Xie Xie, arriving at an unknown time, gave Anping a pat on the shoulder. "Luckily, you didn't pull that stunt yesterday. Just thinking about it gives me the chills," he remarked, hugging his shoulders and shivering.
A distant, powerful voice questioned, "What's happening?" It was Long Hengxu, the dean of students, approaching swiftly.
As he neared, he discovered several senior students frozen like ice. He spoke sharply, "Who's responsible? Let's fix this mess."
Following orders, Anping touched the icy forms of the seniors. As the ice melted, they shivered, eyes filled with a deep fear.
"Come with me," Long Hendxu guided them.
In the Teaching Office, Long Hengxu's voice was stern. "Why is it you two again? It's only been two days, right? What did I tell you last time? Now, spill it. What happened this time?"
Several senior students stood soaked, evidence that Anping hadn't bothered to dry their clothes while dispelling the spell.
Xie Xie whispered, "I was just passing by."
Ignoring Xie Xie, Long Hengxu focused on Mu Xi. "You explain."
Mu Xi lowered her head, her voice trembling as she confessed, "I just asked Tang Wulin to participate in a forging competition. I didn't expect it to escalate like this."
Clearly shaken by the recent events, Mu Xi never anticipated such a display of power from a first-year student.
Frustrated, Xie Xie interjected, "So you decided to block people at our first-year dormitory entrance. Seniors really have a unique way of seeking others out."
Long Hengxu glared at Xie Xie, coldly stating, "Shut up. It's none of your business. You," he pointed at Anping, "better have a good explanation if you don't want trouble today."
Anping spoke calmly, "They initiated the attack."
Long Hengxu's tone turned unkind, "So, if I hadn't intervened, would you have left them freezing there?"
"I'm not a devil. I wouldn't harm my classmates, but I won't just stand there and let them bully me like a wooden stake," Anping defended.
"Hmph!" Long Hengxu snorted and turned to Tang Wulin, asking, "And you, the instigator, what do you have to say?"
Tang Wulin responded firmly, "My father taught me that if classmates older than me bully, I should fight back without hesitation. He wouldn't blame me for defending myself."
Long Hengxu, visibly annoyed, muttered, "You guys really get on my nerves," finding himself momentarily speechless after being repeatedly contradicted.
The office door creaked open, and Wu Zhangkong's cold voice cut through the tension. "Director Long, I believe my student did the right thing."
Long Hengxu scowled, "Teacher Wu, have you forgotten basic etiquette? Knock before entering."
"I apologize," Wu Zhangkong calmly admitted.
After the apology, his gaze shifted to the senior students. "Bullying younger students deserves consequences. I won't tolerate it. If you trouble our class again, I'll be the one dealing with you as your class teacher."
Long Hengxu, displeased, retorted, "Teacher Wu, please show some respect."
Wu Zhangkong confidently replied, "If you can beat me, I'll consider it. Now, Anping and the others, go to class."
Exiting the office with Wu Zhangkong, Xie Xie expressed his excitement, "Teacher Wu, you were so cool just now. I'm impressed; even if you train me to death, I won't complain."
"Remember your words," Long Hengxu cautioned. He then turned to Anping, "Freezing several seniors—were you hiding your abilities yesterday?"
"Is it hiding, or just choosing differently based on the situation?" Anping responded calmly.
"Whatever you say."
Soon, the trio joined Wu Zhangkong on the playground, where fellow students were already assembled.
"Form a line."
Observing the three standing, Wu Zhangkong instructed, "Today's first part of physical training: ten laps around the playground without using your soul power. Those unable to endure will be dismissed."
Under Wu Zhangkong's stern presence, no one dared to voice objections. Anping thought to himself that Shrek's legacy indeed upheld traditional discipline.
Ignoring their thoughts, Wu Zhangkong produced three iron garments made of chains, tossing them to Anping, Xie Xie, and Tang Wulin, fitting them perfectly.
"Begin, start running," commanded Wu Zhangkong.
After three years of training, Anping's body had developed well, nourished by the energy of heaven and earth. The twenty-kilogram iron clothes weren't exactly weightless, but Anping carried them with ease.
He joined the group running down the street, his face remaining unflushed, and his heart steady.
By the fifth lap, Xie Xie was visibly struggling. Tang Wulin approached Anping, patting his shoulder, and whispered, "Teacher Wu said no spirit power, but he didn't say we can't help each other. Let's assist Xie Xie."
"Okay," Anping nodded.
Observing Anping and Tang Wulin supporting Xie Xie, Wu Zhangkong commented, "I didn't expect both of you to have such good physical strength," his expression calm as he watched the struggling students until he noticed Anping and Tang Wulin aiding Xie Xie, causing a slight frown.
Tang Wulin had showcased his formidable physical strength in his previous bout with the powerful Zhou Changxi. However, what surprised Wu Zhangkong even more was Anping's unexpected physical prowess, considering he wasn't an evidently powerful spirit master.
"Anping and Tang Wulin seem quite capable, don't they? Let's add ten more laps."
As this was declared, a girl approached the academy gate. She appeared to be around the same age as Class 5, Grade 1 students, dressed in all white. Her silky silver hair was neatly tied into a ponytail, swaying with her light steps. Her purple eyes, framed by long eyelashes, exuded brightness.
Wu Zhangkong approached her, questioning, "Which class are you in? Isn't it class time now?"
"I came to the academy, but they said registration time has passed," she responded, looking up at Wu Zhangkong.
Frowning, he inquired, "Aren't you a student of Eastsea Academy?"
"Not yet, but I hope to attend this academy. Is that possible, Teacher?" the girl asked.
"This is the Spirit Master Academy. If you want to attend, it's based on your abilities," Wu Zhangkong stated coldly.
"I can take the exam," the girl, replied with a smile.
Wu Zhangkong inquired, "What's your name?"
"I'm Gu Yuena."
"Anping, come here." Hearing his name, Anping turned his attention to the center of the playground where Wu Zhangkong and Gu Yuena stood. Understanding the situation, he realized he is about to become a tool man.
••••••••
(Note: Regarding Gu Yuena, I won't provide spoilers. Any confusion will be addressed in Chapter 89, which I will upload in the future. And if you want raw name it's on synopsis)