Morning sunlight bathed Donghai Academy as a new day began.
The entire campus buzzed with chatter about Class Five's stunning performance in yesterday's Promotion Tournament.
"Did you hear? That Blue Silver Grass kid from Class Five one-shotted the whole opposing team!"
"Seriously? Isn't Blue Silver Grass a useless martial soul?"
"I saw it myself! Those vines moved like living serpents—instantly wrapped up all three opponents!"
The gossip echoed through cafeterias, hallways, and classrooms.
Many upperclassmen even detoured to the first-year building—just to glimpse the legendary "Blue Silver Grass Prodigy."
As Tang Wulin walked across campus, he clearly felt more eyes on him than usual—curious, skeptical, and some brimming with challenge.
"Wulin," Xie Xie said, hands behind his head, grinning, "yesterday's fight really shook people up. But it's also brought trouble."
Gu Yue glanced around coolly. "Just a bunch of bored fools."
"Hey! Blue Silver Grass kid!"
A tall third-year student suddenly blocked their path.
"Heard you one-shotted Class Four? How about a match with me?"
Before Tang Wulin could reply, Fang Yang stepped forward.
"If you want to challenge us—sign up for the Promotion Tournament."
"You—!" The upperclassman's face darkened—but meeting Fang Yang's icy glare, he involuntarily stepped back.
"Let's go," Gu Yue said softly. "Don't waste energy. We have a match today—rest is more important."
The four pushed through the crowd and joined Class Five on the training field.
Wu Zhangkong was already there—giving them only a brief, indifferent glance.
Then, a tall, elegant female teacher approached.
This was Ye Yingrong, homeroom teacher of Class Three.
Standing over 170 cm, she had perfect proportions, rare pale green hair tied in a neat ponytail, and a delicate face with bright eyes and cherry lips.
At first glance, one might mistake her for a Senior Division student.
At just 23 years old, she was already a Four-Ring Soul Ancestor—an exceptional instructor at Donghai Academy.
"Teacher Wu—good morning!" she greeted with a warm smile.
"Mm. Morning," Wu Zhangkong replied curtly—already turning toward the arena.
Director Long Hengxu stood on the platform.
"Second match of the Promotion Tournament! Class Five—will you again field three competitors?"
Wu Zhangkong considered briefly. "Gu Yue rests today. Xie Xie competes. Fang Yang as main."
Gu Yue gave a faint nod, watching as Fang Yang, Tang Wulin, and Xie Xie ascended the arena.
Ye Yingrong signaled her students.
"Go."
The Gu Triplets—Gu Tianri, Gu Tianyue, and Gu Tianming—stepped onto the platform, facing Fang Yang's team.
Wu Zhangkong immediately saw their weakness.
But he gave no hints to his students.
The tournament was meant to test them. If they needed his guidance for everything, they'd never truly grow.
Fang Yang's trio formed a triangular formation—he stood firm at the front, steadfast as a mountain.
Opposite them, Gu Tianri took center, flanked by his brothers.
"Ready?" Long Hengxu asked. Receiving nods from both sides, he raised his hand.
"Begin!"
In an instant, the Gu Triplets released their martial souls.
WHOOSH!
Three pairs of wings unfurled behind them—drawing gasps from the crowd.
Three white soul rings flared—and the brothers soared into the sky.
" Skyscraping Battle Eagle!" a senior student cried out in recognition.
A speed-oriented flying martial soul—though their soul spirits were merely Lightwind Falcons (which are low in damage), their aerial coordination made them formidable.
Long Hengxu blinked in surprise.
Flying martial souls were rare—this trio should've been in Class One. Recruitment clearly missed them.
"Trouble—they can fly," Xie Xie frowned, watching the circling trio.
Fang Yang merely smiled, eyes glinting. "Simple. Knock them out of the sky."
He shot Tang Wulin a knowing look.
Tang Wulin instantly understood.
He released his Blue Silver Grass, yellow ring blazing—
vines coiling around Xie Xie like living ropes.
"First Soul Skill: Blue Silver Bind!"
"Xie Xie—borrowing you for a moment!"
With a heave, Tang Wulin catapulted Xie Xie skyward like a cannonball.
Xie Xie gripped his Light Dragon Dagger, yellow ring igniting—
a golden blade streaking toward the trio.
"What—?!" The Gu brothers froze midair.
Using a teammate as a projectile? What kind of tactic is this?!
But realization came too late.
Xie Xie's speed was lightning-fast.
His dagger slashed through their formation, shattering their balance.
"No!" They tried to dodge—but failed.
All three plummeted.
Tang Wulin seized the moment.
"Blue Silver Bind—again!"
Vines erupted, snaring the falling brothers midair.
Meanwhile, Tang Wulin gently reeled Xie Xie back to earth with Blue Silver Grass—landing him safely.
"Game over…" Fang Yang said calmly.
He hadn't even needed to make a move—just stood by as backup.
"Class Five wins!" Long Hengxu announced, voice laced with shock.
Ye Yingrong stood stunned.
She'd trained the Gu Triplets for a full semester—their aerial synergy was flawless.
Aside from weak offense, their speed and flight should've dominated.
Yet in an instant—they'd been shot down and bound.
She took a deep breath, forcing a smile toward Wu Zhangkong.
"Congratulations, Teacher Wu. From today, you're Class Three."
Wu Zhangkong replied coolly, "Not my final goal. My thanks."
Fang Yang's team descended the arena.
"Teacher Wu—we won," Fang Yang reported simply.
Wu Zhangkong nodded. "Well done. Class Five is dismissed."
"Yes, sir!" Class Five chorused.
As Fang Yang led Gu Yue, Tang Wulin, and Xie Xie away, a wave of awe followed in their wake.
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