Chapter 44: Wu Zhangkong’s Expectations

Finally, it was Tang Wulin's turn for the strength test.

Standing before the machine, Tang Wulin instinctively clenched his fists, his joints crackling. Then—

"Bang!" Left hand: 1,142 kilograms!

"Bang!" Right hand: 1,356 kilograms!

The expressions of Zhang Yangzi and Xie Xie instantly froze. Wang Jinxi, although somewhat prepared, couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment seeing that Tang Wulin's strength was double his own.

Wu Zhangkong didn't let Tang Wulin return to his place yet. Instead, he continued, "Now test your right hand with the golden scales activated."

"Alright!" Tang Wulin, visibly excited, raised his right arm, which soon shimmered with a faint golden light. Dense, diamond-shaped scales quickly covered his entire arm, emitting a fierce and powerful aura exclusive to the Golden Dragon King's bloodline. Wang Jinxi's face shifted as he sensed this aura; he realized his own power would likely be reduced to half under its influence. Though he didn't experience the same overwhelming dread and submissive feeling from their match, it still left him puzzled and uneasy.

No one answered Wang Jinxi's unspoken questions, as Tang Wulin proceeded with the test once more.

"Boom—" 2,700 kilograms!

By now, Zhang Yangzi and Xie Xie were utterly numb to the spectacle. Was Tang Wulin even human? A single arm generating over 2,000 kilograms of force—who wouldn't be baffled by that?

Jing Shaoyu also marveled silently, thinking that the Golden Dragon King's power truly was exceptional!

Tang Wulin, thrilled by his results, was brimming with newfound confidence and enthusiasm.

"Now test the Dragon Claw," Wu Zhangkong instructed, his expression as cold as ever.

"Sure!" Tang Wulin eagerly raised his right arm but hesitated. He voiced his concern, "Teacher Wu, if I damage this equipment, will I have to pay for it?"

Wu Zhangkong furrowed his brow and replied, "No need. This equipment can withstand up to 10,000 pounds of force. Even if it breaks, you won't have to compensate."

"Then I'm good to go!"

Tang Wulin's eyes transformed into golden slits, his body exuding a faint, ferocious aura. Wang Jinxi turned pale as he sensed that, under this aura, his strength would be suppressed to less than half. If he faced Tang Wulin directly, the impact would likely be even worse.

Tang Wulin's hand grew wider, his knuckles thickening as his Dragon Claw manifested—covered in fine golden scales, the claw's gleaming tips radiated a sharp, icy brilliance.

"Boom!"

"Crack!"

The reading on the display flashed, and the machine Tang Wulin struck now bore a large dent, with metal fragments scattering around, leaving everyone gaping in shock.

Even the usually stoic Wu Zhangkong couldn't help but swallow at the sight. He had glimpsed the number that had briefly appeared on the display: 3,998 kilograms!

"Um… Teacher Wu, did it… overload?" Zhang Yangzi asked, gulping with a stunned expression.

"No," Wu Zhangkong replied flatly.

"I'd guess it was the special effect of Tang Wulin's Dragon Claw that damaged the machine, right?" Jing Shaoyu suggested. He had noticed the fleeting figure on the display and gained a deeper understanding of the formidable power of the Golden Dragon King's bloodline.

"Exactly!" Tang Wulin looked at Jing Shaoyu in mild surprise, not expecting him to deduce the unique properties of the Golden Dragon Claw so quickly. Tang Wulin explained, "My Golden Dragon Claw has a shattering effect."

Hearing this, Zhang Yangzi felt a little more at ease. Wang Jinxi, however, remained utterly silent, visibly shaken, his hands trembling from the intense emotions within him.

"Hey, Teacher Wu, could you tell us how strong Wulin's last strike was?" Xie Xie asked with a mischievous grin.

But Wu Zhangkong merely gave him a cold glance before saying, "Next is the reaction time test."

Reaction time was closely tied to spiritual power, so it was no surprise that Jing Shaoyu and Gu Yue, the two with the highest spiritual power, ranked first and second. Xie Xie came in third.

In the subsequent tests, Jing Shaoyu and Gu Yue consistently took the top two spots, including the final test of soul power.

In terms of soul power, Jing Shaoyu's level 28 soul power firmly secured first place, followed by Gu Yue at level 24, Xu Xiaoyan at level 23, Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi both at level 22, Xie Xie at level 21, and Tang Wulin at level 13. At the conclusion of the tests, Wu Zhangkong stated indifferently, "Today's tests primarily focused on physical abilities, but they don't determine everything. Martial souls are just as critical for soul masters, so some of you need not feel discouraged. Starting tomorrow, we'll engage in practical combat training. Dismissed. Jing Shaoyu, stay behind."

Without looking back, Wu Zhangkong walked out.

Hearing Wu Zhangkong's words, Zhang Yangzi and Xie Xie, who had felt disheartened during the tests, regained some of their spirit. Wu Zhangkong was right; physical abilities weren't everything, and they had confidence in their martial souls.

Jing Shaoyu whispered a quick word to Xu Xiaoyan before hurrying to catch up with Wu Zhangkong, curious as to why his teacher had asked him to stay.

In Wu Zhangkong's office.

"Take a seat," Wu Zhangkong gestured to a chair, directing Jing Shaoyu.

"Thank you, Teacher Wu." Jing Shaoyu sat down.

"Would you mind sharing your soul skills with me?" Wu Zhangkong's tone was casual, though his eyes held a hint of curiosity.

"Of course," Jing Shaoyu replied. For a healing-type soul master, soul skill effects didn't directly impact combat power. In fact, the more people who understood his soul skills, the more potential benefits he could gain. He explained, "My first soul skill is called 'Origin Light.' It's a single-target heal that can mend all non-fatal external injuries. My second soul skill is 'Origin Wave,' a group heal that, like the first, can heal external injuries and cure illnesses."

"Single-target and group healing, huh?" Wu Zhangkong mused. He then asked, "Non-fatal injuries? Does that include reattaching severed fingers?"

"It does, though it consumes more energy," Jing Shaoyu confirmed. "If the severed part is available, the soul power cost is relatively lower."

"Wait," Wu Zhangkong blinked in surprise as realization dawned. "When you say higher consumption, are you saying you can regrow missing limbs, rather than just reattaching the original?"

"Yes," Jing Shaoyu nodded calmly.

A surge of excitement welled up within Wu Zhangkong. Such a powerful healing capability, if it could develop fully, might rival that of the revered member of the Sea God Pavilion. Perhaps it could even surpass them, as that elder didn't have the same combat prowess Jing Shaoyu exhibited.

"And during that match, the plants and water waves you summoned—" Wu Zhangkong continued, pressing on another point of interest.

"They're innate abilities of my martial soul," Jing Shaoyu answered.

"Alright, I understand." Wu Zhangkong's interest in Jing Shaoyu's martial soul deepened as he became even more intrigued. "You may go now."

"Thank you, Teacher Wu. Goodbye." Jing Shaoyu stood and prepared to leave.

"Wait," Wu Zhangkong suddenly called, "What's your relationship with Gu Yue?"

"I suppose we're friends," Jing Shaoyu replied, his expression turning slightly amused.

"Good." Wu Zhangkong nodded thoughtfully. "Her aloof nature and reluctance to communicate don't benefit a team dynamic. As the leader of this group, I hope you can help mediate her relationship with the rest of the team."

Jing Shaoyu paused, then nodded. "Understood, Teacher Wu. I'll do my best."

Without another word, Wu Zhangkong waved him off.

Leaving Wu Zhangkong's office, Jing Shaoyu wasn't surprised by his final words. Given his talents and abilities, there was no one more suited to lead Class Zero.

Wu Zhangkong, while fond of Tang Wulin, was not blinded by bias; he wouldn't let personal preference determine the team's leader. Besides, he held great admiration and appreciation for Jing Shaoyu, who had a clean background and remarkable talent. If Jing Shaoyu entered Shrek Academy, he could very well become a future leader.

In Wu Zhangkong's heart, he viewed Jing Shaoyu as a potential way to atone for his own past mistakes. If he could help nurture a future leader for Shrek Academy, that would be his greatest act of redemption.

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