"Fang Yang—stand down."
Wu Zhangkong's voice cut through the air—cold as glacial ice.
"Understood, Teacher Wu," Fang Yang replied instantly.
His aura vanished, the suffocating pressure dissolving like mist.
Collective sighs of relief filled the classroom.
Many students realized they'd been holding their breath, backs drenched in cold sweat.
That pressure—like facing an ancient beast—had paralyzed thought itself.
"This guy… is a top contender for class monitor," Yang Nianxia, Wu Siduo, and Luo Guixing thought in unison, faces grim.
They reassessed the "gentle" youth—now seeing only danger.
"Xu Xiaoyan is our Design Officer," Shen Yi announced.
No objections—they wouldn't risk that terror again.
Xu Xiaoyan bowed gracefully, smile soft, taking her seat.
Wu Siduo and Luo Guixing sat too, grudging but resigned.
In secondary professions, Xu Xiaoyan's Rank 4 mastery was undeniable.
"Thank you, Fang Yang," Xu Xiaoyan whispered, eyes bright.
"You earned it, Xiaoyan," Fang Yang replied warmly, ruffling her hair affectionately.
Xu Xiaoyan giggled, eyes crinkling like crescent moons.
Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, and the others turned away in perfect sync—staring at ceilings or floors, faces twisted in mock agony.
Fang Yang chuckled, then tousled Gu Yue's hair too.
She huffed softly, not pulling away—allowing his closeness.
The class exchanged knowing glances—now understanding the source of that pressure.
Envy stirred in their hearts:
Fang Yang—peerless talent, overwhelming power, striking looks—and two radiant beauties by his side.
It defied fairness!
Even Yang Nianxia (#27 on the Youth Genius List, "Dark Bear") bit back a bitter sigh, jealousy burning in his chest.
---
"Ahem."
Shen Yi cleared her throat, redirecting attention.
"One Maker Officer and one Repair Officer remain."
A pale youth with ashen hair and gray eyes rose slowly.
His presence reeked of otherworldly gloom.
"I'm Xu Yucheng—Martial Soul: Dark Demon Scythe, Level 40 Assault Soul Elder."
His voice rasped like gravel: "#19 on the Youth Genius List—Immortal.' Rank 3 Mecha Repairer."
Then—a girl with emerald hair and jade eyes stood, face exquisite as carved jade.
"I'm Zheng Yiran—Martial Soul: Jade Phosphor Emperor Emperor, Level 40 Control Soul Elder."
She smiled faintly, gaze sweeping the room:
"#30 on the Youth Genius List—'Jade Serpent.' Rank 3 Mecha Maker."
Murmurs rippled:
"Our class is a den of dragons and tigers—Genius List elites keep emerging!"
"But the real power lies up front…"
"Who's competing?" Fang Yang asked Xie Xie, Zhang Yangzi, and Wang Jinxi.
"Zhang Yangzi, Wang Jinxi—you go," Xie Xie urged, eyes gleaming with encouragement.
He knew Zhang Yangzi's Mecha Maker skills rivaled his own—and Xie Xie came from a famed Mecha Artisan family!
Zhang Yangzi hesitated: "Xie Xie, you—"
"No worries," Xie Xie grinned, carefree.
"Deputy Monitor spots are still open. Can't let anyone in our squad miss out!"
Zhang Yangzi nodded firmly: "Alright! Jinxi—let's go."
Wang Jinxi growled assent: "Hm."
Both rose—auras steady, resolute.
Zhang Yangzi spoke first, voice calm:
"I'm Zhang Yangzi—Martial Soul: Night Demon Eagle, Level 44 Agile-Assault Soul Ancestor. Rank 4 Mecha Maker."
Wang Jinxi boomed next:
"I'm Wang Jinxi—Martial Soul: Netherworld Bone Dragon Emperor, Level 40 Assault Soul Elder. Rank 4 Mecha Repairer."
Two more Rank 4 masters!
Students stared, dumbfounded.
Their first-year class was monstrously overqualified!
---
"Xie Xie—what're you staring at?" Tang Wulin asked, curious.
Xie Xie's gaze kept drifting—to a certain corner…
"N-nothing!" Xie Xie snapped his eyes away, flustered.
"Hmm? Something's off," Tang Wulin pressed, eyes narrowing.
Xie Xie wasn't usually this skittish!
"Crushed on someone, huh?" Fang Yang teased, smirking.
Gu Yue, Xu Xiaoyan, and Tang Wulin blinked, surprised.
"Oh? Got your eye on a classmate?" Tang Wulin grinned wickedly, elbowing Xie Xie.
"Spill it, Young Master Xie! We'll help you scheme!"
Xie Xie clamped his mouth shut, ears burning crimson.
"Wu Siduo? Or…?" Tang Wulin guessed, scanning the girls.
Then—Fang Yang spoke softly, cutting through:
"You like Zheng Yiran, don't you?"
"Fang Yang, you—!" Xie Xie jolted, mortification and disbelief flashing across his face.
"How'd you know?!"
Fang Yang just smiled, saying nothing.
His spiritual perception had caught Xie Xie's fluttering heartbeats—obvious as daylight.
"Oho?" Tang Wulin's grin widened, voice dripping with mischief.
"So it's 'Jade Phosphor Emperor' Zheng Yiran! Sharp taste, Xie Xie!"
"Fang Yang, Tang Wulin, you guys—!" Xie Xie sputtered, helpless.
"Xie Xie," Fang Yang sobered, tone earnest. "Don't lose to silence."
Silence fell.
Xie Xie stared, stunned—he hadn't expected such weighty advice.
After a beat, his eyes hardened with resolve.
He inhaled deeply, nodding fiercely: "Understood. Thank you, Fang Yang."
---
On the podium, Shen Yi addressed Zheng Yiran and Xu Yucheng:
"Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi are Rank 4. Any objections?"
Zheng Yiran frowned slightly, glance flicking toward Xie Xie—then smiled brightly, graceful in defeat:
"Rank 4 vs. Rank 3? No contest. I concede."
She sat elegantly, dignity intact.
Xu Yucheng just shook his head, sinking into his seat—gray eyes unreadable.
"Then—" Shen Yi declared,
"Maker Officer: Zhang Yangzi! Repair Officer: Wang Jinxi!"
The duo exchanged smiles, bowing to Shen Yi and the class before sitting—calm, assured.
------------------------------------------------------
Join my Patreon to read a completed exclusive novel (Over 250 Chapters) + get up to 40 Chapters ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)