Chapter 45: The Daily Life of Class Zero

Class Zero of Year One's curriculum was straightforward—almost every day revolved around combat training.

Wu Zhangkong was notoriously strict; he showed no favoritism between male and female students, holding them to the same standard in training. He spared no one in combat, tirelessly covering skills, techniques, and important points with meticulous precision. However, this left the seven Class Zero students with quite a challenging experience, as almost everyone had experienced the sting of Wu Zhangkong's cane.

Wu Zhangkong's control of his strength was evident in his use of the cane. Each hit felt like it reached their bones, yet left no marks on their bodies—an impressive display of mastery over force.

As more instructors joined in, Class Zero's routine gradually fell into place.

After over ten days, Wu Zhangkong entered the classroom after school.

"Tomorrow, we're going to the Spirit Pagoda," he announced succinctly.

"Teacher, what are we going to the Spirit Pagoda for?" Tang Wulin raised his hand to ask.

Wu Zhangkong explained, "From now on, you'll have the opportunity to train once a week in the Spirit Ascension Platform within the Spirit Pagoda. Cherish this opportunity; the academy has specifically allocated funds to secure it for you."

With that, Wu Zhangkong turned and walked out, leaving only a cool, elegant figure behind.

Jing Shaoyu and Xu Xiaoyan were already familiar with the Spirit Ascension Platform, so their reactions were calm. Zhang Yangzi, Wang Jinxi, and Xie Xie were surprised, while Tang Wulin was curious. Gu Yue remained expressionless, though there was a flicker of something in her eyes.

Xie Xie sighed, "The academy's really pulling out all the stops! Joining Class Zero was the right choice!"

Wang Jinxi nodded vigorously, agreeing, "Absolutely! The Spirit Ascension Platform—I can't wait!"

Tang Wulin leaned over to Xie Xie and whispered, "Xie Xie, what's the Spirit Ascension Platform?"

Xie Xie looked at him in shock, "You don't know what the Spirit Ascension Platform is? It's an amazing place!"

Tang Wulin urged, "Just tell me! I really don't know!"

Xie Xie scratched his head, "Well… the Spirit Ascension Platform is, let's say, a training ground. Soul masters enter it to enhance their combat abilities, and they even have the chance to increase the age of their soul rings. Shaoyu probably knows best—your soul ring upgrades were done there, right?"

He looked to Jing Shaoyu, seeking confirmation, and Tang Wulin also glanced over curiously.

"That's correct," Jing Shaoyu replied with a smile. "The Spirit Ascension Platform is a spirit-based realm developed by the Spirit Pagoda. Soul masters can gain a substance called spiritual power by defeating the spirit beasts inside. When absorbed by soul spirits, this power increases their cultivation. With enough of it, a soul spirit can evolve, transforming into a higher-grade soul spirit."

"Exactly!" Xie Xie eagerly nodded.

"Amazing!" Tang Wulin was thoroughly intrigued and kept bombarding Xie Xie with more questions.

"Shaoyu, let's go eat!" Xu Xiaoyan grabbed Jing Shaoyu's hand, her expression bright and mischievous.

"Sure," Jing Shaoyu nodded, then glanced at Gu Yue and called, "Gu Yue, want to join us for dinner?"

"Alright," Gu Yue replied coolly, stepping over to Jing Shaoyu's side, her expression composed despite Xu Xiaoyan's watchful gaze.

The ten days of training had forged an initial bond among the seven students. Xu Xiaoyan and Gu Yue, however, maintained a slightly complex relationship because of Jing Shaoyu. At their age, they might not fully understand love, but a natural sense of possessiveness still affected their emotions.

Jealousy, or a sense of rivalry, is a feeling familiar to girls of all ages. It's no surprise that Na'er once felt jealous of Xu Xiaoyan, and now Xu Xiaoyan felt jealous of Gu Yue. Over time, though, they would likely become accustomed to each other.

For now, Xu Xiaoyan and Gu Yue were getting along relatively well, certainly better than when they first met. Xu Xiaoyan's lively nature was very endearing, while Gu Yue's calm demeanor brought maturity to the group. Without Jing Shaoyu's presence, they might have even been great friends.

Class Zero's dining arrangements were in the teacher's cafeteria, where a special counter was opened just for them. The food was carefully selected, with top-quality ingredients, mainly spirit beast meat and spirit herbs. This attention to detail reflected how much the East Sea Academy valued its Class Zero students.

"Wow! We have barbarian beef today!" Tang Wulin's voice rang out excitedly from behind. Mealtime was his favorite time of the day, especially since Class Zero's cafeteria station offered unlimited servings—a dream come true for him.

"Shaoyu, try this—it's supposedly ten-year-old barbarian beef." Xu Xiaoyan offered Jing Shaoyu a piece of well-marbled beef from her tray. Jing Shaoyu graciously accepted and, after a few chews, nodded, "It's really good."

The ten-year barbarian bull, a farm-raised spirit beast, had tender meat that was both delicious and nourishing, popular as a dietary supplement.

"I don't like this green spirit vegetable—you eat it." Gu Yue, with her usual impassive expression, held out a crisp, emerald-green vegetable to Jing Shaoyu.

"Sure, I like green spirit vegetables." Jing Shaoyu accepted her offering with a smile.

Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi, meanwhile, quietly moved to a different table, both wearing a look of discomfort. Their silent exchange of glances showed their regret for sitting with Jing Shaoyu's group yet again. It was like this every meal—Jing Shaoyu and the girls just kept up the displays of affection, making it hard to focus on their food.

Tang Wulin and Xie Xie, on the other hand, had the foresight to sit at the table behind them. Tang Wulin's tray was piled high with food, forming a small mountain that he was eagerly devouring. Fortunately, it was still class time for teachers; otherwise, his eating would surely have drawn a crowd.

After the meal, Xu Xiaoyan suggested going out. Jing Shaoyu didn't mind, and though Gu Yue had no particular interest, she tagged along. Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi declined, Xie Xie wanted to train, and Tang Wulin had forging practice. So in the end, only Jing Shaoyu, Xu Xiaoyan, and Gu Yue went.

Jing Shaoyu strongly suspected that Zhang Yangzi and the others had intentionally found excuses not to join them.

The academy wasn't strict with Class Zero's students. Generally, they were allowed to go out during non-class hours as long as they returned by curfew.

"Where should we go?" Jing Shaoyu asked as they left the academy.

"Let me think!" Xu Xiaoyan tapped her lips, her face lighting up with excitement. "Shaoyu, how about we go to the beach? I've never gone there on my own!"

"The beach?" Jing Shaoyu paused, "Isn't it a bit far from the academy?"

"Oh, come on, Shaoyu! I really want to go to the beach!" Xu Xiaoyan clung to his arm, playfully pouting.

"Alright, alright! We'll go to the beach!" Jing Shaoyu relented, smiling at her enthusiasm.

"Hehe, I knew you'd say yes!" She giggled, her face beaming with joy.

"Gu Yue, any thoughts?" Jing Shaoyu turned to ask her.

"Huh?" Gu Yue had been watching Xu Xiaoyan with a hint of envy in her gaze. Startled by his question, she quickly composed herself. "I don't mind; the beach sounds nice."

"Really?" Jing Shaoyu smiled knowingly. He'd seen that look in her eyes—a flicker of envy. Was she jealous of Xu Xiaoyan's ability to express herself freely around him? He chuckled and said, "Alright then, let's head to the beach!"

With all three of them being soul masters, it only took them about half an hour to reach the coast from East Sea Academy. The sun was already dipping toward the horizon, casting a stunning golden glow across the water.

"Wow!" Xu Xiaoyan gasped, staring in awe at the breathtaking scene. "It's beautiful!"

"Yes, it is," Jing Shaoyu agreed, his expression peaceful and relaxed.

Gu Yue didn't say anything, but the faint smile on her face said it all.

The three stood quietly on the sandy shore, watching as the sun slowly dipped below the sea, the world gradually enveloped in the deepening twilight.

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