"Excellent, on behalf of the Tang Sect, I accept your applications."
Wu Changkong nodded slightly, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his emerald eyes.
He paused, then continued, "However, before that, you need to pass an entrance assessment."
"Only by passing the assessment can you officially become Outer Sect Disciples of the Tang Sect."
"Regarding the Tang Sect's various rules and regulations, benefits, and Disciple obligations, I will inform you in detail at an appropriate time."
Tang Wulin nodded in understanding.
Xie Xie, however, waved his hand dismissively, "A mere entrance assessment? A piece of cake!"
Wu Changkong glanced indifferently at Xie Xie, completely ignoring his bold declaration.
This impulsive Xie Xie was always so ignorant of his own limitations; it seemed he needed a good lesson.
"Fang Yang!"
Wu Changkong looked at the always silent Fang Yang, his tone sincere, "I sincerely hope you can join the Tang Sect. Of course, regarding your concerns about the compensation for withdrawing from the Spirit Transfer Pagoda, the Tang Sect is willing to bear all losses of Cultivation resources."
Fang Yang looked up, a hint of apology flashing in his eyes, "I'm very sorry, Teacher Wu, but I have no intention of withdrawing from the Spirit Transfer Pagoda."
Wu Changkong sighed softly, his gaze turning to Gu Yue, "Gu Yue, what about you…?"
"Teacher Wu."
Gu Yue spoke first, her long black hair swaying gently with her head shake, "Actually, I have already joined the Spirit Transfer Pagoda as well."
Wu Changkong's expression instantly froze, suppressing his inner disappointment, "You all…"
He had originally planned to recruit all these exceptionally talented students into the Tang Sect, but he hadn't expected that both Fang Yang and Gu Yue were already with the Spirit Transfer Pagoda.
This result left him silent.
The atmosphere in the room became somewhat awkward for a moment.
Tang Wulin and Xie Xie exchanged glances, unsure what to say.
Fang Yang and Gu Yue maintained calm expressions, but their eyes held a hint of apology.
"So be it, everyone has their own aspirations."
Wu Changkong finally broke the silence, regaining his usual composure, "However, I hope your team does not create a rift because you are in different organizations."
Fang Yang nodded solemnly, "That is natural, we are friends."
Gu Yue also softly echoed, "Teacher Wu, please rest assured."
Wu Changkong nodded slightly, and as he turned to leave, he stopped again, "Very good, that's all for today. You can go back and rest."
"Alright, Teacher Wu."
Everyone responded in unison.
After watching Wu Changkong leave, the four of them, including Fang Yang, silently walked out of the classroom.
On the way back to the dormitory, Tang Wulin looked into the distance, his eyes a little downcast. The fact that Fang Yang had chosen a different Dao from him weighed on his heart like a stone.
"Wu Lin?"
Xie Xie keenly noticed Tang Wulin's abnormality and quickly caught up with him, "Why are you so gloomy today? Usually, you're the most active one after dismissal."
"Ah?"
Tang Wulin seemed to awaken from a dream, "It's nothing, I'm just thinking about things…"
Xie Xie put his arm around Tang Wulin's shoulder, grinning, "Are you sad because of Fang Yang? It's okay, I'm here with you!"
Tang Wulin smiled faintly but didn't speak.
Fang Yang, who was walking behind, heard the conversation and quickened his pace to catch up, "Wu Lin, this isn't like the strong you I know."
"I…" Tang Wulin hesitated.
Fang Yang patted his shoulder, his tone gentle, "What's there to be sad about? I'm not leaving, it's just a different organization. We're still classmates, still teammates, and still the best of friends."
Tang Wulin was stunned, then suddenly laughed, the despondency in his eyes swept away, "Fang Yang, you're right!"
…
In the following days, Wu Changkong continuously arranged practical combat training.
The gap between Fang Yang and the others gradually disappeared; everyone slowly bonded, and their combat coordination became increasingly tacit.
This morning, when the six of them, including Fang Yang, arrived at the classroom.
Wu Changkong had already been waiting for a long time.
"Alright, today's practical combat training is canceled. We're going to the Spirit Transfer Pagoda!"
He issued the command concisely and turned to leave.
Fang Yang and the others exchanged glances and quickly followed.
Wu Changkong's voice was cold, "From today onwards, you will have one opportunity each week to enter the Spirit Ascension Platform for Cultivation. This is a resource the academy specifically fought for you, so you must cherish it."
"What? The Spirit Ascension Platform?"
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi exclaimed in unison.
The Spirit Ascension Platform is a mysterious space created by the Spirit Transfer Pagoda, specifically provided for Spirit Masters to gain experience and improve their strength.
Within it, the Spirit Ascension Platform simulates the Spirit Beast forests of ancient times, where Spirit Masters can battle various Spirit Beasts. After killing a Spirit Beast, they can absorb special energy to enhance their Soul Spirit Cultivation.
Most importantly, this is a completely virtual space, and Spirit Masters are protected by the Spirit Ascension Platform. Even if they die within the Spirit Ascension Platform, they will not truly die.
To enter the Spirit Ascension Platform, one not only needs to pay exorbitant fees but also requires precious entry quotas.
Each month, the Primary Spirit Ascension Platform only opens one thousand entry slots.
Xie Xie couldn't help but say, "The academy truly has a grand plan! To actually let us train in the Spirit Ascension Platform, it seems joining Zero Class was a very correct decision."
His eyes gleamed with excitement, and suddenly remembering something, he added with a mischievous smile, "If Wei Xiaofeng knew about this, he would definitely regret it so much his guts would turn green. Haha!"
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi exchanged glances, both feeling sorry for their old friend, Wei Xiaofeng.
Tang Wulin quickly interjected, "Xie Xie, stop talking."
Xie Xie pouted and quieted down.
The East Sea City Spirit Transfer Pagoda, as one of the eighteen major sub-pagodas of the Spirit Transfer Pagoda organization, is known as one of the "Eighteen Heavenly Pillars" alongside the other seventeen large Spirit Transfer Pagodas.
Even in East Sea City, with its many tall buildings, this massive pagoda, over four hundred meters high, remains an undisputed landmark.
From a distance, the Spirit Transfer Pagoda stands majestically, its base octagonal, occupying an extremely vast area.
The pagoda body narrows inwards every ten floors it rises, until it reaches the spire at the top. The entire building is grand and imposing, inspiring awe.
The academy clearly had arrangements made long ago.
When Fang Yang and the others walked up the wide steps to the main entrance, Director of Education Long Hengxu was already waiting there.
"Teacher Wu." Long Hengxu quickly came forward to greet him.
"Director Long."
Wu Changkong simply nodded in acknowledgment, still expressionless.
Long Hengxu made a gesture to invite them, "Please follow me."
Entering the first floor of the Spirit Transfer Pagoda, they were first struck by the magnificent interior decoration. The floor was paved with dark gold stone, featuring dazzling natural patterns.
Wu Changkong reminded them, "When you enter the Spirit Ascension Platform later, you will only be able to rely on yourselves."
Tang Wulin asked in surprise, "Teacher Wu, aren't you coming in with us?"
"The Primary Spirit Ascension Platform is only accessible to Spirit Masters below Four-Ring."
Wu Changkong explained.
Long Hengxu took over, "Don't worry, we will be monitoring your situation from outside throughout. "
"If there is any danger, you must immediately withdraw voluntarily. We will explain the precautions in detail to you shortly."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On my Patreon, I have several advance chapters available if you're interested in more than 100:
- For $1, you get 20 fewer chapters than the $2.50 tier.
- For $2.50, you get 40 fewer chapters than the $4 tier.
- And for $4, you get them all.
The number of chapters is updated every 7 days and increases by 7 to 8 chapters.
My Patre*n: pa*r*on*com/FanTranslator