The luxury hotel lobby glittered under crystal chandeliers, radiance soft yet opulent.
Fang Yang's group stepped inside, heading to report to Wu Zhangkong—
when a uniformed attendant intercepted them.
"Good day—may I confirm if you're Class Zero of Donghai Academy?" the attendant bowed politely.
Fang Yang stepped forward as captain. "Yes. I'm Fang Yang, Class Zero's leader. What's the matter?"
"Apologies for the interruption," the attendant smiled professionally.
"Master Wu instructed: upon your return, proceed directly to the third-floor restaurant."
"Understood—thank you," Fang Yang nodded.
"My pleasure," the attendant bowed again, departing swiftly.
Once he left, Tang Wulin scratched his head, puzzled.
"Teacher Wu wants us for dinner? That's… unusual."
"A victory feast?!" Xie Xie eyes lit up, rubbing his hands.
"We did just win spectacularly!"
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi exchanged wary glances—
Their stern teacher never arranged such gatherings!
"Fang Yang—any idea what's going on?" Xu Xiaoyan tugged his sleeve.
Gu Yue said nothing, but her calm eyes questioned him.
"Not sure," Fang Yang shrugged. "But if Teacher Wu arranged it—we'll find out upstairs."
They nodded, curiosity piqued but obedient.
The seven took the soul-guided elevator to the third floor.
Ding!
Elegant piano notes and aromatic scents greeted them.
The restaurant gleamed with refinement, crystal lights casting a gentle glow.
"Welcome! Are you Donghai Academy's Class Zero?" a server approached instantly.
"We are. Looking for Master Wu," Fang Yang confirmed.
"Master Wu awaits in Suite 313—this way, please."
The server led them down a corridor, knocking gently on the door before opening it.
Inside—all froze.
Wu Zhangkong stood impeccable in white, ice-blue hair flowing.
Beside him—a stunning woman (mid-twenties), snow-white hair cascading, emerald eyes bright, dressed in a jade-green gown that highlighted her porcelain skin and noble grace.
"This is Shen Yi—a… acquaintance," Wu Zhangkong stated coldly.
"Acquaintance?" Shen Yi laughed softly, cutting him off.
"Must you be so formal, Zhangkong?"
Her tone dripped with fond familiarity.
(Except Fang Yang and Gu Yue, the others exchanged sly glances—"Our icy Teacher Wu… has a beautiful 'acquaintance'?!")
"Students—hello," Shen Yi stepped forward, graceful.
"I'm Shen Yi—your teacher's junior sister."
"Teacher Shen!" Fang Yang led the group in a crisp bow.
Then—
"FANG YANG?!"
Ye Xinglan's voice shattered the moment.
From the corner, Shrek's seven stared in surprise—Ye Xinglan never expected Wu Zhangkong's students to be them.
Xu Lizhi glowered at Fang Yang, hatred masked by a fake smile.
"Xinglan—long time no see," Fang Yang smiled warmly—
—then yelped internally.
Left and right— Gu Yue and Xu Xiaoyan's fingers dug into his waist.
He forced a serene expression, peeking sideways:
Gu Yue's eyes: deadly
Xu Xiaoyan's pout: betrayed.
Awkward silence clashed with distant piano music.
Wu Zhangkong cleared his throat, breaking the tension.
"Everyone's here—sit."
As Wu Zhangkong and Shen Yi took their seats, both squads followed—the spacious round table suddenly feeling cramped.
"Waiter—serve the dishes," Shen Yi commanded.
"At once, honored guests," the server bowed outside.
"These are Shrek Academy's prodigies," Wu Zhangkong gestured to the seven, voice flat.
"Teacher Shen—please have them introduce themselves."
"Since Teacher Wu insists…" Shen Yi smiled, nodding to her students.
They stood one by one:
- "Yu Tiangang—Level 48 Assault Soul Ancestor. Martial Soul: Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon." (Tall, commanding)
- "Ning Xinrong—Level 38 Support Soul Grandmaster. Martial Soul: Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda." (Elegant, poised)
- "Shi Lie—Level 45 Defense Soul Ancestor. Martial Soul: Stone Soul Shield." (Burly, stoic)
- "Su Yan—Level 42 Control Soul Ancestor. Martial Soul: Green Vine Net." (Glasses, scholarly)
- "Bai Hua—Level 40 Agile-Attack Soul Ancestor. Martial Soul: White Crane." (Lithe, sharp)
- "Ye Xinglan—Level 28 Assault Soul Grandmaster. Martial Soul: Star God Sword." (Brief, intense)
- "Xu Lizhi—Level 27 Support Soul Grandmaster. Martial Soul: Bun." (Grinning, harmless)
Young, yet their power commanded respect.
"You saw them," Wu Zhangkong addressed Class Zero, face impassive.
"This squad crushed last year's Adult Division champions—ten years their senior—with ease."
"Learn from them. Train harder."
"Yes, Teacher Wu," Class Zero replied mechanically—inwardly unimpressed.
To them, Fang Yang and Gu Yue dwarfed these "prodigies"—and their own victory over Shrek was only a matter of time.
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