Chapter 56: Wu Zhangkong’s Invitation to Tang Sect

Wu Zhangkong ignored Jing Shaoyu and Gu Yue, continuing his lecture to Tang Wulin, Xu Xiaoyan, and Xie Xie. "I brought you here for two reasons.

First, your physical capabilities are nearing their limits. Until you make significant breakthroughs, your access to the Spirit Ascension Platform will be limited. Therefore, we need another place for practical training.

Unlike the Spirit Ascension Platform, Hero's Hall doesn't provide spirit energy. However, it hones your combat skills and experience since injuries here translate to real pain. Although there's no life-threatening danger, it's enough to make you feel the brutality of a real battlefield. You're fortunate to have a team leader with strong healing abilities."

Wu Zhangkong gave Jing Shaoyu a sidelong glance, clearly disapproving of how Shaoyu had healed his teammates earlier. Jing Shaoyu responded with a polite but unwavering smile.

"Second," Wu Zhangkong continued, "this test is unrelated to your final exam. Your final score was already determined by your performance in the Spirit Ascension Platform's riot mode. Today's test is to assess whether you qualify to join an organization. If you join, you'll be able to train in Hero's Hall using merit points in the future."

Finally showing their true intent, Jing Shaoyu thought, feeling amused.

Tang Wulin and Xie Xie were immediately intrigued, curiosity evident in their expressions. Xie Xie asked, "Wu Zhangkong, what organization is this? What do they do?"

Wu Zhangkong replied, "Have you heard of the Tang Sect?"

"Tang Sect? You mean the number one sect in the continent? I thought they'd become reclusive!" Tang Wulin exclaimed.

Wu Zhangkong clarified, "No, the Tang Sect hasn't withdrawn but merely operates quietly. Its name is so famous that it easily draws unwanted attention. The place we're in now is actually owned by the Tang Sect—a company called Xuanshi Tangmen Technology."

"Hero's Hall is a training facility developed by the Tang Sect. Those opponents you faced are based on figures of historical significance in the Tang Sect's history—the Shrek Seven Monsters."

Tang Wulin's eyes widened as he connected the dots. "Does that mean… the one I fought was the same Xiaotian Douluo Xiao Xiao, a Shrek Seven Monster from a thousand years ago with the twin spirits Fenglai Xiao and Sansheng Zhenhun Ding?"

"And mine was the Softbone Douluo Jiang Nannan from that generation?" Xie Xie echoed in awe.

Wu Zhangkong nodded. "Correct. Xu Xiaoyan's opponent was Dragon Butterfly Douluo Tang Wutong, known as Wang Donger, who wielded the Clear Sky Hammer spirit. Gu Yue's opponent was Lingbing Douluo Huo Yuhao, a legendary figure who founded the spirit soul system and revitalized the Tang Sect."

Xie Xie looked to Wu Zhangkong with a question, "What about Shaoyu? Who was his opponent?"

Wu Zhangkong's expression became peculiar. "Jing Shaoyu's opponent was Tang Sect's first sect leader after its revival, Dragon God Douluo Bei Bei, who possessed the Holy Light Dragon spirit. And to clarify, Jing Shaoyu didn't lose—he left as the victor in a match against Dragon God Douluo Bei Bei in his two-ring stage."

"Wow!" Xie Xie's jaw dropped as he stared at Jing Shaoyu, while Tang Wulin had the same expression, once again astonished by Jing Shaoyu's strength.

Xu Xiaoyan looked at Jing Shaoyu with admiration, her eyes sparkling. Gu Yue, however, seemed lost in thought, still focused on her own opponent, Huo Yuhao.

Wu Zhangkong clapped his hands to regain their attention. "Don't feel discouraged," he said. "Being able to face legendary figures is an honor. If you continue to train in Hero's Hall, you may even stand a chance against them at the same level, and who knows, perhaps you might even face the original Shrek Seven Monsters one day."

Tang Wulin, thoroughly tempted, didn't hesitate. "I'll join!"

After a brief hesitation, Xie Xie added, "Me too!"

Wu Zhangkong said, "No need to rush your decision; discuss it with your families first."

Xie Xie shook his head firmly. "No, Wu Zhangkong. I don't want to miss this opportunity, and I know my family will support me."

Wu Zhangkong then turned his gaze to Jing Shaoyu, Xu Xiaoyan, and Gu Yue, though he primarily focused on Jing Shaoyu and Gu Yue. To Wu Zhangkong, someone as talented as Jing Shaoyu, even if he'd lived a thousand or even two thousand years ago, could have rivaled the Shrek Seven Monsters. Such a prodigy would shine brightly anywhere.

"Wu Zhangkong, I appreciate the offer, but I don't plan to join any organizations for now," Jing Shaoyu said with an apologetic smile.

Join Tang Sect? For what? To play spy? Join a sect that's really just a high-tech arms dealer? No, thanks. He had no interest in being anyone's lackey. Wu Zhangkong's eyes showed a trace of disappointment, but he didn't press further.

Tang Wulin, however, looked frustrated. "Why, Shaoyu? This is the Tang Sect we're talking about!"

"Wulin, there's no need to persuade me," Jing Shaoyu said, holding up a hand. "Joining any organization requires careful consideration. I'm young, and I don't want to tie myself to one path so soon."

Tang Wulin fell silent.

"Me too," Xu Xiaoyan chimed in, following Jing Shaoyu's lead with a playful smile. "I'm not ready to join any organization either. My family is a big deal in Eastsea City—I might even end up as the head someday!"

With both Jing Shaoyu and Xu Xiaoyan declining, Tang Wulin and Xie Xie couldn't help feeling a bit disheartened, worried that their group might be splitting up. They looked to Gu Yue.

"I've already decided to join Spirit Pagoda, so I can't join the Tang Sect," Gu Yue said. Her commitment to Spirit Pagoda had been a long-standing choice.

Wu Zhangkong raised his eyebrows slightly. Spirit Pagoda moved fast, he thought, guessing that they'd likely approached Jing Shaoyu too. But since Shaoyu declined Tang Sect, he likely turned them down as well.

"Very well," Wu Zhangkong said. Since his primary goal wasn't to recruit for Tang Sect, their choices didn't affect the continuation of Zero Class. "Tang Wulin and Xie Xie, stay here to fill out your registration. Jing Shaoyu, Xu Xiaoyan, Gu Yue—you can wait on the bus."

"Yes, Wu Zhangkong." Jing Shaoyu, Xu Xiaoyan, and Gu Yue headed out, while Tang Wulin and Xie Xie followed Wu Zhangkong deeper into the Tang Sect facility.

Back on the bus, Xu Xiaoyan sat between Jing Shaoyu and Gu Yue.

"Gu Yue," she began, leaning around Jing Shaoyu to ask, "why are you joining Spirit Pagoda?"

"Interest," Gu Yue replied simply.

"Oh," Xu Xiaoyan murmured. She turned to Jing Shaoyu, eyes curious. "Shaoyu, why don't you like the Tang Sect?"

"And how would you know that I don't?" Jing Shaoyu smiled.

"Hee hee, just a hunch!" Xu Xiaoyan giggled, placing her hand over his. "But it seems I was right!"

Jing Shaoyu chuckled. "And what if I do like them? It's not as if they'd make me Sect Master. But if they renamed it Shaoyu Sect, I might consider it!"

Xu Xiaoyan laughed brightly. "Really? Then I hereby declare that the first organization in the Federation, the Shaoyu Sect, is officially founded! And I, Xu Xiaoyan, shall be its first leader!"

"You're the Sect Leader? Then what about me?" Jing Shaoyu asked, amused by her playfulness.

"Let me think!" Xu Xiaoyan touched her chin thoughtfully, then, with a glint in her eye, said, "I know! You'll be the Shaoyu Sect's First Leader's… Chief Husband! How's that?"

"This isn't the Shaoyu Sect at all—sounds more like Xu's bandit hideout!" Jing Shaoyu laughed.

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