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"Very well. On behalf of the Tang Sect, I accept your applications."
Wu Zhangkong gave a slight nod, satisfaction flickering in his emerald eyes.
He paused, then added, "However, before that, you must pass an initiation trial. Only upon success will you become official Outer Sect Disciples."
"As for the Tang Sect's rules, benefits, and duties—I'll explain them in due time."
Tang Wulin nodded in understanding.
Xie Xie waved dismissively. "Just an entry test? Child's play!"
Wu Zhangkong shot him a look—then ignored him completely.
This reckless Xie Xie never learns humility. He needs a good lesson soon.
"Fang Yang!" Wu Zhangkong turned to the silent youth, his tone earnest. "I sincerely hope you'll join the Tang Sect. And if you're concerned about compensation for leaving the Spirit Pagoda—the Tang Sect will cover all your lost cultivation resources."
Fang Yang lifted his head, eyes filled with apology. "I'm sorry, Teacher Wu—I have no intention of leaving the Spirit Pagoda."
Wu Zhangkong sighed softly, then looked at Gu Yue. "And you…?"
"Teacher Wu," Gu Yue cut in gently, her black hair swaying as she shook her head, "I've also joined the Spirit Pagoda."
Wu Zhangkong's expression froze. He suppressed his disappointment. "You two…"
He'd hoped to recruit this entire prodigious group into the Tang Sect—
yet Fang Yang and Gu Yue were already core members of the Spirit Pagoda.
Silence hung heavy in the room.
Tang Wulin and Xie Xie exchanged uneasy glances.
Fang Yang and Gu Yue remained calm—but their eyes held quiet regret.
"So be it. Everyone follows their own path," Wu Zhangkong finally said, regaining his composure. "But I hope your team won't let organizational differences create division."
Fang Yang nodded firmly. "Of course not. We're friends."
Gu Yue added softly, "Please rest easy, Teacher Wu."
Wu Zhangkong gave a curt nod, then turned to leave—but paused at the door. "Good. That's all for today. You may rest."
"Yes, Teacher Wu," they replied in unison.
After Wu Zhangkong departed, the four walked out in quiet reflection.
On the way back, Tang Wulin stared into the distance, eyes shadowed with melancholy.
Fang Yang had chosen a different path—a stone weighing on his heart.
"Wulin?" Xie Xie sensed his gloom and hurried to his side. "Why so down? You're usually the liveliest after dismissal!"
"Huh?" Tang Wulin snapped out of his thoughts. "Nothing… just thinking…"
Xie Xie slung an arm around his shoulders, grinning. "Upset about Fang Yang? Don't worry—I've got you!"
Tang Wulin smiled faintly—but said nothing.
Fang Yang, overhearing, quickened his pace. "Wulin—that's not the strong friend I know."
"I…" Tang Wulin hesitated.
Fang Yang clapped his shoulder, voice warm. "What's there to be sad about? I'm not leaving. Different organizations don't change anything. We're still classmates. Still teammates. Still best friends."
Tang Wulin blinked—then laughed, his gloom vanishing. "You're right, Fang Yang!"
…
In the days that followed, Wu Zhangkong drilled them relentlessly in combat training.
Any lingering tension faded. The six grew closer, their battle coordination sharpening by the day.
One morning, as the six arrived at the classroom, Wu Zhangkong was already waiting.
"No combat training today. To the Spirit Pagoda!"
He turned and strode out without another word.
The six exchanged puzzled glances—then hurried after him.
Wu Zhangkong's voice cut through the air, icy and crisp:
"Starting today, you'll each get one weekly session in the Spirit Ascension Platform. The academy fought hard for this privilege—don't waste it."
"The Spirit Ascension Platform?!"
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi gasped in unison.
The Spirit Ascension Platform—a mystical realm crafted by the Spirit Pagoda—simulated the primordial spirit beast forests.
Here, Soul Masters could battle ancient beasts, absorbing their essence to strengthen their soul spirits.
Most crucially—it was a fully virtual space.
Even if you "died" inside, your real body remained unharmed.
But entry required exorbitant fees and rare permits.
Each month, the Junior Spirit Ascension Platform opened only 1,000 slots.
Xie Xie's eyes lit up. "The academy's pulling out all the stops! Guess joining Class Zero was the best decision ever!"
He suddenly smirked. "If Wei Xiaofeng hears about this, he'll regret it till his guts turn green! Haha!"
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi shared a wistful glance—pitying their former classmate.
"Xie Xie, stop it," Tang Wulin chided gently.
Xie Xie pouted—but fell silent.
---
Donghai City's Spirit Pagoda—
one of the Eighteen Great Pillars of the Spirit Pagoda organization—
towered over the city at 400+ meters, an undisputed landmark even among Donghai's skyscrapers.
From afar, its octagonal base sprawled vast and grand.
Every ten stories, the tower tapered inward, culminating in a sharp, heaven-piercing spire, a structure so majestic it inspired awe and dread.
The academy had clearly made arrangements.
At the grand entrance, Director Long Hengxu awaited them.
"Teacher Wu," Long Hengxu greeted warmly.
"Director Long," Wu Zhangkong acknowledged with a curt nod—his expression unchanged.
Long Hengxu gestured. "This way, please."
Inside, the golden opulence of the lobby stunned them, dark-gold stone floors etched with natural, shimmering patterns.
Wu Zhangkong's warning was blunt:
"Once inside the Spirit Ascension Platform, you're on your own."
Tang Wulin blinked in surprise. "Teacher Wu—you won't accompany us?"
"The Elementary Platform only allows Soul Masters below Four Rings," Wu Zhangkong explained.
Long Hengxu added, "Don't worry—we'll monitor you from outside. If danger arises, withdraw immediately. We'll brief you on protocols shortly."
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