Ending

Long Hengxu furrowed his brow, observing the two classes already engaged in a prelude to battle. "I want to emphasize that this is an internal academy competition. Friendship precedes rivalry, and intentional harm is strictly prohibited. Any transgressions will be penalized by the academy."

The six contestants echoed in unison, "Yes."

"Alright, let the games begin."

With Long Hengxu's command, the animosity between Xie Xie and Wei Xiaofeng, already apparent, erupted as they simultaneously unleashed their martial spirits, hurtling toward each other.

Both were agile soul masters, their speed astonishing. As they initiated action, both displayed their soul rings – a startling revelation of two soul rings each. The spectators, including those below were taken aback. The freshman class boasted not only Anping but also six second-ring great soul masters.

In the blink of an eye, Xie Xie and Wei Xiaofeng clashed. While unaware of Xie Xie's twin martial soul, Wei Xiaofeng keenly sensed that despite Xie Xie's recent breakthrough, his soul power matched or even surpassed his own level 22 strength.

Feeling the threat, Wei Xiaofeng's first soul ring gleamed, unleashing his initial soul skill. His form became elusive, leaving a trail of cyan afterimages that bewildered the onlookers, blurring the line between reality and illusion.

On the opposite side, Tang Wulin refrained from releasing his martial spirit immediately, opting to charge directly at Zhang Yangzi. Though not as swift as Xie Xie's agility-based attacks, Tang Wulin's newfound power propelled him forward with considerable speed.

Facing Tang Wulin's charge, Zhang Yangzi chose not to engage, standing firm. Meanwhile, Wang Jinxi on the other side met Tang Wulin's advance head-on.

Two concentric circles of yellow soul rings manifested, signaling the activation of Wang Jinxi's martial spirit. His initially slender frame underwent an odd transformation, swelling, but notably, it was his bones that expanded, creating a peculiar sight.

A resounding clash echoed as Wang Jinxi's fists met Tang Wulin's oncoming charge. Tang Wulin, though compelled to halt, demonstrated unexpected strength, pushing Wang Jinxi back a few steps to the astonishment of the audience.

Surprise gripped not only the spectators but also those in the ring. The seemingly unremarkable boy, adorned with a single white soul ring and a blue silver grass martial soul, revealed a strength beyond expectation.

Following the tactical script from training, Gu Yuena, who should have remained concealed behind Tang Wulin, diverged from the plan. A cyan radiance enveloped her, swiftly amassing wind elements from the atmosphere.

In an instant, a colossal wind pillar materialized, surging towards the bewildered Zhang Yangzi and the backpedaling Wang Jinxi from the side.

Reacting swiftly, Tang Wulin retreated a few steps, bewildered by Gu Yuena's unexpected actions. "Gu Yuena, what are you doing?"

Her response was silence as she continued to manipulate the wind pillar. Despite both Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi being second-ring soul masters, they paled in comparison to Gu Yuena. Entrapped within the tempest, they found themselves reminiscent of being caught in a typhoon.

Yet, this was a fiercer manifestation; the wind blades, though not overpowering, exhibited increased potency, steadily sapping the soul power of the duo.

Helpless, Wang Jinxi and Zhang Yangzi were swept towards the ring's edge by the relentless wind pillar, unable to resist the force.

With resounding thuds, both Wang Jinxi and Zhang Yangzi were expelled beneath the ring. Disheveled hair and disarrayed uniforms portrayed their embarrassment, while Zhang Yangzi's once serene countenance now displayed frustration.

Angrily eyeing the girl on the stage, they harbored intentions to retaliate, but Long Hengxu intervened, his low voice declaring, "You've been eliminated."

Seeing two of her students swiftly dispatched by a young girl before they could even employ their martial soul fusion skills, Ye Yingluo, the ordinary class teacher, couldn't maintain her proud demeanor. Gritting her teeth, she reluctantly admitted defeat. "Director Long, we concede."

Student to their class teacher, offered an apologetic look. "Teacher Ye, I'm sorry."

Long Hengxu stepped in, ordering a halt to the ongoing skirmish between Xie Xie and Wei Xiaofeng. The two combatants glared at each other, both unsatisfied with the abrupt conclusion. Tang Wulin, too, was left bewildered by the swiftness of the match. Was the second ring truly this formidable? Gu Yuena had expertly exploited the momentary daze to toss both opponents from the ring.

Announcing the results, Long Hengxu declared Class 5, Grade 1 as the victor. The promotion competition, restricted to the same grade, concluded, propelling Class 5 to the coveted Class 1 status.

Behind Wu Zhangkong, cheers erupted from his students, while the original Class 1 students wore expressions of defeat.

Observing the scene, Long Hengxu felt a mix of emotions. Xie Xie and Anping, specifically assigned to Class 5 by his choice, along with Gu Yuena, had surpassed expectations. Even Tang Wulin, initially dismissed with his Blue Silver Grass martial soul, had revealed astonishing capabilities. Long Hengxu shook his head in disbelief, acknowledging the unpredictability of martial spirits.

As the crowd dispersed, teachers congratulated Wu Zhangkong, acknowledging the unprecedented achievement. The aloof male figure of Eastsea College, Wu Zhangkong, responded with his characteristic stoic demeanor.

Once the buzz settled, Wu Zhangkong's cold voice addressed the remaining students. "I am deeply disappointed with your performance today. Where was your cooperation?"

In response, Xie Xie muttered, "Didn't we win?"

Wu Zhangkong cast a frigid gaze at Xie Xie and uttered, "Xie Xie, your detachment from the team is unacceptable. In a team competition, challenging the opponent's agility attack system soul master in a solo duel is not permitted."

Having spent several months under Wu Zhangkong's tutelage, Xie Xie understood his teacher's expectations well. He responded decisively, "Teacher Wu, I apologize. I acknowledge my mistake."

Turning his attention to Tang Wulin, Wu Zhangkong questioned, "As a control-type soul master, where is your martial spirit? Your claimed breakthrough seems to be a mere increase in strength. Do you intend to shift to an attack-type soul master?"

Tang Wulin bowed his head in shame, admitting, "I was wrong."

Wu Zhangkong then directed his scrutiny towards Gu Yuena, stating, "Gu Yuena, as the team's remote supporter, you voluntarily left the support range of your teammates. If I were to grade your performance today, it would be a failure. Always remember, you are part of a team, not individuals. Otherwise, what's the purpose of the team's existence?"

Gu Yuena remained silent, lips pursed in contemplation.

"Reflect on your actions," Wu Zhangkong concluded, leaving without a backward glance.