Girl, are you sure you were trying to help him 'find relief'… and not just send him straight to the afterlife?"
Nan Fusheng glanced at the now-unfrozen Xie Xie, who was lying on the ground shivering uncontrollably, and thought to himself.
This girl… she's got a hidden dark side too!
The result was already clear—Gu Yue and Xie Xie's team had lost.
Wu Zhangkong nodded slightly to himself. Xu Xiaoyan's two strikes had been crucial, perfectly timed finishing blows.
Her observational skills and control were excellent, and she was adept at coordinating with others. For someone her age, those were outstanding traits.
Nan Fusheng jogged over to the still-trembling Xie Xie and helped him up. Xu Xiaoyan came over as well, lending a shoulder.
"Oww, oww! Did I have some deep grudge with you two or something? Both of you just had to throw in an extra hit on me!" Xie Xie groaned in pain, his face full of resentment.
These two were infuriating. He had already been through the hell of ice and fire, and they still piled on. What, did they not see him as a human being?
Even though this had been a two-versus-three fight, Xie Xie felt like it was him versus four—everyone was targeting him (*).
Especially that "teammate" Gu Yue—first she set him up, then she was standing there chatting with Tang Wulin, all, "You're amazing," "No, you're amazing." Fine! You're both amazing, okay? I'm just trash, is that it?
"Well, Xie Xie, you are really strong. If we don't make sure with a finishing blow, we just can't relax," Nan Fusheng said, deciding to comfort him with a little white lie.
"Hehe, yeah, that's right," Xu Xiaoyan chimed in, smiling sweetly, two little tiger teeth peeking out.
"Well… I mean, I guess I'm strong," Xie Xie said with a shy grin.
Wow… this guy was way too easy to fool.
Nan Fusheng then turned to Xu Xiaoyan and extended a hand. "Welcome to Class Zero."
Xu Xiaoyan raised her hand and gave him a high-five. "Thanks. Honestly, you guys are too strong. I could only rely on trickery to get by."
She wasn't exaggerating. She knew Nan Fusheng's strength—her brother couldn't beat him. But when Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, and Gu Yue started fighting, she was stunned.
These guys… were they all monsters?
Tang Wulin's soul ring was a thousand-year one?!
Xie Xie's lightning-fast strikes, Gu Yue's mastery over six elements… all left her deeply impressed. Standing among the four of them, she felt her smallness.
But she was a careful observer. She didn't rush in recklessly—instead, she waited patiently for the right moment.
She knew that during the day, she couldn't compare to them head-on. So if she wanted to make an impression on the teacher and the team, she had to seize her one chance to shine.
And as the saying goes, opportunity favors the prepared.
It worked—she'd succeeded.
Long Hengxu walked over to stand beside Wu Zhangkong. He'd been watching the entire time.
"Now, I'm even more confident in your class. I also believe I can convince the Dean to increase the resources allocated to you. Teacher Wu, if you have any requests, speak freely."
Wu Zhangkong replied, "I think the children's nutrition should be improved further. At this stage, nutrition is vital. Martial souls are part of the body—they need more nourishment."
"Donghai City produces all kinds of seafood, many of which are extremely nutritious. Give them to the children. Their growth needs a solid foundation."
Long Hengxu nodded slightly. "I'll file a report. But Teacher Wu, you know—just maintaining Class Zero is already a strain on the Dean.
"The resources you use are enormous—just the Spirit Ascension Platform alone costs a fortune. Fortunately, you've proven yourself by training these little monsters. But the Academy also needs honor, you understand?
"So the Academy may have you participate in the Tianhai Alliance Grand Tournament. Be prepared. Even if you can't achieve top results, you must at least make a striking impression and win some honor for the Academy.
"For now, your target will be the 'Outstanding Newcomer Award'—individually or as a team."
"The Tianhai Alliance Grand Tournament?" Wu Zhangkong's eyes lit up, and he nodded without hesitation. "Send me the requirements."
Long Hengxu was surprised. He had thought Wu Zhangkong might refuse—after all, these kids were only ten years old. But to his shock, Wu Zhangkong had agreed immediately.
"You're agreeing to this?"
Wu Zhangkong said, "Actual combat is the best training for them. While their focus is still on cultivating as soul masters, they need as much real combat experience as possible."
"That's great! I was worried you'd refuse. I'll file the report right away. I can guarantee that, at least until the Grand Tournament ends, your meals will rival those of Shrek Academy. How about that? The Academy's going all in this time."
"Good."
"Come here," Wu Zhangkong called, stepping into the arena and beckoning to the children. Long Hengxu followed him.
Nan Fusheng and the other four gathered in front of him.
Wu Zhangkong looked at Nan Fusheng, Tang Wulin, and Gu Yue. "You three did well enough, but you need more practice. And don't leave openings."
"Yes, sir," the three replied.
Then he turned to Xie Xie. "If you want to keep up with them, you'll have to work even harder."
Xie Xie's mouth twitched. He hadn't slacked off… it was just that these three freaks improved way too fast!
Finally, Wu Zhangkong looked at Xu Xiaoyan. "For now, you've earned a spot. Remember—one month. That's all. Tomorrow, we start joint training.
"Your opponent will be me. Three matches a day. Director Long, anything else?" he asked, turning to Long Hengxu.
"Ahem," Long Hengxu coughed, drawing the five students' attention.
"Kids, I've seen everything you just did.
"To be frank, with your current abilities, you have almost no rivals in the Primary Division—and even in the Intermediate Division, few could beat you.
"You're true geniuses. Keep working hard, and don't waste the Academy's investment in you."
After encouraging them, Long Hengxu changed the subject. "Now, Nan Fusheng—step forward!"
"Yes." Nan Fusheng responded, curious about what Long Hengxu had to say. The others also looked on with interest.
"Don't be nervous," Long Hengxu said kindly. "This is something from the Academy. Do you remember the Soul Train incident from about ten days ago?"