Preparation

After meticulously testing the effects using the recorded method, Anping found no issues. His gaze lingered on the silver gem as he pondered the ideal design.

Observing Anping's contemplative state, Gu Yuena inquired, "What's on your mind? Did it not work out?"

Anping shook his head, "No, it's not a failure. I'm just deciding how I want it to look."

Surprised, Gu Yuena remarked, "I'm amazed. I thought you encountered a setback. If I were to suggest, I'd say make it into a necklace."

"A necklace sounds good," Anping agreed.

With the decision made, Anping effortlessly crafted a hoop from mithril to secure the gem, followed by a delicate chain. Gu Yuena, noticing the use of mithril once again, asked, "Why this fascination with mithril?"

Anping nodded, "Aside from being a bit pricey, mithril is lightweight, malleable, and boasts excellent energy conductivity."

Impressed with the finished creation, Gu Yuena suggested, "Let's go eat now."

Finally at ease with the necessary alchemy tools prepared, Anping and Gu Yuena spent the next two days exploring Eastsea City, visiting malls, entertainment venues, and eventually reaching the beach.

During these carefree days, they set aside their rigorous training routine. Returning to the academy on the evening of the last day, each retreated to their rooms for rest.

A knock on the door interrupted Anping's solitude, expecting Gu Yuena, but to his surprise, it was Tang Wulin.

"Come to my room. I have something to share," Tang Wulin beckoned before heading to the adjacent room.

Soon, everyone gathered in Tang Wulin's room, and Zhang Yangzi teased, "Captain, why the sudden summons?"

Ignoring Zhang Yangzi's teasing tone, Tang Wulin retrieved a set of metallic objects from his storage soul tool ring, distributing them to everyone. "I crafted these. Give them a try. If there are any issues, I'll make adjustments."

Examining the items in their hands, a series of clattering sounds filled the room as they unfolded vests made of metal pieces the size of fingernails, resembling scales. Despite being a metal product, the vests were surprisingly lightweight.

Shaking the metal vest in his hand, Zhang Yangzi questioned, "What material is this? It's so light."

Tang Wulin explained, "It's a rare metal called cloud titanium. Forged and purified using the Thousand Forging Method, it's light but possesses excellent hardness and toughness."

Glancing at Anping and Gu Yuena, Tang Wulin continued, "Though not as effective as mithril, it's more affordable. I've noticed that upon entering the Ascension Platform, we'll be scanned, and whatever we have at that moment will be placed inside. Wearing these vests provides additional protection during the riot period."

Wang Jinxi muttered, "Does this count as cheating?"

Angrily, Zhang Yangzi retorted, "It's not cheating. We're strategically using resources to enhance our chances in the Soul Ascension Platform during the chaotic phase."

With determination, Zhang Yangzi removed his coat and donned the metal vest, challenging Wang Jinxi to test its effectiveness. After a forceful punch, Zhang Yangzi, taking a step back, confirmed the vest's protective quality.

Observing their antics, Tang Wulin urged, "Give it a try. While there's time, I can make adjustments."

Once everyone had tested the vests, Gu Yuena declined, returning Anping's vest to Tang Wulin. "We don't need them. While they don't hinder movement, they slightly isolate external perceptions. Besides, we all possess life-saving skills, rendering these vests less valuable."

"Is that so?" Tang Wulin's eyes betrayed a hint of concealed disappointment.

As Gu Yuena received the metal vest from Tang Wulin, her eyes caught the exquisite mithril bracelet adorning her wrist. Glancing at Anping, she inquired, "Anping, do you still have mithril? Its energy conductivity is unmatched among metals, perfect for armor."

Anping shook his head subtly, "I only have a small amount; let's not consider making armor."

Sensing an opportunity to incorporate mithril, Tang Wulin interjected eagerly, "Don't you have a stash? It should be sufficient for two vests. It seems extravagant to use mithril for a box."

Anping maintained his stance, "No, that box is quite important."

Tang Wulin, sounding disappointed, pressed on, "Are you sure? The chance to ascend the spiritual platform during the riots is rare. Having additional protection would be advantageous. It's a shame to use mithril merely for a box."

Gu Yuena retorted, "How do you decide it's a waste? People can choose what they want."

Xie Xie intervened, patting Tang Wulin on the shoulder, "Let it go. The extra equipment is just a bonus for them."

Wang Jinxi lightened the mood with a jest, "I always knew you as a blacksmith, but I didn't expect you to have negotiation skills too. Do you think I have what it takes to be a blacksmith?"

Tang Wulin, sensing the tension, redirected the conversation, "For our second professions, I suggest diversifying, so when we eventually create battle armor, we can complement each other."

Xie Xie agreed, "Makes sense. I've decided on mecha manufacturing. It's the least technical and suits my skills. What about you?"

Zhang Yangzi pondered, "Haven't decided yet."

Wang Jinxi declared, "I'll go for mecha repair."

Anping calmly stated, "Mecha design."

Gu Yuena remained undecided, "I haven't thought about it. Maybe mecha design or something else."

Tang Wulin concluded, "That settles it. Tomorrow, we head to the Spirit Pagoda. Let's rest early tonight and prepare for tomorrow. Together, we'll give it our all." As he extended his right hand, Xie Xie, followed by Wang Jinxi, Zhang Yangzi, Anping, and Gu Yuena, placed their hands on his. In unison, they exclaimed, "Let's do this."

Subsequently, they left Tang Wulin's room, heading to their own quarters to rest.

As the first light of dawn graced the horizon, Wu Zhangkong led the students of Class 0 to the mystical Eastsea City Spirit Pagoda.

Halting before the entrance, Wu Zhangkong's stern gaze met the eager faces of his charges. "In the riot hours ahead, the Soul Ascension Platform will witness a surge of participants. Remember this – amid the throng, potential allies may become enemies. Your sole imperative is to endure. Anything less than three hours invites consequences."

Inquisitively, Xie Xie interjected, "Consequences? What kind of consequences?"

Wu Zhangkong's tone turned frosty. "Your vacations will be forfeit."

The group descended in the familiar elevator, entering the subterranean hall adorned with Spirit Ascension Platform admission cards. Led by their mentor, they arrived at a room specially designated for Eastsea Academy students, a collaboration with Spirit Pagoda.

Addressing them, the spiritual master cautioned, "This is not your maiden voyage into the Soul Ascension Platform. You comprehend its perils. During the riot period, danger looms. Your teacher has briefed you, but I emphasize – exit promptly if danger arises."

Nodding in understanding, the students were ushered into the injection room. Familiarizing themselves with the ritual, they lay within the metal cabinet as the teleporter skillfully inserted the exclusive cards. Only these cards ensured synchronous teleportation. The red button initiated the riot, activating spirit Ascension Plateform protective enchantments.

As consciousness clarified, the students found themselves on the Ascension Platform. Tang Wulin surveyed the surroundings, ensuring his teammates were close. With gravity in his voice, he uttered, "Formation."

Swiftly, the group adjusted their positions, forming a protective circle around Gu Yuena and Anping. Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, Zhang Yangzi, and Wang Jinxi focused in different directions, ready to face any threat.

Anping, with a keen awareness of soul fluctuations, spoke up, "There's a soul beast ahead, moving in this direction. Judging by its aura, it's not particularly formidable."

Tang Wulin responded, "Encountering a soul beast right off the bat wasn't in the plan. Adjust formation and prepare for engagement."

Efficiently, they shifted positions, and within moments, a colossal figure materialized before them – a gray-black ape-like soul beast with blood-red eyes. Seasoned in soul beast lore, the group identified it as a century-old iron-armed ape. Despite its size, it posed little challenge, swiftly subdued by the combined efforts of Tang Wulin and Xie Xie.

Replenishing soul power on the spot was ruled out. The Spirit Ascension Platform's realism dictated that leaving corpses attracted more soul beasts. Resuming formation, they opted to relocate in a different direction.

Maintaining the platform's integrity was paramount, especially during the riot period. Threats encompassed both soul beasts and soul masters. Constant vigilance became their shield against unforeseen dangers.

Finding a secluded spot, Tang Wulin and Xie Xie initiated recovery, utilizing the precious moments to restore their spent soul power. Soon, Anping's sharp senses detected approaching soul masters. In hushed tones, he warned, "Three soul masters on the left, heading directly toward us."

Rising swiftly, Tang Wulin and Xie Xie shifted into combat readiness, eyes fixed on the approaching trio glimpsed through the gap in their surroundings.

After a brief lapse, the trio stood before Tang Wulin and his companions. Stepping forward, Tang Wulin exclaimed, "Senior sister, I didn't expect to find you here."

"Well, life is full of surprises," she responded, leading her two companions away in another direction.

Zhang Yangzi couldn't resist teasing, "Senior sister, huh? She's quite beautiful. What's your connection with her?"

Tang Wulin chuckled, "She's my teacher's daughter. Our interactions are rare, to say the least."

Preferring not to delve into personal matters, Tang Wulin redirected the conversation, "The terrain here favors defense, and spirit beasts are relatively sparse. Let's wait here, aiming to meet Teacher Wu's required survival time before actively engaging. What do you think about hunting soul beasts?"

Xie Xie quipped, "I'd rather not risk canceling my vacation."

Nodding in agreement with the sentiment of preserving their holidays, the group settled into formation, anticipating the challenges ahead. Amid the wait, sporadic spirit beasts approached, yet none posed significant threats, thanks to Anping's vigilant perception.

Anping alerted the group, "A sizable spirit beast is rapidly approaching from Zhang Yangzi's direction. Prepare yourselves." Responding swiftly, they adjusted formations, moving to a vantage point.

A dark figure swiftly closed the distance. As it neared, Wang Jinxi shuddered, "The Human-Faced Demon Spider."

It was the very creature that had mentally rattled Wang Jinxi during their initial foray into the Spirit Ascension Platform. With a bizarre human face on its belly and spear-like spider legs, the creature advanced rapidly.

Xie Xie queried, "Do we fight or evade?"