"Oh?" Shen Yi raised a brow, surprise flickering in her eyes. "You're certain you won't regret this?"
"Yes," Fang Yang replied firmly, voice steady.
"Class Zero's purpose is to earn our place at Shrek Academy through our own strength."
He glanced at Wu Zhangkong, respect shining in his eyes.
"And we won't betray Teacher Wu's tireless guidance."
Wu Zhangkong's emerald eyes warmed, the faintest smile touching his lips.
"Very well," Shen Yi nodded, admiration in her gaze.
"I respect your resolve. Now—the second matter…"
Her tone turned grave:
"I urge you to join the Tang Sect!"
Seeing their astonishment, she raised a hand. "Don't refuse yet—hear me out."
"Shrek Academy has Outer and Inner Courts—but the true core is the Sea God Pavilion!"
"To enter it, talent is merely the baseline. What matters is organizational allegiance."
Her eyes swept over them:
"Only Tang Sect members or the unaffiliated may gain the Pavilion's recognition."
Xie Xie blurted: "So joining the Tang Sect is the only path to the Sea God Pavilion?"
"Not the only path—but the surest one," Shen Yi sipped her tea.
"The Tang Sect and Shrek's bond spans 20,000 years."
Silence gripped Box 7…
"Fang Yang, Gu Yue," Shen Yi softened her voice.
"Withdraw from the Spirit Pagoda, and Shrek will double-compensate the Pagoda for all resources you've used."
Wu Zhangkong watched Fang Yang—hopeful.
Tang Wulin and Xie Xie leaned in—expectant.
"I'm sorry, Senior Teacher Shen," Fang Yang broke the quiet.
"I have no intention of joining the Tang Sect."
"Nor I," Gu Yue added, cool and resolute.
Xu Xiaoyan murmured: "My family has other plans for me."
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi chorused: "We're joining the War God Hall."
Tang Wulin and Xie Xie stared, dumbfounded.
"Are we being scammed?!"
Five of seven rejecting the Tang Sect—was the Sect's glory just a myth?
"I respect your choices," Shen Yi sighed, though her eyes gleamed with calculation.
"Enough," Wu Zhangkong rose, ending the meeting.
"Return to your quarters."
"Yes, Teacher Wu!" they bowed, exiting together.
Outside, they slowed their steps.
Fang Yang spoke first: "Do any of you regret refusing Shrek?"
"Shrek? We'll crush their entrance exam!" Xie Xie waved dismissively, youthful arrogance blazing.
"Exactly!" Tang Wulin grinned, eyes burning with conviction.
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi nodded fiercely.
Xu Xiaoyan shook her head—no regrets.
Gu Yue stood silently beside Fang Yang—her loyalty unspoken, absolute.
"Fang Yang—why won't you join the Tang Sect?" Tang Wulin asked, curious.
All eyes locked onto Fang Yang.
He paused, then murmured: "The Tang Sect… isn't for me."
("That 'pure-hearted' Tang God-King's sect? Not a chance.")
'Though… the Ice-Fire Yin-Yang Well's treasures… might be worth 'borrowing'…'
"I see…" Tang Wulin nodded thoughtfully.
"You two really joining the War God Hall?" Xie Xie pressed Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi.
"Absolutely!" they said in unison.
"Alright—see you at the awards ceremony," Fang Yang said, taking Gu Yue's and Xu Xiaoyan's hands.
As they left—
Tang Wulin sought Ouyang Zixin, Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi rushed to meet the Zhou sisters, Fang Yang walked between his girls—
—and Xie Xie stood abandoned, sky collapsing once more.
He watched them vanish, heart heavy, voice cracking to the heavens:
"Why am I always the one left bleeding?!"
---
Afternoon—Tianhai Stadium
The Tianhai Alliance Grand Tournament concluded.
Fang Yang's group waited by the podium, sunlight gilding the arena.
"Now, welcome the Singles Competition Champion—Fang Yang of Donghai Academy's Class Zero!"
The announcer's voice ignited thunderous applause.
Fang Yang ascended, white robes sharp against the spotlight, youthful vigor radiating.
"Next—Three-Person Team Champions—Class Zero of Donghai Academy!"
Gu Yue led Xu Xiaoyan and Xie Xie onto the stage…
"Five-Person Team Champions—Tianhai Academy!"
"Seven-Person Team Champions—Tianhai Academy!"
One by one, winners claimed golden medals and embossed certificates.
"Thank you," Fang Yang bowed politely, accepting his prize.
Donghai Academy's victory was total.
In the stands—
Dean Long Hengxu slapped his thigh, ecstatic: "I KNEW Class Zero would deliver!"
Nearby students rolled their eyes, whispering: "Who was sweating bullets before the matches?"
"Teacher Wu—this triumph is all your doing!" Long Hengxu beamed at Wu Zhangkong.
"Their own effort," Wu Zhangkong replied flatly—though pride glowed in his eyes.
He watched his students bask in glory, his icy demeanor softening.
Class Zero had proven their strength—and unbreakable bonds.
This unfought championship would forever mark their youth—a trophy of trust, not triumph.
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