Tension hung thick in the classroom as Wang Jinxi and Zhang Yangzi fretted over the upcoming exam.
"Ugh… the Intermediate Platform in the Rebellion Period? The pressure's unbearable!"
Wang Jinxi groaned, shoulders slumped.
Zhang Yangzi grimaced. "I barely survived the Elementary Platform—now this?!"
They exchanged weary glances—deep anxiety etched in their eyes.
During the Rebellion Period, spirit beasts weren't just rarer—their cultivation levels skyrocketed.
For them—fresh Three-Ring Soul Elders—this final was a colossal challenge.
"Fang Yang… aren't you worried at all?" Gu Yue stepped beside him, black hair swaying gently.
She leaned in slightly, her voice crisp as morning dew.
Fang Yang snapped out of his thoughts, eyes sharp.
"I'm considering—since the rules allow it… why not actively hunt other Soul Masters for their energy?"
The classroom fell dead silent.
All eyes locked onto him.
"Dreamer Yang, you fiend!" Xie Xie broke the silence first, gaping. "We're panicking about passing—and you're already plotting to rob others?!"
"Fang Yang—any tactical plans for the exam?" Tang Wulin asked thoughtfully.
Fang Yang stood, voice steady and commanding: "We've trained together countless times. Here's the plan:
- Low-tier beasts? Wang Jinxi, Zhang Yangzi, Xie Xie, Wulin—you eliminate them fast.
- Ten-thousand-year beasts? Gu Yue and I handle them. You support and restrain."
He met Gu Yue's gaze—a wordless understanding passing between them.
"We've sparred with Teacher Wu endlessly. Our teamwork's flawless. Just stay calm—and we'll dominate."
Confidence radiated from his words.
He added, "But since it's our first Rebellion Period run… everyone prep backups. Safety first."
Just then, Tang Wulin's eyes lit up.
"Right! To ensure we pass—I'll forge Thousand-Refined armor for everyone! Boost our survival!"
"Wulin… isn't that cheating?" Xie Xie scratched his head, hesitant.
"How is it cheating?" Tang Wulin shot back, grinning. "Teacher Wu never banned armor in the Platform!"
Fang Yang nodded. "Exactly. If we have means to enhance survival—why not use them?"
"Makes sense!" Wang Jinxi and Zhang Yangzi chorused—hope flickering in their eyes.
Xie Xie's confidence surged. "Then it's settled! With Wulin's armor and our synergy—this exam's ours!"
Tang Wulin clenched his fist, eyes blazing. "Class Zero—full pass on finals!"
"LET'S GO!"
The classroom erupted in unified resolve.
Then Fang Yang added, "Wulin—armor's for them. Gu Yue and I won't need it."
Tang Wulin blinked—then nodded knowingly.
Of course. Ordinary armor would only hinder those two monsters.
"Right—" Fang Yang turned to the others. "Give Wulin your height, weight, and measurements—so he can tailor-fit your gear."
Xie Xie, Zhang Yangzi, and Wang Jinxi immediately rattled off their stats.
Tang Wulin scribbled notes, already mapping forging strategies for each.
Soon, they dispersed—preparing for three precious days of freedom.
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi—inseparable as ever—planned to unwind in Donghai City.
Arm-in-arm, they left the classroom—smiles blooming on weary faces.
Tang Wulin hurried to find Senior Sister Ouyang Zixin.
After this, no free time—armor forging awaited!
He quickened his pace. "Senior Sister—I'm coming!"
Xie Xie watched Fang Yang, opening his mouth—"Fang Yang, you—"
But Gu Yue laced her fingers through Fang Yang's, cutting him off.
"Fang Yang's with me, Xie Xie. What else were you thinking…?" Her tone was playfully smug.
"Ugh… alone again…"
Xie Xie sighed, watching them depart.
"Fang Yang has Gu Yue. Wulin has his Senior Sister. And I… have nothing…"
—
Fang Yang and Gu Yue strolled through Donghai Academy, hands clasped.
"Where to, Gu Yue?" he asked softly, eyes tracing her delicate profile.
She pondered, then smiled. "Just… walk together."
"Alright," he agreed.
As they turned a corner—a figure blocked their path.
"Xu Xiaoyu… you?" Fang Yang recognized him instantly.
Xu Xiaoyu crossed his arms, gaze icy. "Long time no see, Fang Yang."
"Is Xiaoyan not with you?" Fang Yang asked casually.
Those words triggered something.
Xu Xiaoyu's eyes froze over with fury.
"Don't you DARE mention Xiaoyan!" he hissed. "Every time she 'visits me'—she's really coming for you! Think I'm blind?!"
Hssk!
Fang Yang's breath hitched.
Gu Yue's fingers had dug into his waist—sharp as claws.
He gripped her hand tighter, eyes pleading for mercy.
Xu Xiaoyu sneered. "Scared now?"
"Ahem!" Fang Yang forced a laugh, enduring the pain. "Xiaoyan's not here? Then I'll be off!"
He tried to sidestep—
"Wait!" Xu Xiaoyu barked. "I know Class Zero enters the Platform in three days. I'll be there—ready to fight you!"
His Level 39 Soul Elder aura slammed outward.
Fang Yang sighed—then unleashed his own pressure.
LEVEL 43 SOUL ANCESTOR DOMINANCE—CRUSHING LIKE A MOUNTAIN!
Xu Xiaoyu paled instantly.
"Th-this… impossible!"
"He's… a Soul Ancestor?!"
His mind reeled—terror and disbelief warring.
Fang Yang shook his head. "We're not in the Elementary Platform. We're taking the Intermediate one."
He turned, leading Gu Yue away—leaving Xu Xiaoyu frozen in shock.
After walking a distance, Gu Yue spoke—voice cool but edged with danger:
"That Xu Xiaoyan… visits you often?"
Fang Yang's heart lurched. He rubbed his sore waist—then took her hand firmly.
"Gu Yue… you're the one I love most."
Gu Yue huffed softly—but asked no more.
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