Gu Yue Arrives

In the blink of an eye, it was the next morning.

Just as Wu Changkong had said, today's training was no longer combat practice, but physical conditioning.

The first item of physical training was running—ten full laps around the 800-meter track of East Sea Academy Intermediate Division!

As the three students Wu Changkong was especially focused on training, Zhao Tao, Xie Xie, and Tang Wulin each received an iron vest weighing twenty jin.

This left the students who had wanted to complain too afraid to say anything more, and they even felt lucky.

Although Zhao Tao had little interest in Wu Changkong's outdated training methods, he did not openly contradict him.

After all, his current strength was still far from recovered enough to challenge Wu Changkong.

Sometimes, a little patience was an art in itself.

Very soon.

Half an hour passed.

Just as the Class Five students were running themselves into complete disarray.

A beautiful figure suddenly appeared on the path connecting the Intermediate Division's track to the school gate, walking slowly forward with graceful steps.

She looked about the same age as Zhao Tao and the other Class Five students.

Yet despite her young age, she already possessed breathtaking beauty, enough to topple cities and kingdoms.

Her figure was slender and well-proportioned, her skin fair and delicate, as though she were the most perfect work of art.

Her large purple eyes were bright and lively, while her soft black hair cascaded down her back.

Every step she took seemed to carry a special rhythm, giving off a unique aura that drew everyone's gaze.

However.

What was strange was that this beautiful girl was not wearing Eastsea Academy's uniform, but a pure white top and white trousers.

The moment she appeared, she instantly drew the attention of nearly every Class Five student, even Wu Changkong.

Looking at that familiar yet unfamiliar figure, Zhao Tao knew—

Gu Yue, the mysterious girl who was also a Silver Dragon King Clone like Na'er, had finally come to his side.

Gu Yue, in this life, I will protect you too. I'll make sure that both you and Na'er become the wings of my angels!

As he watched Gu Yue in the distance, Zhao Tao silently made up his mind.

Hadn't he been reborn to protect the people around him, especially Gu Yue and Na'er, and keep them from Tang San's persecution?

"Which class are you from?"

As everyone watched Gu Yue curiously, Wu Changkong walked over to her and asked.

"I came to Eastsea Academy to study, but the teachers at the Academic Affairs Office said I had already missed the registration deadline."

Hearing Wu Changkong's question, Gu Yue raised her head and slowly replied. Her voice was ethereal and pleasant to the ear.

"Oh, so you aren't an Eastsea Academy student?"

Wu Changkong nodded and continued.

"Not yet, but I hope to join Eastsea Academy. Can you give me a chance?"

Meeting Wu Changkong's gaze, Gu Yue nodded seriously, her eyes filled with sincerity.

If he had been an ordinary teacher, he would most likely have sent such a mysterious girl away immediately.

However, Wu Changkong was no ordinary teacher!

"Of course you can!"

"However... not just any stray cat or dog can join Eastsea Academy!"

"If you want to enroll, you must pass my assessment!"

A faint glint of interest flashed through Wu Changkong's eyes at Gu Yue's words. He nodded as he answered.

"Alright. What kind of assessment do I need to undergo? Run with weights alongside them?"

Gu Yue looked at Wu Changkong with a faint smile and asked in return.

"Of course not! Zhao Tao, come here!"

Wu Changkong shook his head lightly, turned around, and called for Zhao Tao.

"Teacher Wu, what is it?"

Wearing the twenty-jin iron vest, Zhao Tao jogged over to Wu Changkong, pretending not to know.

"Zhao Tao, you have twenty minutes to rest. After that, prepare for Soul Fighting!"

Seeing that Zhao Tao was neither panting nor out of breath, Wu Changkong nodded in satisfaction.

He then turned to Gu Yue. "In twenty minutes, you will engage Zhao Tao in Soul Fighting. If your performance satisfies me, you will have passed the assessment."

"Alright, Teacher Wu!"

Hearing Wu Changkong's words, Zhao Tao nodded. He then sat down cross-legged and silently activated the Time Meditation Method to recover his stamina and Soul Power.

"Understood."

As for Gu Yue, she stood beside Zhao Tao and studied him with great interest.

Though he was cultivating, Zhao Tao could still sense Gu Yue's curious gaze.

However, he remained perfectly calm.

After all, although he knew Gu Yue's true identity, he definitely could not let it show.

He could only slowly get closer to Gu Yue through daily life and ordinary interactions.

With his love, he would gradually move her and dissolve the hatred in her heart.

Very soon.

Twenty minutes passed.

Zhao Tao slowly opened his eyes and rose to his feet.

"Thirty meters apart. Prepare for battle!"

Wu Changkong calmly gave the order as he looked at Gu Yue and Zhao Tao.

Upon hearing Wu Changkong's words, Zhao Tao and Gu Yue each retreated, staring intently at one another as their eyes met.

The students running laps nearby also slowed down one after another, staring fixedly at Zhao Tao and Gu Yue in the center of the track, eager to see just how strong this mysterious girl was.

"Gu Yue, level fifteen. Martial Soul: Elemental Emissary."

Gu Yue gazed sharply at Zhao Tao in the distance and spoke calmly.

As her words fell, a yellow Hundred-Year Soul Ring emerged beneath her feet.

"Zhao Tao, level seventeen. Martial Soul: Spring Autumn Cicada."

With a calm, confident smile on his face, Zhao Tao willed it, and the Spring Autumn Cicada Martial Soul appeared first in his right hand.

At the same time, the purple Soul Ring behind him, symbolizing a thousand years, suddenly emerged and gave off a mysterious, resplendent glow.

Seeing the Soul Ring behind Zhao Tao, Gu Yue's pupils contracted slightly.

Clearly, the strength Zhao Tao displayed had surprised her somewhat.

As for Zhao Tao, battle intent blazed in his eyes as he warily watched Gu Yue in the distance!

Until now, Zhao Tao had never encountered a peer who could let him truly fight to his heart's content.

Even outstanding peers like Tang Wulin and Xie Xie could not withstand a single exchange against him.

However, as a Silver Dragon King Clone, Gu Yue's strength was by no means something Tang Wulin or Xie Xie could compare to!

Today, he could finally have a satisfying battle!

"Battle, begin!"

At that moment, Wu Changkong gave a sharp cry and announced the start of the battle!

Time Burial Sword!

As Wu Changkong's voice fell, Zhao Tao acted decisively, madly circulating his Soul Power as the purple Soul Ring behind him flashed!

The next instant, silver light flickered in Zhao Tao's palm, transforming into a silver longsword. At the same time, his figure flashed as he swung the Time Burial Sword and launched a fierce attack at Gu Yue!