"Wulin—you did great," Fang Yang smiled warmly, stepping forward.
"Of course!" Tang Wulin beamed with victory.
Zhang Yangzi rolled his sore shoulders, grinning. "At least we didn't disgrace Class Zero!"
His eyes sparkled with exhilaration.
Even the ever-silent Wang Jinxi cracked a rare smile—a subtle upturn of lips, yet unmistakable joy.
"And Zhang Yangzi, Wang Jinxi—that Martial Soul Fusion Skill was flawless," Fang Yang praised.
Tang Wulin scratched his head, bashful. "Really, it's thanks to them! If their Shadow Eagle Dragon hadn't blocked that Ice Forest—"
"Stop that!" Zhang Yangzi slung an arm around Tang Wulin's neck.
"If you hadn't crushed Wang Dongqi, we'd have lost!"
Wang Jinxi nodded firmly, echoing his words.
Fang Yang watched their camaraderie—warmth in his eyes.
—
VIP Box 1
Zhang Zhenpeng fumed in humiliation.
He'd invited Long Huantian to showcase Hailu's Martial Soul Fusion Skill—only for Donghai to counter with their OWN fusion—and WIN?!
Martial Soul Fusion Skills were legendary, peerless—two clashing in one match?!
He'd been outplayed—outmaneuvered by capital itself!
Long Huantian stood abruptly, thoughtful.
"If you want Inner Court slots… present your students to the Alliance Council."
He glanced at Zhang Zhenpeng, meaningful. "Opportunities exist… for those who seize them."
Then—he strode out.
Zhang Zhenpeng's eyes reignited. "Thank you, Brother Huantian!" he called after him, bowing deeply.
—
Arena Floor
Hailu's trio approached.
Fang Yang turned, eyebrow raised.
Wang Dongqi, Zhou Hanyou, and Zhou Tian'er walked over, battle-worn yet composed, grace intact.
"Are you Donghai's captain?" Wang Dongqi asked politely.
The twins stood silently behind her.
"Yes. What can I do for you?" Fang Yang replied calmly.
"We'd like to speak with Tang Wulin, Wang Jinxi, and Zhang Yangzi," Wang Dongqi explained, eyes flicking to the trio.
Fang Yang nodded, shooing them forward. "Go on—they're waiting for you."
Tang Wulin shook his head, ears reddening. "I'll pass—Senior Sister might misunderstand…"
Ouyang Zixin's sweet face flashed in his mind.
He nudged Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi. "You two go."
"Uh… well…" Zhang Yangzi stammered, face flushing crimson.
Wang Jinxi ducked his head, uncharacteristically shy.
"Wulin's refusal I get—but you're scared?" Xie Xie teased, eyes gleaming.
"Who's scared?!" Zhang Yangzi straightened, yanking Wang Jinxi's sleeve. "Let's go!"
Tsk tsk tsk…
Xie Xie watched them march stiffly, grinning knowingly.
"Brothers… I've done my part."
"Ah—some poor soul misses out…" Tang Wulin drawled, smirking.
"TANG WULIN!" Xie Xie sputtered, mock-outraged.
"Don't fret, Xie Xie," Fang Yang soothed. "Your destined one just hasn't appeared yet."
"Really?" Xie Xie's eyes lit with hope.
"You'll meet her," Fang Yang said firmly, (while thinking: "And when you do—good luck surviving her.")
He knew Xie Xie's fate: Yuan'en Yehui—a force of nature.
"Ooooh~?" Tang Wulin winked, dramatic.
"Remember someone claiming, 'Women slow my training'?"
"That was past Xie Xie! Nothing to do with me!" Xie Xie deflected, blustering.
"Classic Xie Xie." Tang Wulin shook his head, laughing.
"Alright—Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi are back!" Fang Yang cut in.
Both snapped to attention, smiles wide.
"So? How'd it go?" Xie Xie grinned.
"We got their contacts!" Zhang Yangzi waved his soul-guided comm, triumphant.
Wang Jinxi nodded, rare excitement in his eyes.
"Whose contacts?" Xu Xiaoyan leaned in, curious.
"Zhou Hanyou and Zhou Tian'er, of course!" Zhang Yangzi burst.
Tang Wulin chuckled. "Shared Martial Soul Fusion Skills—love at first sight?"
"Exactly!" Zhang Yangzi admitted proudly.
"Good for you!" Fang Yang encouraged. "Cherish it."
"We will!" Zhang Yangzi vowed.
Then—he turned to Xie Xie, sincere: "Today… thank you."
Without Xie Xie's nudge, they'd have missed this chance.
Wang Jinxi added quietly: "Xie Xie…"
Xie Xie waved it off, smug. "Pfft—what's a friend for?"
"Mm." The duo nodded—gratitude sealed in silence.
"Time to report to Teacher Wu," Fang Yang declared.
They cheered in agreement.
As they left, Fang Yang took Gu Yue's hand in his left, Xu Xiaoyan's in his right, laughter trailing their steps back to the hotel.
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