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Donghai City Soul-Guided Train Station
A long whistle echoed as the soul-guided train glided into the platform,
low rumbles vibrating through the tracks.
Doors hissed open—passengers streamed out.
Outside the luxury cabin, Bear King's hulking frame blocked the corridor light.
He lowered his voice, respectful:
"My Kings—we've arrived."
Inside, Fang Yang opened his eyes—morning light spilling across the bed.
He looked down at Gu Yue, still nestled in his arms, her pale face serene in the dawn glow.
His fingers brushed her hair, voice tender:
"Gu Yue—we're in Donghai."
"Mm…"
She nuzzled closer, lashes fluttering—reluctant to wake.
Fang Yang chuckled, gently pinching her cheek. "Up you go."
She sat up slowly, black eyes still hazy with sleep, raven hair cascading like a waterfall.
He smoothed her hair, then led her out.
Bear King stood guard, bowing instantly.
"My Lords—your orders?"
Fang Yang pulled a violet crystal card from his ring, handing it over.
"Guard us from the shadows. This card has enough credits to rent an apartment near Donghai Academy."
He paused, tone sharpening: "Stay discreet. No conflicts."
Bear King clasped the card, uncharacteristically solemn. "Understood, my Lord."
Fang Yang nodded, then stepped onto the platform, Gu Yue's hand in his, Donghai's vibrant chaos greeting them—vendors shouting, soul-guided announcements blaring.
---
Donghai Academy
New semester—renewed energy.
After a month's quiet, the campus buzzed with life.
Students flooded the gates, faces bright with post-holiday vigor.
This was the second semester—the end-of-year promotion exams loomed, exams tightening the noose.
In the Intermediate Division Academies:
- Junior Division: must break through to Two Rings by Year 6—or no diploma.
- Senior Division: Three Rings required for graduation.
Pressure mounted yearly.
Only Years 1–2 still breathed easy.
Fang Yang and Gu Yue strolled toward Class Zero, whispering softly.
"Fang Yang!"
A voice cut through the chatter.
Fang Yang turned—smirking. "Xie Xie—fancy meeting you."
Xie Xie hurried over, eyes darting to their clasped hands.
He grinned slyly. "Hehe—Fang Yang and Gu Yue, all cozy…"
"Xie Xie—miss getting punched during break?" Fang Yang arched a brow.
Beside him, Gu Yue's hand flicked—a glacial ice spike materialized, lethal and gleaming.
"NO! Big Bro Fang Yang! Older Sis Gu Yue! I'm sorry!"
Xie Xie threw up his hands, surrendering instantly.
Gu Yue snorted—the ice dissolved into blue sparks.
Fang Yang changed topics. "How was your break?"
Xie Xie sighed. "Just training at the villa—nothing special…"
He panicked, backpedaling: "I mean—super fulfilling training!"
Fang Yang shook his head. "Xie Xie—if you can't speak wisely, stay quiet."
"Sorry! Slip of the tongue!" Xie Xie scratched his head, grinning sheepishly.
Then—he perked up. "Wait—has Tang Wulin even shown up yet?"
Fang Yang shrugged. "Haven't seen him—but he's probably on his way."
"Tch—that guy…" Xie Xie pouted.
Fang Yang teased. "Jealous?"
"Pfft! Just 'cause he snagged the Academy's #1 beauty…" Xie Xie protested weakly.
"There, there, my son Xie Xie," Fang Yang patronized, "go find your own Senior Sister!"
"Scummy Yang, you rascal!" Xie Xie laughed, shoving him playfully.
The trio headed toward Class Zero, banter flowing.
"Fang Yang! Gu Yue! Xie Xie! Morning!"
A familiar voice—Zhou Zhangxi, ex-Class Five.
He stopped, smiling warmly.
"Zhou Zhangxi—long time no see," Xie Xie replied, surprised.
"Hi," Fang Yang nodded politely.
(Old grudges aside—he wouldn't reject a peace offering.)
Gu Yue ignored him entirely, face unreadable.
Zhou Zhangxi paled, stammering: "Ah—I've got to run! Catch up later!"
He dashed off, relieved.
---
Meanwhile—Dean's Office
"Teacher Wu—please accept this student!" Long Hengxu pleaded, voice urgent.
"The Academy confirmed—she's qualified for Class Zero!"
Wu Zhangkong glanced coldly at the young girl beside Long Hengxu.
"My class takes monsters—not ordinary students. She's only at Two Rings. Do you think that's enough?"
Long Hengxu leaned in, lowering his voice:
"Teacher Wu—her family donated massive funds and resources to the Academy. You know Class Zero's expenses… without new funding…"
Gone was the stern dean—now a desperate supplicant.
(The Dean himself had ordered this…)
Wu Zhangkong fell silent, then spoke ice-cold:
"Fine. One chance. Fail—she leaves."
Long Hengxu exhaled in relief.
(Xu Xiaoyan's martial soul was unique—otherwise the Academy wouldn't bend rules.)
Xu Xiaoyan stepped forward, bowing deeply.
"Teacher Wu—I'm honored. My martial soul is the Mutated Star Wheel Ice Staff."
Wu Zhangkong's brow arched. "Continue."
"By day, it's ordinary. But at night—it mutates, letting me control starlight energy!"
She spoke with proud confidence.
Wu Zhangkong studied her, then nodded.
"Provisionally accepted. Fall short—leave Class Zero."
"Understood, Teacher Wu!" she vowed.
"I'll watch your performance closely," he said, then turned to Long Hengxu.
"If that's all, I'll arrange her dorm."
He swept out, Xu Xiaoyan hurrying after him, heart pounding: "Fang Yang—I'm coming for you!"
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