Wu Zhangkong's eyes narrowed slightly—internally stunned.
He truly hadn't expected Fang Yang and Gu Yue's spiritual power to be this monstrously overwhelming. And even Tang Wulin and Xie Xie had shown remarkable promise.
Though Xie Xie appeared to be the weakest of the four, Wu Zhangkong knew better—even the "weakest" among them was a prodigy among peers.
Xie Xie (in spirit): "Thank you for the recognition!"
Shaking off his thoughts, Wu Zhangkong turned to Fang Yang, voice low and serious:
"Fang Yang—your soul power level after fusing your soul spirit?"
Fang Yang replied calmly: "Teacher Wu, I've reached Level 35."
In truth, after devouring the Myriad Beast Spirit Flame, the Heavenly Flame's immense energy could've pushed him to Level 40.
But he'd chosen instead to condense that power into a soul bone:
"Myriad Beast Spirit Flame Right Arm Bone"—
forged within the Heavenly Flame, infused with his Golden Dragon King bloodline, it granted the skill: "Myriad Beast Golden Claw."
When activated, phantoms of ten thousand beasts would swirl around his Golden Dragon Claw, multiplying its destructive might.
"What?! Level 35 soul power?!"
Tang Wulin and Xie Xie gasped in unison, eyes wide with disbelief.
They exchanged glances—both stunned, both bewildered.
Wu Zhangkong gave a slight nod, then turned to Gu Yue. "And you, Gu Yue? Your soul power level?"
Gu Yue smiled faintly. "Level 33."
Xie Xie finally understood—and muttered under his breath:
"No wonder Fang Yang and Gu Yue clicked… they're both monster-tier!"
He glanced sideways at Tang Wulin, silently relieved:
"Good thing Wulin's on my level…"
Wu Zhangkong fixed his icy gaze on the two. "You two—break through to Level 20 before the Promotion Tournament."
"Yes, Teacher Wu!" they replied instantly.
"Testing complete. Return to class," Wu Zhangkong ordered curtly.
When the four followed him back to the field, they found the rest of Class Five still grinding through physical drills.
Though drenched in sweat, not a single one slacked off. Those who faltered rested briefly—then immediately resumed.
This self-discipline drew a flicker of approval from Wu Zhangkong.
"All units—assemble!" His voice cut through the air.
Instantly, the class snapped to attention—forming ranks with weary but unwavering resolve, spines straight, eyes burning with grit.
"Your performance…" Wu Zhangkong's gaze swept over them.
He paused—an uncharacteristic hesitation—then said:
"Satisfies me."
The words fell like spring rain—the class's tense shoulders relaxed in unison.
After all, praise from the "cold, arrogant god" of Donghai Academy was rarer than a dragon's tear.
"Starting tomorrow," Wu Zhangkong announced, voice still icy but firm, "morning: physical training. Afternoon: theory. Dismissed!"
A wave of relief washed over Class Five. Freedom from all-day drills!
For their exhausted bodies, it was heaven-sent.
Wu Zhangkong turned to leave—
but Fang Yang quickly stepped forward.
"Teacher Wu—what about us four?"
He meant the Promotion Tournament squad: himself, Gu Yue, Tang Wulin, and Xie Xie.
"Since class is dismissed… you rest too."
Without looking back, Wu Zhangkong's tall figure vanished into the distance.
The four exchanged glances—then all broke into relieved smiles.
This unexpected break was precious. Under Wu Zhangkong's brutal regimen, every moment of rest was hard-won.
"So… what now?" Tang Wulin scratched his head.
"Obviously, back to the dorm to crash," Xie Xie yawned dramatically. "These drills are killing me."
Fang Yang's eyes drifted to Gu Yue, standing quietly nearby.
"Tang Wulin, Xie Xie—you head back first," he said softly.
He walked to Gu Yue's side. "Care for a walk?"
"Mm." Gu Yue nodded, a faint, pleased curve touching her lips—a spark of quiet joy in her eyes.
Then—to everyone's shock—Fang Yang naturally took her hand.
Her skin was cool as jade, yet soft with youthful tenderness.
Gu Yue's cheeks flushed instantly—but she didn't pull away, letting him hold her.
Tang Wulin and Xie Xie stared, jaws dropped—as if witnessing a new law of nature.
"So… that's how it's done?" Xie Xie muttered in awe.
Tang Wulin watched their retreating backs, eyes thoughtful—suddenly understanding.
He patted Xie Xie's shoulder. "Let's go. Don't disturb them."
Strolling along Donghai Academy's quiet path, Gu Yue softly chided: "You rascal."
Fang Yang grinned shamelessly. "Didn't you say I could hold your hand?"
He squeezed gently, savoring the warmth in his palm.
Gu Yue turned her face away, lips pursed in mock anger—
yet leaned imperceptibly closer to him.
Hand in hand, they walked in comfortable silence toward the academy's small lake.
A breeze stirred—strands of Gu Yue's hair brushed Fang Yang's cheek, carrying a faint, delicate fragrance.
He inhaled deeply, stealing a glance—
sunlight filtering through her hair, casting dappled shadows on her exquisite profile—breathtakingly beautiful.
On a smooth boulder by the lake, they sat side by side.
The water shimmered, clear as glass—fish occasionally leaping, sending up sprays of crystal droplets.
They sat in peaceful quiet, neither wishing to break the stillness.
Then—Gu Yue spoke softly:
"Fang Yang… do you have a special bloodline?"
She lowered her eyes, lashes trembling slightly.
"And… I don't know why—but I always feel… strangely close to you."
A rosy blush bloomed on her pale cheeks—adorably vivid.
Fang Yang smiled. He knew exactly why.
It was the natural resonance between the Golden Dragon King's bloodline and the Silver Dragon King's.
Gold and Silver Dragons—two halves of the same origin.
"It's simple," he said, his voice warm. "One hug—and you'll know."
With a gentle smile, he stood—took her wrist, pulled her up, and wrapped his arms around her.
The moment they embraced—
their dragon bloodlines resonated in perfect harmony, a warm current flowing between their hearts.
Gu Yue's pulse raced wildly—
yet she nestled deeper into his embrace, unwilling to let go.
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