The September sunlight filtered through the gaps in the sycamore leaves, casting dappled shadows on the windowsill of Class Zero at Donghai Academy. The soul-guided calendar on the back wall displayed today's date, but two desks at the front of the classroom remained empty—those belonging to Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi.
Tang Wulin was puzzled by Gu Yue's sudden cold demeanor when Xie Xie suddenly nudged him with his elbow.
A newfound aura of toughness surrounded Xie Xie, clearly the result of intensive training during the holiday. "Women are like that—they're always throwing tantrums. After school, let's go eat some stewed beef…"
Xie Xie lowered his voice, but his words were interrupted by the creak of the metal door hinges.
Wu Zhangkong entered the classroom, bringing with him the chill of early autumn. His silver hair flowed freely, and a flicker of regret passed through his icy gaze as he glanced at the empty seats.
"Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi have withdrawn from school due to personal reasons."
He tapped the lectern with his fingers, his deep voice freezing all whispers in the room. "Class Zero welcomes a new member—Xu Xiaoyan, come in."
Accompanied by the sound of tinkling laughter, the young girl bounced into view.
Her light purple uniform skirt fluttered like butterfly wings, and the silver pendant around her neck jingled softly. "Hello everyone~ I'm Xu Xiaoyan, my martial soul is the Ice Wheel Staff. I'm a Level 16 control-type battle soul master. Please take care of me!"
"You've already met her in the Rebellion Spirit Ascension Platform. Get acquainted on your own time."
Wu Zhangkong's expression didn't change as he waited for Xu Xiaoyan to sit down. "First, let's talk about this semester's tasks. The academy requires you to secure a top-three finish in the Tianhai Alliance Grand Tournament. But in my book, if you don't win first place, everyone's training load will double."
As he spoke, Wu Zhangkong couldn't help but feel regret. If Wang Jinxi and Zhang Yangzi hadn't left, the class would have had exactly seven members, allowing them to compete in the seven-person team event. Now, they could only participate in the three-person competition.
"Also, Tang Wulin will be participating in the blacksmithing competition. Does anyone else plan to compete in a secondary profession?"
Wu Zhangkong directed his question primarily at Gu La and Gu Yue. These two were always full of surprises, and he wondered what level of secondary profession they might pursue.
Gu Yue was even colder than last semester. She ignored Tang Wulin's greeting entirely and showed no interest in competing alongside a group of human children.
Gu La, however, had not neglected his secondary profession. He raised his hand and said,
"Teacher Wu, I'll participate in the blacksmithing competition."
Wu Zhangkong was slightly surprised. He had assumed that with Gu La's mental strength, he would choose a different secondary profession path. But he didn't press further and simply nodded.
"Good. Now, let's head to the testing room and see how much you've grown over the break."
On the way to the testing room, Xie Xie poked Tang Wulin. "Guess what level of blacksmith Gu La is? I bet at least level three!"
Blacksmithing was the most difficult of the four secondary professions, heavily reliant on talent. Exceptional blacksmiths were always highly sought after by major factions, so Xie Xie's guess wasn't unreasonable.
But Tang Wulin had a hunch. He himself could forge beyond his level, and given Gu La's body capable of withstanding three ten-thousand-year soul rings, his blacksmithing level might not be lower than his own.
Tang Wulin had always been proud of his forging talent, but now, he felt a strange heaviness in his heart.
However, it wasn't jealousy—it was determination. He resolved to challenge Gu La properly in the competition.
"I may not be his match in combat for now, but in forging, I absolutely won't lose to Gu La!"
Inside Tang Wulin, "Old Tang" observed all of this. For the past month, he had been vigilant, trying to uncover the mastermind behind the attacks targeting him.
But no matter how hard he searched, he couldn't transcend time and space to find the true culprit.
This added a shadow of unease to Tang San's usually meticulous mind.
---
From the very beginning, Tang San never suspected Gu La. Perhaps Gu La's talent was extraordinary, but in the eyes of a God King, it was nothing special. Tang San had countless methods to help his son surpass others, and as long as he refined the Golden Dragon King's energy, it would pave a smooth path to becoming a God King.
In the testing room filled with soul-guided sensors, Xu Xiaoyan was the first to step up. The machines emitted a faint hum.
Her spiritual power reading stabilized at 239, while her strength was a mere 46 kg.
Wu Zhangkong shook his head slightly and commented, "Your spiritual power is good, but your physical conditioning is too poor. Weaknesses in physical fitness will limit the years of your soul rings. You need to focus on Fortifying your body moving forward."
He paused for a moment. "Some of you may have heard that a pharmaceutical company called Arceus recently appeared in Donghai City. Their Body-Forging Bone-Fortifying Solution effectively improves training efficiency and has been unanimously recommended by the Tang Sect, the Federation, and the Spirit Pagoda."
"The academy will ensure you have enough of the solution daily. Your task is to fully utilize its effects and unlock your potential."
Wu Zhangkong had learned about the Body-Forging Bone-Fortifying Solution during his visit to the Tang Sect over the break. He had even purchased concentrated solutions tailored for Soul Emperors (Level 6) and Soul Sages (Level 7).
It must be said that the previously tedious and monotonous training became noticeably more effective after consuming the solution. The feeling of progress and reward made any ambitious soul master addicted!
As for the minor side effects like excessive sweating and slight muscle soreness during training, they were negligible.
The Tang Sect had already developed complementary fatigue-relief potions, which were openly sold. The Federation and the Spirit Pagoda also had their own methods to maximize the solution's effects.
"Old Tang" became intrigued upon hearing this. If Tang Wulin could accelerate his physical conditioning, it would speed up the unsealing of the Golden Dragon King's bloodline.
He transmitted a message to Tang Wulin: "Go ask about the specific ingredients of the solution. I want to check for any side effects."
"Huh?"
Tang Wulin hesitated. Such an important formula wouldn't be disclosed easily, would it?
But he didn't want to disobey Old Tang, who had always helped him. Raising his hand, he asked, "Teacher Wu, such an excellent solution—does it have any side effects? Could it contain stimulants?"
Wu Zhangkong was momentarily taken aback. He hadn't expected the usually obedient Tang Wulin to ask such a question.
He wasn't angry and patiently explained, "Tang Wulin's caution is correct. There's no such thing as a free lunch in this world. Soul masters should always remain vigilant."
"However, the Body-Forging Bone-Fortifying Solution is different. Arceus Pharmaceuticals knew they couldn't keep the formula secret, so they traded it to the Tang Sect, the Federation, and other major powers."
"The principle behind these drugs is to enhance the absorption of natural energy. The side effects include muscle soreness and a higher risk of overtraining. It's best to pair it with healing-type soul masters and adequate energy replenishment."
"So you don't need to worry about side effects. The Tang Sect's laboratory has verified it—it's reliable."
Tang Wulin was reassured. The reputation of the Tang Sect was trustworthy.
"Old Tang" fell silent, inwardly lamenting that he had hoped to analyze the formula privately for Tang Wulin's benefit, only to find out it had been "revealed" publicly.
He muttered, "How foolish."
Gu Yue glanced at Gu La sideways. Leng Yaozhu hadn't deliberately concealed anything from her, so she knew that Arceus Pharmaceuticals was a company founded by Gu La, and the formula was undoubtedly his work.
With the backing of the Spirit Pagoda, the claim that they couldn't protect the formula was clearly a lie.
So… what was his real purpose?
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)