Special Training

As the bell echoed through the air, signaling the imminent end of the class, Wu Zhangkong strode back onto the playground.

"Gather!" His command cut through the weariness that clung to the students of Class 5. One by one, they mustered their tired bodies, obediently gravitating towards Wu Zhangkong. Even in his absence, the looming presence of their stern teacher ensured no one dared to slack off.

As the students formed a tired yet disciplined assembly, Wu Zhangkong,addressed them. "This morning's class ends here. Dismissed." Relief swept through the exhausted students, grateful that Wu Zhangkong had not subjected them to further grueling training. These two days had acquainted them with the unforgiving nature of their instructor, and the consequences of laziness loomed ominously.

However, amid the collective exhale of relief, Wu Zhangkong's next words held a singular request. "Gu Yuena, please stay for a while." The rest of the students dispersed towards the dormitory building, their worn-out frames grateful for the respite.

In the wake of their departure, Wu Zhangkong assumed a different role. "My name is Wu Zhangkong, and I am your homeroom teacher," he declared, a weighty responsibility accompanying his words. "Here are your dormitory keys, school uniforms, and textbooks. From now on, you will officially become a student of Class 5, Grade 1." The formality in his tone resonated.

"Thank you, Teacher Wu." Gratefully, Gu Yue accepted the items Wu Zhangkong handed over.

"Well, you should go and have some rest. We have classes in the afternoon." Wu Zhangkong's authoritative voice left no room for argument as he departed without a backward glance.

Unfazed by weariness, Anping found himself with time to spare before dinner. The brevity of the break rendered returning to the dormitory impractical for a quick practice session. Instead, he meandered through the deserted academy grounds.

As other classes remained immersed in their studies, the campus was eerily quiet, save for the occasional passing staff member. Anping strolled aimlessly, eventually finding himself in a secluded garden. Seating himself on a bench, he allowed his thoughts to drift away.

"Anping."

The sound of his name being called prompted Anping to look up. There stood Gu Yuena, a vision of loveliness resembling a petite figure. Clutching a book labeled 'Martial Spirit,' she approached with a subtle grace.

Anping inquired, "What's the matter?"

"It's okay, can I sit here?" she asked, gesturing to the spot next to Anping.

"Okay," Anping nodded in agreement.

And so, one of them sat in a contemplative daze, while the other delved into the pages of a book. The tranquil atmosphere endured until the hushed campus gradually stirred, signaling the end of the class.

"I'm going to have dinner. Are you coming?" Anping stood, posing the question with polite consideration.

"Let's go together. I just don't know where the restaurant is yet," Gu Yuena responded with a warm smile.

They traversed the campus, arriving at the restaurant as the hum of conversation filled the air. Examining the setup, Gu Yuena expressed mild surprise, "Why don't we even have chairs in the Eastsea Academy restaurant?"

Anping casually explained, "It's an ancient practice, they say. Supposedly, it was demolished to heighten students' sense of urgency."

"A peculiar theory," Gu Yuena remarked in a hushed tone.

"Hey, Anping and Gu Yuena, you're here to eat too." The not-so-spacious Eastsea Academy restaurant brought Tang Wulin into their view. He stood, holding a dinner plate, and upon spotting Anping and Gu Yuena, waved in greeting.

Observing Tang Wulin's wave, Anping acknowledged with a nod before heading to the dining window to collect his meal. He then located a seat and settled down to eat.

For Tang Wulin, the desire to be close to Gu Yuena had lingered since their first encounter. As he watched her pass by and join Anping on the opposite side, a fleeting disappointment touched his heart.

"What? You don't like that Gu Yuena, do you? Speaking of which, that Gu Yuena is really beautiful and very strong." Zhou Changxi leaned in, sharing his thoughts with Tang Wulin.

Xie Xie lightly touched Tang Wulin's shoulder, adding a playful wink.

"How is that possible? You're only nine years old. What are you thinking about?" Tang Wulin rolled his eyes, dismissing the playful banter of his classmates, who were deeply engrossed in their meals.

Meanwhile, the students of Class 5 eagerly anticipated Wu Zhangkong's arrival in the afternoon. The classroom buzzed with discussions as they speculated about the distinctions between theoretical courses in the intermediate academy and the junior academy.

Led by Wu Zhangkong to the playground, Xie Xie couldn't restrain his curiosity and raised his hand. "Teacher Wu, didn't you agree to teach theory classes in the afternoon?"

A cold glance from Wu Zhangkong silenced the inquiry. "What theory can you learn based on your current physical strength? Can you use it after learning it?" Xie Xie involuntarily shuddered under Wu Zhangkong's gaze, choosing silence over further words.

Their hopes for a reprieve were dashed as the afternoon unfolded into a relentless session of leapfrog. In under half an hour, the once-energetic students of Class 5 found themselves sprawled on the ground, drained. Only Anping, Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, and Gu Yuena endured.

As the day's training concluded and they gathered, mutual support was all the students could muster.

"Anping, Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, Gu Yuena, the four of you come to see me after dinner, stay put." Wu Zhangkong's words hung in the air as he departed without a backward glance.

Observing Wu Zhangkong's departure, Xie Xie couldn't help but voice his discontent, "Are there more tonight?"

"Teacher Wu is also doing it for our own good," Tang Wulin supported Xie Xie, offering a comforting pat on his shoulder.

In a low whisper, Xie Xie expressed his skepticism, "It's not for our own good. I think he wants to kill us. Do you think everyone has your physical strength?" His eyes then shifted to Anping. "Tang Wulin won't go into details. He eats a lot and has such good physical strength. I can understand. How did you do it, Anping?"

Both Tang Wulin and Gu Yuena turned their attention to Anping, realizing they hadn't paid much heed to this detail before Xie Xie brought it up. Anping's daily meals seemed ordinary, akin to those of his fellow classmates.

Facing the scrutiny, Anping pondered for a moment before responding, "Well, maybe it's talent? Yes, talent." He nodded affirmatively.

"Damn good talent. I wish I had it too," Xie Xie grumbled with a touch of sourness.

Tang Wulin interjected, "Let's go quickly. I still want to go back to the dormitory to practice for a while."

Xie Xie remarked, "You work really hard."

"I'm not as talented as you. How can I become strong if I don't practice hard?" Tang Wulin expressed in a slightly sour tone.

Post-dinner, Anping headed to the playground where Wu Zhangkong and Gu Yuena awaited. As he approached from a distance, he noticed Gu Yuena enthusiastically waving. Though perplexed by her enthusiasm, Anping reciprocated the gesture with a nod.

Wu Zhangkong, donned in black sportswear, maintained a stern demeanor, resembling a sharp-edged blade. Notably, a gathering of senior female students observed him from a distance, whispering and pointing. Wu Zhangkong remained unfazed, seemingly oblivious to the attention. Anping, on the other hand, felt an uncomfortable scrutiny, akin to being watched in a zoo.

Noticing Anping's unease, Gu Yuena inquired, "What's wrong with you? Are you feeling unwell?"

"No," Anping replied, shaking his head. The source of discomfort lingered nearby, and he didn't want to draw attention to it.

After some conversation, Tang Wulin arrived with Xie Xie trailing behind.

"Follow me, you four," Wu Zhangkong directed upon seeing the duo approach. He turned and led the group toward the depths of the academy.

Guided by Wu Zhangkong, the four students found themselves in an indoor training ground within the academy. Wu Zhangkong, having secured permission from Long Hengxu earlier, had arranged for their use of the facility.