"Alright—the final exam time is up. We can leave now."
Fang Yang looked at the group, voice steady.
They all nodded in agreement.
After surviving the Rebellion Intermediate Platform, relief washed over them.
Without Fang Yang's intervention, that ten-thousand-year Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear would've slaughtered them all.
Fang Yang pressed his emergency beacon first—his body dissolving into light.
The others quickly followed, vanishing one by one.
The glass hoods retracted.
They stepped out, blinking in the bright light.
"Teacher Wu," Fang Yang greeted respectfully, approaching Wu Zhangkong.
Wu Zhangkong gave a silent nod—his emerald eyes revealing nothing.
"Back to campus," he said, voice calm as still water.
The six fell in line behind him, leaving the Spirit Pagoda.
Meanwhile, inside the Pagoda—an attendant reported via soul-guided comm:
"Sir, abnormal energy spikes detected in the Rebellion Intermediate Platform— a student acquired a soul bone!"
The supervisor's voice crackled back, detached: "A soul bone? Who got it?"
"A Donghai Academy student—Fang Yang."
"Fang Yang…?"
A flicker of surprise—then cool indifference. "Noted. Dismissed."
—
Class Zero Classroom, Donghai Academy
Wu Zhangkong stood on the podium, hands behind his back.
His icy gaze swept over them. "Did your soul spirits evolve?"
"Yes, Teacher Wu!" the six chorused.
After absorbing energy from Thousand-Year Wind Baboons and the Ten-Thousand-Year Dark Terror Bear, they'd all evolved their first soul spirits—earning purple soul rings.
"Good," Wu Zhangkong nodded, satisfaction glinting in his eyes. "Now—exam debrief."
Silence fell. They waited.
"I observed your performance. All of you excelled."
His voice stayed calm—but approval warmed his tone.
"Especially Fang Yang—killing the Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear and claiming its soul bone. And Tang Wulin's armor proved his exceptional forging talent."
He paused.
"I hereby declare—your final exam is fully passed."
"YAY!"
Cheers exploded from the six.
Passing meant their winter break was secure—a full month of freedom!
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi hugged in triumph.
Tang Wulin and Xie Xie high-fived wildly.
Fang Yang swept Gu Yue into a hug—earning a playful swat from her.
"Additionally," Wu Zhangkong's words silenced the celebration, "before your break—there's a special assessment in a few days."
Tang Wulin and Xie Xie exchanged excited glances.
The long-awaited Tang Sect trial was finally here!
"Teacher Wu—do Gu Yue and I need to attend?" Fang Yang asked, puzzled.
He knew it was a Tang Sect test—but why include them?
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi looked utterly bewildered.
"All six of you will go," Wu Zhangkong declared, mind already scheming.
Pitting these prodigies against Tang Sect's legendary trials would humble their pride—and ignite their ambition.
Perhaps… even lure Fang Yang and Gu Yue into the Tang Sect…
"Dismissed."
His blue-robed figure vanished like mist, leaving the room in quiet awe.
"Fang Yang—what's this special assessment?" Zhang Yangzi pressed.
Fang Yang chose his words carefully. "Can't say much—but it's an entrance trial for an organization."
"Got it," Zhang Yangzi nodded, thoughtful.
Just then—Tang Wulin brightened. "Break's coming up—how about a celebratory meal?"
Xie Xie narrowed his eyes, suspicious. "Wulin—you're acting weird. Usually I suggest this. Spill—did someone put you up to it?"
All eyes turned to Tang Wulin—making his ears burn crimson.
"Alright, alright," he admitted sheepishly, scratching his head. "Senior Sister asked me to invite everyone for barbecue."
"Ooooh~!" The group teased in unison.
"You sly dog, Tang Wulin!" Xie Xie laughed, though his eyes sparkled with joy. "Since when did you become Senior Sister's errand boy?"
Tang Wulin coughed, deflecting. "So… are we going?"
"Absolutely!" Fang Yang grinned. "But first—back to our dorms to freshen up."
"Half an hour—meet at your dorm entrance!" Fang Yang proposed, checking the time.
"Deal!" Tang Wulin agreed.
—
Thirty minutes later, they gathered outside Tang Wulin's dorm.
Gu Yue wore a pristine white dress, its hem swaying softly—highlighting her graceful figure.
Her sculpted features were breathtaking, large eyes shimmering with life.
Porcelain skin, crimson lips—utterly irresistible.
"Done staring?" she huffed—though her lips curled into a smile.
Fang Yang, snapping out of his daze, whispered: "Never enough."
"Tsk tsk tsk…" Xie Xie dramatically shook his head, strolling over. "Gu Yue—how did you fall for this shameless creature?"
"Xie Xie!" Fang Yang scowled, making everyone laugh.
Just then, Tang Wulin emerged. "Alright—everyone's here! Let's go!"
This time, they skipped the campus food street.
Tang Wulin led them to a cozy barbecue shop.
"Wulin—you're here!"
Ouyang Zixin rose from a corner table, greeting them warmly.
Tang Wulin hurried over, taking her hand—catching her faint, sweet fragrance.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Senior Sister."
"No worries—I just arrived," she smiled gently. "Everyone, please sit!"
Fang Yang pulled out Gu Yue's chair, sitting beside her.
Tang Wulin and Ouyang Zixin claimed the adjacent seats.
Xie Xie, Zhang Yangzi, and Wang Jinxi clustered opposite them.
"I'm treating today," Ouyang Zixin declared generously. "Order freely—no need to hold back!"
"Yes!" they cheered.
Fang Yang scanned the menu. "Waiter—grilled fish, roasted Softbone Rabbit, cumin-seasoned Blue Silver Grass…"
He turned to Gu Yue. "Anything else you'd like?"
She shook her head, eyes twinkling. "You choose—I like everything you pick."
Soon, platters of sizzling barbecue arrived—golden meats sprinkled with green onions, crispy-skinned, tender fish, juicy Soft Bone Rabbit, Blue Silver Grass glazed in fragrant cumin—mouthwatering aromas filling the air.
Laughter and chatter flowed as they feasted—a moment of pure, hard-earned joy.
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