Sparring Against Wu Zhangkong

In the heart of the circular training ground, enveloped by the protective aura of a Spirit Tool shield, Wu Zhangkong positioned himself at the center, a stoic figure leading a group of students where people with high level cultivation trains elevate cultivation levels through the martial spirit training.

With an air of authority, Wu Zhangkong declared, "Starting today, you shall embark on nightly special training sessions under my guidance, preparing diligently for the promotion competition in three months."

A hint of confusion flickered across Gu Yue's face as she inquired, "Promotion match? What's that all about?"

Taking a moment to enlighten the puzzled Gu Yuena, Wu Zhangkong delved into an explanation of the intricacies of the promotion competition. Once the concept became clear, his gaze shifted towards Tang Wulin.

"The promotion competition aligns with the alliance's various contests. Though the slots for the lowest-ranked class are limited, the options for participants vary – two people, three people, seven people. Currently, there are four of you. Tang Wulin, possessing the lowest spirit power cultivation among the group and wielding the Blue Silver Grass martial spirit, your inclusion in the competition was a matter of debate. However, witnessing your compatibility with Xie despite your lower level, we concluded that you should participate. Now, with the addition of Gu Yuena, we have an even more formidable contender."

Tang Wulin clenched his fists, a tinge of melancholy clouding his features. The weight of his perceived inadequacy bore down on him, casting a shadow over his determination.

Observing Tang Wulin's somber expression, Wu Zhangkong added, "Nevertheless, my words remain unchanged. I extend to you the opportunity to join as a substitute. Invest these three months in dedicated training, demonstrate significant improvement, and prove your readiness for the promotion competition."

Undeterred, Tang Wulin affirmed, "Teacher Wu, you have my word. I'll strive relentlessly over these three months to earn my chance to participate."

As the prospect of the intensive training loomed, Anping, sensing the heightened challenge with Gu Yuena's inclusion, raised his right hand to interject. Meeting Wu Zhangkong's gaze, he stated, "Teacher Wu, considering the addition of another person, I'll step back. Truth be told, I had no particular interest in this promotion match to begin with."

Wu Zhangkong's response was stern and cold. "No! Lack of interest? You previously claimed that practice is enjoyable. Do you believe the world revolves around your whims? Where is your sense of collective honor?"

Anping's voice maintained a calm demeanor as he articulated his perspective, "If this is about collective honor, wouldn't it make more sense to open up the opportunity for seven more participants? A broader pool of talents could better showcase your teaching prowess, don't you think? My purpose at Eastsea Academy is to acquire knowledge, not engage in mundane competitions."

Wu Zhangkong's frustration simmered, "You fancy yourself as talented, huh? Learning knowledge? Throughout the annals of spirit masters, strength has always been the bedrock, and practical combat is the surest path to enhancement. You're squandering your own potential."

Unfazed, Anping retorted, "Is that an absolute truth throughout history? Teacher Wu, irrespective of whether strength is foundational, one cannot blindly prioritize it. Everyone should be entitled to their own pursuits, focusing on personal growth rather than conforming to a singular idea of improvement."

A moment of silence hung in the air as Wu Zhangkong grappled with Anping's unconventional viewpoint. Anping's maturity and deviation from the norm within the class had always set him apart.

His rationale for voicing such sentiments stemmed from the anticipation of successfully condensing the source of magic power in the upcoming months. In light of Wu Zhangkong's training regimen, he foresaw a substantial reduction in the time dedicated to his own unique pursuits.

In that moment, a glance from Gu Yuena towards Anping carried a subtle plea as she addressed Wu Zhangkong, "Teacher Wu, why not let the three of them participate in the competition? I wouldn't want to disrupt others just because of me."

Xie Xie and Tang Wulin stood transfixed, stunned by Anping's unexpected challenge to Wu Zhangkong.

Wu Zhangkong, caught off guard by the wave of objections, responded icily after a brief pause, "I am your class teacher, and my decisions stand. The four of you will compete in a three-person team, with Tang Wulin as a substitute. If there are objections, prove your stance by defeating me."

"Teacher, what kind of special training are we going to undergo? Is it still centered on physical fitness?" Xie Xie's inquiry carried a hint of mischief, and the focus seemed peculiar, notably evoking a sense of reluctance towards physical training.

Wu Zhangkong fixed a stern gaze on Xie Xie's playful demeanor. "Absolutely not. Regardless of the training, the singular goal is to enhance your strength. In my view, actual combat remains the most effective method for such improvement. I'll outline the crucial points first, followed by hands-on combat training."

"Xie Xie, as an agility-attack spirit master, your speed has already reached an admirable level for your current stage. However, your endurance falls short, posing a potential challenge in prolonged battles. Thus, it's imperative for you to master energy conservation, minimizing physical fatigue while striving to achieve your objectives. Your secondary martial spirit harbors unexpected capabilities; wield it judiciously, ensuring optimal impact," Wu Zhangkong advised with a measured tone.

"I'll give it my best shot," affirmed Xie Xie, determined to heed the guidance.

"For Anping and Gu Yuena, your martial spirits exhibit strikingly similar effects, and the versatility you bring with elemental applications has caught my attention. In training, I encourage exploration of various element combinations. Collaborative efforts, even between the two of you, might yield unforeseen outcomes. Tomorrow, I'll lead you through a mental power test."

At the mention of the mental power test, Tang Wulin interjected, "Teacher, I've previously undergone a mental power test."

Wu Zhangkong responded coldly, "I trust only what I witness."

"Tang Wulin, your focus should be on mastering control over your martial spirit. The robustness of your Bluesilver Grass suggests a potential mutation in your martial spirit. While resilience is advantageous, true strength lies in your ability to command it flawlessly," he emphasized, his words directed at Tang Wulin's unique martial spirit characteristics.

"There's also the pair of hammers I observed you using last time. Their formidable strength is your advantage, and they've proven effective thus far. Consider employing the hammers in tandem with martial arts for a synergistic approach," Wu Zhangkong suggested, his eyes resting on Tang Wulin.

Tang Wulin nodded in agreement, acknowledging the potency of his dual weapons.

"Alright, let the special training commence. Your sparring partner will be me," declared Wu Zhangkong, producing a wooden sword. "Come at me collectively. I'm unfamiliar with martial spirits, so employ whatever techniques you see fit."

With the wooden sword gripped firmly, Wu Zhangkong assumed a focused stance, his entire being resonating with a sword-like precision.

He initiated the engagement by thrusting the wooden sword towards Anping. A glint of silver light accompanied Anping's swift employment of the flash technique, swiftly evading the attack.

Undeterred, Wu Zhangkong seamlessly redirected the wooden sword, sweeping it in the direction of Xie Xie. Quick on his feet, Xie Xie retreated, but Wu Zhangkong's speed surpassed his own.

Observing the unfolding scene, Tang Wulin seized the moment, raising his hand to unveil the thousand-forged tungsten steel hammer enveloped in Blue Silver Grass. In a practiced motion, he hurled it towards Wu Zhangkong, introducing an element of surprise into the sparring session.

Wu Zhangkong stood firm, unperturbed by the incoming wooden sword. As Tang Wulin's attack proved futile, he swiftly adapted, manipulating the Blue Silver Grass to coil around Xie Xie's waist and pull him out of harm's way.

Seizing the opening, Wu Zhangkong redirected his wooden sword toward the nearer target, Gu Yuena. However, Gu Yuena gracefully sidestepped, employing her agility to avoid the thrust. In retaliation, three fireballs materialized and streaked towards Wu Zhangkong's back.

Simultaneously, a subtle softening beneath Wu Zhangkong's feet signaled Anping's Swamp Technique at play. The thousand-forged tungsten steel hammer released by Tang Wulin whizzed through the air, but Wu Zhangkong deftly redirected it, causing the hammer to crash to the ground.

Undeterred, the wooden sword pivoted towards the oncoming fireballs, harnessing an unusual airflow to redirect them swiftly towards Anping, Xie Xie, and Tang Wulin with enhanced velocity.

Capitalizing on the diversion, Xie Xie lunged towards Wu Zhangkong. His light dragon dagger deftly dispersed a fireball, only to press on with another swift strike. Simultaneously, Tang Wulin swung his hammer to disperse a fireball, aiming a follow-up attack at Wu Zhangkong.

Wu Zhangkong, a master of counteraction, whipped his wooden sword at Xie Xie, sending him tumbling. Swiftly recovering, Xie Xie launched another assault, while Wu Zhangkong, in a fluid motion, evaded an ice pick from Gu Yuena. With precision, he directed his wooden sword towards the airborne Tang Wulin, setting the stage for a dynamic exchange.