The Class Two homeroom teacher also came to his senses, and his face immediately broke into a grin.
"All right, all right. Wang Zhi, you've worked hard. Come back and rest."
He hurriedly waved Wang Zhi off the field.
"Let's have some other students come up and get some practice."
Wang Zhi nodded and turned back toward the group.
As he passed his classmates, the way they looked at him had changed.
Some looked up to him, some were in awe, and some kept their distance.
Wang Zhi paid them no mind and returned to his place.
Combat Training continued, but after his performance had set such a high bar, the fights that followed seemed rather dull.
After Combat Training ended, Wang Zhi's name quickly spread throughout the entire first year.
"Have you heard? Wang Zhi from Class Two took on five Two-Ring Soul Grand Masters from Class One all by himself!"
"Seriously? He's only a one-ring soul master!"
"Absolutely! I saw it with my own eyes! That summon of his is seriously creepy. It comes out of the shadows, and you can't even hit it!"
"Holy crap, he's that strong?"
Similar conversations spread through every class.
Wang Zhi had made a dazzling impression at the academy.
And the news traveled fast. By that afternoon, it had reached someone's ears.
The next morning, during the break.
Wang Zhi was sitting in the classroom, flipping through a book about Soul Beasts, when a commotion suddenly broke out at the door.
He looked up and saw a man enter the classroom.
The man was tall and upright, with bronzed skin and a dignified face. His eyes were bright and alert.
He wore a dark blue outfit, and a badge on his chest identified him as the dean of Sea and Land Academy.
Zhang Zhenpeng, dean of Sea and Land Academy.
The classroom fell silent in an instant. Every student stood up and respectfully greeted him.
"Good morning, Dean!"
Zhang Zhenpeng waved a hand, signaling everyone to sit down.
His gaze swept across the classroom before finally settling on Wang Zhi.
"Wang Zhi, come outside with me for a moment."
Wang Zhi paused in surprise, then stood and followed Zhang Zhenpeng out of the classroom.
Sunlight streamed through the windows and fell across the hallway.
Zhang Zhenpeng stopped and turned to look at the calm-faced boy before him.
"I heard about yesterday's Combat Training."
He spoke in a warm voice.
"Defeating five Two-Ring Soul Grand Masters on your own—that was impressive."
"You're too kind, Dean." Wang Zhi dipped his head slightly.
Zhang Zhenpeng smiled and didn't dwell on the subject. Instead, he got straight to the point.
"Wang Zhi, I'd like to ask you something."
"Go ahead, Dean."
"Would you be interested in taking part in next year's Tianhai Competition?"
Wang Zhi looked up at Zhang Zhenpeng.
The Tianhai Competition was a major event between the academies affiliated with the Skysea Alliance.
The competitors were outstanding students from each academy, and the age limit for the Junior Group was under fifteen.
Placing in the Tianhai Competition would bring great honor to the competitor, as well as immense glory to their academy.
He remembered that, in the Original Work, Zhou Hanyou and Zhou Tian'er had taken part in that year's Tianhai Competition and achieved good results.
And now, the dean had come to ask him personally.
Wang Zhi didn't hesitate.
"I'd be happy to take part."
His answer was clear and decisive.
A hint of satisfaction flashed in Zhang Zhenpeng's eyes, and he nodded.
"Good. I'll count you in, then."
"We'll let you know the details when the time comes."
He patted Wang Zhi on the shoulder, then turned and walked away.
Wang Zhi stood where he was, watching the dean disappear at the end of the hallway.
The Tianhai Competition.
He really needed a stage like that.
It would let him test his abilities and meet more outstanding peers.
Besides, if he remembered correctly, something else seemed to happen at that year's Tianhai Competition...
When Zhou Tian'er found out Wang Zhi would also be taking part in the Tianhai Competition, she came running over, bursting with excitement.
"Really?!"
"Xiao Zhi, you're taking part too?!"
Her big eyes shone, and her face lit up with a grin.
"Fantastic! This is fantastic!"
"Your big sis will carry you!"
"We'll win the championship together!"
She thumped her chest, brimming with confidence.
Looking at her, Wang Zhi couldn't help smiling. He played along and praised her.
"With Tian'er Jie around, winning the championship will be a piece of cake."
"Of course!"
Zhou Tian'er was positively smug, her chin held high.
Beside her, Zhou Hanyou spoke calmly.
"Maybe get to the Three Rings Soul Elder level first."
"Otherwise, you'll be the one needing someone to carry you."
Her voice was even, but her words poured cold water over Zhou Tian'er's excitement.
Zhou Tian'er's confidence crumbled halfway. She turned to her sister and looked at her pleadingly.
"Sis..."
"Calling me Sis won't help."
Zhou Hanyou's expression remained cool.
"There are only eleven months left before the Tianhai Competition, and you're only at level twenty-four."
"Do the math. How many levels do you need to gain each month to break through to the third ring?"
Zhou Tian'er shrank her neck and muttered under her breath.
"I..."
"I can definitely reach it..."
"I swear!"
"If swearing worked, you'd already be a Three-Ring Soul Elder," Zhou Hanyou said.
Zhou Tian'er was left speechless. She could only wave her hands repeatedly.
"Don't worry, Sis!"
"I'll definitely reach the Three Rings Soul Elder level!"
"Really!"
She raised her hand, looking completely serious.
Watching her, Zhou Hanyou let out a helpless sigh.
She'd given up.
Going from level twenty-four to level thirty in eleven months.
It wasn't impossible, but for someone with Zhou Tian'er's personality, it would be a tall order.
Still, although Zhou Hanyou didn't have much hope for her younger sister's progress, she was glad that Wang Zhi would be taking part in the Tianhai Competition.
She had watched him over the past month. Though he was young, he was levelheaded and hardworking in his cultivation. He was a promising talent.
Having him join the team could only help.
However, for the other member of the trio, things were completely different.
The four of them gathered in Zhang Zhenpeng's office that day.
When Wang Zhi pushed the door open, four people were already inside.
Zhang Zhenpeng sat behind his desk. Zhou Hanyou and Zhou Tian'er were on one side of the sofa, and when Zhou Tian'er saw him come in, she immediately waved him over.
"Xiao Zhi, come here!"
Wang Zhi nodded and was about to walk over when he felt an unfriendly gaze land on him.
He turned to look.
On the other side of the sofa sat an unfamiliar girl.
She had a head of dazzling golden hair that fell over her shoulders, glittering in the sunlight.
Her features were delicate, but her brows were drawn together and her lips were pressed tightly. She looked at Wang Zhi with obvious hostility.
Wang Zhi paused, then understood.
This must be the last member of the trio, Wang Dongqi.
He remembered that, in the Original Work, a golden-haired girl with the Flash Thunder Sword Martial Soul had indeed taken part in the Tianhai Competition alongside the Zhou Sisters.
"You're here?"
Zhang Zhenpeng looked up at Wang Zhi, his voice warm.
"Have a seat, Wang Zhi."
Before you continue