Watching Wu Zhangkong lead Xu Xiaoyan out of the office, Long Hengxu didn't feel offended by his coldness—instead, he sighed in immense relief.
He wiped imaginary sweat from his brow, a wry smile touching his lips.
"Finally… mission accomplished."
Whether she'd stay in Class Zero? That was up to the girl herself.
Picking up his soul-guided communicator, he dialed the Dean's direct line.
"Dean, it's Long Hengxu."
His voice instinctively turned respectful.
"All went smoothly—Teacher Wu agreed to admit Xu Xiaoyan. The resources and funding issues are resolved."
Dean Yu Zhen's calm voice replied: "Good work."
"Next—have Wu Zhangkong lead Class Zero to represent Donghai Academy in the Tianhai Alliance Tournament."
"What?!"
Long Hengxu gaped. "Dean—they're so young! The Tianhai Alliance Tournament features the best students from every region! What if they get hurt?"
"No need to worry," Yu Zhen cut him off, voice dripping with calculated foresight.
"I don't care about rankings. I want Class Zero to showcase Donghai's teaching prowess to the entire alliance."
He paused, then added:
"Once their strength is seen… who wouldn't send their genius children to Donghai Academy?"
Long Hengxu's eyes lit with understanding. "Brilliant! The Dean's vision is truly far-reaching!"
"Do this well," Yu Zhen dangled the carrot, "and your year-end bonus will reflect it."
"Thank you for your guidance, Dean!"
Long Hengxu's posture straightened, voice brimming with renewed vigor.
After hanging up, he gazed out the window at the campus—a triumphant smile spreading.
He already saw Donghai Academy's glory, heralded by Class Zero.
---
Meanwhile, Xu Xiaoyan followed Wu Zhangkong into the dormitory building.
Having been a day student in Junior Division, she'd never lived in academy housing—curiosity bright in her eyes.
"Here—your dorm," Wu Zhangkong said, opening a door.
"Class Zero gets single rooms?" Xu Xiaoyan gasped, eyes wide.
The room was spacious, sunlit, with a plush bed, full amenities, even a private bathroom—luxury beyond her wildest expectations.
"Remember—every privilege you enjoy exists only because you're in Class Zero," Wu Zhangkong said coldly.
"You have one month."
He turned and left.
"I will earn my place," Xu Xiaoyan vowed to his retreating back.
After settling in, she freshened up and headed to Class Zero.
---
Class Zero Classroom
Fang Yang, hand in Gu Yue's, entered—Xie Xie trailing.
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi already sat inside.
"You two are early," Fang Yang greeted.
Zhang Yangzi smiled. "Nothing better to do."
Wang Jinxi just nodded, silent as ever.
"BEHOLD! XIE XIE HAS RETURNED!" Xie Xie flung his arms wide, striking a ridiculous pose.
Silence.
No one reacted.
"Hey! No respect—"
He was cut off as the door swung open.
"Everyone's here!" Tang Wulin entered, hand in Ouyang Zixin's.
Xie Xie instantly pivoted. "Tang Wulin, you—"
WHOOSH!
Blue Silver Grass snaked out, gagging him mid-sentence.
"Mmmph! Mmmph!" Xie Xie sputtered.
The class burst into laughter.
Tang Wulin turned to Ouyang Zixin, concerned. "Senior Sister—are you alright?"
"I'm fine, Wulin… but he…" She glanced at the muffled Xie Xie.
Fang Yang grinned. "Don't worry, Senior Sister—silencing Xie Xie is for his own good."
"Absolutely!" the others chorused.
Xie Xie glared murderously, trapped in his blue prison.
Ouyang Zixin smiled softly. "Wulin—I'll head back to my class now."
"See you later, Senior Sister," Tang Wulin said tenderly.
Once she left, Xie Xie frantically pointed at his mouth.
Tang Wulin released the vines.
"TANG WULIN! That was low! And YOU GUYS!" Xie Xie shouted the moment he was free.
Tang Wulin shrugged innocently. "Sorry! I had to protect Senior Sister!"
"You…!" Xie Xie sputtered, face red.
"Calm down, calm down!" Tang Wulin soothed him.
Just then—footsteps echoed.
Wu Zhangkong entered, Xu Xiaoyan trailing.
"Today, Class Zero welcomes a new student," he announced.
"Welcome Xu Xiaoyan."
Polite applause followed—but everyone's eyes flicked to Fang Yang.
Wasn't this the girl from the barbecue?
She'd vowed to transfer to Donghai… but Class Zero?!
Wu Zhangkong frowned. "You know her?"
Xie Xie shot up. "Ask Fang Yang!"
He winked exaggeratedly at Fang Yang.
Wu Zhangkong studied Fang Yang, mind racing.
His star student's judgment was flawless—Gu Yue proved that.
So… Xu Xiaoyan must be exceptional too.
(Long Hengxu's voice echoed distantly: "Wait—Teacher Wu, what about your principles?!")
Fang Yang, sensing scrutiny, hurried to clarify: "Teacher Wu—"
…Though Xu Xiaoyan would become the continent's greatest controller…
"Introduce yourselves," Wu Zhangkong ordered coldly. "Xu Xiaoyan—speak."
"I'm Xu Xiaoyan—pleased to meet you all," she said confidently—though her eyes lingered on Fang Yang's group.
"Welcome to Class Zero," Fang Yang smiled warmly.
The others offered friendly greetings.
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