Tracker of Elite Training

Was Master Grape truly playing a trick on me!? Du Chen was tormented by this tempting thought, losing sleep and appetite for two whole days, his mind unable to find peace. Cassian, on the other hand, might have been genuinely terrified, or perhaps he was just putting on an act to curry favor with Du Chen. Either way, for the past two days, he had dutifully followed Du Chen, performing good deeds without causing the slightest trouble. Du Chen, glad for the peace of mind, spent his days strolling around the docks with Cassian, doing good deeds, and then subtly pilfering snacks from his daughters to deceive Cassian further.

That morning was Dean Zigurd's departure day. Du Chen brought Cassian along to bid farewell to his teacher. The moment they arrived at the docks, he was secretly astonished. *Isn't this a bit too grand?*

The crescent-shaped docks, recessed into Battle God Isle, stretched for several thousand meters. Now, this vast dock was bustling with a sea of people, a vibrant spectacle. Besides the usual longshoremen, almost everyone present was a Battle God Isle Resident or a student-teacher there to see off friends and family. Du Chen only learned after inquiring with a familiar teacher that Dean Zigurd's journey was by invitation from His Holiness the Pontiff, a trip expected to last three to six months. He would be accompanied by dozens of Battle God Isle's top masters and hundreds of attendants. This expedition, in essence, saw half of Battle God Isle's elite depart. And the friends and relatives of these elites were numerous. For Zigurd alone, his departure meant that at least all the prominent figures of the entire Academy would come to see him off—resulting in more well-wishers than actual dockworkers!

Du Chen, leading Cassian, struggled through the throng, finally reaching Zigurd. “Teacher, your student is here to see you off!”

Zigurd, dressed in solemn noble attire, nodded with a smile. “Good, make sure you don't neglect your studies while I'm away. Dean Ricardo is currently organizing the Intensive Training. With your aptitude, you're sure to be selected!”

After a few words of instruction to Du Chen, Zigurd's gaze shifted to Cassian. He noticed that while the scoundrel still wore a resentful expression, his demeanor was considerably more obedient. Zigurd couldn't help but chuckle. “Cassian, while I'm gone, you are to obey your Senior Brother in all things…”

Before Zigurd could finish, Cassian, who had been surprisingly well-behaved for the past two days, suddenly contorted his face. He lunged and grabbed Du Chen, wailing, “Teacher! Senior Brother is an absolute scoundrel! He poisoned me!” With that, he rapidly recounted his experiences of the last two days in detail. He finished furiously, “His vile poison forced me into submission! If you don't believe me, you can examine my body right now!”

He abruptly turned, his voice dissolving into a whimper. “Oh, Teacher, you don't know! That hypocritical Francis forced me not to tell the truth, or else he’d make me less than a man, and he even had that lowly Shieb beat me... If it weren't for your presence today, I—I wouldn't dare speak of it!”

Du Chen sighed deeply, his serene expression instantly turning ashen. No one would feel good hearing themselves slandered in public! Zigurd's face also turned livid! He let out a heavy sigh and asked, “Cassian, this is an important occasion, stop your antics. I ask you, do *you* even believe what you're saying!?”

Cassian froze, then thrust out his hand to Zigurd, stamping his foot. “Then examine me!”

Zigurd shook his head, stating weakly, “Francis, while I am away, Cassian is entrusted to your care. I grant you the authority to educate him on my behalf. Should he dare to misbehave again, you may employ the Master’s Sanction in my stead! Even if you cripple him, I will bear the consequences for you!”

“Teacher, please rest assured. My Junior Brother's stubbornness has indeed exceeded my expectations, but I still have confidence that I can educate him well and guide him to become a proper person!” Du Chen solemnly pledged.

Cassian was stunned. He couldn't comprehend why his teacher wouldn't believe him. His childish nature erupted; he suddenly threw himself on the ground, flailing and crying loudly, “Why!? Why do none of you believe me, Teacher? Please, examine my body! I beg you…”

Everyone's gaze turned towards them. Zigurd's brows furrowed, his displeasure growing. This wretched Cassian, didn't he see the time and place for such a tantrum? This was simply…

Du Chen quickly interjected, “Teacher, please embark with peace of mind. I will properly guide Junior Brother. I'll take him away now!” With that, he grabbed Cassian, who wore a 'chagrined' expression, pushed through the crowd, and left the docks.

“Why!? Why does no one believe me!?” Cassian wailed all the way. When they reached a more secluded spot, his crying abruptly ceased—Du Chen had set him down and was now staring at him with a sly smile—that terrifying smile again, which Cassian mentally dubbed “the Devil’s Mask”!

“Little Junior Brother! Did you hear what Teacher just said?” Du Chen's laugh was sly. “I can now employ the Master’s Sanction on his behalf! Which means, from now on, I can openly and legally torment you! Even in front of your Imperial Father! Even if I render you useless, no one can touch me!”

Cassian's mouth fell open, his lips trembling, pointing at Du Chen, unable to speak.

“What are you staring at? Come on, follow your Senior Brother to do good deeds!” Du Chen clasped his hands behind his back, cheerfully beginning his search for good deed opportunities. Before long, he spotted several laborers struggling with heavy loads! Just as he was about to rush over and help, Du Chen suddenly heard a call. “Leader Francis, wait a moment, I need to speak with you!”

The voice was cold, and carried a hint of reluctance! Du Chen turned his head to see it was Frinda of the Saint Dak family! *I hadn't even gone looking for you yet, and here you are, looking for me!* She wore a light-red student uniform, carrying a small bag in her hand, her cold gaze fixed on Du Chen. Though her face was expressionless, the attitude in her eyes was distinctly unfriendly! Du Chen told Cassian to go help the laborers himself, and chuckled, “Frinda, what can I do for you?”

“Please address me as Student Frinda!” Frinda coolly handed the small bag to Du Chen, her voice low. “I'm here to inform you of something! Dean Ricardo will be acting as interim Dean during Dean Zigurd's journey. He has decided to gather the five fastest-progressing students from each year group for elite-level training, and you have been selected for the fourth-year group!”

*No way? Am I going to fall into the hands of that Black-faced Devil Ricardo again?* Du Chen vividly remembered the Intensive Training for new students. “You should be familiar with Dean Ricardo's temperament. Training begins tomorrow, so prepare as quickly as you can! Report to me here at Battle God Square tomorrow at ten in the morning—the Dean has already appointed me as the leader of the fourth-year group!” Frinda's tone completely lacked any camaraderie between classmates. She simply relayed the information and turned to leave.

*Did this girl eat gunpowder? It was just one time I defeated you, right? Is there any need to talk like that!?* Du Chen mused internally. Women used to flock to him, clinging and refusing to let go. Now, suddenly encountering someone so icily distant, Du Chen was genuinely unaccustomed to it! *But this is even better. At least this girl won't bother me. In this day and age, finding a beautiful woman who's cold to you... that's rare!* Du Chen sighed with emotion.

After just a few steps, Frinda suddenly turned back and asked, “What were the names of the attendants who accompanied Pontiff Samas V during his coronation!?” Du Chen was startled, then subconsciously replied, “Reid, Fischella!” Frinda grunted and strode away. *Gods! He actually knew! Damn it, that question was the only blemish on my Battle God Academy entrance exam record! How could Francis, this rule-breaking student who supposedly skips countless classes, remember such obscure information!?*

Du Chen didn't know why Frinda had asked such a bizarre question; he was still pondering the relationship between the Saint Dak family and Phil. After a moment's thought, he retrieved Cassian and hurried back to the dormitory. Elite training was set to begin tomorrow, and with Ricardo's temperament, it wouldn't be short. Yet, Du Chen still had many unresolved matters! The most important was to inform Harry that the crucial task of supervising Cassian for the next few days fell to him. If Cassian was disobedient, the punishment would still be spanking, but this time, it would be a bare-bottomed spanking!!

Du Chen had also intended to introduce Brockman to Arthur, but when he found Arthur, he learned that Arthur had actively sought out this Intensive Training opportunity. By strength ranking, he happened to be placed in the same group as Du Chen. Even if Du Chen hadn't looked for him today, the two would meet at Battle God Square tomorrow.

***

Based on strength, Battle God Academy had a total of six years. Battle-Warriors from levels one to five corresponded to the first through fifth years respectively. However, the sixth year wasn't exclusively for Six-Star Battle Gods; it also included High-level Battle Gods and above. This was because many dedicated cultivators cherished Battle God Isle's academic atmosphere, and despite having long surpassed graduation requirements, they actively requested to remain at the Academy for further study. Over time, the “Pantheon Institute,” established specifically for students above Six-Star Battle Gods, gathered numerous High-level Battle Gods. And because the students here stayed primarily to research how to advance their ranks, they privately nicknamed the “Pantheon Institute” the “Graduate Institute”! Consequently, its students were jokingly referred to as “Graduate Students,” and their voluntary decision to stay on was called “pursue Graduate Studies”—meaning to consider and research how to advance their ranks…

As these Academy rumors flickered through Du Chen's mind, he was already out on the vast ocean. And the instructor standing before him was one of these “Graduate Students”—none other than Grand Matriarch Lily, commander of the Red Phoenix Battle Formation! During their assembly at Battle God Square, Du Chen was startled to see Lily, but as she was with the Dean at the time, he could only ask his other group members. To his surprise, the five-person Intensive Training group was entirely comprised of acquaintances—Frinda, Arthur, Xino Dwarf Sem, and the last was Francis's (Du Chen's) second elder brother, Charles!

Only after asking Sem did Du Chen learn that Grand Matriarch Lily, after joining the Disciplinary Affairs Office as an intern lecturer, had greatly earned the Dean's appreciation. Ricardo had even publicly praised Grand Matriarch Lily on multiple occasions, “In Lecturer Lily, I see the shadows of generals training their armies during the Godslayer Era!!” Consequently, Grand Matriarch Lily's academic career was flourishing, rising steadily. She was now an Associate Professor and a Disciplinary Commissioner! While he was at it, Du Chen received another piece of news: Grand Matriarch Lucy was even more impressive. She had obtained special funding approval from Dean Zigurd and, as the Academic Committee Project Director, had established the “History of Fallen Gods” special research group, personally taking on the role of its leader…

*Sigh, the Grand Matriarchs have truly integrated into this era, haven't they? But was the idea I gave them back then good or bad?* Du Chen pondered these thoughts, habitually drifting off. He stole a glance at his classmates, who were gathered on the deck, listening attentively—Arthur and Sem stared intently at the teacher, Charles stole glances at Frinda, while Frinda stole glances at him. However, Frinda's gaze was definitely not the tender, affectionate kind like Annie's and Avril's; instead, it was cool and indifferent, as if she were contemplating how to defeat him! Du Chen pursed his lips and turned to gaze at the seascape.

“Student Francis, please pay attention!” Grand Matriarch Lily roared sharply, a true “Grand Matriarch's Lion's Roar,” startling Du Chen. He quickly sat upright, eyes fixed forward. “Mm, that's more like a student. Remember, this time we are conducting combat training in a marine environment. And according to your current strength, the training area has been designated as Sharkstone Reef in the Palkin Sea…”

Lily spoke eloquently, exuding the demeanor of a true mentor, and none of the students dared to avert their gaze. This three-masted sailing ship, flying the Battle God Academy flag, sailed through the vast ocean towards its destination—Sharkstone Reef!

Under the clear blue sky, with a gentle sea breeze, the great three-masted, black-wood, dragon-headed ship cut through the waves. But beneath the ship's waterline, in the vast ocean, several figures moved swiftly, shadowing the vessel. “Heh heh, Francis has already left Battle God Isle. By the looks of their course, their destination should be Sharkstone Reef!” “Hey, that's a good place to make a move. But from what I saw from afar just now, Francis is carrying quite a few valuable treasures. Perhaps we should discuss how those items should be divided after we take him down!” “Divide? Go to hell! We're just scouts; it'll be good enough if we can snatch a few Gold Coins. Ah, glittering coins, I can't wait…”

On the ship, the powerful Deboning was in a meditative state within the Precious Lotus Scripture. Lily, though a Peak Seven-Star, was not skilled in water elemental arts. As a result, no one on the entire ship detected the two Merfolk secretly following beneath the hull—Merfolk with no aura, undetectable by any High-level Battle God not proficient in water-elemental arts! To be precise, they were the Sea Tribe army's unique scout species—Merfolk Lurkers!