Donghai Academy – Dean's Office
Dean Yu Zhen set down the document in his hand and looked up at Long Hengxu, who stood before his desk.
"Director Long… what's going on with Class Five?" he asked calmly.
Long Hengxu's forehead glistened with nervous sweat. "Well… Dean…"
Yu Zhen didn't press him—only waited in patient silence.
After a long pause, Long Hengxu took a deep breath.
"Dean… this was my oversight. But this year's freshman cohort has produced exceptional talent. With proper guidance, they could become the pillars of Donghai Academy's future."
"Oh?" Yu Zhen raised an eyebrow, gesturing for him to continue.
"During the Promotion Tournament," Long Hengxu explained, "two students from Class One even unleashed a Martial Soul Fusion Skill!"
"Fusion Skill?" Yu Zhen's eyes widened in surprise. "Then how did they lose to Class Five?"
Long Hengxu exhaled heavily. "Here's the key—the student from Class Five is a Three-Ring Soul Elder… and possesses a ten-thousand-year soul ring."
"What?!"
Yu Zhen shot to his feet. "A Three-Ring Soul Elder with a ten-thousand-year ring? That's impossible!"
"It's the truth, Dean," Long Hengxu affirmed solemnly. "Every teacher and student present witnessed it."
Yu Zhen slowly sank back into his chair, fingers absently stroking his chin.
"If that's the case…"
After a moment of deep thought, he said, "Director Long, write me a detailed report. But first—I'd like to hear your proposal."
A sharp glint flashed in Long Hengxu's eyes.
"Dean, the current Promotion Tournament system no longer suits this cohort. Their strength rivals even third-year students—and continuing the tournament would hinder the growth of others."
Yu Zhen leaned forward, intrigued. "And your suggestion?"
"I propose creating a Special Class—Class Zero—above the existing five classes," Long Hengxu declared firmly. "We'll concentrate the academy's finest instructors to nurture these prodigies. They'll remain here for eight to nine years, from Intermediate to Senior Division. With proper cultivation, Donghai Academy could shine across the continent!"
Yu Zhen's eyes gleamed. He was deeply tempted.
A dedicated elite class… with all top-tier resources…
Given these students' potential, the academy could attract even greater talent in future admissions.
He'd always envied academies in major cities—those that recruited across the entire Solar Federation, amassing strength through scale.
Donghai City, though wealthy and prosperous thanks to its maritime resources, was still remote—a backwater place by continental standards.
Most top students chose more central institutions. Donghai Academy ranked merely mid-to-lower tier among Intermediate Division academies.
But this freshman class…
Could this be their turning point?
"What about instructors?" Yu Zhen asked.
"Wu Zhangkong is the ideal candidate," Long Hengxu replied without hesitation. "His combat prowess and teaching ability are unmatched."
Yu Zhen nodded. "Agreed. I'll present this to the Board of Directors. You're dismissed."
Long Hengxu bowed deeply. "Understood, Dean. I'll take my leave."
—
Dorm 205
"Don't come any closer!" Xie Xie pressed his back against the wall, eyes wide as Fang Yang and Tang Wulin advanced.
Fang Yang crossed his arms, smirking. "Xie Xie… I hear you've got quite the talent for snitching?"
"I was wrong!" Xie Xie threw up his hands in surrender. "I swear—I'll never do it again!"
"Wulin," Fang Yang glanced sideways.
Tang Wulin sighed—his Blue Silver Grass Spirit instinctively manifesting in his palm.
"Xie Xie… you really went too far this time."
(He also worried: What if this loose-lipped fool spills everything to Senior Sister?)
Xie Xie hung his head, voice barely a whisper. "I'm sorry… How about I treat you both to a meal as an apology?"
Fang Yang and Tang Wulin exchanged glances—matching smirks spreading across their faces.
"Three meals," Fang Yang held up three fingers.
"Plus a seafood feast," Tang Wulin added.
Xie Xie's face fell. "My wallet… you're robbing me blind!"
"Oh?" Fang Yang raised an eyebrow, stepping forward—soul power rippling subtly around him. "So… you're feeling brave, huh?"
"No! No! No!" Xie Xie pressed harder against the wall. "Three meals! Seafood feast! I'll pay!"
Fang Yang finally patted his shoulder in satisfaction. "Remember to invite Gu Yue. Otherwise…"
He left the threat hanging.
Xie Xie nodded frantically.
…
The next morning, sunlight filtered through the clouds onto the training field.
Wu Zhangkong led Class Five to the assembly area. Other classes soon followed.
As Class Five appeared, hundreds of eyes turned toward them—
especially toward Fang Yang, Xie Xie, Gu Yue, and Tang Wulin.
After yesterday's match—Fang Yang single-handedly blocking a Martial Soul Fusion Skill—they'd become campus legends.
Once all classes were assembled, Director Long Hengxu and Dean Yu Zhen ascended the podium.
"Silence!"
Long Hengxu's voice boomed through the soul-guided mic.
"An emergency assembly is called. Two major announcements will be made."
He paused for effect.
"First—due to this year's exceptional freshman cohort, the Promotion Tournament is hereby terminated.
Former Class Five is now Class One. Other classes shift accordingly."
A ripple of murmurs spread—
especially among newly promoted classes.
Many students looked disappointed—the lucrative rewards of higher challenges now gone.
Long Hengxu raised a hand for quiet—then his voice rose sharply:
"Second—by decision of the Board of Trustees, Donghai Academy will establish a Special Class: CLASS ZERO!"
The entire field fell deathly silent—even the wind seemed to hold its breath.
"The inaugural Class Zero consists of seven students:
Fang Yang, Xie Xie, Tang Wulin, Gu Yue, Zhang Yangzi, Wang Jinxi, and Wei Xiaofeng!"
Long Hengxu's gaze swept the crowd.
"From now on, exceptional students may apply for Class Zero!"
His voice echoed across the field:
"Class Zero will be personally instructed by Teacher Wu Zhangkong—and granted the academy's highest-tier resources. Let this be your aspiration—strive for greatness!"
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