The next morning, Tianhai Stadium roared with crowds, cheers echoing like thunder.
Fang Yang's group arrived for the Three-Person Team Finals—when a uniformed official hurried over.
"Are you Gu Yue, Xu Xiaoyan, and Xie Xie of Donghai Academy?" the official asked politely.
"Yes? What's this about?" Xie Xie frowned, glancing at Tang Wulin's squad—their finals opponents.
Gu Yue and Xu Xiaoyan exchanged confused looks.
The official smiled professionally:
"Congratulations—you've won the Three-Person Team Championship!"
"What?!" Xie Xie gaped. "The match hasn't even STARTED!"
He whirled to Tang Wulin's team—who stood grinning, nodding as if this were expected.
"Wulin—you forfeited?" Fang Yang asked softly.
Tang Wulin confirmed with a nod—no words needed.
"Correct," the official affirmed. "Your opponents withdrew voluntarily. You win by default."
"Again with Donghai Academy…" he sighed inwardly.
After monopolizing the Singles Competition's top six, they'd now turned the Team Finals into an internal showcase!
"But…" Xie Xie's face twisted with conflicted joy—thrilled to win… yet robbed of battle.
"Xie Xie—champion isn't enough for you?" Fang Yang laughed, clapping his shoulder.
Tang Wulin stepped forward, earnest.
"We thought this through. Your combo's unbeatable—Gu Yue's elements, Xiaoyan's star control, your speed…"
"Why risk mutual damage? The title's yours."
"But—!" Xie Xie started.
"No 'buts'!" Zhang Yangzi cut in, teasing.
"We crunched the numbers—you'd crush us!"
Wang Jinxi added bluntly: "No chance to win."
Zhang Yangzi grinned: "Besides—today's got better plans."
Wang Jinxi's ears turned crimson, guilty as charged.
"Ooooh~!" Xie Xie winked, smirking. "Got a date with the Zhou twins, huh?"
"XIE XIE!" Zhang Yangzi lunged, face scarlet—Xie Xie ducked behind Fang Yang, laughing.
"Enough," Fang Yang smiled. "Accept this gift gracefully."
Gu Yue nodded, voice soft: "Thank you."
(Rare sincerity in her tone!)
Xu Xiaoyan clapped, ecstatic: "We're champions too!"
"The award ceremony's this afternoon," the official reminded.
"Understood," Fang Yang thanked him.
As the official left—still shaking his head in awe—Wu Zhangkong approached, impeccable in white, blue hair flowing like silk.
"Teacher Wu!" they chorused.
"Hm." He nodded, eyes sweeping over them. "You've done well."
"Teacher Wu—we've got THREE championships now!" X Xie Xie boasted. "Fang Yang's Singles, Tang Wulin's Forging, and our Team title!"
Wu Zhangkong smiled faintly—a rare sight. "I saw everything."
"Zhang Yangzi, Wang Jinxi—you shone too, though crownless."
"Thank you, Teacher Wu," they bowed.
"Follow me," Wu Zhangkong commanded, voice glacial.
They entered VIP Box 7—where Shen Yi stood by the window, snow-white hair gleaming.
"Senior Teacher Shen!" they greeted.
"Students," Shen Yi turned, smiling—jade-green gown highlighting her porcelain grace.
"Sit," Wu Zhangkong ordered.
As they settled, Shen Yi cut to the chase:
"There are two things that I have for you."
Fang Yang spoke for the group: "Please, Senior Teacher Shen."
Silence fell—all eyes on her.
"First:" Shen Yi's voice softened.
"On behalf of Shrek Academy—I invite all of you to join us."
A stone dropped into still water—ripples of shock spreading.
"What?!" Xie Xie shrieked, disbelief plastered on his face.
Shrek Academy—the continent's pinnacle—inviting him?!
Tension thickened the air.
Zhang Yangzi broke the silence: "Senior Teacher—Outer Court or Inner Court?"
(He recalled the Zhou sisters' brag about their Inner Court slots…)
"You dare to dream high," Wu Zhangkong snorted, icy.
Shen Yi smiled patiently:
"I can only offer Outer Court admission now. But with your talent, Inner Court is inevitable."
Another heavy pause.
All eyes locked onto Fang Yang—awaiting his verdict.
Fang Yang took a breath, resolve hardening:
"Senior Teacher Shen—we decline."
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