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Weeks flew by like flowing water, and in the blink of an eye, the first semester of freshman year drew to a close.
"Today, I'll announce your final exam arrangements."
On the podium, Wu Zhangkong stood with hands clasped behind his back, his icy voice echoing through the classroom.
His emerald eyes swept over the six students—lingering a fraction longer on Fang Yang.
"Teacher Wu—does Class Zero really need to take finals?" Tang Wulin raised his hand, confusion flickering in his eyes.
As the academy's elite cohort, their training had long surpassed ordinary students'.
This standard final exam seemed meaningless to them.
Xie Xie frowned. "Yeah, Teacher Wu—with our strength, finals are practically a joke."
After all—even Class Zero's weakest member, Zhang Yangzi, could easily score full marks.
The other five shared puzzled glances.
This wasn't arrogance.
Three months had passed since Class Zero's formation.
Fueled by Donghai Academy's vast resources and Wu Zhangkong's relentless training, their strength had undergone complete metamorphosis.
Take soul power levels alone:
- Wang Jinxi, the lowest, stood at Level 29 peak—one step from Soul Elder.
- Zhang Yangzi followed closely at Level 39.
- Tang Wulin and Xie Xie had both broken through to Three-Ring Soul Elder.
- Most astonishingly—Fang Yang and Gu Yue had surpassed Level 45.
(Fang Yang would've climbed even higher—if not for his intense alchemy training.)
Yet Zhang Yangzi's position remained awkward.
Though his soul power was high, his Dark Phantom Eagle martial soul paled among this monster squad:
- Gu Yue: Silver Dragon King incarnate.
- Fang Yang: Golden Dragon King bloodline + terrifying Heavenly Flame.
- Tang Wulin: Twin Martial Souls—Sea God Blue Silver Empress + Asura Hao Tian Hammer.
- Xie Xie: Twin Martial Souls—Light/Shadow Dragon Daggers (capable of evolving into Space-Time Dragons).
- Even Wang Jinxi's Bone Dragon King ranked among top-tier Dark Dragon martial souls.
But their combat prowess mattered most.
The Spirit Ascension Platform's brutal trials had forged them.
Under its pressure, their skill application and tactical instincts had soared.
Now, these six could rival third-years in soul power—and few could defeat them in combat.
"Of course you'll take finals," Wu Zhangkong replied coolly. "I know what you're thinking—too easy, right?"
A rare, faint smile touched his lips.
"Don't worry—I've prepared a special final exam. The difficulty level? Beyond your imagination."
"Your exam has one subject: the Spirit Ascension Platform."
"We're doomed!"
Xie Xie's blood ran cold at Wu Zhangkong's smile.
In Class Zero's rules: "When Teacher Wu smiles… death follows."
"Don't worry, Xie Xie," Tang Wulin said—but his eyes darkened with concern.
"Teacher Wu—won't the Platform exam be too easy?" Zhang Yangzi asked.
After three months of trials, they'd mastered the Platform—its real-combat benefits sharpening their skills and techniques.
Weekly sessions had become their most anticipated training.
"Not this time," Wu Zhangkong said flatly. "You must survive one hour inside to pass.
But—you'll enter the Intermediate Platform… during its Rebellion Period."
"WHAT?! INTERMEDIATE PLATFORM?!" Xie Xie's face drained of color.
Gu Yue's brow furrowed. "Teacher Wu—I know of the Intermediate Platform. But what's 'Rebellion Period'?"
"Twice a year, the Platform's energy destabilizes—entering Rebellion Period," Wu Zhangkong explained. "Three key changes occur:"
"One: Teams of up to seven may enter together. Your squad of six will spawn together—testing your group combat."
"Two: Normally, Intermediate Platform hosts 100–1,000-year beasts, maxing at 30,000 years. During Rebellion? 60,000-year beasts may appear—and top-tier spawns multiply."
"Three: Beast energy drops are multiplied—but absorption takes 100 seconds. If you log out mid-absorption? Others can steal your energy. This only happens in the Rebellion Period."
His gaze turned sharp. "In short—you'll battle beasts and other Soul Masters."
"Fail this exam? No winter break."
"Teacher Wu—" Fang Yang's eyes gleamed. "If others can steal our energy… can we steal theirs?"
Wu Zhangkong paused—then gave a knowing look.
"You may. But beware—the mantis stalks the cicada… unaware of the oriole behind."
"Understood," Fang Yang said thoughtfully.
Xie Xie whimpered, "Teacher Wu…how will we know if we fail in the Intermediate Platform…?"
"I'll decide passes based on performance," Wu Zhangkong said flatly.
"Ugh…" Xie Xie slumped in despair.
"Three days from now—you enter the Platform for finals," Wu Zhangkong declared.
"Use this time to strategize. Prepare for the Rebellion Period. Dismissed."
He turned and left.
Xie Xie wailed, "We're finished…"
"Don't panic!" Tang Wulin urged. "We've got Fang Yang, Gu Yue, and Zhang Yangzi/Wang Jinxi's Spirit Fusion Skill!"
(Though even he braced for the worst.)
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi exchanged grim looks.
Fang Yang, however, felt zero concern.
When in doubt—Buddha's Wrath Fire Lotus.
Still standing? Fire another.
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