Hearing about promotion matches

Wu Zhangkong cast a quick glance at Xie Xie, who wore an expression of self-pity. "Alright, let's focus on the matter at hand," he said.

"At Eastsea Academy, we host a yearly competition for both intermediate and senior divisions. All six grades in our intermediate division participate in what we call the promotion competition."

Tang Wulin, looking puzzled, questioned, "Promotion match?"

Wu Zhangkong observed Tang Wulin's confusion before explaining, "Exactly as it sounds. The promotion competition aims to choose students from the weakest class to challenge higher-ranked classes. For instance, Class 5 would challenge Class 4, and so on. If successful, the challenging class moves up, hence the name 'promotion competition.'"

"So, if we successfully challenge Class 4, we become Class 4, and the original Class 4 drops to Class 5 automatically. The victorious class can then keep challenging higher classes, potentially reaching Class 1 in the sixth grade. Each triumph brings rewards."

Xie Xie spoke up, "So we're the ones kicking off the challenges."

"Yes, it's a matter of honor for each class. If you manage to challenge higher grades, the rewards will be quite substantial," Wu Zhangkong explained.

Anping pondered, "If we successfully challenge the sixth grade, do we become the sixth grade? Could we graduate in the second year?"

Wu Zhangkong scoffed, "Do you think the academy hasn't thought of that? Even if you pass a higher grade, graduation won't change. The rewards, however, will be more substantial. The promotion competition is a display of strength and a platform for showcasing skills. And don't get too full of yourselves. You're not the only geniuses around here."

Anping mumbled, "Just curious. I didn't say we could beat the seniors."

Wu Zhangkong shot a cold glance, "Enough of that. Let's focus. I want the three of you to participate in the promotion competition. The condition is to successfully challenge at least up to the first class of the third grade. Failure means all rewards are forfeited."

"The promotion competition kicks off in three months. Starting tomorrow, alongside your regular classes, I'll be conducting evening sessions for special training," Wu Zhangkong announced.

"Can we really beat Class 1, Grade 3?" Tang Wulin whispered.

Wu Zhangkong emitted a cold snort, and the room's temperature seemed to drop a notch. "Hmph! Alright, there are still classes this afternoon, so head back for now."

Afternoon arrived swiftly. Class 5 students eagerly gathered, anticipating the meditation technique promised by Wu Zhangkong.

Approaching the podium with measured strides, Wu Zhangkong got straight to the point. "Let's begin the class. As promised, I'll teach you a new meditation method. Pay attention; this will be your primary technique moving forward. Follow the route I demonstrate, and your spirit power will be guided by mine in the future."

"Stay focused; your spirit power will follow mine." With that, he decisively walked behind Tang Wulin, placing his right hand on his shoulder.

"Remember, this is your main meditation method from now on."

Guiding each student into a meditative state one by one, Wu Zhangkong reached Anping. Attempting to channel spirit power into Anping's body, he encountered unexpected resistance, leading to failure.

"What's the issue? Stop resisting!" Wu Zhangkong's tone remained cold.

"I swear I didn't resist. It's like my martial spirit rejected it on its own; I couldn't do a thing," Anping explained, scratching his head. "But hey, my speed seems pretty good."

Wu Zhangkong snorted, dismissing Anping's claim, "Nonsense! The mediocre meditation method from your junior academy won't do any better. After a spirit master learns it, their training speed slows down. The meditation method forms the basis of a spirit master's training."

He tossed a booklet to Anping. "Learn it on your own, following this guide."

Taking the booklet, Anping read through it and attempted to practice. Although slightly more intricate than his junior college method, the spirit power improvement was not as rapid as his own "Energy Diversion" meditation method.

Wu Zhangkong clapped his hands, rousing the meditating students. "Alright, that wraps up today's class. Remember to practice diligently when you return."

Without a backward glance, he left the room. Anping grabbed a quick meal and headed back to the dormitory for further practice, sensing that the core of his magical power was within reach.

The next morning arrived.

Emerging from meditation, Anping felt the magic power in his mental model growing denser, nearly liquefying. Excitement welled up, thinking, "I might learn actual spells soon."

Opening the dormitory door, Tang Wulin greeted Anping, "Heading to breakfast? Let's go together."

"Sure." Anping agreed.

"Any idea what kind of special training the martial arts teacher has in store today?"

"Considering how Teacher Wu operates, it might involve some real combat," Anping replied.

"Really? Then let's put in the effort together." Tang Wulin clenched his fist with determination.

Engrossed in their conversation, the two walked to the dormitory door without noticing the gathering crowd. Suddenly, they found themselves surrounded by a group of older students.

Anping, recalling a certain matter, realized the situation. "What's going on?" Tang Wulin asked, bewildered.

"We've got a question for you, kid. Come with us," a tall, handsome senior student declared, his voice carrying a touch of ambiguity. He then shot a glance at Anping. "And as for you, keep your nose out of it if you don't want trouble."

With that, he gave Anping a shove, causing him to stagger back. Anping almost collided with a student behind him and received a punch to the back.

"Sigh," he sighed. It seemed the protagonist was indeed in a bit of trouble.

"Tang Wulin, hold back," Anping swiftly crafted a spell model, and the freezing spell stood out as a formidable presence in the realm of magic.

Tang Wulin, initially inclined to ask questions, refrained and swiftly summoned his martial spirit. Threads of blue silver grass entwined the surrounding senior students.

"Do you still dare to act, kid? Teach them a lesson," the leading senior sneered.

Witnessing several struggling to break free from the Blue Silver Grass, the air's water element sharply fluctuated. An intense cold swept through as all the surrounding seniors were encased in ice.

To prevent any from breaking free, Anping promptly applied several reinforcement techniques, enhancing the power of the freezing technique.

"Stop!" A stern command came from Mu Xi, who had harbored a desire to challenge Tang Wulin to a forging competition.

However, it was clearly too late. Observing the ice sculptures before her, emanating a constant chill, Mu Xi opened her mouth but found herself at a loss for words. Onlookers at a distance were equally stunned. Were all the freshmen this powerful today?

"That's incredible," Tang Wulin murmured quietly. In previous class competitions, everyone was around the same age. The flashy skills of Anping seemed impressive, but lacked a true sense of their capability. It was only now that Tang Wulin grasped the significant gap in power.