Chapter 10: Show

Wu Zhangkong called forward Xie Xie, who strode over with out of breath while his appearance seems to be dead tired. Xie Xie was striking: short blond hair, fair skin, and piercing deep-green eyes with slightly curled lashes that gave him an intense look. His posture was a bit sluggish but it radiated both arrogance and a hint of pride, though he tried to keep it in check.

Wu Zhangkong gave him a disapproving look, eyeing Xie Xie's appearance with barely concealed disdain. "Your physical attributes," he muttered, "are less than ideal for an agility system battle soul master."

Xie Xie, unfazed, shrugged casually. "With all due respect, Teacher Wu, an agility system battle soul master doesn't need bulky strength. We rely on speed and explosive power." He gave a slight grin, his confidence apparent.

At this moment, Xie Xie's gaze shifted to the newcomers standing beside Wu Zhangkong. His eyes immediately locked onto Gu Yue, curiosity and intrigue flickering across his face. Wu Zhangkong quickly cut through his distraction. "Listen up, Xie Xie. If you defeat her," he nodded toward Gu Yue, "then I'll relieve you of this afternoon's training run."

Xie Xie's face lit up with excitement. "Really? No running?" He looked at Gu Yue with newfound determination. "Deal. Consider it done."

Wu Zhangkong nodded, allowing Xie Xie a short break. "Running has drained a fair amount of your soul power and physical strength, so take a moment to recover." He paused, observing Xie Xie's composed expression, though the faint signs of fatigue were present in his movements. "An agility system battle soul master should take every opportunity to manage their energy wisely," Wu Zhangkong reminded him in a cool tone.

As Xie Xie took his break, Shun Lee observed him carefully, taking note of the slight arrogance that slipped through Xie Xie's attempts to appear modest. Xie Xie was undoubtedly talented, and it was clear he came from wealth, but there was something about his demeanor—a confidence that bordered on cockiness—that hinted at a hidden sense of privilege.

Shun couldn't help but smirk to himself, realizing that he was now watching one of the main protagonist's closest friends. It amused him that Xie Xie, for all his bravado, was exactly as Shun remembered: the rich boy with an edge, someone who held a bit of swagger, but whose loyalty and skill would later prove invaluable to the story.

As Xie Xie finished his short break, he stretched out and took a ready stance, facing Gu Yue with a challenging smirk. He looked back at Wu Zhangkong. "I'm ready whenever she is."

Wu Zhangkong's expression remained neutral, but he nodded, indicating for the match to begin. "Let's see if you can back up that confidence, Xie Xie."

While Gu Yue didn't even spare a glance for him. Instead, she looked all around at her surroundings with complete curiosity.

Wu Zhangkong shot her a glance. "Looking down on your opponent isn't the smartest behaviour."

Gu Yue said, "I'm not looking down on him!" Although that's what her mouth said, her eyes seemed to be saying that Xie Xie wasn't even worth looking down upon.

Wu Zhangkong spoke no further. He diverted his attention back to the students who were running instead.

Shun Lee stood on the sidelines, his gaze fixated on the clash unfolding between Xie Xie and Gu Yue. This wasn't just a skirmish; it was a demonstration of skill, a battle of wits and raw power. Shun found himself entranced by every swift movement and calculated strike, a silent admirer of the fierce agility and precision both opponents displayed.

As Xie Xie shot forward with the speed of a predator, Shun marveled at the sheer power in his charge. His Light Dragon Dagger gleamed with purpose, a testament to the strength that came from Xie Xie's single-minded focus. Now that's how a true Agility System Battle Soul Master should fight, Shun thought, watching as Xie Xie circled around Gu Yue with the kind of speed that seemed almost invisible to the rest of them.

But then came Gu Yue's calm response, her measured movements hinting at a confidence that matched Xie Xie's raw energy. She raised her hand in a seemingly relaxed gesture, but the green glow that materialized stopped Xie Xie's dagger mid-thrust. Shun's eyes widened at the sight. That's wind manipulation, isn't it? But how… He watched in awe as she effortlessly combined elemental powers, her control flowing seamlessly from wind to fire. It was a spectacle—one that left him reconsidering the limits of what a Soul Master could achieve.

Xie Xie thought he could finish this without using his soul skill, Shun noted with a hint of admiration for Xie Xie's confidence, but also a sense of satisfaction at seeing that confidence challenged. Gu Yue was proving to be more than a mere opponent; she was an equal.

A sudden fireball from Gu Yue narrowly missed Xie Xie's face, and Shun felt his pulse quicken as Xie Xie dodged just in time, his reflexes saving him by the barest margin. This was no easy fight, no mere display of strength. Each soul master was pushing the other to their limits, drawing out the best within themselves. This is how battles should be. Not just a test of physical might, but of quick thinking and adaptability, he mused, unable to contain his awe.

When Xie Xie launched his Light Dragon Blade, Shun could feel the energy crackle through the air, as if the sheer force of the attack resonated with everyone watching. But once again, Gu Yue defied expectations, summoning a green light blade that intercepted his strike with precision. Shun marveled at her cool demeanor, her ability to control multiple elements with ease. He noted Wu Zhangkong's stoic face, hiding any sign of approval or surprise, as though he had anticipated such talent all along.

As the clash continued, Shun's admiration grew deeper. The speed, the agility, and the pure spirit of their fight captured his imagination. Xie Xie's strength and confidence, Gu Yue's mastery over multiple elements—it's no wonder they're among the best of our age.

But it was in that final moment, when Gu Yue conjured the blinding light, that Shun was left in awe. A brilliant tactic, he thought, observing as Xie Xie stumbled back, momentarily blinded. When Wu Zhangkong declared Gu Yue the winner, Shun couldn't suppress his amazement. The fight had been a revelation, a showcase of potential he hadn't even known existed.

Shun Lee watched in awe as the match played out, unable to hide his surprise at Gu Yue's mysterious powers. When he'd first seen her, he hadn't thought much of her—she seemed quiet, unassuming that could mistaken that she wasn't mucha fighter. But now, seeing her battle against Xie Xie, he realized just how wrong he'd been.

'Control over six elements?' Shun thought, incredulous. 'And here I thought just having one elemental ability was impressive. How on earth does she manage to control them all?'

He glanced over at Xie Xie, who seemed just as stunned, maybe even more. The confidence Xie Xie had entered the match with had vanished, replaced by confusion and disbelief. 'Guess he wasn't expecting her to move like that,' Shun mused, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. 'I mean, who would? I didn't even see her shift until she was right next to him.'

When Gu Yue turned to Wu Zhangkong and presented her recommendation letter, Shun's ears perked up, curious to hear more about this martial soul of hers. Elementalist, she called it. Shun had never heard of such a thing before, and judging by the subtle widening of Wu Zhangkong's eyes, neither had he.

'So she controls six elements but can't attach her soul rings to any specific one…' Shun thought, piecing together her explanation. 'That's got to be tough, but it also means she's incredibly versatile. To think she beat Xie Xie without any powerful single-element attacks. She just outmaneuvered him, using her knowledge of each element's properties. Imagine what she could do if she were trained properly…'

Shun's mind buzzed with possibilities. As much as he hated to admit it, he was actually impressed. 'Looks like she's going to be someone to watch out for in this academy. Guess it won't be boring around here after all.'

Wu Zhangkong's cold voice cut through Shun's thoughts. "Good. I've understood. You are now a part of our class, 1st Year Class 5."

Shun blinked, his gaze shifting back to Wu Zhangkong, who was studying Gu Yue with a calculative look. 'Well, there goes any chance of staying out of trouble,' he thought, grinning. But just as he was about to slip away and avoid any added running drills, Wu Zhangkong's icy stare pinned him in place.

"Gu Yue, Xie Xie," Wu Zhangkong ordered, "join the others in running."

Xie Xie groaned in exasperation, dragging himself to his feet with a reluctant glare.

Shun took a step backward, hoping to sneak off unnoticed, but Wu Zhangkong's voice called out again, this time directed squarely at him.

"Shun Lee." The coldness in his voice sent a chill down Shun's spine. "If you're not planning to leave anytime soon, join the others."

Shun felt his stomach drop, cursing his luck. 'So much for slipping away,' he thought.

Shun Lee's heart raced as he quickly concocted an excuse. "Uh, I should really need to go back to class, Teacher!" he blurted to Wu Zhangkong, hoping the stern teacher would let him off the hook.

Wu Zhangkong merely looked at him with his usual icy gaze, then gave a faint nod. "Then go," he said coolly, sparing Shun no further attention.

Shun sighed in relief, practically bolting into the academy building. His mind was still buzzing with the excitement of seeing Gu Yue's abilities firsthand. 'Control over six elements... And also light dragon dagger is freaking cool name which by the way is insane! I've never seen anyone pull off something like that in all my time here and only through tv and anime shows in my past life!'

The excitement simmered down as Shun slowed his pace, realizing he now had a new problem: coming up with a solid excuse for his homeroom teacher. 'Maybe I could say I got lost on the way? Or... no, that's lame. I don't think I can just say I was at an impromptu training session either... Ah, man, why does this always happen to me?'

As he finally reached the classroom door, he took a deep breath, bracing himself. Just as he lifted his hand to open it, the door suddenly swung open, revealing his homeroom teacher, Ye Yinglou, looking down at him with a gaze that could freeze fire.

"Care to explain why you're so incredibly late, Shun Lee?" Ye Yinglou's tone was low and menacing. "Or perhaps you'd rather be kicked out of class entirely?"

Shun gulped, feeling every excuse he'd come up with evaporate. In a moment of desperation, he blurted, "I… overslept, teacher."

Ye Yinglou narrowed her eyes, clearly unimpressed. "Overslept, hm? Then I'll give you a reason to wake up earlier." She crossed her arms. "You'll be cleaning this classroom by yourself every day for a month. And don't bother preparing for the upcoming promotion event, because you won't be participating."

Shun blinked, completely thrown off. 'Promotion event?' He tried to mask his confusion, but he couldn't help blurting out, "Uh… promotion event?"

Ye Yinglou let out an exasperated sigh, as if dealing with him was draining her energy. "Yes, the event we discussed at length in class this morning—the one you missed." She waved a dismissive hand. "But don't worry. It doesn't concern you."

Shun couldn't even think of a comeback as she spun on her heel and strode toward the hallway. His classmates filed out of the room one by one, and he found himself bombarded with pitying looks. Some shook their heads, while others muttered condolences.

One of the girls even gave him a sad little pat on the shoulder, sighing, "Hang in there, Shun. We'll remember you in class."

"Guess we won't be seeing you at the event, huh?" another one smirked, while still trying to look sympathetic.

A guy clasped Shun's shoulder, giving it a hearty pat. "Hey, maybe this will give you some time to think about your choices," he joked, though his eyes held genuine pity.

Another classmate sighed, "Heard she's in a foul mood. Maybe the cleaning punishment isn't all you'll get…"

Shun's face twisted in confusion, looking between each one of them.' Is it really that bad? I mean, yeah, she seemed mad, but…'

Finally, his roommates stepped out of the room, clearly having waited until everyone else had left. They each gave him a wary look, and Wang Jinxi leaned in, whispering, "You're so dead, man. She was in a terrifying mood the whole class. I swear, she muttered your name like a curse every ten minutes."

"Yeah," Zhang Yanxi chimed in and his eyes were wide. "Kept mumbling stuff like 'troublemaker' and 'bad child.' The whole time, we were just sitting there, praying we wouldn't get dragged into it with you."

Shun felt the weight of the situation sink in. Great. 'Not only am I stuck with cleaning duty, but she's been stewing about this all morning.'

He heaved a sigh as he reluctantly trailed behind his classmates as they went to take a break. He knew he was in for a rough time, but he couldn't shake the lingering feelings that he just witness.