Days later, the First-Year Class One vs. Second-Year Class One exchange match arrived as scheduled.
The usually quiet sparring arena buzzed with energy—packed to capacity.
Students from both years filled the stands, joined by curious upperclassmen—the air crackling with anticipation.
At the front of First Year's contingent stood Fang Yang—calm, composed,
with his six teammates arrayed behind him.
Opposite them, Second Year's team was led by Yuan'en Yehui, her six comrades flanking her—including Le Zhengyu, eyes burning with vengeance for his earlier defeat.
"The teachers are here!"
A voice rang out—all heads turned to the entrance.
In strode a procession of instructors:
- Holy Spirit Douluo Ya Li led—ethereal beauty, grace radiating
- Silver Moon Douluo Cai Yue'er followed half a step behind—proof of Ya Li's supreme status in Shrek
- Behind them: Feng Wuyu, Zhuo Shi, and Elder Li (from the entrance exams)
- Bringing up the rear: Wu Zhangkong, Shen Yi, and other faculty.
Shen Yi stepped to the arena's center, voice clear:
"First and Second Years—welcome! I'm Shen Yi, homeroom teacher for First Year and today's host."
"This exchange is a comprehensive exam: four secondary profession trials—Forging, Design, Construction, Repair—culminating in live combat."
"Judges: Holy Spirit Douluo and Silver Moon Douluo! Give them your loudest applause!"
Thunderous cheers erupted.
Ya Li and Cai Yue'er rose, waving gracefully.
As silence returned, Shen Yi announced:
"First trial: Forging! Competitors, take the stage!"
Staff wheeled in two massive forging stations.
"Wulin—this is your domain," Fang Yang said firmly, trust in his eyes.
"Leave it to me," Tang Wulin nodded, confidence blazing.
He strode forward—a master at work.
His opponent: He Xiaopeng, Second Year's Forging Officer—unremarkable save for his massive hands and corded arms.
"First Year Class One—Tang Wulin," he stated calmly.
"Second Year Class One—He Xiaopeng," the boy replied, steady.
"Match One: Titanium Crystal Purification!" Shen Yi declared.
"Best refinement within time wins! Prize: 1,000 Contribution Points + credits. If the First Year's win, an additional 30% will be awarded!"
With a nod, Shen Yi stepped back.
Identical titanium crystals were placed on both stations.
"Begin!"
Tang Wulin ignited his forge—flames dancing under practiced hands.
He Xiaopeng frowned in concentration—technique equally refined.
Sparks flew—metal sang—a symphony of mastery.
---
Two hours vanished in the forge's heat.
"HA! Done!"
He Xiaopeng struck his final blow—a white pillar of light erupted—Thousand-Refined First Grade!
Pride swelled in his chest—until he saw Tang Wulin's station.
Spirit-Refined Titanium Crystal!
His smile shattered.
Defeat tasted bitter.
"Match One: First Year Class One—Tang Wulin wins!" Shen Yi announced.
"Keep your creations—they're yours to keep."
Tang Wulin returned to cheers.
"Well done, Wulin," Fang Yang greeted.
"Just luck," Tang Wulin smiled modestly, stowing his prize.
Then—booming voices clashed from the stands:
"My disciple—peerless!" Feng Wuyu roared, pride bursting.
"MY GRAND-DISCIPLE!" Zhuo Shi thundered back.
"I taught him!" Feng Wuyu puffed his chest.
"Bah! Your 'teaching' would've ruined him!" Zhuo Shi scoffed.
"You—!" Feng Wuyu sputtered.
"Care to test that on the arena? See who leaves crawling?!" Zhuo Shi challenged.
"You're full of hot air!"
The two elders—Tang Wulin's forging master "Blazing Dragon" Feng Wuyu and grandmaster "Scarlet Dragon" Zhuo Shi—bickered like children.
"Enough."
Ya Li's soft chide carried absolute authority.
The "old dragons" instantly silenced, sheepish in their seats.
Cai Yue'er whispered to Ya Li: "Only you can tame these two."
Ya Li sighed, amused: "They're overgrown toddlers."
---
"Match Two: Mecha Design! Competitors, advance!" Shen Yi called.
Xu Xiaoyan turned to Gu Yue: "Big sis Gu Yue—you or me?"
"I'll go. You watch Fang Yang," Gu Yue replied softly, glance flicking to Fang Yang.
"Understood," Xu Xiaoyan nodded.
Gu Yue walked to the arena—ice-cold grace, white dress highlighting porcelain skin.
Her opponent: Bai Hanying—tall, stunning, rivaling Mu Xi's beauty…yet dimmed beside Gu Yue's ethereal presence.
The forging stations doubled as design tables.
Bai Hanying smiled politely: "Second Year Class One—Bai Hanying. Please guide me."
"First Year Class One—Gu Yue," came the cool, flat reply.
"Design a Battle Armor belt in two quarters-hour!" Shen Yi explained.
"Judge: Elder Cai! Criteria: functionality and enhancement potential!"
After an hour of intense drafting, both submitted designs to Ya Li and Cai Yue'er.
The judges pored over the blueprints, murmuring.
Finally, Cai Yue'er raised her head:
"Gu Yue wins."
"Her design meets Tier-Five standards. Bai Hanying's falls short."
Bai Hanying's face fell—but she bowed respectfully, retreating to her team.
Gu Yue returned to the First Years—calm and unruffled.
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