Final

The trio returned to the classroom, Anping casually explaining his tardiness due to practice, and Wu Zhangkong didn't press the matter further. Yet, Tang Wulin remained elusive, unseen until the noon class conclusion.

Xie Xie, in pursuit of answers, ventured to the Blacksmithing Association. The response he garnered was shrouded in secrecy, citing Tang Wulin's elevated confidentiality level. Wu Zhangkong, now visibly displeased, directed his cold gaze at Xie Xie. "What's happening? As a team, you're oblivious to your teammate's whereabouts."

Xie Xie, subdued, disclosed, "During the typhoon, he called, mentioning he was in the forging room. None of us expected him to be gone for this long."

Wu Zhangkong queried, "Have you checked the forging room he mentioned?"

"No, he rarely discusses the workshop. All I know is it's his teacher's studio. The association couldn't extract details; They insisted on official certification." Xie Xie shook his head.

"Official permission? Fine, return for now. Don't concern yourself further," Wu Zhangkong commanded with a somber expression.

As afternoon classes concluded, the buzz around Class 5 of Grade 1 intensified on the playground. The class's recent victories garnered attention, sparking rumors of potential promotion to Class 1.

"Have you heard? Class 5 has two second-level soul masters, three consecutive victories! They might break the college record, jumping from Class 5 to Class 1."

"Don't be naive. Two second rings are nothing. This year's freshmen are formidable; they boast three second-ring great soul masters. They're dubbed the strongest freshman class, and the college is adjusting rules to limit promotions within the same level."

"True. This year's newcomers are indeed remarkable."

Conversations echoed on the playground, while some Class 5 students lingered in the cafeteria. Amidst the chatter, Gu Yuena turned to Anping, inquiring, "Are you on the twenty-fifth level?"

Anping shook his head, his declaration resonating with newfound strength, "Level 26."

With the formal wizardry breakthrough, not only did Anping's magical power source condense, but his soul and body also underwent qualitative changes. His soul power surged with the evolution, reaching the impressive level of 26.

"Level 26? Quite the anomaly. I thought I could catch up after breaking through to the second ring these past few days, but you're already at level 26," Xie Xie exclaimed, taken aback by Anping's revelation.

After their meal, the group hastened to the rendezvous point. Wu Zhangkong and other students were already waiting. Without a word, Wu Zhangkong led Class 5 to the playground, followed silently by the students.

As Wu Zhangkong and Class 5 arrived at the playground, the head teacher of Class 1, Grade 1, Ye Yingluo, along with her students, stood on one side of the arena, anticipating the impending clash.

Ye Yingluo, more beautiful than her sister Ye Yingrong, exuded a subtle arrogance. Her gaze fixated on Wu Zhangkong as Class 5 approached with a grudge. Wu Zhangkong's eyes, however, didn't linger on her, leaving Ye Yingluo with a hint of resentment. She turned her attention to her students and commanded, "Yangzi, give them a lesson."

"Yes, teacher," responded Yangzi, a composed young man.

In the midst of this, a disheveled Tang Wulin pushed through the crowd, his breath uneven and hair tousled.

"Teacher Wu, I apologize. Lost track of time during practice today," Tang Wulin expressed with a wry smile, a tone laden with remorse.

Wu Zhangkong observed the weary Tang Wulin and responded, "As long as all is well. You seem a bit off, no need to participate today. Xie Xie recently reached the second ring, so it'll be Xie Xie, Anping, and Gu Yuena against Class 1."

Tang Wulin felt a surge of anxiety upon learning he couldn't participate. 'I have endured all that pain just for today's finals right? So I should participate to showcase my potential and secure better resources, I must impress the academy. My recent performances weren't up to par.'

Moreover, after breaking the seal, Tang Wulin sensed a heightened appetite, signaling a need for more funds to sustain his increased consumption. His debt to the Blacksmithing Association lingered, and while he pledged to repay through blacksmithing, it meant no additional income for a considerable time.

Determined to seize this opportunity, Tang Wulin's urgency manifested in his plea, "Teacher Wu, I can do it. I've made significant breakthroughs recently. Please let me play."

"Are you certain? Facing three second-level soul masters is no easy feat," Wu Zhangkong questioned, well aware of Tang Wulin's discernment.

"I'm sure. I can handle it," Tang Wulin affirmed with unwavering confidence.

"Very well. You, Xie Xie, and Gu Yuena, take the stage."

Clearly, Wu Zhangkong favored Tang Wulin over Anping. Tang Wulin's demeanor and actions aligned more with the teacher's preferences.

Elated by Wu Zhangkong's approval, Tang Wulin received a supportive pat from Xie Xie. "Let's do this together."

Gu Yuena calmly expressed, "Teacher Wu, I choose to forgo participating in this promotion competition. I believe Anping is stronger than me."

Wu Zhangkong retorted coldly, "Strength isn't everything. In my view, teamwork outweighs individual prowess. As the class teacher, my decision stands."

Anping gently shook his head at Gu Yuena. To him, reasoning with someone like Wu Zhangkong wouldn't hold much weight if his strength fell short.

As the tension escalated, Long Hengxu stepped onto the stage, addressing Wu Zhangkong and Ye Yingluo, "Teachers, you may send your contestants forward."

Ye Yingluo signaled her students, "The three of you, step onto the stage."

Three members of the first-grade class ascended the platform side by side. Alongside the composed student, a slender boy and Wei Xiaofeng, who had clashed with Xie Xie previously, stood ready for the impending confrontation.

With Wu Zhangkong's nod of approval, Xie Xie, Tang Wulin, and Gu Yuena gracefully ascended the ring, Xie Xie's gaze fixed firmly on Wei Xiaofeng.

"I'm Zhang Yangzi," the composed young man introduced calmly.

"Wei Xiaofeng, we've crossed paths before," he declared, punctuating his words with a provocative gesture towards Xie Xie.

The last of the trio, a scrawny youth, spoke up, "Wang Jinxi."

Wei Xiaofeng's taunting gesture irked Xie Xie, triggering a surge of anger that Tang Wulin promptly quelled. "Don't act hastily. Let the outcome speak for itself."

"Grade 1, Class 5, Tang Wulin."

"Xie Xie."

"Gu Yuena."

Ye Yingluo reveled in satisfaction as she observed Class 5's contestants. Initially anxious about potential defeat, she now marveled at Wu Zhangkong's tactical substitution, opting for the formidable Anping. Conversations buzzed in the audience.

"Why's Anping not participating? Something fishy?"

"We need such a powerful student right? They're sticking with someone with a Blue Silver Grass martial spirit?"

Within the open-air arena, the lack of soundproofing allowed Tang Wulin to overhear the murmurs below. He clenched his fists, determined to refute any notion of Blue Silver Grass being a weakness. "What's wrong with Blue Silver Grass? I'll prove I'm far from a waste."