Tianhai City — Luxury Hotel
Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, gilding the suite in warm gold.
Xie Xie lay sprawled on the bed, stretching with a groan.
"Finally—back to the academy!" he sighed at the ceiling, relief in his voice. "These matches drained me!"
Fang Yang nodded. "True—the Tianhai Alliance Grand Tournament ended well."
"Hey, Fang Yang!" Xie Xie bolted upright, eyes gleaming.
"With all these championships, will Dean Long give us a few days off?"
Fang Yang smirked. "Knowing him—he'll hold a school-wide awards ceremony first… then…"
He drew out the pause, watching Xie Xie's hopeful face.
"Then what?" Xie Xie demanded.
"Double training."
Fang Yang deadpanned—then burst out laughing.
"NO!" Xie Xie wailed, collapsing back onto the bed. "We brought the Academy glory!"
Knock. Knock.
Gu Yue's cool voice floated through the door:
"Fang Yang—we're leaving. Teacher Wu waits downstairs."
"Coming!" Fang Yang called back, winking at Xie Xie.
"Up—unless you want Teacher Wu's 'special training'?"
Xie Xie leapt up like a spring. "I'm moving!"
Fang Yang shook his head, smiling.
Outside, Tianhai City stirred awake, peaceful in the dawn light.
---
Soon, Donghai Academy's delegation gathered outside the hotel.
Wu Zhangkong stood ready—impeccable in white, ice-blue hair flowing.
"Teacher Wu!" they greeted in unison.
He nodded, scanning the group—when an unexpected figure appeared.
Ye Xinglan wore a sun-yellow dress, radiant in the morning glow.
"Teacher Wu—apologies for the interruption," she bowed politely. "May I speak with Fang Yang?"
"Ooooh~?" Xie Xie waggled his eyebrows.
Tang Wulin gaped. Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi exZhanged knowing smirks.
Pinch! Pinch!
Fang Yang winced—Gu Yue and Xu Xiaoyan's fingers dug into his waist.
"Easy…" he hissed, forcing a calm expression.
"Hmph!" Both girls snorted, turning away.
Wu Zhangkong recognized Shen Yi's student, surprise flickering in his eyes.
"Fang Yang—make it quick."
"Understood, Teacher Wu," Fang Yang nodded.
As Ye Xinglan led him aside, Wu Zhangkong watched their backs, thoughtful.
Gu Yue's elements, Xu Xiaoyan's Star Wheel Ice Staff… now Ye Xinglan?
Fang Yang's charm was… excessive.
"Senior Sister Xinglan…" Xu Lizhi approached, voice trembling.
"Don't follow me. Call me by name," Ye Xinglan said without turning.
"I have matters to discuss with Fang Yang."
"I…" Xu Lizhi clenched his fists, hatred blazing in his eyes.
'Fang Yang… why steal MY Xinglan?!'
"Xinglan—why'd you seek me out?" Fang Yang asked gently.
"Shen Teacher said Class Zero rejected Shrek's invitation…" Ye Xinglan hesitated.
"Correct," Fang Yang confirmed.
"Why?" She stared into his eyes. "It's Shrek Academy!"
"Unnecessary," he replied calmly. "In three years—I'll earn my place there."
"Then… I'll wait for you," she softened, pulling a wooden sword from her ring.
"Take this—it's my first practice sword. A keepsake."
Her ears turned pink.
"Thank you, Xinglan," Fang Yang accepted it reverently.
After a pause, he offered a jade vial:
"My refined pill—it doubles cultivation efficiency."
"Thank you, Fang Yang," she tucked it away carefully.
"Time to go," Fang Yang glanced at the sky.
"Mm," she nodded—then called as he turned: "Fang Yang—wait!"
"Yes?" He turned back.
Ye Xinglan took a breath, extending her hand:
"Can we… shake hands?"
Fang Yang paused—then smiled warmly:
"Of course, Xinglan."
He clasped her hand—warmth, a faint tremor.
Xu Lizhi watched, veins bulging.
He'd never touched her sleeve—and now Fang Yang held her hand?!
His vision reddened—he nearly lunged.
("Nice grip," Fang Yang thought fleetingly.)
"That's enough…" Ye Xinglan withdrew her hand, blushing. "I'll await you at Shrek Academy."
"Count on it," Fang Yang promised.
As Ye Xinglan walked away, Xu Lizhi rushed after her: "Senior Sister—!"
"Don't follow me," she cut coldly.
"But we grew up together—!" he pleaded.
"Just acquaintances," she spat, striding faster.
Xu Lizhi stood frozen, rage twisting his face:
"Fang Yang… this is ALL YOUR FAULT!"
---
When Fang Yang returned, Dean Long Hengxu had arrived.
"You rascal…" Long shook his head, amused.
Wu Zhangkong remained impassive: "Depart."
(Though inwardly: "Fang Yang's luck with women is absurd.")
If Fang Yang knew Wu Zhangkong's thoughts, he'd cry injustice.
He didn't understand why girls flocked to him—
Was it the readers lending him their charm? (Wink, wink)
Unbeknownst to him, his Myriad Beast Spirit Fire didn't just attract spirit beasts—it radiated an irresistible allure to humans too.
As Donghai's delegation boarded the soul-guided bus, Tianhai City receded through the windows.
Fang Yang watched the scenery blur, heart heavy with unspoken feelings.
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