"You know, Zero Class doesn't take in useless students."
Hearing these words from Wu Zhangkong, Long Hengxu paused and said, "If he were useless, why would I even call you? The principal said it himself, he's a genius from the Eastsea Blacksmith Association. The student information will sync tomorrow — you can check it yourself, the kid's name is Gu You. Even I, the director, can't access it right now. It's infuriating!"
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the call.
"If he can pass my test," Wu Zhangkong said calmly, "I will teach him."
Long Hengxu was shocked. This was a student the principal personally assigned, and Wu Zhangkong was saying he had to pass a test to join Zero Class? Since when did Wu Zhangkong have such authority?
Just as he was about to respond angrily, the soul communicator clicked off.
'He's driving me mad!' Long Hengxu nearly dropped the communicator in frustration.
But then he remembered how expensive the device was — over three thousand federation coins — and reluctantly restrained himself. It had only been a few days since he bought it, and he couldn't afford to break it now.
In the end, there was nothing more to say. Long Hengxu knew Wu Zhangkong's personality well: once he made a decision, no one could change his mind.
'Fine,' he thought, 'let's just wait for tomorrow. If this so-called genius blacksmith doesn't pass, I'll figure something out then. Orders from above can't just be dodged.'
…
Leaving the dormitory, Gu You walked across the student sector. The middle division had eight buildings in total: dormitories, cafeterias, administrative offices, and the rest divided among grades and classes. Zero Class wasn't far — just a two- or three-minute walk away.
Gu You checked the large clock on the tower. It was already nine o'clock; class had started long ago.
'I wonder if that Wu Zhangkong is still waiting for me.'
…
"Wu laoshi, what's today's lesson?"
Tang Wulin rushed into the classroom, sweat beading on his forehead. The other four were already seated. His enormous appetite always meant he barely made it to class on time.
Ever since absorbing the first layer of the Golden Dragon King seal, his appetite had only grown, and now he was something of a legend around the academy.
Zero Class students were provided free top-tier meals — something Tang Wulin was immensely grateful for. His daily food bill was enough to make Long Hengxu wince, but after his performance in the advancement battle, the director had no choice but to let it slide. After all, you couldn't let your star student go hungry.
"Today, we go to the Spirit Pagoda," Wu Zhangkong said coolly.
The Spirit Pagoda? Why? None of them were at the stage of needing spirit souls yet.
Tang Wulin, Gu Yue, and the others exchanged puzzled glances. But Wu Zhangkong offered no further explanation; he simply gave the order.
"Are we going now?" Gu Yue asked, standing up in her short skirt, not wearing the school uniform today.
Wu Zhangkong frowned slightly, checking his watch.
'Did Long Hengxu lie to me?' he wondered. 'Wasn't he the one who said a new student was joining Zero Class? It's already this late, and no one's shown up. Is this some kind of petty revenge?'
His mood soured. Being interrupted during a lesson was one of the things that annoyed him most.
"We wait until nine-thirty."
His words surprised the students.
'Why are we waiting?'
But since the teacher had said it, and there was no lecture going on, they resigned themselves to waiting.
Tang Wulin sat by Gu Yue.
"Good morning," Gu Yue greeted him with a warm smile.
"G-good morning…" Tang Wulin panted, still out of breath from running.
"Hey, Tang Wulin, what's going on? Why does Wu laoshi seem off today?" Xie Xie appeared beside Tang Wulin, tapping his shoulder.
Tang Wulin, trying to calm his heartbeat, jumped in surprise. He glanced at Xie Xie, then at Wu Zhangkong, who was standing silently near the door, eyes closed.
"I don't know," he whispered. "Wu laoshi must have something on his mind. You should get back to your seat — we're not supposed to be walking around during class time."
Xie Xie smirked. "Such a model student. Wu laoshi hasn't even said anything."
Tang Wulin chuckled softly.
Thud, thud.
Steady footsteps echoed outside.
Wu Zhangkong opened his eyes, looking toward the approaching figure.
His gaze sharpened.
'So this is the student the principal recommended? The genius from the Eastsea Blacksmith Association?'
Long Hengxu had told him that if he wanted to check the student's strength, he could review the updated data tomorrow. But Wu Zhangkong had no time for that.
'Real talent is forged through hardship, not born from flashy potential.'
He had studied many old records, and there was one saying he firmly believed:
'There are no useless martial souls, only useless soul masters.'
Gu You locked eyes with Wu Zhangkong, the air between them seeming to freeze.
Wu Zhangkong was stunning — sky-blue hair falling past his shoulders, a lean but muscular chest clearly outlined under his clothes, his blue eyes sharp like glass. He was handsome enough to rival Gu You himself, though the cold aura he exuded made him feel untouchable.
"Apologies, teacher. I was delayed by some matters," Gu You said quietly, bowing his head in respect.
He had always believed teachers deserved respect — except, of course, for the rare fools or lunatics. Knowing the original story, Gu You actually admired Wu Zhangkong's tough-love teaching style. He might seem harsh, but when his students were in trouble, no one cared more.
Wu Zhangkong remained silent, staring at Gu You.
The tension made Gu You smile awkwardly.
"Teacher, here's my recommendation letter," he said, offering it with both hands.
Wu Zhangkong didn't even glance at the letter, his eyes fixed directly on him.
Inside the classroom, Zero Class was in an uproar.
'What? A new student?'
They were all dying to peek outside, but under Wu Zhangkong's oppressive aura, none dared step out. They could only catch a glimpse of the figure at the door.
Even with all his mental fortitude, Gu You felt a bit uncomfortable. It was like no matter how strong you were, under someone else's gaze, you still felt like a rookie.
Just as Gu You was about to speak, Wu Zhangkong interrupted.
"I don't need to see your letter. I never look at those meaningless papers. A soul master proves themselves through battle. If you truly have talent, fight Xie Xie from our class. If you win, Zero Class will welcome you."
Gu You nodded calmly. Fighting? That had never scared him. With his current strength, if he went all out, even an ordinary Title Douluo wouldn't be a match — and that was just his rough estimate. After all, no one could predict what kind of power the Dragon God bloodline might unleash in a life-or-death moment.
Inside the classroom, Xie Xie's eyes lit up with excitement.
'A duel? Yes!'
(End of Chapter)
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