"Next—spiritual power assessment," Wu Zhangkong's icy voice echoed through the testing chamber.
"Yes, Teacher Wu!" the class chorused.
Xu Xiaoyan hesitated, then spoke up:
"Teacher Wu… may I request to test at night?"
"Hm?"
Wu Zhangkong's brow furrowed. "Your spiritual power fluctuates at night?"
"Yes," she nodded—revealing her deepest secret to secure her place in Class Zero.
(Unbeknownst to her, Wu Zhangkong had already decided to keep her.)
"Permitted," he conceded after a pause. "But test now for baseline data."
"Understood, Teacher Wu," Xu Xiaoyan sighed in relief.
"Begin testing," Wu Zhangkong activated the device.
First up—Xie Xie.
The screen jumped to 101—Spirit Connection Realm!
His soul spirit could now evolve to thousand-year grade without hindrance.
For a Three-Ring Soul Elder? Standard.
Next—Xu Xiaoyan.
The Academy wouldn't admit her without merit.
Her ice-control prowess hinted at strong spiritual power—and the display confirmed it: 101.
Impressive for a new Two-Ring Control-Type.
Wang Jinxi tested next—35 points.
Not high, but Wu Zhangkong nodded. "Good progress from last time."
Zhang Yangzi followed—150 points.
Wu Zhangkong's eyes gleamed—Class Zero excelled in both soul power and spiritual discipline.
"Tang Wulin—your turn," Wu Zhangkong commanded.
Tang Wulin stepped up—255 points flashed.
His Xuan Tian Technique cultivation + Purple Extreme Demon Eye training had sharpened his mind relentlessly.
(Xie Xie, meanwhile, had mastered Ghost Shadow Perplexing Steps—speed was his creed.)
"Fang Yang—proceed," Wu Zhangkong said—rare anticipation in his voice.
All eyes locked on Fang Yang—even Xu Xiaoyan's.
The machine screamed upward:
1… 100… 1,000… 5,001!
"Spiritual Abyss Realm?!" Wu Zhangkong gaped—shock cracking his icy facade.
"5,001?!" Xie Xie squeaked, whirling on Wu Zhangkong. "Teacher Wu—is our machine BROKEN?!"
His 101 felt like a joke next to this monstrosity!
Everyone nodded frantically—this defied reality.
"Is he even human?!"
"The machine is flawless," Wu Zhangkong snapped, glaring at Xie Xie.
"Just because you can't reach it doesn't mean others can't. Train harder."
Fang Yang shrugged helplessly.
Two Heavenly Flame refinements had forged his spirit. Controlling FOUR Heavenly Flames? That demanded the Spiritual Abyss Realm—sometimes referred to as the human limit of a normal person.
At this stage, spiritual power could materialize, shatter minds, even raid memories.
And it would effortlessly sustain him to Titled Douluo.
Wu Zhangkong turned to Gu Yue—expectant.
"Gu Yue—test."
She stepped forward calmly.
The screen spun wildly—5,002!
"Another Spiritual Abyss?!"
The class stared, numb.
They'd accepted their mortality—"Don't compare yourself to monsters."
Fang Yang wasn't surprised.
Gu Yue—the Silver Dragon King—plus Desolate Demon Eye cultivation? Of course her spiritual power was apocalyptic.
Wu Zhangkong smiled inwardly—Class Zero's growth exceeded all expectations.
"Excellent tests today. Dismissed," he declared, striding out.
As they left, Xie Xie grinned. "Fang Yang—new semester! Class Zero needs a feast!"
"Xie Xie—you're the glutton!" Tang Wulin teased. "You nag me about food?!"
Everyone laughed—Xie Xie's "dinner ideas" were legendary.
"I know you too well," Fang Yang smirked. "Spill—where to?"
Xie Xie beamed. "Clay-Pot Beef! Uncle Li's is divine!"
Fang Yang eyed him knowingly. "Missing Mom?"
"Pfft! Just wanna share Uncle Li's beef!" Xie Xie protested.
"Fine—I'm treating," Fang Yang said generously.
"Then I'll EAT YOU BROKE!" Xie Xie rubs his hands together, already salivating.
"Wulin—invite Senior Sister," Fang Yang added.
"Got it," Tang Wulin nodded.
"Back to dorms—meet downstairs in 30 minutes!"
"Deal!" they cheered.
Fang Yang took Gu Yue's hand—but Xu Xiaoyan naturally slipped her hand into his left.
The trio strolled off, leaving the others slack-jawed.
"Scumbag Yang… you scoundrel…" Xie Xie shook his head, grinning.
"C'mon, Xie Xie—let's go," Tang Wulin slapped his back, hurrying to find Ouyang Zixin.
Thirty minutes later—reunited and ravenous.
Fang Yang grinned. "Alright, Xie Xie—you lead."
Xie Xie sighed dramatically—but pranced ahead, laughter trailing behind them.
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