Chapter 45: "You Win"
As Tang Wulin stepped onto the scene, the revelation of his final test results left Xie Xie and Wu Zhangkong in sheer astonishment. Two hundred and twelve points marked a staggering improvement from his previous performance.
Meanwhile, Gu Yuena had ascended to the pinnacle, boasting an impressive 500 points in the Spirit Connection Realm. Wu Zhangkong, visibly satisfied, interpreted this as a sign that Gu Yuena had remained dedicated to her cultivation during the holidays.
Anping maintained control over his mental power value at an unwavering 500 points, prompting little surprise except for Xu Xiaoyan's intrigued expression. They all understood that reaching the spiritual sea realm was no small feat.
In the wake of the revelation, Xu Xiaoyan belatedly grasped the extraordinary nature of Class Zero. Despite excelling in what she believed was her strongest suit—mental strength, slightly surpassing even Xie Xie—she found herself at the bottom in every other aspect of testing.
Wishing to bridge the gap, Xu Xiaoyan raised her hand and inquired, "Teacher Wu, may I request another test tonight?"
Wu Zhangkong, moved by Xu Xiaoyan's determination, questioned, "Will your mental power truly strengthen during the night?"
"Yes," Xu Xiaoyan nodded earnestly.
Acknowledging the request, Wu Zhangkong agreed, "Alright, we'll conduct another test in the evening."
Caught in the exchange, Xie Xie voiced his confusion, "Does mental power vary between day and night? What kind of peculiar constitution is this?"
Although Xie Xie's words were hushed, they didn't escape Wu Zhangkong's notice. Glancing at Xie Xie, he retorted, "Don't be so naive. On the vast Douluo Continent, nothing is impossible."
After the conclusive tests, Wu Zhangkong ushered the group to the training ground. "Physical assessments are complete, and your results are commendable. Now, let's transition to practical combat training to gauge the growth in your combat prowess."
Amidst the bewilderment of the newcomers, Xu Xiaoyan sought clarification, "Practical training? What about actual combat?"
Wu Zhangkong, with a calm demeanor, responded, "You five will face each other. I will limit myself to the first two soul skills, compressing my soul power to two levels. Xu Xiaoyan, having just entered Zero Class, you have five minutes to familiarize yourselves with each other's abilities."
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Xu Xiaoyan nodded obediently. Tang Wulin, however, cautioned, "Don't underestimate it. Even with just the first two soul skills, Teacher Wu is formidable. Dealing with him won't be as easy as you might think." This reminder harkened back to Tang Wulin's previous aerial skirmish with Wu Zhangkong.
Xu Xiaoyan nodded solemnly, a commitment not to take the upcoming challenge lightly evident in his expression.
Tang Wulin, taking charge, initiated a discussion about their respective abilities. Addressing Xu Xiaoyan, he observed, "Your martial spirit is akin to your brother's. Are you proficient in the same areas?"
A subtle nod from Xu Xiaoyan conveyed affirmation. "Indeed, both long-range attacks and ice element control. My first soul skill is Ice Wheel, similar to my brother's, but I have slightly better control, particularly at night. Its potency increases under the cover of darkness."
Tang Wulin, unfazed by the lack of night, offered a reassuring smile. "Not to worry. Stay behind me, and I'll do my best to protect you." Proceeding with introductions, he delineated his own abilities, presenting his Blue Silver Grass martial spirit and its potent Entangling skill, as witnessed during the recent test.
Gesturing towards his companions, Tang Wulin continued the briefing. "Xie Xie, with his twin martial soul of Light Dragon Dagger and Shadow Dragon Dagger, excels in agility and offensive maneuvers. Anping and Gu Yuena possess a Book and Elemental martial soul, respectively, granting them diverse elemental control."
Tang Wulin concluded the overview by introducing Wu Zhangkong's martial prowess. Xu Xiaoyan absorbed the information with a nod, now equipped with a comprehensive understanding of Class Zero.
Encouraged by Xu Xiaoyan's acknowledgment, Tang Wulin advised, "Act according to the situation during the bout."
The allocated five minutes elapsed swiftly, and Wu Zhangkong, with his trademark composure, signaled the commencement of the exercise. "Preparation time is over; let's begin. Go all out."
As martial spirits were summoned, Xu Xiaoyan couldn't help but be astonished by Tang Wulin's initial purple soul ring. The presence of a thousand-year soul ring as his first evoked admiration and explained his role as captain.
However, the revelation that both Anping and Gu Yuena possessed two purple soul rings left everyone in awe. The rarity of two thousand-year soul rings at their age sparked collective amazement.
Tang Wulin, intimately acquainted with the challenges of obtaining a thousand-year soul ring, marveled at Anping and Gu Yuena's achievement. Their simultaneous elevation to a thousand-year soul ring level surpassed his expectations.
Observing from a distance, Long Hengxu, the teaching director, shared in the astonishment, not foreseeing such rapid attainment of two thousand-year soul rings within Class Zero.
In Wu Zhangkong's mind, a contemplative realization surfaced. He surmised that the Spirit Pagoda played a pivotal role in this extraordinary feat. The revelation that Anping and Gu Yuena swiftly attained the thousand-year threshold indicated the provision of spiritual objects enhancing their physical prowess within the Spirit Tower. Wu Zhangkong pondered this unexpected advantage, acknowledging the impact of the Spirit Pagoda on their rapid soul ring progression.
Amidst the collective astonishment over Anping and Gu Yuena's extraordinary soul rings, Xie Xie managed to swiftly regain composure. The sheer power displayed by his fellow classmates left a lasting impression on him.
Among the bystanders, Anping and Gu Yuena maintained a calm demeanor, nonchalantly releasing ice cone fireballs. Wu Zhangkong, unimpressed, effortlessly dispelled their casual attacks, his voice cutting through the air with cold precision. "A mere thousand-year soul ring. On the battlefield, the enemy won't pause to admire it. In that time, you'd be struck down countless times."
Wu Zhangkong's stern words resonated like a sudden chill, snapping the others out of their awe-induced stupor.
Reacting swiftly, Tang Wulin leveraged the newfound control over his Blue Silver Grass, orchestrating a dense network to engulf the space between them and Wu Zhangkong. His right arm adorned with shimmering golden dragon scales, he maintained a vigilant stance against any potential surprise from the formidable teacher.
Anping, strategic and observant, calculated Wu Zhangkong's every move, casting control spells to disrupt his rhythm.
Gu Yuena, attuned to the elements, conjured wind blade ice cones, exploiting the weaknesses exposed by Anping's calculated harassments. Wu Zhangkong found himself compelled to adjust his maneuvers to counter each relentless assault.
At a breakneck speed, Xie Xie circled behind Wu Zhangkong, dagger poised for a swift strike. However, Wu Zhangkong's purple eyes gleamed, and the Sky Frost Sword, a manifestation of his first soul ring, responded with finesse. Silken threads of sword energy intercepted and nullified the imminent attacks—whether Blue Silver Grass or other assailants.
In a seamless motion, Wu Zhangkong reversed his grip on the blue long sword, accurately aiming at Xie Xie's approaching dagger. A chill enveloped Xie Xie, sending him reeling backward.
Seizing the moment, Xu Xiaoyan exploited the distraction caused by Xie Xie's attempted strike. Activating her first soul skill, Ice Wheel, a pale blue ice wheel hurtled towards Wu Zhangkong with determined precision.
The ice wheel raced toward its target at a formidable speed, leaving little time for Wu Zhangkong to counter with his long sword. Employing a series of elusive steps, Wu Zhangkong skillfully maneuvered past the incoming ice wheel. Xu Xiaoyan's calculation, though not on par with Anping's precision, had minimal impact on the seasoned teacher.
In an unexpected turn, Wu Zhangkong's forward movement halted abruptly. A subtle magic circle emanated a faint glow as a set of blue chains coiled around his right ankle—a triggering spell mode recently mastered by Anping, ready to activate upon command.
The frost chains, surprisingly resilient, momentarily restrained Wu Zhangkong. Even with an intensified soul power output, he found himself unable to break free immediately. Sensing the impending threat, Wu Zhangkong summoned his strength, shattering the frost chains just as the encroaching ice prison emerged.
Acknowledging Anping's strategic move, Wu Zhangkong nodded imperceptibly, conceding, "You win."
Xie Xie couldn't contain his elation, marking the first victory for Class Zero in combat training against their formidable instructor.
As the ice prison dissipated, Wu Zhangkong gestured for the group to gather around. It was evident that the next step involved a collective debriefing to extract valuable insights from the confrontation.
Observing from the sidelines, Long Hengxu nodded with satisfaction. Witnessing Class Zero secure a victory against Wu Zhangkong in combat training hinted at significant progress. Content with the outcome, he turned away, aware that maintaining the high standards set by the recent transfers, Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi, posed a continual challenge for him.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
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