly Fire Judgment

Chapter 80 Core Disciples

Du Weilun opened the folder in his hand and read aloud: "Based on the performance of the new students in the assessment, the core disciples who have been approved by the academy are: Ji Lin, Wang Qiu'er, Wang Dong'er, Xiao Xiao, Dai Huabin, Zhu Lu, Zhou Sichen, Cao Jinxuan, Lan Susu, Lan Luoluo, Ning Tian, ​​Wu Feng, and Xie Huanyue."

When Du Weilun mentioned his core disciples, Huo Yuhao and Xiao Xiao were both a little excited. They were the champion team, and having a core disciple was definitely a given.

But when Du Weiren finished reading the list and Huo Yuhao's name was not among them, Huo Yuhao froze. In that instant, he felt as if something had been emptied from his heart, and his face turned pale.

From the day he entered Shrek Academy, he devoted himself entirely to his studies, training relentlessly every day to improve. While others rested, he trained; while others slacked off, he continued to train. After the freshman assessment began, he cooperated fully with Xiao Xiao to defeat numerous opponents, ultimately achieving the highest honor among the freshmen. But why? Why wasn't he among the core disciples? Why is this?

Huo Yuhao appeared calm on the surface, but he harbored a dark side unlike that of ordinary people. The darkness that had gradually accumulated since childhood nearly erupted when he met Dai Huabin, but was eventually suppressed by his reason. Yet, at this moment, he felt he could no longer hold back. Why... why did you do this to me?

Ji Lin frowned. His keen mental power sensed something. He reached out and grabbed Huo Yuhao's shoulder, worried that Huo Yuhao might lose control and do something irrational.

Xiao Xiao also sensed Huo Yuhao's unusual behavior beside her, her expression filled with worry. Even the joy of becoming a core disciple disappeared; she was such a kind-hearted girl.

Huo Yuhao was the only one from the champion team who failed to become a core disciple. What will the others think? How much pressure will Huo Yuhao be under?

Thinking of this, Xiaoxiao lost all her previous joy.

Du Weilun continued, "Given that some freshmen, despite lacking in talent and ability, still demonstrated outstanding performance in the freshman assessment, the academy has decided to grant them the status of core disciples temporarily until the end of this academic year. If they make a breakthrough in next year's promotion exam, they will be considered for formal core disciple status. The list is as follows: Huo Yuhao, Cui Yajie, Huang Chutian, Long Xiangyue, and Nanmen Yun'er. That concludes the announcement."

The atmosphere in Shrek Academy's plaza was tense and solemn. Du Weiren stood on the platform, his voice echoing across the empty square, each word exceptionally clear. He announced the list of core members, each name representing an honor and a responsibility.

When he read Huo Yuhao's name, there was a hint of regret in his voice.

Huo Yuhao, this young man, had a determined and persistent look in his eyes. He was a member of the champion team, and his hard work and dedication were evident to his teachers. However, when the list of core disciples was announced, his name was not among them.

He was merely a quasi-core disciple.

Disappointment weighed heavily on Huo Yuhao's heart like a boulder. He had once thought that his efforts would be rewarded, that he would become a core disciple, receive more advanced training alongside other outstanding classmates, and explore the mysteries of martial spirits together. But reality dealt him a heavy blow.

Huo Yuhao's gaze was slightly vacant, the resentment in his heart gradually subsiding. Yes! I am lacking in ability. Among the people announced by Director Du Weilun, I am the only one whose cultivation level is below level twenty. Core disciple treatment, what a wonderful core disciple treatment! A trace of sadness flashed in his eyes. Slowly lowering his head, Huo Yuhao buried that sorrow deep in his heart.

If it weren't for the fact that I'm a member of the championship team, I probably wouldn't even have a spot as a potential core disciple.

But who can I blame? I can only blame myself for not being good enough.

A hint of self-mockery appeared at the corner of Huo Yuhao's mouth, but when he raised his head again, his eyes were filled with a chill.

Xiao Xiao looked at Huo Yuhao with concern and asked, "Huo Yuhao, are you alright?"

Huo Yuhao shook his head bitterly, forced a smile, and said, "I'm fine. I'm just not qualified to be a core disciple. I'm only a level 15 Soul Master."

"Sigh!" Ji Lin sighed, patted Huo Yuhao on the shoulder, and said, "Yuhao, if all else fails, you can switch to the Soul Guidance Department. You have a great talent for Soul Guidance Devices. Becoming a Soul Guidance Master is not much worse than becoming a Soul Master. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. You can also go to Teacher Wang Yan. I can tell that he values ​​you a lot. He will help you."

Xiao Xiao nodded repeatedly.

Huo Yuhao's smile became slightly more relaxed. "I'm really fine. Didn't Director Du say that I can also enjoy the benefits of a core disciple? That's already very good. I'll keep working hard. Maybe I can become a formal core disciple during the upgrade assessment."

Seeing that Huo Yuhao still hadn't given up, Ji Lin didn't say anything more. This was Huo Yuhao's own choice, and no matter how bitter or difficult it was, it had nothing to do with him.

As a friend and roommate, he said everything he needed to say.

Huo Yuhao appears calm and gentle on the surface. But in reality, he is a very strong-willed person, and hidden deep within him is stubbornness and unyielding spirit.

No one can help him; he has to rely on himself to get through this hurdle in his heart.

Failing to become a core disciple this time was indeed a big blow to Huo Yuhao, but it wasn't enough to break someone who harbored hatred and had a strong will.

Next came the class division. The entire first year was divided into four classes: Class 1 consisted of offensive and control-type Soul Masters, Class 2 consisted of defensive and agile-type Soul Masters, Class 3 consisted of support-type Soul Masters, and Class 4 consisted of Soul Masters and Weapon Soul Masters with various special attributes, including food-type and healing-type Soul Masters.

Undoubtedly, the strongest class overall is Class One, with most of the core disciples such as Ji Lin, Wang Qiu'er, Wang Dong'er, Xiao Xiao, Dai Huabin, and Wu Feng in Class One.

The only other outstanding students are Xie Huanyue from Class 2 and Ning Tian from Class 3.

Almost every grade is divided into classes in this way, except that the higher the grade, the smaller the number of students in each class. Shrek Academy's dropout rate has always been extremely high. Even the number of students who successfully graduate from the outer academy each year does not exceed fifty. In other words, it would be quite good if 20% of the current 300-plus students made it to the end.

Next came the introduction of the class teachers. As Ji Lin had expected, the class teachers for Class 1 were Wang Yan and Zhou Yi. Wang Yan, as a senior teacher, served as the head class teacher, while Zhou Yi served as the assistant head class teacher.

Seeing that both of Huo Yuhao's homeroom teachers were Wang Yan and Zhou Yi, who usually took good care of him, Huo Yuhao's mood finally improved a bit.

(End of this chapter)