Finals

The three returned to the classroom. An Ping briefly explained that he had missed the time because of cultivation, and Wu Changkong did not pursue the matter further.

However, Tang Wulin did not appear before everyone until school let out at noon. At noon, Xie Xie went to the Blacksmith Association to ask, only to be told that the information of all registered blacksmiths was confidential, and Tang Wulin's confidentiality level was even higher. Without official authorization, they would reveal nothing.

Wu Changkong looked coldly at Xie Xie before him, clearly somewhat angry. "What happened? As a team, you do not even know where your teammate is."

Seeing that Wu Changkong was angry, Xie Xie said quietly, "During the typhoon, he called me and said he needed to finish a forging assignment in the forging room. None of us expected that he still would not be back by now."

Wu Changkong asked, "Did you go to the forging room he mentioned and look for him?"

"No. He rarely talks about the workshop. I only know it belongs to his teacher, and the Blacksmith Association would not tell me anything either. They said they needed official authorization." Xie Xie shook his head.

"Official authorization? Fine. Go back first. Do not concern yourself with the rest." Wu Changkong's expression darkened.

The afternoon classes soon ended. Because of First Year Class Five's previous performance, many students quickly gathered on the field, along with even some teachers.

"Have you heard? They say First Year Class Five has two Two-Ring Soul Grandmasters. They crushed their opponents and won three matches in a row. Maybe they can break the academy's record and advance directly from Class Five to Class One!"

"Stop dreaming. What are two Second Rings worth? Do you know how terrifying this year's First Year Class One is? They have three Two-Ring Soul Grandmasters and are hailed as the strongest freshman class in history. The academy even changed the Promotion Tournament rules for them, restricting it to classes of the same grade."

"Exactly. This year's freshmen are terrifying."

For a time, discussions filled the field, while the members of First Year Class Five were still eating in the cafeteria. Gu Yuena looked at An Ping. "Are you level twenty-five now?"

An Ping shook his head. "Level twenty-six."

After breaking through to become an Official Wizard, not only had his Source of Magic Power condensed, but his soul and body had also undergone a qualitative transformation. With the evolution of his Spirit Soul, An Ping's Soul Power Level had risen tremendously as well.

"Level twenty-six? You're a freak. After training these past few days, I barely managed to break through to the Second Ring. I thought I could narrow the gap, but you're already level twenty-six." Xie Xie was shocked by An Ping's words.

After eating, they hurried to the gathering point. Wu Changkong and the other cadets were already waiting. Seeing them arrive, Wu Changkong said nothing and turned toward the field. The Class Five cadets followed in tacit understanding.

When Wu Changkong led the Class Five cadets to the field, First Year Class One's homeroom teacher had already brought her cadets to stand at one side of the arena, waiting for Class Five to arrive.

First Year Class One's homeroom teacher was Ye Yingluo, the older sister of Class Three's homeroom teacher, Ye Yingrong. She had once confessed to Wu Changkong, been rejected, and harbored resentment ever since.

Ye Yingluo was even more beautiful than Ye Yingrong, with a faint pride between her brows. As Class Five arrived, her gaze remained fixed on Wu Changkong.

Wu Changkong led the Class Five cadets to stand on the other side of the arena, his gaze sweeping over the other side. Seeing that his eyes did not pause on her for even a moment, Ye Yingluo felt resentful. She looked at her cadets. "Yangzi, teach them a good lesson."

"Yes, Teacher." The cadet called Yangzi was a rather steady-looking youth.

At that moment, a travel-worn Tang Wulin squeezed through the crowd. His hair was a mess, and his breathing was somewhat unsteady.

"Teacher Wu, sorry. I lost track of time while cultivating today." Tang Wulin gave a bitter smile, his voice full of apology.

Wu Changkong looked at the travel-worn Tang Wulin and said, "It's fine as long as you're all right. You do not look to be in very good condition, so you will not fight today. Xie Xie happened to break through to the Second Ring two days ago, so Xie Xie, An Ping, and Gu Yuena will face Class One."

Hearing that he could not compete, Tang Wulin grew anxious. Had he not endured so much pain precisely for today's Finals? To obtain better resources, he had to let the academy see his potential. His performance in the previous matches had not been good enough.

Moreover, after breaking through the seal, Tang Wulin could clearly feel that his appetite had increased. That meant he needed to spend more money on food. He still owed the Blacksmith Association a large sum, and although they had agreed that he could repay it through forging, that also meant he would have no extra income for a long time.

He had to fight for this opportunity. His tone became somewhat urgent. "Teacher Wu, I can do it. These past few days, I feel like I've made a huge breakthrough. Please let me compete."

"Are you sure? You can do it? There are three Two-Ring Soul Grandmasters on the other side." Wu Changkong knew Tang Wulin was not a child who acted without considering the consequences.

"I'm sure! I can do it!" Tang Wulin nodded firmly.

"Fine. Then you, Xie Xie, and Gu Yuena will compete."

Clearly, compared with An Ping, Wu Changkong still favored Tang Wulin more. Tang Wulin's actions and attitude suited his preferences better.

Having received Wu Changkong's approval, Tang Wulin was delighted. Xie Xie also patted Tang Wulin on the shoulder. "Let's do our best together."

Gu Yuena said faintly, "Teacher Wu, I withdraw from this Promotion Tournament. I think An Ping is stronger than I am."

Wu Changkong said coldly, "Strength does not represent everything. In my view, teamwork is more important than individual strength. I am the homeroom teacher. What I say goes."

An Ping gently shook his head at Gu Yuena. In his view, if one was not strong enough, there was no reasoning with someone like Wu Changkong.

At this moment, Long Hengxu stepped onto the arena and looked respectively at Wu Changkong and Ye Yingluo. "Teacher Wu, Teacher Ye, you may have your competing cadets take the stage."

Ye Yingluo turned to the cadets behind her. "You three, get on the stage."

The three competing cadets from First Year Class One walked onto the arena side by side. Besides the somewhat steady-looking cadet, there was a gaunt youth and Wei Xiaofeng, who had previously clashed with Xie Xie.

After receiving Wu Changkong's approval, Xie Xie, Tang Wulin, and Gu Yuena also stepped onto the arena. Xie Xie's eyes were fixed tightly on Wei Xiaofeng.

"My name is Zhang Yangzi," the steady youth said faintly.

"Wei Xiaofeng. We've met before." As he spoke, he made a provocative gesture at Xie Xie.

Finally, the gaunt youth spoke. "Wang Jinxi."

Seeing Wei Xiaofeng's provocative gesture, Xie Xie's expression turned angry and he wanted to rush forward, but Tang Wulin stopped him. "Don't be impulsive. We'll settle it in the match."

"First Year Class Five, Tang Wulin."

"Xie Xie."

"Gu Yuena."

Upon seeing First Year Class Five's competitors, Ye Yingluo was the happiest of all. She had been worried that they might lose, but she had not expected Wu Changkong to replace their strongest member, An Ping. The spectators also began discussing it heatedly.

"What is going on? Why isn't that An Ping competing?"

"Could this be rigged?"

"They aren't using such a powerful cadet, yet they keep sending out someone with a Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul?"

Because the arena had only been temporarily constructed, it had no soundproofing measures. Tang Wulin naturally heard the discussions below. He clenched his fists tightly and thought, What's wrong with Blue Silver Grass? I'll definitely prove that I'm not worthless.