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"Alright, dismissed!" Director Long Hengxu's voice echoed across the field. "Homeroom teachers—escort your classes back for lessons."
"New Class One will be temporarily under my supervision until a new homeroom teacher is appointed," he added.
"Teacher Wu Zhangkong and the newly formed Class Zero students—please remain."
With that, Long Hengxu led the five first-year classes away.
Only Dean Yu Zhen and the freshly minted Class Zero—students and teacher—remained on the field.
"Children, come closer," Dean Yu Zhen beckoned, his face warm with a grandfatherly smile.
He deliberately slowed his speech, making his tone extra gentle.
"We need to have a proper discussion about Class Zero."
Fang Yang and the others exchanged glances—then stepped forward in unison.
Wu Zhangkong stood quietly to the side, eyes sweeping over them—a faint, approving smile touching his lips.
Dean Yu Zhen regarded these prodigies with pride.
"The formation of Class Zero signifies the academy's highest expectations for you. This is not just an honor—it is a solemn responsibility."
"From this day forth, you will receive our finest instructors and most premium resources. And you have only one goal."
He paused, eyes blazing with intensity:
"To break into the legendary Shrek Academy!"
"But I must warn you!" His tone turned grave. "Across the Sun Moon Federation, geniuses your age are countless—many even superior to you. To earn a place at Shrek, you must endure hardships beyond ordinary imagination."
"Understood!"
All seven replied in perfect unison—voices firm, resolute.
Dean Yu Zhen nodded in satisfaction and pulled a stack of documents from his briefcase.
"Excellent. Now, please sign this Cultivation Agreement."
Fang Yang skimmed the terms—concise and clear.
Beyond detailing Donghai Academy's generous provisions, the core clause stipulated:
"Unless admitted to Shrek Academy, students must complete both Intermediate and Senior Divisions at Donghai Academy—no mid-term transfers allowed."
The terms were reasonable.
With the academy investing heavily, they needed to prevent elite students from being poached by rival institutions.
Without hesitation, Fang Yang signed his name.
Gu Yue followed instantly. Tang Wulin quickly added his signature.
"Hey—you're not even thinking about it?!" Xie Xie blurted, alarmed.
Before Fang Yang could answer, Dean Yu Zhen cut in smoothly:
"Of course, you may consult your family… but—"
He fixed Xie Xie with a pointed look. "Class Zero won't wait for you. I'm busy—I don't have time to hold your hand through indecision."
"No no no! Dean—I'll sign!"
Xie Xie snatched the pen, terrified of losing his spot.
In moments, only Zhang Yangzi, Wang Jinxi, and Wei Xiaofeng remained unsigned.
"And you three?" Dean Yu Zhen's eyes lingered on them—hand poised to reclaim the documents.
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi exchanged a glance.
"We'll sign," Zhang Yangzi said firmly.
Wang Jinxi nodded in agreement.
Only Wei Xiaofeng hesitated—fingers trembling on the paper.
"Dean… shouldn't I discuss this with my family first? My clan… might transfer me to a better academy during Senior Division…"
Dean Yu Zhen nodded understandingly.
"Different paths for different people. Wei Xiaofeng—you may return to Class Two now."
He smoothly reclaimed the agreement from Wei Xiaofeng's hands.
"Effective immediately, Class Zero is adjusted to six students."
Wei Xiaofeng opened his mouth—then, seeing the dean's unyielding expression, bowed respectfully and left.
"Now that you've signed," Dean Yu Zhen said calmly, "you are the academy's core elite."
He glanced toward Wei Xiaofeng's retreating back.
"While we respect his choice… I believe he'll regret this decision deeply."
"Though Donghai Academy ranks modestly continent-wide, we are the sole Intermediate Division Soul Master Academy in a major coastal city. When all our resources focus solely on you, even Shrek Academy may not hold a clear advantage."
Hearing this bold claim, Wu Zhangkong—standing nearby—twitched his lips almost imperceptibly.
Fang Yang knew better:
Shrek's heritage runs unfathomably deep—especially with its inseparable bond to the Tang Sect.
Continent-wide, only the Spirit Pagoda rivals them. No other force stands a chance.
"That's all for today," Dean Yu Zhen said, gathering the documents. "Get to know your new classmates. Formal classes begin tomorrow!"
He turned to Wu Zhangkong. "Teacher Wu—come with me. We have matters to discuss."
Once the dean and Wu Zhangkong departed, an awkward silence settled among the six.
Fang Yang broke it first, extending a hand to Zhang Yangzi. "Hi—let's reintroduce ourselves."
Zhang Yangzi hesitated—then shook his hand. "Zhang Yangzi."
He gestured to his quiet companion. "This is Wang Jinxi."
Xie Xie's eyes lit up. "Since we're all here—how about a celebratory meal? My treat!"
"You owe us anyway," Fang Yang reminded him with a grin. "Don't forget the three meals plus seafood feast you promised!"
Tang Wulin immediately pulled out his soul-guided communicator. "Senior Sister—Class Zero's having a get-together. Join us?"
Ouyang Zixin's voice, hesitant, came through: "Junior brother… I'm not sure it's proper for me to—"
"No worries!" Fang Yang leaned into the communicator. "Come as Wulin's plus-one!"
"I…" She still wavered.
Tang Wulin instantly adopted a pitiful tone—voice dripping with longing: "Senior Sisteerrr…?"
"Fine, fine—I'll come!" she finally relented.
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi looked utterly bewildered.
Xie Xie just sighed like a veteran. "You'll get used to it."
Moments later, Ouyang Zixin arrived—wearing a simple sky-blue dress that made her fair skin glow.
"Wulin—am I late?" she panted slightly, cheeks flushed from rushing.
"Not at all!" Tang Wulin beamed, hurrying to her side.
Fang Yang naturally took Gu Yue's hand.
Tang Wulin walked with Ouyang Zixin.
Xie Xie slung arms around Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi, grinning:
"Come on! I'll show you Donghai's best Clay-Pot Beef!"
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