Class

After a satisfying lunch, Anping strolled through the school grounds, acquainting himself with each building's purpose. Later, he ventured out to buy daily essentials. Returning to his dormitory in the evening, he discovered no new roommates.

Seated on his bed, Anping commenced his daily meditation. The mental power model felt increasingly stable, and magic power surged within him. The culmination of magical energy seemed imminent.

With the opening ceremony scheduled for the next day, Anping concluded his meditation, reclining on his bed to rest.

The ceremony unfolded at the Intermediate Department's square in Eastsea Academy. It marked a rare gathering of students from both the Senior and Intermediate Departments, a congregation of around a thousand.

The ceremony, a modest affair, centered on the dean's address and class assignments. The vast square resonated with anticipation as Eastsea's college journey began.

The dean of East Sea Academy, a quiet-looking old man with gray hair, stood on the podium. He appeared to be in his sixties or seventies, radiating a scholarly vibe.

Facing the assembled students, the old man warmly welcomed the newcomers, delving into the college's social standing and political significance. With eloquence, he encouraged the students and shared his expectations, speaking for over ten minutes.

Following the dean's address, the pivotal moment for the freshmen arrived—their class assignments.

Homeroom teachers led those exempt from class divisions away, while senior students departed for their own classifications. Soon, only the intermediate department freshmen and the five students under Long Hengxu remained in the vast crowd, awaiting guidance from the renowned teacher.

Long Hengxu approached the front of the group and got straight to the point, "Class assignments are up next. Remember, smaller class numbers are often preferred at Eastsea Academy, but it doesn't define your character. Dedication can propel students in later classes just as far as those in earlier ones."

"Whether it's striving to surpass those in the previous class or ensuring you're not overtaken by the next, I urge you all to put in the effort," Long Hengxu advised.

He continued, "Now, I'll announce the names for the first class..."

The class sorting proceeded with a mix of emotions—some elated at their assignments, while others carried a tinge of regret for not putting in enough effort during junior college.

"The following names are assigned to Class 5: Anping, Xie Xie, Tang Wulin..."

Walking out of the queue, Anping felt a sense of redundancy. The first four classes had already been determined, and those remaining weren't destined for Class 5.

Class Five comprised over twenty students, most appearing indifferent. Long Hengxu's words seemed to have little impact, with many not believing they could surpass the geniuses from the previous class through hard work.

As Long Hengxu called the last name, the class sorting ceremony concluded. "Class teachers, guide your students back to their respective classes," he announced, bringing the event to an end.

The five teachers behind Long Hengxu approached the instructor of Class 5, a person who appeared to be around 27 or 28 years old. Anping recognized him as Wu Zhangkong.

"Follow me," Wu Zhangkong calmly commanded, his words carrying an icy demeanor.

Twenty-one students trailed behind him into a classroom on the first floor, taking their seats in succession. Anping, following his habit, chose a seat near the back by the window.

Wu Zhangkong ascended the podium, calmly scanning the students. "I'm Wu Zhangkong, your teacher for the next six years. Disregard what Director Long Hengxu said earlier. Whether you think you're losers or not, I'll mold you into the strongest of your age, and that's your goal too."

"Now, let me introduce myself—my name, martial soul, soul power level, and the kind of soul master I aspire to be."

"Hello everyone, I'm Yun Xiao. I possess the Astrolabe Martial Spirit, and my spirit power level is 12. My goal is to become a wisdom-assisted battle spirit master," spoke the first student, Yun Xiao, his voice trembling.

"Tang Wulin, Martial Spirit Blue Silver Grass, level 11. As for my goal... I haven't decided yet."

"Of course, a useless martial spirit wouldn't have a goal."

An anonymous classmate quipped, earning a piece of chalk from Wu Zhangkong.

Wu Zhangkong's cold voice cut through the air, "There are no useless martial spirits, only useless people. If being in the same class as him makes you a useless person, what does that make you?"

"Next," Wu Zhangkong's stern words brought the episode to a close.

"I'm Zhou Changxi, martial spirit Hercules Ape, level 11 spirit power. My aim is to become a formidable fighting spirit master," declared Zhou Changxi.

As introductions progressed from the front to the back, Anping's turn arrived in the last row.

"I'm Anping. My martial spirit is Sky of Truth. Spirit power at level 23. My goal is to be a seeker, exploring the truth."

"Level 23? Real or fake?" questioned a skeptical classmate.

"Such a genius is actually assigned to Class 5?"

"A genius in Class 5?"

"Sky of Truth? Is that a worthless martial spirit?" Some even speculated with malice.

As Anping finished speaking, the classroom erupted. Being assigned to Class 5 usually meant reaching level 11, and the notion of hitting level 23 at the age of nine was beyond their comprehension. For them, becoming a great spirit master at twelve was considered genius.

"Really? Tang Wulin, Anping seems to be from your place, right? Is he truly level 23?" Xie Xie inquired quietly, his assumption being that he was already tall for his age at level 18.

"It's true. If we hadn't attended junior academy together, I wouldn't believe someone could reach level 23 at nine," Tang Wulin affirmed.

"High level or not, I'll surpass him one day," Xie Xie whispered after Tang Wulin's response.

The students' attention fixated on the unbelievable level of 23. Only Wu Zhangkong seemed pensive upon hearing Anping's goal of being a seeker exploring the truth.

"Silence, continue."

"Xie Xie, martial spirit Light Dragon Dagger, spirit power level 18, an agility attack type battle spirit master." Xie Xie maintained his cool demeanor as he spoke.

Despite the preceding level 23 revelation from Anping, Xie Xie's level 18 still stirred quite a reaction. For students recently reaching level 11, level 18 seemed as distant as level 23.

As the introductions continued, there were no standout performances. All were at level 11, and the martial spirits varied widely.

"Class begins tomorrow. Be prepared mentally. My teaching methods may differ a bit. If you want to stay, don't shy away from hard work. If you fear the effort, consider transferring or changing classes. That concludes today's session. Class dismissed."

With those words, Wu Zhangkong exited the classroom without a backward glance. As he left, the room erupted into discussions about this handsome and aloof teacher.