Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi shot up from their seats, striding over instantly.
Let someone poach their girls right in front of them? Unthinkable!
"Hanyou."
"Tian'er."
They stood beside the sisters, voices gentle.
The Zhou twins looked up—icy gazes softening at the sight of them.
"Mm," Zhou Hanyou replied warmly.
Zhou Tian'er nodded, a faint smile gracing her lips.
The four together radiated effortless harmony.
Luo Guixing stood frozen, realization dawning.
His embarrassment deepened—he retreated sheepishly.
But as he turned to leave—Ye Xinglan walked straight toward him.
Luo Guixing halted, hope flickering in his eyes.
"I…"
Before he could speak—she passed through him like air, not even a glance spared, stopping before Fang Yang.
"Fang Yang—long time no see," she said coolly.
"Mm, Xinglan," Fang Yang replied warmly, gaze steady on the golden-haired girl.
Luo Guixing stood petrified—face burning.
Third humiliation of the day!
In the corner, Xu Lizhi clenched his fists, eyes bloodshot, breath ragged.
"No… Sister Xinglan…"
He growled low—but dared not move.
Fang Yang sensed his turmoil—but cared not.
A mere Food System soul master? Outside Shrek's walls…
"You've sealed your fate!"
"Xinglan—you…?" Fang Yang asked gently.
Ye Xinglan's cheeks flushed faintly.
"I was admitted to the Inner Court through innate talent… but demoted for failing to forge One-Word Battle Armor on time," she explained, flustered.
"I see," Fang Yang mused.
His own armor was complete; Gu Yue and Xu Xiaoyan neared completion; Tang Wulin's group still forged theirs.
"How have you been?" Ye Xinglan asked softly, concern in her eyes.
"Ah—alright," Fang Yang laughed lightly.
(With Gu Yue, Xu Xiaoyan, and Na'er by his side—how could he not be?)
"Mm," Ye Xinglan nodded.
She knew he had many admirers—but to hold even a sliver of his heart was enough.
---
Cough. Cough.
Shen Yi and Wu Zhangkong re-entered.
Ye Xinglan hurried back to her seat; Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi returned swiftly.
Silence reclaimed the classroom.
"Listen," Wu Zhangkong's voice cut through, icy, commanding.
"Fang Yang's team will represent our class in a team duel against Second-Year Class One."
Uproar erupted.
Everyone knew Fang Yang's strength—but appointing them outright? Unexpected!
"Teacher Wu—wasn't there supposed to be an internal selection?" Luo Guixing blurted, voice edged with challenge.
All eyes swung to him—shock, confusion, schadenfreude.
"Correct," Wu Zhangkong replied flatly, emerald eyes unreadable.
"Then why skip it?" Luo Guixing pressed, bewildered.
The class's gaze turned pitying—like watching a fool walk into a wall.
"Can your team beat Fang Yang's?" Wu Zhangkong snapped, voice glacial.
"Or can you defeat any one of them solo?If you win I'll reconsider."
"I…" Luo Guixing choked, face paling then flushing.
He knew the gap was abyssal—even Fang Yang's teammates dwarfed him.
Wu Zhangkong ignored him, addressing the class:
"Fang Yang's team is finalized. Objections?"
Silence.
After Luo Guixing's public shaming, no one dared speak.
Wu Zhangkong scanned the room—no dissent.
"Then it's settled."
"Fang Yang—prepare well. This battle carries our class's honor."
Fang Yang rose, nodding calmly:
"Rest assured, Teachers Wu and Shen—we'll give our all."
His quiet confidence electrified the room.
"Good," Wu Zhangkong approved, a flicker of pride in his eyes.
Shen Yi smiled: "Class dismissed early."
"Fang Yang's team stays—to discuss match details."
"Understood, Teacher Shen!" they chorused, packing up.
As students filed out, many cast admiring glances at Fang Yang.
Ye Xinglan met his eyes—silent encouragement passing between them.
Soon, only Wu Zhangkong, Shen Yi, and Fang Yang's seven remained.
"Teachers—what's the plan?" Fang Yang asked.
"Nothing much—Master Zhuo Shi wishes to see you and Tang Wulin," Wu Zhangkong explained.
"Understood," Fang Yang and Tang Wulin nodded.
Fang Yang turned to Gu Yue and Xu Xiaoyan:
"I'll visit Elder Zhuo Shi on Sea God Island—back soon."
"Mm," they agreed.
"Teachers—we'll take our leave," Xie Xie said eagerly.
(Off to find Zheng Yiran!)
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi grinned—off to their Zhou sisters!
As they left, Xu Xiaoyan tugged Gu Yue's hand:
"Let's go shopping!"
"Sure!" Gu Yue smiled, the pair laughing as they departed.
"Fang Yang, Tang Wulin—let's go," Wu Zhangkong ordered.
"Yes," they replied.
And so, Fang Yang and Tang Wulin followed Wu Zhangkong and Shen Yi toward Sea God Island.
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