Wu Zhangkong gathered the five students and focused on Jing Shaoyu and Xu Xiaoyan first, saying, "Jing Shaoyu, Xu Xiaoyan, tell us about your Martial Soul Fusion Skill."
Hearing Wu Zhangkong's inquiry, Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, and even Gu Yue leaned in, curiosity etched on their faces, eager to understand what had happened between these two.
"Hehe, Teacher Wu, look at my martial soul. Notice anything different?" Xu Xiaoyan cheerfully raised her Star Staff before Wu Zhangkong.
Wu Zhangkong's eyes narrowed slightly, his normally stoic expression giving way to a flicker of surprise. "Your martial soul evolved? So it's now a pure Star Staff martial soul? That would explain your sudden increase in spiritual power. That makes sense."
"A Star Staff?" Tang Wulin and Xie Xie exclaimed, both aware of Xu Xiaoyan's unique martial soul secrets—its form changing between day and night to either an Ice Staff or a Star Wheel Ice Staff, respectively. But now hearing that it had evolved into a Star Staff made them even more amazed.
"Teacher Wu, does that mean Xiaoyan can now use her nighttime abilities even during the day?" Xie Xie asked.
"Right on the mark! But no prize for you!" Xu Xiaoyan replied playfully, beaming with pride. "Since my martial soul evolved, both my abilities are now based on the Star Wheel. My first ability is Star Wheel Chain, and the second is Starlight Rebound."
Wu Zhangkong nodded approvingly. "Very good. A Star Staff martial soul has unique astrological attributes and exceptional control capabilities. I assume the evolution of your martial soul was related to Jing Shaoyu?"
Jing Shaoyu nodded and explained, "Yes, Teacher Wu. After becoming a Spirit Elder, my martial soul fully awakened, granting me a staff called the Star Staff. This Star Staff draws on stellar energy, which helped trigger Xiaoyan's evolution."
Wu Zhangkong pondered, understanding the situation. It now made sense why the two could perform a Martial Soul Fusion Skill; their martial souls complemented and enhanced each other. Given that relationship, it would be more surprising if they couldn't fuse.
"Alright, that's it for today's lesson," Wu Zhangkong announced. "Tomorrow, we'll continue with practical combat. I'll be your opponent, and I'll use my own spirit abilities. Be prepared."
With that, Wu Zhangkong turned and left, leaving the five students staring at each other.
"Wulin, explain yourself! How did your spirit rings turn purple?" As soon as Wu Zhangkong was out of sight, Xie Xie lunged at Tang Wulin, grabbing his shoulders and demanding an answer with exaggerated seriousness.
Tang Wulin rolled his eyes, saying, "I spent my break training with Teacher Wu, and he took me into the Intermediate Spirit Ascension Platform. That's how my spirit ring evolved to purple."
"What? Teacher Wu gave you special treatment?" Xie Xie's reaction was even more dramatic. "Why would he do that? Could it be... you're his secret son?!"
"Get lost!" Tang Wulin retaliated, punching Xie Xie lightly, making him yelp.
Xie Xie then turned to Xu Xiaoyan and Gu Yue. "Xiaoyan, Gu Yue, what about you two? How did your rings become purple? Were you all in on this together?"
Xu Xiaoyan giggled. "My family helped. Since my body was strong enough to handle it, they took me into the Intermediate Spirit Ascension Platform during the break."
Gu Yue responded flatly, "My family helped too."
"Argh!" Xie Xie groaned, practically tearing his hair out. "I want a thousand-year ring too! But my body's not strong enough. You're all monsters!"
"Calm down," Jing Shaoyu chuckled, trying to pacify Xie Xie. "A thousand-year ring is nothing special; you'll get yours soon. For now, let's strategize about tomorrow's battle against Teacher Wu."
"Nothing special, he says! Only a thousand-year ring?!" Xie Xie groaned dramatically. "Shaoyu, you sound like a rich guy who doesn't understand a poor guy's struggles!"
"Enough," Gu Yue snapped, making Xie Xie fall silent immediately, edging instinctively closer to Jing Shaoyu for comfort.
Gu Yue's sternness had a powerful effect on everyone, even Tang Wulin and Xu Xiaoyan, who often avoided arguing when she spoke up.
Jing Shaoyu chuckled to lighten the mood and then turned to Tang Wulin. "Wulin, you spent the most time with Teacher Wu. Do you have any insights into his spirit abilities?"
Tang Wulin quickly regained focus, nodding. "I do! Here's what I know…" He then shared all the details about Wu Zhangkong's abilities, allowing everyone to devise a strategy for the next day's training.
Meanwhile, after leaving the training field, Wu Zhangkong was approached by Director Long Hengxu, who got straight to the point. "I'm planning to test Class Zero's progress."
Wu Zhangkong responded calmly, "How will you do that?"
Long Hengxu grinned. He had expected this reaction. "The Sea Alliance Tournament."
A gleam appeared in Wu Zhangkong's eyes. "Agreed, but I have conditions."
Long Hengxu had come prepared, so he readily agreed to Wu Zhangkong's terms. They quickly settled the details, leaving both of them with confidence in Class Zero's abilities for the upcoming tournament.
After training, Class Zero members went their separate ways, and Jing Shaoyu biked to the Eastsea City Mecha Association.
"Nephew Wu, why did you call me here?" On the 19th floor of the Mecha Association, Jing Shaoyu greeted Wu Mian.
"Shaoyu, you're here!" Wu Mian stood from his desk, smiling warmly as he approached. "Come, sit down."
Jing Shaoyu took a seat, noting Wu Mian's cheerful demeanor. He sensed this was a request, not just a casual meeting.
Indeed, Wu Mian soon spoke up. "Shaoyu, have you heard of the Sea Alliance Tournament?"
"The Sea Alliance Tournament?" Jing Shaoyu asked, feigning surprise.
Wu Mian chuckled, catching on. "The Sea Alliance Tournament is a grand event among the five major cities of the East Coastal Region. It's not just about classic spirit master battles; there are competitions for new fields like Mecha Design, Manufacturing, Repair, Forging, and many other auxiliary professions."
"Ah, I see," Jing Shaoyu replied, recalling that this was the same tournament from the original storyline where Tang Wulin and his friends encountered Shrek Academy students.
Wu Mian grinned. "Since the Sea Alliance Tournament is held every three years, the next one is just around the corner. The association hopes you'll represent the Eastsea City Mecha Association in this year's tournament."
"Me? Compete in which category? Design, Manufacturing, or Repairs—or all three?" Jing Shaoyu asked, intrigued.
Wu Mian laughed, saying, "That's up to you. With your abilities, Shaoyu, you could easily dominate the Junior Division in any of those fields and secure first place."
Jing Shaoyu raised an eyebrow. "Junior Division?"
"Yes, the tournament divides competitors by age into three categories: Junior for those under 15, Youth for 15 to 20, and Adult for those 20 to 30. You're only ten, so you'd compete in the Junior Division."
Jing Shaoyu nodded, understanding. Then he asked with a grin, "Uncle Wu, are there any rewards for competing?"
Wu Mian's face lit up. "Of course! If you win first place, you'll receive a prize of three million federal credits. Plus, our association has an internal reward: we'll fully fund the creation of your purple-grade mecha or one-word battle armor in the future."
Jing Shaoyu was stunned by the Mecha Association's generosity. It was no wonder they held such a prominent position in the Sea Alliance. Their backing was certainly formidable.
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