13 Clash of Strength

Tang Wulin has been thinking of ways to find the three objects he needed. One idea would be to go to the Blacksmith Association and ask Can Yue.

"Hey! Bluesliver Grass!"

"I want a rematch!"

"Did you hear me!"

Black lines appeared on Tang Wulin's head as he continues ignoring the annoying pest that has been screaming him name since he got here.

'How is can someone be this annoying.' Thought Tang Wulin in irritation.

"I wasn't at my best! I was just going easy on you!"Shouted Xie Xie with a glare.

Tang Wulin sat down digging into his breakfast while ignoring Xie Xie, who kept on trying to talk to him.

'If I haven't killed him by the end of the week, then a miracle must have happened.'

#

"Today officially marks the start of your classes with most of your lessons will be taught by me. Stand up," Said Wu Zhankong coldly.

The whole class instantly jumped to their feet.

"Come with me!" Shouted Wu Zhangkong as he shoved both of his hands into his pockets and walked out of the classroom, followed closely by the students.

The whole class was put into pairs by Wu Zhakong causing Tang Wulin to be with Zhou Zhangxi, and Xie Xie was with Yun Xiao.

They all listen as Wu Zhangkong said he was going to evaluate their abilities.

Wu Zhangkong made sure everybody participated regardless of their martial soul or spirit rank.

The matches started from the end of the line to the beginning and It was Tang Wulin vs Zhou Zhangxi who started off the tournament.

As soon as Wu Zhangkong said to start. Zhou Zhangxi suddenly gave up, as he was still scared of Tang Wulin and his terrifying abilities.

Wu Zhangkong scolded Zhou Zhangxi harshly to the point his face started to turn red.

As the next match came on, Wu Zhangkong kicks out the losers and reprimand the winners. He didn't reprimand Tang Wulin because he didn't see him fight yet.

Round one went by fast, with Xie Xie being the only one to catch his eyes and him being suspicious of Tang Wulin.

"Second round starts. You and you. Both of you shall compete." Said Wu Zhangkong, with a severe-looking expression, as he pointed at Tang Wulin and a female student.

Wu Zhangkong started the match, with the girl activating her Martial Soul, a cute little white cat. She crouched slightly and sprang agilely towards Tang Wulin's direction.

Tang Wulin stared at the girl charging at him, waiting till she closes the distance between them, to sidestep her attack and strike her in the face.

Long story short, the match ended in one move as the girl was knockout with a harsh scolding from Wu Zhankong.

"Do you see now how stupid it is to just charge in a straight line! What enemy is going letting themselves foolishly get hit! And you, why didn't you use your martial soul! Are you the type of righteous idiot who believes in giving their opponent a fair chance! Or are you just an arrogant youth who thinks he is better than everyone?" Scolded Wu Zhankong to both Tang Wulin and the girl next to him.

Wu Zhangkong went on a rant, concerning Tang Wulin and the knockout girl.

Tang Wulin didn't care about his comments, proceeding to just wait at the side.

Wu Zhangkong believing that was enough and called for the next matches. The matches went on for a while until only two people were left undefeated.

Wu Zhangkong notice that Tang Wulin was still not using his martial spirit

'This boy....' Thought Wu Zhankong as he slightly narrowed his eyes.

"The fourth round, second match. Tang Wulin versus Wu Zhangkong." Said Wu Zhangkong causing all of the students but Tang Wulin's expression to change.

'What.' Thought Xie Xie.

Xie Xie watched as Wu Zhangkong walk over to the side opposite of Tang Wulin and remove his belt. The pants didn't down or sway one bit.

"Teacher, what are you doing?" Xie Xie cried out in surprise.

Wu Zhangkong shook his wrist, causing the belt to become completely taut and perfectly straight.

With an indifferent voice, he said, "I won't release my martial soul. You only survive one of my hits."

"Hey, if I am capable to endure one of your attacks, can I be exempt from class for the week?" Questioned Tang Wulin.

"Is there a reason why?" Questioned Wu Zhangkong.

"It's for my cultivation."

"Good. Let see if you back up those words." Said Wu Zhankong.

Wu Zhangkong with his belt took a step thrusting towards Tang Wulin.

Tang Wulin experienced a fierce wave of ruthless suppression coming overwhelmingly from Wu Zhangkong.

He perceives the image of his opponent grows larger as if he was a giant, he desperately tried moving, but his body refuses to listen to him.

His body started to shake uncontrollably and his heart sped up in beats.

'Am... Am I scared? Impossible!' Thought Tang Wulin.

'I am Acnologia!'

Inside Tang Wulin's body, he could feel his Dragon Slayers Powers roaring back at the ruthless suppression.

Unconsciously his blue markings started appearing around his chest area and limbs but were hidden by his clothing.

His pride and determination would never allow him to be scared.

Wu Zhangkong was realistically expecting the boy in front of him to cower or be suppressed, but he could never have imagined what Tang Wulin would do next.

Tang Wulin took a step and forcibly threw out a dominating fist at Wu Zhangkong belt that was coming towards him.

CRASH!

The students of class five who were watching the fight were blown away from the violent clash.

Xie Xie was shocked as he undoubtedly saw an unimaginable scene happening in front of his eyes.

A Soul Master was clashing equally with someone who was at least a Spirit Ancestor.

SWOOOOOOSH!

The harsh wind started to pick up from both sides defiantly refusing to give up, as the raw earth started to form cracks.

Their spiritual power started to both unconsciously leak out and clashing against each other.

CRACK!

Tang Wulin began to grin at Wu Zhangkong as he instantly started pushing forward with his fist.

Wu Zhankong started pushing forward too, causing the overwhelming pressure to radically increase.

The student of class five started to tremble uncontrollably from the dominating might of the two monsters in front of them.

They were all thinking about how did those two get so strong, while also forgetting one of those monsters was in the same class as them.

Bang!

There was a deafening explosion at the tip of the fierce clash as both Tang Wulin and Wu Zhangkong were sent skidding back.

The class look and gasp when they saw Wu Zhangkong's belt was destroyed.

Xie Xie instantly turned to look at Tang Wulin and was shocked that his fist was only bleeding.

He thought they would have blown off or be deformed and be even more damaged from clashing with someone like teacher Wu Zhankong.

Wu Zhangkong gazes at Tang Wulin indifferently but inwardly was shock and terrified.

'A Spirit Master at rank 11 was able to equally clash and for a split second beat me in strength... He would be perfect for that place. His talent would be a waste to go anywhere else.' Thought Wu Zhankong.

"Your exempt from class and training for this week. But you will have to make it up when you come back." Said Wu Zhankong coldly.

Wu Zhangkong shook his head and walk in front of the class, not waiting for Tang Wulin's answer.

"The competition has ended, and all of you have witnessed it. What are your feelings about this competition?" Questioned Wu Zhankong coldly.

Class five was still recovering from the shock but knew better than to not listen.

"W..What about me teacher!"

Xie Xie quickly recovered from the shock and shouted. Wu Zhangkong ignored Xie Xie as he continues giving his speech.

"Rotten wood cannot be carved!" This Icily Arrogant Prince Charming answered his question.

"It is no wonder why all of you have been sorted into class five, you are all a bunch of trash. However, even if you all merely scrap iron, I will take pride in tempering all of you."

Wu Zhangkong went on an inspiring speech about only the foolish rely solely on their martial spirits.

Even mentioning how Tang Wulin relied on his strength to compensate for his low spirit rank and was able to use that to contend with him.

Then he told the class everyone will be doing physical training with him tomorrow.

"Xie Xie, Tang Wulin, follow me." Shortly after he finished that last sentence, Wu Zhangkong headed for the Academic Building.

Xie Xie blink his while; Tang Wulin still had his stoic look but they still follow Wu Zhangkong.

"The trash I referred to in my speech included both of you as well!" Said Wu Zhankong as he began to go onto scold both of the boys.

He scolded Tang Wulin for relying solely on his extraordinary strength and not trying to find ways to use his martial soul.

Strength is only one aspect of the battle and to ignore the rest, would lead one to an early death.

He then turned to Xie Xie and lectures him on his stupidy of relying on the same tactics.

Then he went on talking about what their faults were, his being his weak spirit power and Xie Xie for relying heavily on his twin martial soul.

Xie Xie's face turned red from the scolding, while Tang Wulin didn't even twitch.

"Alright then, down to business." Mutter Wu Zhankong while inwardly sighing at Tang Wulin indifferent look.

He began to them about the class promotion tournament that happens every year, and he wants them to participate, causing Xie Xie lips to twitch.

"The tournament should begin in a month. Thus, from tomorrow onwards, outside of regular classes, I will have both of you undergo special training every night. I'll formulate a simple schedule for you two so you better turn our class into the first grade's class one." Said Wu Zhankong.

After Wu Zhangkong was done, the boys left his office with their thoughts. Tang Wulin decided its time for him to go see Cen Yue about the three objects.

"Hey!" Xie Xie coldly called out to him.

Tang Wulin kept walking leisurely.

"I don't know how you were able to clash with Teacher Wu Zhangkong. I don't care how either. Just because that was undoubtedly your full strength, means nothing to me! I will catch up to you and resoundingly defeat you! I will not stop, until the name Xie Xie is imprinted in your memories!" Shouted Xie Xie with his eyes burning with determination.

Tang Wulin left the academy without replying to Xie Xie, all while thinking how much free time he has now.

Since he was free from class for the week now, he wanted to go train a bit and focus on the items for the Golden Dragon King seal.

"Tang Wulin!"

Tang Wulin turned his head and saw Liu Yuxin walking towards them with her friends behind her.

She kept staring at him with a smile, and he already knew what she wants.

"Here are the pictures, I expect that meal now." Said Tang Wulin as he slid the photos of Wu Zhankong to Liu Yuxin.

He was able to get one of the girls in their class to take some pictures, which wasn't hard.

"Of course junior brother. Hehe."Said Liu Yuxin with a faint smile.

Liu Yuxin receives the pictures and her friends started to swarm around her, swooning over the pictures.

She passes out the pictures to the highest buyer and then went with Tang Wulin to the dining hall.

That day, Liu Yuxin learn the fearsome might of Tang Wulin's stomach.

She knew she would have to sell the photos at a higher price if she wanted to retain any money.

#

Yun Xiaoling stood behind the front desk and saw Tang Wulin as soon as he entered.

"Tang Wulin, you're here today." Said Yun Xiaoling as she briskly walked to Tang Wulin's side with a smile and inquisitive eyes.

Yun Xiaoling has seen the crazy amount of things the boy in front of her as done and accomplish.

She maintains her smile even when he just nodded his head with no words. They started heading towards the elevation with Yun Xiaoling picking a flaw he was unfamiliar with.

Tang Wulin listen quietly as Yun Xiaoling was telling him about the association and where everything was.

As they reach the floor, Yun Xiaoling started pointing out places through the window as they waited for Cen Yue to arrive.

Tang Wulin heard a crowd of footsteps and saw Cen Yue with another man next to him.

Tang Wulin narrowed his eyes, and he was able to tell this man was strong just from the aura he was giving off.

"Wulin, this is the President of the Blacksmith's Association, Mu Chen. He is also the most famous Saint Craftsman ranked blacksmith in the continent." Said Cen Yue walked over to his side with a smile.

'I see no wonder. I could feel power rolling off him, even when he suppresses most of it.' Thought Tang Wulin as he paid even more attention to Mu Chen.

Tang Wulin gaze at Mu Chen as the man in question stared back at him with a fierce expression.

"Before that, can you get me these items?" Questioned Tang Wulin as he shifted his attention to Cen Yue.

Cen Yue blink his eyes at the abrupt question, while everyone but Mu Chen was surprised that this youth was ignoring the president.

Mu Chen in question just smirks as he watches but said nothing.

"Eh, depend on what they are." Said Cen Yue as he saw Mu Chen didn't mind and encourage to speak.

"The items that I need are. Hundred-year Ice Crystal Fruit, a hundred-year Scarlet Flame Fruit, and ten drops of blood from a hundred-year soul beast with a dragon bloodline." Said Tang Wulin.

Cen Yue was surprised at the things he was asked but started to think about it. While those items wouldn't be super hard to get, they would cost quite a bit.

Mu Chen looked at him with an unfathomably deep gaze. "Are you aware that spirit fruits may harm the body?"

"I do, but I still want them."

"Alright, go with Cen Yue to get your task and I will give you the items." Said Mu Chen with a smirk on his face.

Mu Chen could tell from the item's name, that they were there to increase his strength.

The association wouldn't lose anything as long as it was payback and it was being used to nurture a genius blacksmith.

It was one of the reasons that he was willing to go out of his way and give them to Tang Wulin.

He then started congratulating Tang Wulin on breaking the record.

Mu Xi who was was standing next to her father, who began glaring at Tang Wulin.

'To think that the kid that the kid who ignored me in front of the school gates, would be the same boy who broke the record.' Thought Mu Xi in irritation and surprise.

Only a few days ago, did Mu Xi broke the record as the youngest to take the blacksmith test and pass.

She was pretty proud of her accomplishment and held a bit of arrogance in her from having more talent than even her father.

But then out of nowhere, this nine-year-old kid broke her record. To say she was pissed would be the understatement of the yea.

Hell, She didn't even get the chance to savor in her record-breaking. As she found out he finish his test and broke the record, only a few minutes after she finished hers.

"I want to compete with you!" Said Mu Xi with her eyes narrow.

Mu Xi was going to say it again, but her dad sends her a look, causing her face to change.

But she refuses to give up even if it means inciting his anger and so she turns her head back.

But Tang Wulin was gone, causing her to instantly start to look around until she found him walking towards the elevator.

"Wait up, Tang Wulin." Said Cen Yue.

Can Yue say his goodbye to the president and Mu Xi's. He scrambles to the elevator where Tang Wulin was and then began telling him he will take him to the place where he can go to get tasks.

"Another thing here is two items for you."

"Soul communicators are gifted to new members of the association. Since every blacksmith has one, you can consider it one of the benefits of joining the association. As for this ring, the President wanted me to give it to you. He said that it's just a temporary loan. It has a space of ten cubic meters, so it'll be convenient for when you hand in your work."Said Cen Yue with a small smile on his face.

Can Yue stayed with Tang Wulin for a while talking about some mundane things.

When Can Yue was done, Mu Chen came downstairs with the items, two small boxes, and a miniature bottle.

Tang Wulin received the gifts and started to head towards Mang Tian Workshop.