Bet

Before leaving, he waved to Xu Lizhi. Observing that everyone in Class 0 had departed, Xu Lizhi whispered to Ye Xinglan, "Sister Xinglan, if they don't agree, what should we do about the tasks assigned by Teacher Shen?"

Hearing Xu Lizhi's words, Ye Xinglan realized they had come with a mission. The task given by Shen Yi was to invite Anping and Gu Yuena for a friendly discussion. It seemed like she had accidentally botched it, even if she didn't feel at fault.

Fuming with anger, Ye Xinglan did not utter a word and pulled Xu Lizhi away.

After leaving the venue, Anping and Gu Yuena didn't head back to the hotel directly. Instead, they took advantage of the game time when most people were watching and strolled around in the deserted city.

It wasn't until it got dark that the two of them had dinner outside and then hurried back to the hotel. Upon their return, the three people from Class 0 were anxiously bombarding them with questions.

Seeing the two entering the hotel, Xu Xiaoyan quickly approached Gu Yuena, hugging her arm, and exclaimed, "Sister Nana, where have you been? Why are you back so late?"

Gu Yuena affectionately rubbed Xu Xiaoyan's head and smiled, "I was just taking a leisurely stroll outside and grabbed a bite to eat. What's going on? Why are you all waiting here?"

With a smile, Xu Xiaoyan replied, "Isn't it because of what happened during the day? The Shrek Academy teacher really invited you, right? And then you declined?"

"Yes." Gu Yuena nodded slightly.

Confirming once again that they had indeed rejected Shrek's invitation, the others were surprised but not as shocked as they were initially.

Tang Wulin gazed at Gu Yuena and inquired, "It's Shrek Academy. What do you think?"

Seeing that Gu Yuena was not eager to respond, Anping interjected, "I didn't think much about it. I just don't want to join."

"Putting it lightly, it's Shrek. If it were me, I would have agreed on the spot." Xie Xie's tone carried a hint of bitterness.

Having said that, he was about to return to rest when Wu Zhangkong entered from outside. Glancing at the group blocking the door, he spoke coldly, "Why are you blocking the entrance of this hotel? Get back inside!"

He paused and added, "Anping and Gu Yuena, come with me."

Upon hearing Wu Zhangkong's words, Xu Xiaoyan released her grip on Gu Yuena's arm, and Tang Wulin and Xie Xie followed her inside the hotel.

Anping and Gu Yuena trailed Wu Zhangkong to the hotel lobby's resting area. Since it was dinner time, there were no people around, allowing them to find a spot to sit.

Wu Zhangkong scrutinized Anping and Gu Yuena seated opposite him and said in a cold tone, "I heard that Shrek's students challenged you to a fight today, and you refused?"

"Yes." Both nodded.

"How many times have I told you that actual combat is the fastest way to increase your strength. I hope you can agree. I also want to know whether your strength can truly surpass Shrek Academy students as Gu Yuena claims." Wu Zhangkong directed his gaze at Gu Yuena while speaking.

Facing Wu Zhangkong's scrutiny, Gu Yuena responded calmly, "So what if I can beat them, so what if I can't beat them. In fact, it doesn't make much sense."

Wu Zhangkong said, "I can see that you don't appreciate my teaching methods. Let's do this. If you can defeat them, I will grant you the utmost freedom in your studies at Eastsea Academy. And if you lose, you'll accept Shrek Academy's invitation to join Shrek Academy."

Anping's eyes lit up upon hearing the words "freedom of study." He glanced at Gu Yuena beside him and asked in a low voice, "What do you think?"

Seeing Gu Yuena nodding slightly, Anping inquired seriously, "Teacher Wu, are those who played in the exhibition match yesterday the same opponents?"

Wu Zhangkong replied, "Yes, there are seven of them."

Anping nodded and said, "Okay, Teacher Wu, just set the appointment and inform us."

"Alright, you guys go back and rest."

The betting plan had been discussed between him and Shen Yi. They didn't believe Anping and Gu Yuena could defeat the seven Shrek Academy students with just the two of them, even with martial spirit fusion skills.

The reason behind this was not merely about the outcome of the bet. It was about not wanting to give up on Anping and Gu Yuena's potential while also teaching them the importance of humility and respect, regardless of their talents.

However, when Wu Zhangkong saw the two of them agreeing so readily, a slight worry crept into his mind. It wasn't just about the bet's outcome; he was concerned that a victory might cast a psychological shadow on the Shrek students.

It was okay for the other students, but Ye Xinglan and Xu Lizhi were unofficial inner academy students. It could be detrimental if it left a lasting impact affecting their future cultivation.

After sitting for a while, Wu Zhangkong shook his head slightly, dispelling these thoughts, and then rose to go back to his room and rest.

When Anping returned to his room, Xie Xie was leaning on the bed, eyes fixed on the door, evidently awaiting Anping's return. As Anping opened the door and entered, Xie Xie's eyes brightened, and he couldn't wait to speak, "Anping, you're finally back."

Anping asked, "What? If I didn't come back, would I have to sleep on the street?"

Xie Xie sat up, curious, "I still want to know why you rejected Shrek's invitation."

Seeing Xie Xie's persistent look, Anping shook his head slightly, "No matter how you ask, I'll give the same answer. There's no special reason; I just feel it's not suitable."

Upon hearing Anping's words, Xie Xie didn't press further and began recounting the history of Shrek Academy. It seemed that the Poseidon and the Master of the Spirit Pagoda originated from Shrek Academy.

In desperation, Anping used a little trick called "sleeping" to lull Xie Xie into a slumber.

Early the next morning, Anping emerged from his meditative state and dispelled the sleeping spells on his body.

Xie Xie woke up, sat up, and rubbed his head. He was a bit perplexed about why he didn't practice last night and when he fell asleep.

Xie Xie looked at Anping, who was already dressed, and said in confusion, "Anping, do you remember when I fell asleep last night?"

Anping blinked and replied calmly, "I don't know the specific time. You insisted on introducing the history of Shrek to me last night. Maybe because you were too tired during the day, you fell asleep while talking."

"Is that so? Why didn't we face any tough opponents in yesterday's match?" Xie Xie scratched his head, feeling that something was off, but unable to pinpoint the issue.

Anping interrupted Xie Xie's contemplation and said, "Don't sit there in a daze. It's getting late. We have to participate in the individual competition in the morning. Get up and have something to eat."

Upon hearing about the individual competition, Xie Xie halted his worrying and swiftly got up, hastily dressing. Evidently, he felt that the competition held more significance, and being late could result in direct elimination.

Seeing Xie Xie's brisk dressing, Anping breathed a sigh of relief. The sleeping technique was a minor spell without any side effects. Although it induced no harm, it instantly placed people into a state of sleep. Upon waking, they might feel a bit groggy, akin to the aftermath of a short nap, but it wasn't severe.

After all, he wasn't a relentless enemy, and Anping refrained from anything too extreme just because Xie Xie talked a lot.

After breakfast, everyone hurried to their respective competition venues. In the morning's individual competition, Anping's opponent was still a two-ring player, and he defeated them without much effort.

When they returned to the hotel at noon, several people gathered around Tang Wulin's bed, looking at him worriedly. From their conversation, they learned that he encountered Ye Xinglan from Shrek Academy in the individual competition.

As Anping entered the room, Xie Xie expressed his anger, "I didn't expect that person named Ye Xinglan to go so far. It was just a competition, and she dealt such a heavy blow."

After checking Tang Wulin's body, and finding it wasn't a serious problem, Wu Zhangkong said calmly, "Your skills are just inferior to him. Although Tang Wulin is only at first level ring, you all know his fighting ability. Ye Xinglan is only at second level Soul ring, now you understand the gap between you and Shrek Academy."

During their conversation, Tang Wulin also woke up from his coma. He looked at the people surrounding his bed and felt warmth in his heart. He said to Wu Zhangkong, "Teacher Wu, I'm sorry, I lost."

Wu Zhangkong nodded and said, "I'm not surprised that you lost. I also watched the game. Your melee ability is still lacking. The opponent is a student of Shrek. It's not a shame to lose to her. Win next time, just come back."

After hearing Wu Zhangkong's words, Tang Wulin nodded a few times. Due to the movement, a sharp pain emanated from the wound.

Wu Zhangkong said, "Stop moving. You need to rest now. I will ask Xie Xie to bring you lunch."

Tang Wulin said in a low tone, "What about the afternoon game?"

"Don't worry about the afternoon game. We are still there," Xie Xie comforted, "Just listen to Teacher Wu and have a good rest. I will bring you lunch later."

"I'm not worried that you'll lose, I'm worried that you'll miss the time. It's just a traumatic injury. I should be almost healed tomorrow, and maybe I can continue to compete," Tang Wulin said, forcing an ugly smile.

Xie Xie was surprised, "You're like this and still thinking about the competition."

Tang Wulin said, "Of course, after all, there aren't many opportunities to have actual combat with peers like now. How could I miss it so easily."

After preparing a substantial amount of food for Tang Wulin, Wu Zhangkong once again asked him to have a good rest before leading a few people to participate in the afternoon team competition.

The players Wu Zhangkong arranged for the team competition were Xu Xiaoyan, Gu Yuena, and Xie Xie. Their opponents were not particularly strong in actual combat abilities. Additionally, upon seeing that the opponents were three children of about ten years old, they couldn't help but look down upon them. The trio secured a relaxed victory.

Tang Wulin's recovery ability surprised even Wu Zhangkong. Despite his severe injuries, by the time the group returned from participating in the team competition, he could already walk on his own.

Observing Tang Wulin walking, the others were visibly astonished. Wu Zhangkong remarked, "Your recovery speed is faster than I thought."

Xie Xie, equally surprised, commented, "Wulin, are you even human? How can you walk after such severe injuries?"

Tang Wulin responded indignantly, "Of course, I am a human being. Maybe I just have tough skin and strong flesh, and my recovery ability is relatively robust."

"Okay, let's go eat quickly. I have other things to do after dinner," Wu Zhangkong said as he walked out of the room.

Curious, Tang Wulin asked, "Isn't the game over? What else can happen?"

"How should I know? Let's go and eat," Xie Xie helped Tang Wulin walk to the restaurant, saying.

Anping and Gu Yuena exchanged glances, understanding that Wu Zhangkong was likely referring to the appointment with Shrek Academy. At noon, he had informed them that the meeting would be in the evening at the Skysea City Gymnasium.

The location was at the Skysea City Gymnasium, rented in Shrek Academy's name. Naturally, the city officials would not refuse due to Shrek's reputation. From Wu Zhangkong's words, he intended to bring everyone from Class Zero with him, so the two of them didn't pay much attention.

After dinner, Wu Zhangkong led the group out of the hotel. Observing their direction, Xie Xie asked curiously, "Teacher Wu, this is the direction to the gym, right? Why are we going at this time? Even if it's for special training, we have to wait until Wu Lin's injury is completely healed, right?"

Wu Zhangkong replied, "You will know when you get there."

Seeing Xie Xie's frustration, Xu Xiaoyan teased him, saying with a smile, "Let you talk less."

Xie Xie muttered, "Hmph, I don't believe you are not curious why Teacher Wu brought us here so late?"

Xu Xiaoyan said, "Didn't Teacher Wu say that we will know when we get there? They will definitely not keep us in the dark."

Arriving at the gymnasium, they encountered no obstacles due to the prior arrangements. The brightly lit gymnasium, devoid of spectators, exuded an eerie quietness. On the main stage at the center of the gymnasium, several students from Shrek Academy stood in a row.

Despite the distance, Class Zero recognized them immediately—the Shrek students who participated in the exhibition match at the opening ceremony. Thoughts involuntarily turned to Ye Xinglan's previous bout with Anping and Gu Yuena as they eyed the two in question.