A Huge Thank You and Welcome To Our New Patron: TJ Maynor!
I've recently started a new translation, please check it out and show your support! Name: 'Pokémon But Stardew Valley'
----------------------
After unleashing their final strike, Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi's bodies shuddered violently.
Their dark auras shattered.
The martial soul fusion—Shadow Eagle Dragon—exploded apart under the overwhelming energy.
PFFFT!
Wang Jinxi collapsed first, kneeling with a mouthful of blood splattering the arena.
His Bone Dragon King martial soul deactivated instantly, his grotesque bones retracting—leaving him hollow and drained.
Zhang Yangzi fared no better.
He stumbled backward, face pale as paper, sweat dripping from his brow.
"You've lost…"
Fang Yang retracted his Flame Avatar, voice calm yet echoing across the silent arena.
At the same time, the other battle concluded.
Xie Xie's Light Dragon Dagger pressed against Wei Xiaofeng's throat—
its tip less than an inch from his skin.
Wei Xiaofeng's Green Shadow Snake martial soul had long vanished. His right arm hung limp—clearly injured.
"Final match of the Promotion Tournament! Class Five versus Class One—Class Five is victorious!"
After a stunned pause, Director Long Hengxu finally announced the result—his voice trembling with excitement.
"We won! We really won!"
"Unbelievable! We're the champions!"
The Class Five stands erupted.
Students leaped from their seats—hugging, cheering, waving arms—a tidal wave of joy crashing through the field.
Some girls wept tears of joy, dabbing their eyes with handkerchiefs.
"Wei Xiaofeng! Zhang Yangzi! Wang Jinxi—are you alright?"
Class One's homeroom teacher, Ye Yingluo, rushed over with classmates, helping the trio up.
Her face was stormy with resentment.
Rejected by Wu Zhangkong years ago… now humiliated by his students…
"We're fine," Zhang Yangzi rasped, head bowed. "Teacher… sorry… we lost…"
His eyes dull, yet his fists still clenched in unwillingness.
Wei Xiaofeng and Wang Jinxi stood with shame and regret, their gazes drifting to Fang Yang—mixed with awe and bitterness.
Ye Yingluo swallowed her fury, forcing calm. "Don't say that. I know you gave your all."
She softened, seeing their injuries. "Go rest. Heal first."
"Yes, Teacher…"
Supported by classmates, they limped away—their silhouettes lonely against the jubilant backdrop.
"Teacher Wu—we won!"
Xie Xie sprinted to Wu Zhangkong, face glowing with triumph.
Wu Zhangkong gave a slight nod—a flicker of approval in his emerald eyes.
"Today… you all performed well."
Tang Wulin rubbed his neck, grinning sheepishly. "It was a team effort!"
"Good. I'll leave the rest to you. I have a meeting."
Without another word, Wu Zhangkong turned and left.
Fang Yang immediately sidled up to Gu Yue, shamelessly cooing:
"Gu Yue… I missed you."
His voice dripped with obvious appeasement, eyes locked on her delicate profile.
Gu Yue remained aloof—only a soft "Mm" escaping her lips.
Yet the faint pink tinge on her ears betrayed her composure.
"Xie Xie—consider yourself warned!"
Fang Yang shot a glare at Xie Xie—then hurriedly grabbed Gu Yue's hand and fled.
She gave a token resistance—then let him lead her away, their silhouettes harmonious in the sunlight.
"The sky is falling!" Xie Xie wailed dramatically, turning to Tang Wulin. "Wulin—let's feast to celebrate!"
Just then—a graceful figure approached.
Ouyang Zixin, in her school uniform, chestnut hair in a neat ponytail, smiled at Tang Wulin.
"Junior brother… care to walk with me?"
Tang Wulin's eyes lit up like stars. "Of course, Senior Sister!"
His voice quivered with nerves, cheeks flushing crimson.
As Tang Wulin and his senior sister strolled off, Xie Xie stood frozen—bewildered.
He scratched his head. "Wait… is the sky really falling now?"
—
Meanwhile, Fang Yang and Gu Yue wandered the campus hand-in-hand.
"Gu Yue… I was wrong. Don't be mad, okay?" he pleaded softly.
Gu Yue halted, studying him. "Then it depends on how well-behaved you are."
Her voice stayed cool—but a spark of mischief danced in her eyes.
Fang Yang sighed, relenting. "Alright, alright—I'll tell you everything."
He knew: if he didn't confess fully, Gu Yue would never forgive him.
As he spoke, his gaze never left her eyes, fearing he'd miss a single flicker of emotion.
When he finished, Gu Yue secretly exhaled in relief.
Her deepest fear—that Xu Xiaoyan might steal Fang Yang first—had been unfounded.
The thought of Na'er suddenly flashed in her mind.
"But wait… aren't you just—" Na'er's voice echoed teasingly.
"Gu Yue…?" Fang Yang looked at her, pitifully hopeful.
Gu Yue finally couldn't keep her stony facade. A soft laugh escaped her lips. "Alright… I forgive you."
She squeezed his hand—and they shared a quiet, knowing smile.
"Hehe… you're the best, Gu Yue," Fang Yang beamed, eyes full of adoration.
"Hmph."
She turned away—but her lips curved upward.
"Gu Yue… what about Xu Xiaoyan…?" Fang Yang ventured cautiously, voice trailing off.
"Depends on your behavior."
Her reply was light—but it lifted a weight off his chest.
Hand in hand, they strolled leisurely across Donghai Academy.
"Hey—Isn't that Wulin?" Fang Yang suddenly pointed.
Ahead, Tang Wulin and Ouyang Zixin walked hand-in-hand, laughing together.
Fang Yang's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Let's go say hello!"
He tugged Gu Yue forward.
"Well, well, Wulin—fancy meeting you here!" Fang Yang called out loudly.
Tang Wulin froze like a caught thief, slowly turning—
his face drained of color, ears burning scarlet.
"F-Fang Yang?! H-how'd you—" he stammered.
Fang Yang gave a knowing smirk. "Don't worry—I won't tell… but Xie Xie…"
Tang Wulin instantly understood. "I'll make sure Xie Xie has… a memorable meal."
"Good boy." Fang Yang winked, pulling Gu Yue away.
Leaving Tang Wulin to collapse in relieved sighs.
------------------------------------------------------
Join my Patreon to read an exclusive novel – 'Douluo: Rebuilding Hao Tian Sect'
Double Chapters Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)