Withdrawal from School

At Wu Changkong's renewed request, Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi exchanged a glance before charging at each other again, each pushing his Soul Power to the limit.

This time, a pair of eagle wings spread behind Zhang Yangzi's back. As his Soul Power surged, he opened his arms and lunged straight at Wang Jinxi.

Wang Jinxi did the same, and their bodies collided directly.

Then, a low dragon's roar came from Wang Jinxi. At the instant Zhang Yangzi's Dark Demonic Eagle Martial Soul was about to fuse with his Bone Dragon King Martial Soul, they both felt an intense force of rejection emanate from Wang Jinxi's body. It was as though it had suddenly taken a dislike to Zhang Yangzi's Dark Demonic Eagle, forcibly shoving his Martial Soul away.

Knocked back by that force, Zhang Yangzi stumbled and landed on his backside. He suddenly flew into a rage and shouted at Wang Jinxi:

"What do you mean by this? Why won't you fuse with me?"

Wang Jinxi was equally bewildered by what had happened and could only wave his hands as he said:

"I-I didn't do anything. I don't know what happened either."

Beside them, Wu Changkong furrowed his brows and said to Zhang Yangzi:

"Calm down. This is not under Wang Jinxi's control. It seems there really is a problem with your Martial Soul fusion."

Then, Zhang Yangzi climbed to his feet, his breathing noticeably heavier. Wang Jinxi's eyes were also filled with disbelief, but then he vaguely guessed what might have caused it. It was probably because he had been cultivating with Tang Wulin these past few days.

After a moment of silence, Wu Changkong said:

"Jinxi's Martial Soul has likely mutated. As a result, the compatibility between your Martial Souls is no longer sufficient to perform a Martial Soul Fusion Skill, which is why this has happened."

Upon hearing Wu Changkong's words, Wang Jinxi looked at Tang Wulin, his gaze becoming complicated.

After hearing Wu Changkong's explanation, Tang Wulin's expression also turned strange, and he understood what Wu Changkong meant.

Zhang Yangzi was a smart person as well. After looking first at Wang Jinxi, then at Tang Wulin's expression, he immediately realized something. Still, he asked in disbelief:

"Could it be because you two cultivated together?"

Hearing Zhang Yangzi's question, Wang Jinxi let out a long breath, as if trying to expel all the pent-up pressure in his heart, then said with certainty:

"Other than that, I can't think of any other possibility."

Seeing what had happened, Wu Changkong could only say to everyone:

"Class is over for today. Tang Wulin, Wang Jinxi, you two come with me. I'll examine your Martial Souls."

After leaving the testing grounds, Xie Xie said dejectedly:

"Sigh!"

"How did something like this happen? Hey, what do you think the outcome will be?"

Hearing Xie Xie's question, Su Hao spoke up from the side:

"Martial Soul mutations can happen at any time. Even absorbing a Soul Ring can cause a Martial Soul mutation.

"And Wang Jinxi's Martial Soul has not yet completely mutated. Solving this would actually be quite simple.

"If he wants to become stronger, then he does not need to care about anything else. He only needs to continue cultivating with Wulin, and before long, the mutation will be complete.

"Once Wang Jinxi's Martial Soul successfully mutates, it will become a top-tier Martial Soul, and he will no longer need a Martial Soul Fusion Skill with Zhang Yangzi.

"Zhang Yangzi's Martial Soul, on the other hand, may remain mediocre from then on and fade into obscurity."

After speaking, Su Hao paused. Xie Xie could not stand it any longer and immediately said:

"Why do you always stop halfway through? Do you know how annoying that is? Hurry up, what if he doesn't want to mutate?"

Gu Yue also looked at Su Hao. Facing their questions, Su Hao sighed and continued:

"For Wang Jinxi to achieve everything I just mentioned, he would have to abandon the brotherhood between himself and Zhang Yangzi.

"But based on my observations of him, Wang Jinxi will most likely be unwilling to abandon their brotherhood.

"Since Wang Jinxi cannot let go of their brotherhood, the only thing he can do now, before his Martial Soul completely mutates, is stay as far away from Wulin as possible.

"Only then can he prevent his Martial Soul from continuing to mutate, while also preserving the brotherhood between himself and Zhang Yangzi.

"After all, we have only been classmates with him for one semester, while he and Zhang Yangzi have practically grown up together since childhood.

"So I estimate that Wang Jinxi and Zhang Yangzi may very well transfer schools next.

"But that might not be a bad thing. Although Wang Jinxi will sacrifice an opportunity for Martial Soul Evolution, he will gain an unshakable brotherhood.

"Still, I hope the future Wang Jinxi will not lose his temper with Zhang Yangzi over this choice. Otherwise, he will lose not only his chance at Martial Soul Evolution, but also Zhang Yangzi as a brother."

After listening to Su Hao's analysis, Xie Xie and Gu Yue thought it over seriously. Once they realized there were only these two possible outcomes for Wang Jinxi and Zhang Yangzi, they both fell silent.

When Tang Wulin and the others returned that evening, the atmosphere in Class Zero began to grow strange from that day onward. Zhang Yangzi became quiet, while Wang Jinxi became even quieter than usual. Everyone noticed, but no one said anything, choosing to respect their wishes.

Two days passed quickly, and it was time for the second part of the Final Exam.

"Teacher Wu."

At that moment, Wang Jinxi stood up and spoke.

"Hmm?"

Wu Changkong, who had been about to leave the classroom, looked at Wang Jinxi. Tang Wulin's gaze also fell upon him, and he vaguely sensed that something was about to happen.

Over the past few days, Wang Jinxi had stopped cultivating with him. Every day after school, he simply shut himself in his room.

Under everyone's gaze, Wang Jinxi spoke slowly but with great determination:

"Teacher Wu, I've made my decision. I will give up the opportunity to cultivate with Tang Wulin."

Hearing this, Zhang Yangzi looked at Wang Jinxi in surprise, something more appearing in his eyes.

Wu Changkong looked at Wang Jinxi and asked:

"Have you truly thought this through?"

Wang Jinxi nodded firmly and said:

"Perhaps cultivating with Wulin would allow me to gain more in the future.

"But that would only be for my own benefit. Yangzi and I have known each other since we were little kids running around in split-crotch pants. We played together almost every day and were inseparable.

"We are like real brothers. I cannot let my own changes affect him. Otherwise, I would never have peace for the rest of my life. Besides, judging from things now, the Martial Soul Fusion Skill gives us a greater boost.

"At our age, we are already Two-ring Soul Grandmasters. There is no issue with our talent, so I've decided to continue cultivating with Yangzi."