In the blink of an eye, months had flown by like flowing water.
During this period of intense special training, Fang Yang, Gu Yue, Tang Wulin, and Xie Xie had forged exceptional teamwork and synergy.
- Fang Yang's strength remained unfathomable.
- Gu Yue closely followed, displaying terrifying mastery over multi-elemental fusion.
- Tang Wulin, empowered by his divine-grade martial soul Sea God Blue Silver Emperor, was growing rapidly.
Compared to them, Xie Xie's position felt slightly awkward.
Though he possessed the twin Spirits—Light Dragon Dagger and Shadow Dragon Dagger—
in the shadow of his three dazzling teammates, he truly seemed like just another "roadkill"…
"Teacher Wu," Xie Xie asked eagerly, "who will Class Four send against us in the Promotion Tournament? Do we have their roster?"
On the training grounds, Wu Zhangkong stood with hands behind his back, his ice-blue hair fluttering lightly in the wind.
His voice was frost itself:
"If you need enemy intel to defeat a measly Class Four, are you even worthy of being my students?"
His gaze swept over the four.
"Your one and only task: crush them. Understood?"
"Yes!" the quartet roared in unison—their voices echoing across the field.
Wu Zhangkong gave a slight nod. "The Promotion Tournament begins soon—one match per day, until completion. My goal for you: fight your way to the fourth year."
"No problem!" Fang Yang declared, the others nodding firmly.
A faint glimmer of satisfaction flickered in Wu Zhangkong's eyes.
He was truly pleased with these four:
- Fang Yang and Gu Yue—monstrous talents.
- Tang Wulin—the Blue Silver Emperor heir.
- Xie Xie—the twin-martial soul prodigy.
…
The Class Promotion Tournament was Donghai Academy's annual grand event, held in the highest regard across the entire institution.
Both the Intermediate and Senior Divisions participated—every grade, without exception.
More than just class pride, the tournament bore profound implications for students' futures.
Exceptional performers had their achievements permanently recorded in their files—serving as critical references for admission into elite higher academies.
The tangible rewards were equally substantial:
victorious classes rose in rank, and their homeroom teachers received prestigious commendations.
Over the years, the tournament had become the ultimate symbol of honor at Donghai Academy.
Being defeated by a lower-ranked class was a mark of shame, while overcoming a higher-ranked one was glory beyond measure.
Held three months after the semester began, the event gave classes ample time to select representatives and refine strategies.
On match day, the weather was perfect—clear skies, gentle breeze, not a cloud in sight.
At the center of the Intermediate Division training field, a competition arena had been set up.
Technically, it was just a 100-meter-diameter platform made of 10-centimeter-thick metal plates, surrounded by soul-guided protective barriers to prevent accidents.
To avoid disrupting classes, matches were scheduled after school hours.
When the dismissal bell rang, students poured from the academic buildings like a tidal wave—
but only a handful actually headed toward the arena.
"First-year freshmen? Class Five vs. Class Four?" scoffed a senior student. "A match between the two bottom-feeders? Why waste time watching?"
Most upperclassmen turned away in disdain.
Yet in the crowd, Xu Xiaoyu gazed thoughtfully toward the arena, murmuring:
"If I recall correctly… he's in Class Five."
"Senior," a bright-eyed girl approached with a coy smile, "are you going to watch the freshmen match? Mind if I join you?"
It was Ouyang Zixin.
Xu Xiaoyu gave a subtle nod—and the two walked toward the stands.
Meanwhile, all first-year classes had already gathered.
Class Three—their next potential opponent—had staked out the best seats, clearly invested in the outcome.
Under Wu Zhangkong's command, Class Five marched in perfect formation.
Three months of brutal training had transformed this "failure class".
Though their talents might be "roadkill-level," their physicality and soul power had vastly improved.
In stark contrast, Class Four students straggled in late, faces dripping with arrogance and contempt.
Their homeroom teacher, Kong Hanwen, waddled over—a round belly swaying beneath his robes.
He plastered on a fake smile.
"Ah, Teacher Wu! Your disciples are so disciplined! Look at that formation!"
He lowered his voice with mock humility:
"Our Class Four kids are a bit… unruly. Please, go easy on us today! Even if we can't beat Class Three, you must help us keep our Class Four title!"
Wu Zhangkong didn't even glance at him—treating him as if he were air.
Kong Hanwen's face darkened instantly, eyes flashing with suppressed fury.
He sneered, voice dripping with sarcasm:
"Seems Teacher Wu's brimming with confidence! We'll see your true strength on the arena!"
With a cold huff, he turned and stomped off.
Fang Yang and the others noticed Wu Zhangkong's lips twitch—as if muttering a rather… unrefined word.
"Teacher Wu's so sneaky…" Xie Xie couldn't help but snicker.
Wu Zhangkong shot him a glacial glare.
Xie Xie instantly shrank into his shoulders, not daring to make a sound.
At that moment, Discipline Director Long Hengxu stepped onto the arena.
"The First-Year Class Promotion Tournament now begins! Class Five challenges Class Four!"
He turned to Wu Zhangkong. "Teacher Wu, please confirm your team size."
(Long Hengxu was deeply curious—just what kind of students had Wu Zhangkong forged in these three months?)
Wu Zhangkong gave a curt nod. "Three competitors."
Long Hengxu faced Kong Hanwen. "Class Five fields three. Teacher Kong—you have five minutes to finalize your roster."
Kong Hanwen dropped all pretense, waving dismissively.
"Against Class Five? Anyone will do.
Jialong, Lin Zunyuan, Mo Si—you three. Remember—you carry Class Four's honor!"
He raised his voice dramatically, oozing condescension: "Don't disgrace us!"
"Xie Xie—you rest," Wu Zhangkong suddenly ordered. "Fang Yang, Gu Yue, Tang Wulin—you're up first."
"Yes, Teacher Wu!" Xie Xie replied instantly.
Under the crowd's watchful eyes, both teams ascended the arena.
Class Four's trio was distinctive:
- Jialong: stocky as a fortress, muscles bulging.
- Lin Zunyuan: lean, eyes sharp and cunning.
- Mo Si: average build, but radiating hidden lethality.
Once in position, Jialong raised a thick arm, gave Class Five a thumbs-up—then flipped it downward with a sneering grin.
"Class Five trash—if you can't fight, get off the stage! Don't waste our time!"
On the opposite side, Fang Yang stepped forward calmly.
His voice was ice-cold:
"A bunch of clowns."
Gu Yue and Tang Wulin flanked him—half a step behind, left and right.
The formation sent a clear message:
"This battle revolves around Fang Yang."
"Competitors—prepare!"
Long Hengxu raised his hand high, the two teams standing fifty meters apart.
His voice rang crystal-clear across the hushed arena:
"First match of the new academic year's Promotion Tournament—BEGIN!"
As his words fell—
the crowd fell utterly silent.
Every eye locked onto the arena.
At last—this long-awaited showdown had begun.
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