Martial Spirit Fusion

"Let's do it, release your martial spirit, and let's give it a try," Gu Yuena said, taking Anping's hand. A radiant, colorful light emanated from her body, creating a streamer-like display in the sky. Anping instinctively channeled his spiritual power into the Sky of Truth, forming a halo. When the colorful light touched the halo, it was absorbed, creating vibrant ripples that encircled Gu Yuena and Anping.

The brilliance intensified, illuminating the entire training ground. The combined aura of the two became more potent, blending and intertwining.

The conspicuous display caught the attention of those present. Tang Wulin and Xie Xie, in the midst of their written examination, paused to observe.

"Could they have martial soul fusion skills? How is that possible?" Tang Wulin whispered.

Wu Zhangkong responded, "Nothing is impossible. While martial soul fusion skills are indeed rare, given that their martial souls are both elemental, it's reasonable to assume they can execute such skills."

Tang Wulin had sensed a friendly aura from Gu Yuena. Upon learning about Wang Jinxi and Zhang Yangzi's martial soul fusion skills, he had wondered if he and Gu Yuena possessed a similar ability.

Old Tang had suggested that such a feeling might be due to a martial soul fusion skill, known for its compatibility. Apart from the increased strength, practicing together could have a reinforcing effect. However, unsure of how to broach the subject with Gu Yuena, Tang Wulin hesitated.

Watching the radiant display, Wang Jinxi and Zhang Yangzi felt a sense of disappointment. Their own attempt at martial soul fusion had ended in failure.

Xie Xie, his face filled with awe, remarked, "They're already so powerful, and I wonder how advanced their martial soul fusion skills are."

Wu Zhangkong explained, "The effectiveness of a martial soul fusion skill depends on the level of compatibility. The greater the compatibility, the more powerful the abilities it can unleash."

As the auras of the two individuals merged, the vibrant light suddenly dissipated, revealing a stunning girl who appeared to be seventeen or eighteen years old. Her long silver hair cascaded to her ankles, and her purple eyes emitted an indifferent yet colorful halo.

The girl held the Sky of Truth in her left hand, adorned with a soft white halo, and in her right hand, she wielded a silver-white staff. Gazing upon her, everyone was captivated by her breathtaking beauty.

"Did we succeed?" Anping whispered softly, his voice melodic. Startled, he quickly lowered his head to inspect his own body.

"Idiot, what are you looking at?"

Gu Yuena's voice, filled with a mix of embarrassment and annoyance, resounded in Anping's mind. Anping ceased his movements and inquired again, "So, did we succeed?"

"Of course, it was successful. Why else do you think it turned out like this? Now, how about testing our power?" Gu Yuena replied, her tone carrying a hint of irritation.

"How do we test it? I don't feel anything at all," Anping said, shaking his head.

Gu Yuena responded, "You don't feel anything? That can't be right. Try channeling your soul power."

Upon hearing this, Anping attempted to infuse his body's soul power into the staff and the Sky of Truth in his hands, but to no effect. Shifting his focus to magical power, Anping sensed a significant enhancement. This augmentation wasn't merely quantitative; the speed of operation was considerably faster than before. Spells that might have taken several seconds to prepare were now cast instantaneously.

After conveying his current state to Gu Yuena, she pondered, "I can sense that our martial soul fusion skills have two states. In this state, you seem to be the dominant force. It appears you are the primary contributor. In the state where I take the lead, there's an increase, but the mental energy consumption is somewhat high. Thus, we may need to explore it further next time."

Just as Gu Yuena finished speaking, a flash of light forced them both out of the fusion state. They stood on the spot, looking a bit pale, supporting each other. It was a side effect of excessive mental energy consumption.

Approaching with a curious gleam in his eyes, Wu Zhangkong said, "I didn't expect you two to have martial soul fusion skills. Can you share the effects of your martial soul fusion skills?"

Anping, sounding a bit weakened, replied, "It's likely an increase in various aspects of perception and soul power operation. However, due to the high mental power consumption, we haven't conducted specific experiments yet."

Wu Zhangkong nodded, "There's no rush. We can discuss it further when we have the time. Now that you have martial soul fusion skills, you need to practice more in the future. Only then can it become a valuable asset in facing your enemies."

The weariness that clouded the spirits of Anping and Gu Yuena prevented any practical combat training that night. Meanwhile, Wang Jinxi and Zhang Yangzi lingered in the disappointment of their failed martial soul fusion technique. Wu Zhangkong, observing their subdued states, promptly declared the end of class, advising them to return to their dorms and rest.

That night, Anping found himself unable to shake off the events of the day. Restless, he abandoned the notion of calming his thoughts through practice and sought solace alone on the rooftop.

Seated at the rooftop's edge, gazing at the star-studded sky, Anping was mired in confusion about the future, uncertain of the opportunities that may unfold due to his and Gu Yuena's newfound martial soul fusion skills.

Gu Yuena's voice interrupted his contemplation, "Why are you alone on the rooftop?"

Anping, gently shaking his head, replied, "It's nothing. I couldn't sleep, so I came out for some fresh air. Why are you here?"

"Through our martial soul fusion, I sense your confusion about the future," Gu Yuena said, joining Anping on the rooftop. "I have moments like that too, questioning the purpose of my existence. But let your future self deal with the uncertainties ahead. If you overthink, you might grow old before your time."

Anping, his tone slightly amused, remarked, "So you're worried that I won't be able to figure it out, and that's why you came to comfort me?"

"Who said anything about comforting you? I couldn't sleep either," Gu Yuena asserted.

Finding Gu Yuena's attitude oddly endearing despite her regal identity, Anping couldn't help but chuckle.

Tilting her head, Gu Yuena inquired, "Why are you laughing?"

"It's nothing. I just find you cute," Anping replied with a smile.

Pushing him gently, Gu Yuena said, "Hey, I'm here with good intentions to comfort you. You don't need to tease me, okay?"

"You're right. There's no use dwelling on the future now. Thanks; I feel much better. You should go to bed early," Anping sighed in relief.

"No thanks needed. We're classmates. Since you're in a better mood, don't catch a chill and go back to bed," Gu Yuena said, standing up and leading Anping towards the stairs.

The next day arrived swiftly. Wu Zhangkong entered the classroom and announced, "Follow me. I'll take you to the second final exam today."

Curious, Xie Xie asked, "Teacher Wu, will our second exam also be held outside the academy?"

"Yes," Wu Zhangkong affirmed.

After a prolonged internal struggle, Wang Jinxi finally gathered the courage to stand up, declaring, "Teacher Wu, I've decided to forgo the opportunity to practice with Tang Wulin."

Wu Zhangkong fixed his gaze on him, asking, "Have you truly thought this through?"

With a resolute nod, Wang Jinxi replied, "Maybe practicing with Tang Wulin would lead to greater achievements, but those would be personal gains. Zhang Yangzi and I grew up together, like brothers. I don't want my personal choices to impact him. No matter how successful I become, my heart won't be at peace. So, I've decided to give up practicing with Tang Wulin."

Wang Jinxi's revelation hung in the air, casting a somber atmosphere over the classmates who had shared several months together. Clearly grappling with internal struggles, he gathered the courage to express, "Teacher Wu, thank you for your teaching this semester. Zhang Yangzi and I have decided to transfer to another academy and leave here together. Tang Wulin's bloodline aura has a too obvious influence on me, even if we don't practice together, I can clearly feel that he has been influencing me. So, I decided to leave here."

Upon hearing Wang Jinxi's decision, Tang Wulin, with an anxious gaze, spoke up, "I didn't know that I had such a big influence on you. I can stay away from you in the future, and you won't have to transfer to another academy."

Wang Jinxi, looking at Tang Wulin, gently shook his head, "Don't be stupid, Wulin. This is not your fault. The influence of blood is subtle and is not something you and I can decide on our own initiative. Although we are leaving, this won't affect our friendship; it's just that we no longer practice together."

He then turned to Wu Zhangkong, saying, "Teacher Wu, I have to trouble you to sign the contract with the college. I have discussed it with my father. The resources that Zhang Yangzi and I have consumed this semester will give the academy a sum of money as compensation."

Wu Zhangkong, maintaining his usual stoic expression, responded, "Now that you have decided, I respect your choice and will discuss this with the college later. As for the contract, please ask your family to handle it. So, now do you still want to take the final exam with me today?"

Wang Jinxi shook his head, tears welling in his eyes, "I'm sorry, Teacher Wu. I'm afraid we can't participate in our current situation. Anping, Xie Xie, Tang Wulin, Gu Yuena, please come on. Although we have left, I believe we will definitely see you again soon."

As Wang Jinxi finished speaking, he lowered his head, seemingly drained of strength. Tang Wulin rushed up to embrace the departing friends, tears streaming down his face.

"The exam will be held tomorrow." Wu Zhangkong dropped a curt statement, observing the emotional scene in front of him, before striding out of the classroom.

Gu Yuena, witnessing the tearful parting, nudged the seemingly composed Anping beside her, pulling him up. "Don't you have any feelings?"

Anping replied dryly, "Feelings? Doesn't it count that nine out of ten times life is unsatisfactory?"

"No matter how old you are, you are only 10, and you are talking about life. I think you are heartless," Gu Yuena remarked, pushing Anping in mock frustration.

Anping sighed, "Didn't you ask me how I feel?"

The following day, Wu Zhangkong, accompanied by the remaining four students of Class Zero, boarded a soul guide bus heading towards Donghai Science and Technology Park.

Curious, Tang Wulin whispered, "Do you know this place?"

Xie Xie responded, "I've heard that all the high-tech companies in Eastsea City seem to be here. It is said that there is also a factory for manufacturing mechas."

Wu Zhangkong, seemingly familiar with the surroundings, led the way in silence. As they traversed the vast park, Tang Wulin and Xie Xie engaged in a discussion about mechas.

The park sprawled extensively, and after half an hour under Wu Zhangkong's guidance, they entered a smaller enclosure within the park.

Upon reaching a dark blue structure, which seemed to consist of glass fragments creating a mirror-like effect, Wu Zhangkong led the group directly to the door. Placing his right hand on the dark blue glass door, a blue light flashed, and a projection illuminated the glass. A somewhat quirky voice sounded, "Oh, long time no see, Eastsea Little Zhangkong."

The sound elicited a laugh from Xie Xie, but a snort from Wu Zhangkong silenced him instantly.

Wu Zhangkong coldly commanded, "Open the door!"

With an air of exasperation, the voice responded, "You are still so boring." Accompanied by a soft ding, the glass door slid open.

Entering the building, they found a pristine white hall devoid of people. As they stepped in, a circular platform floated toward them, adorned with several metal bracelets.

"Put it on," Wu Zhangkong instructed tersely.

Following the command, they donned the bracelets. Curious, Xie Xie questioned, "Teacher Wu, what are these for?"

Wu Zhangkong explained succinctly, "Identification. Wearing them ensures you won't be mistaken as enemies and targeted by the defense system."

"Looks quite high-end," Xie Xie remarked with awe.

Wu Zhangkong made no further comments and led the way inside. Passing through several glass doors in succession, the light flickered and disappeared momentarily upon traversing one particular door.

In the dark blue space that unfolded before them, crystals adorned the ceiling and floor while silver-white metallic walls enclosed the area.

Seeing Wu Zhangkong vanish, Xie Xie couldn't help but exclaim, "Space technology?"

"Move forward," instructed Wu Zhangkong. The rest, who momentarily hesitated at his disappearance, proceeded through the door.

As they stepped, one by one, into the dark blue space through a step of spatial transformation, they found themselves surrounded by dark blue crystals above and below, with silver-white metal forming the walls. Wu Zhangkong, unperturbed, walked to the wall and summoned a large screen and keyboard, his fingers deftly dancing across the keys to perform various operations.

"Identity confirmed, Eastsea Little Zhangkong."

"Test difficulty, medium."

"Number of testers, four."

"Entering the ten-second countdown."

"Ten!"

"Nine!"

"What's going on? Why did the countdown start immediately?" Xie Xie exclaimed.

Wu Zhangkong said coldly: "If we don't start directly, how much time do you want to prepare?"

As the countdown commenced, several rays of blue light fell from the sky, illuminating each participant. In a flash of blue light, they vanished without a trace.

Anping felt the spatial fluctuations once more, and in an instant, he found himself in another realm. He materialized mid-air, and with a shimmer of silver light, Anping gracefully touched down, poised for the impending trial.

"Welcome to the Hall of Heroes, the first trial, medium difficulty level. Name: Anping. Age: ten years old."

"Test requirements for the first round: endure for thirty seconds."

As the electronic voice concluded, a radiant glow enveloped the surroundings, revealing a shadow that materialized directly in front of Anping. It was a young man with dark blue hair, exuding a faint smile on his handsome face.