To celebrate the end of the year and the upcoming New Year, I'll be running a promo: 40% OFF WITH CODE 97167. If you've wanted to check out the advanced chapters and Patreon exclusive novel, now's your chance! Promo ends on January 1st 2026 11:59pm AEDT!
---------------------
Wu Zhangkong stood with his hands behind his back, brow slightly furrowed.
He considered himself well-traveled and knowledgeable—but this was the first time he'd ever heard of a martial soul like this.
During the duel, Gu Yue had already demonstrated command over six elemental forces: Water, Wind, Earth, Space, Fire, and Ice.
A soul master who mastered just one of these elements would be considered a prodigy.
Yet this girl controlled six simultaneously—truly monstrous!
"I can command all six elements," Gu Yue explained, noticing Wu Zhangkong's confusion, "but my soul rings cannot be attached to any single element. So while I can manipulate elemental changes, I struggle to strengthen them individually."
"My first soul skill is called 'Elemental Tide'—it extends my soul power duration and enhances my elemental control."
"I see," Wu Zhangkong said, understanding dawning in his eyes.
Even so—her Elementalist martial soul was undeniably a top-tier martial soul, its potential rivaling even twin martial souls.
With proper guidance, she could surely become a formidable Title Douluo.
He nodded. "Very well. You're now a member of Class Five, First Year."
"Thank you, Teacher," Gu Yue replied with a bright, graceful smile.
"I'm Wu Zhangkong. Just call me Teacher Wu from now on."
He gave a curt nod, then turned stern. "Since you've joined Class Five, you'll join today's physical training—ten laps around the track. Start now."
"Yes, Teacher Wu," Gu Yue said cheerfully.
The Class Five students, who had been huddled together gossiping about the spectacular match, were still buzzing with excitement.
Wu Zhangkong's icy glare swept over them. "Done gawking? Those who haven't finished—keep running. Those who have—run ten more laps!"
The class jolted—immediately resuming their run.
Then, Wu Zhangkong called out: "Fang Yang—you'll accompany the new student during her laps."
"Yes, Teacher Wu," Fang Yang nodded and quickly fell into step beside Gu Yue.
"Hah! Fang Yang—looks like you've finally gotten your comeuppance!" Xie Xie laughed from behind, unaware that his own regrets were coming soon.
On the track, Gu Yue ran lightly, glancing curiously at Fang Yang.
"Why didn't you have to run earlier?"
Fang Yang gave a wry smile. "I was exempt—until I fought you. Now Teacher Wu wants me to 'keep you company.'"
"Oh… I see," Gu Yue said thoughtfully.
Behind them, Xie Xie gnashed his teeth. This isn't running—it's a romantic stroll!
Tang Wulin said nothing—just kept running.
Meanwhile, Wu Zhangkong had already left the field.
He now stood before the Discipline Office door.
After a moment's thought, he knocked.
"Come in!" came Long Hengxu's voice from within.
The door creaked open. Wu Zhangkong stepped inside—here to finalize Gu Yue's enrollment.
"Hmm? What brings you here?" Long Hengxu looked up—surprised to see Wu Zhangkong approaching.
The arrogant, cold, untouchable genius actually came himself?
Even more shocking—Wu Zhangkong's expression was calm, almost… humble.
He walked to the desk—and bowed deeply.
"Director Long… I apologize. I was wrong to lose my temper with you earlier."
Long Hengxu nearly dropped his pen. Is the sun rising from the west today?
This was Wu Zhangkong—the man who once walked out mid-conversation when the principal tried to discuss teaching methods!
And now—he was apologizing?
Long Hengxu glanced out the window. The sun's still in the east… Am I hallucinating from overwork?
His shock was understandable.
Wu Zhangkong was Donghai Academy's strongest, a legend since his student days—the undisputed dream man of every female student and teacher.
He was also notoriously defiant, ignoring the official curriculum entirely, teaching only by his own rules.
Yet by thirty, he'd already become a Six-Ring Soul Emperor—a genius almost certainly from that place… though no one knew why he'd ended up teaching here.
And now—this man, proud as a peacock, was bowing his head in apology?
Oh my god—am I being gaslit by the system?
Wu Zhangkong spoke earnestly: "I was wrong. I shouldn't have snapped at you. I'm here to sincerely ask your forgiveness."
"Ah, it's nothing, nothing!" Long Hengxu waved hastily—whether out of fear or genuine leniency, he kept nodding. "Don't worry about it, Teacher Wu."
Wu Zhangkong didn't miss a beat. "Director Long—our class has a new student. She's just passed my test and is fully qualified to join Donghai Academy."
"Per academy rules, students who miss registration may only enroll in Class Five under special circumstances. I request your approval."
He placed Gu Yue's recommendation letter on the desk.
Long Hengxu took it automatically. "Of course, Teacher Wu. I'll process it."
Wu Zhangkong's frown deepened—clearly unsatisfied. "Now, please. I'll wait."
Only then did Long Hengxu finally snap out of his daze—and realize the truth.
This wasn't an apology at all—it was a strategic request! The bow was just to make refusal impossible!
"Fine, fine—I'll approve her enrollment right now!" he sighed, filling out the paperwork. "But Teacher Wu—next time, give me some face in front of the students! I am a grade director, after all!"
"Mm."
Wu Zhangkong gave a disinterested hum. Once the paperwork was done, he turned and left—leaving Long Hengxu wondering if he'd even heard a word.
When Wu Zhangkong returned to the field, all Class Five students had finished their laps.
"All units—assemble!" he commanded coldly.
The class staggered to the center like a defeated army—exhausted, barely standing.
"Morning session ends here. Dismissed. Gu Yue—you stay."
After the run, Gu Yue's cheeks were flushed with a healthy color.
"Gu Yue—here's your dorm key, uniform, and textbooks," Wu Zhangkong said, handing her the items. "You're now officially a student of Class Five, First Year."
"Thank you, Teacher Wu," Gu Yue said gratefully.
"Rest well. Class resumes this afternoon."
------------------------------------------------------
Double Chapters Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)