"All of you—over here!"
Wu Zhangkong's icy voice cut through the air.
A flash of blue light—and Fang Yang's group instantly teleported into an office.
The spacious room spanned over 200 square meters.
A massive desk stood at the far end, surrounded by pristine white leather sofas.
"Sit."
Wu Zhangkong gestured to the sofas, his voice as cold as ever.
"There's something I need to discuss with you."
Tang Wulin and Xie Xie exchanged eager glances.
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi looked bewildered—clearly puzzled by this sudden meeting.
Fang Yang and Gu Yue remained calm, already guessing the topic.
The six took their seats.
Wu Zhangkong cut straight to the point:
"You must be wondering why your trial opponents matched your level exactly."
He paused, sweeping his gaze over them. "But I'll tell you—every opponent you faced in the Heroic Hall was a real, historical Soul Master."
"Though they wielded only a fraction of their true power, it was more than enough for your current stage."
"Real Soul Masters from history?!"
Everyone but Fang Yang stared in shock.
"Now, the true purpose of this trial," Wu Zhangkong continued. "The Heroic Hall inflicts real damage on your physical body. Exceed its pain threshold, and you're automatically extracted. It's a higher-tier training ground than the Spirit Ascension Platform."
"Passing this trial grants you eligibility to join."
"If you accept, you may use the Hall for future trials by earning merit."
Zhang Yangzi nodded thoughtfully. "So… Teacher Wu's organization is quite formidable."
Wu Zhangkong's lips curved into a rare, proud smile.
"I won't hide it. Even if you don't know it well, you've surely heard its name…"
He paused—then declared with solemn weight:
"The Tang Sect."
The Tang Sect—legendary across the continent, its name echoing through history…
"You are Donghai Academy's finest," Wu Zhangkong said, his voice softening with earnest hope. "I formally invite you to join the Tang Sect!"
He glanced at Tang Wulin and Xie Xie. "You two are already disciples."
Then his eyes turned to the other four. "Zhang Yangzi, Wang Jinxi—your thoughts?"
"Teacher Wu—we won't join," Zhang Yangzi said firmly.
Wang Jinxi nodded in agreement.
Wu Zhangkong's brow furrowed. "May I ask why?"
He was genuinely surprised.
"We're not fond of the Tang Sect's hidden weapon path," Zhang Yangzi explained apologetically.
"Plus… our families have other plans for us."
Wu Zhangkong nodded slowly. "Understood."
He swiftly composed himself. "Everyone follows their own path. The Tang Sect never forces membership."
"Rest assured—as your teacher, I'll still guide you wholeheartedly."
He said no more. Without Spirit Fusion Skills, Zhang and Wang were merely average…
"Fang Yang, Gu Yue."
Wu Zhangkong faced them, tone unusually grave. "Before you decide, let me say this:"
"Though the Tang Sect now walks in seclusion—less famed than the Spirit Pagoda—it rivals or even surpasses it in power and legacy."
His voice swelled with pride: "Most importantly—it holds peerless legacies: Xuantian Technique, Purple Extreme Demon Eye, Ghost Shadow Perplexing Steps!"
"These techniques are never taught outside. Only Tang Sect disciples may learn them."
Fang Yang squeezed Gu Yue's hand. They exchanged a silent look—then he turned to Wu Zhangkong.
"Teacher Wu… we're sorry. We have no intention of leaving the Spirit Pagoda."
"Understood."
Wu Zhangkong's eyes flickered with disappointment—but he steeled himself. "I respect your choice."
In his heart, he sighed: "The Tang Sect is perfect… why won't anyone choose it…"
"Then this meeting ends here."
Wu Zhangkong stood. "Tang Wulin, Xie Xie—you'll complete membership paperwork. You're now Outer Sect disciples."
He added, "If you ever reconsider—come to me. You'll still be welcomed as Outer Sect members."
"But first—let me outline the Tang Sect's rules."
Fang Yang thought wryly: "Immortal Lord Tang San… did you even follow your own rules?"
(Tang San's voice echoed distantly: "You've sealed your fate!")
"Teacher Wu," Fang Yang spoke up, "since we won't join… may we hear these rules anyway?"
"Of course." Wu Zhangkong nodded. "The Tang Sect's rules aren't classified secrets. You may listen."
He began:
"Rule One: Never betray your master or sect. No joining other sects without Tang Sect approval."
"Rule Two: Never commit evil or break the law."
"Rule Three: Never leak sect secrets—especially the Six Supreme Techniques."
"Rule Four: Uphold justice—eradicate evil, protect peace. (Translation: Hunt down evil Soul Masters.)"
"Rule Five: Never deceive or defraud…"
Wu Zhangkong recited all ten rules—his voice grave, resonant.
They weren't harsh—just demanding loyalty, integrity, and righteous action.
Fang Yang mused: "Ice-Clear Tang San… did you follow these?"
Wu Zhangkong turned to Tang Wulin and Xie Xie. "Can you abide by these rules?"
"We can!" they pledged in unison.
"Good." Wu Zhangkong's aura turned lethally sharp. "Remember this vow. Violate these rules, and you'll face Tang Sect justice—expulsion at best, execution by enforcers at worst."
An icy killing intent flooded the room—proof of the sect's unyielding discipline.
…
Later, Wu Zhangkong led them back to the soul-guided bus—heading home to Donghai Academy.
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