Extreme Wildness and Might

After that, Situ Xuan no longer had any interest in conversation, completely closing his eyes to rest and shutting out all external prying and discussion.

Seeing this, Long Hengxu and Wu Zhangkong could only turn their gazes back to the observation screen, focusing on the performance of the other five Zero Class students.

However, after witnessing Situ Xuan's heart-stirring performance—where he erupted with the ferocity of a beast in a desperate situation and displayed god-like combat techniques—neither Long Hengxu, Wu Zhangkong, nor the Spirit Pagoda staff could help but find the performance of the other students on the screen dull and flavorless by comparison.

Wang Jinxi, who had the misfortune of falling into a trap, struggled for a moment under the brutal slaughter of the Human-Faced Demon Spider before being torn apart and eliminated.

Zhang Yangzi, full of confidence but lacking sufficient caution, attempted to challenge a powerful flying Soul Beast, only to be instantly killed in a flash, his end devoid of any impact.

Tang Wulin relied on his formidable physical constitution and Golden Dragon Claw to arduously kill two powerful century-level Soul Beasts, demonstrating impressive potential and tenacity.

Gu Yue displayed exquisite elemental control and flexible tactics, but when encountering a millennium-level Soul Beast, she chose to cover for her companions and stay behind, eventually exhausting her strength and being "killed in action."

Xie Xie fully utilized the speed advantage of an agility-type soul master, maneuvering and circling, and even took hits at a critical moment to create an opportunity for Tang Wulin, showing commendable team spirit.

Their performance, if placed in any other freshman year, would be considered excellent and worthy of attention.

Especially Tang Wulin, Gu Yue, and Xie Xie, who showed tacit cooperation and firm willpower; they were talents worth molding.

But... everything is subject to comparison.

Compared to Situ Xuan's earth-shattering record of single-handedly drawing out a murderous aura, shaking three millennium-level Soul Beasts, laughing and howling amidst a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood, and ultimately emerging victorious, the performance of the others seemed... too "normal," even somewhat dim and lackluster.

That wildness and ferocity, which combined individual martial prowess and combat intelligence to the extreme, had already exceeded their conventional understanding of a "genius."

When all the students successively exited the Spirit Ascension Platform and sat up from their metal coffins with expressions of frustration, exhaustion, or excitement, the first thing they noticed was Situ Xuan, who had long been sitting to the side, eyes closed as if he had only taken a short nap.

Zhang Yangzi's face was ugly, Wang Jinxi's eyes were complex, and Xie Xie and Gu Yue carried a sense of inquiry and a trace of imperceptible awe.

Tang Wulin looked at Situ Xuan's tattered clothes, from which an increasingly heavy aura emanated. He clenched his fists slightly, a flame of refusal to admit defeat burning in his eyes, but more than that, there was a sense of gravity from facing a massive gap.

At first, they had guessed whether Situ Xuan had been unlucky and eliminated early, or if he had recklessly thrown his life away like Zhang Yangzi.

But when Long Hengxu, with irrepressible excitement, briefly described Situ Xuan's "feat" inside the Spirit Ascension Platform, the entire lounge fell into a deathly silence.

Killed century-level Soul Beasts in succession?

Fought and killed three millennium-level Soul Beasts alone?

Counter-killed in a desperate situation?

Forced back a rat tide?

Every word was like a heavy hammer striking everyone's heart.

Especially the phrase "it wasn't that he didn't want to stay longer, but that he was tired and wanted to rest," which gave everyone an absurd and overwhelming sense of shock.

The word "rest," in the Spirit Ascension Platform where danger lurked everywhere and every second was a race to improve, seemed so strange and... domineering.

Wu Zhangkong's cold gaze swept over the students with their varied expressions, taking in all their reactions. He cleared his throat, breaking the silence, his voice still devoid of warmth: "This practical training in the Spirit Ascension Platform is over. The overall performance was... acceptable. Now, I will announce the temporary appointments for the Zero Class committee."

Everyone's attention was drawn, and even Situ Xuan, who had been resting with his eyes closed, opened them slightly.

"Tang Wulin."

Wu Zhangkong's gaze landed on Tang Wulin. "You displayed good leadership potential, tenacious willpower, and the courage to take responsibility during the battle. I appoint you as the monitor of the Zero Class for one year, responsible for coordinating daily affairs and leading the team to progress together."

Tang Wulin was stunned for a moment, then puffed out his chest and said loudly: "Yes, Teacher Wu! I will work hard!"

"Gu Yue."

Wu Zhangkong turned to Gu Yue. "Your elemental control is outstanding, your tactical thinking is clear, and you were able to make sacrifices for the team at critical moments. I appoint you as the vice-monitor to assist Tang Wulin in managing the class."

Gu Yue nodded gently, her expression calm: "Yes."

After announcing these two appointments, Wu Zhangkong's gaze finally fell on Situ Xuan in the corner. His eyes became somewhat complex, and he pondered for a moment before speaking slowly, his voice carrying a rare sense of deliberation: "Situ Xuan..."

Everyone pricked up their ears, curious about what duties would be assigned to this classmate who had created a miracle.

"...will be the free agent of the Zero Class."

Wu Zhangkong finally uttered this rather special title.

Free agent?

Everyone was taken aback. This position was not common in the academy's class structure.

Wu Zhangkong looked at Situ Xuan, his tone calm but meaningful: "Your combat style is... unique, and your individual ability is extremely prominent. The conventional team cooperation model may not be entirely suitable for you. A 'free agent' means you are not bound by a fixed tactical position; you can judge for yourself based on the situation, act freely, and exert your maximum individual ability at critical moments to break the deadlock or execute special missions."

He paused, a sharp glint flashing in his ice-blue eyes: "But 'freedom' does not mean being unrestrained, nor does it mean detaching from the collective. You are responsible for the team's ultimate victory; your 'freedom' must be based on the interests of the team. Do you understand?"

These words were both an acknowledgment of Situ Xuan's uniqueness and an invisible constraint combined with high expectations.

Forcing such an existence with off-the-charts combat power into a conventional team might have been counterproductive.

Granting him "freedom" was a last resort, but also the optimal solution.

Upon hearing this, the corners of Situ Xuan's mouth curled into an imperceptible arc.

This arrangement was quite to his liking.

He hated being bound by rules and regulations, and this "free agent" status gave him exactly enough space to perform.

He looked up, meeting Wu Zhangkong's gaze, neither excited nor humble, just nodding plainly: "Fine."

No promises, no oaths, just two simple words, yet they carried a sense of self-evident confidence.

Long Hengxu watched from the side, nodding inwardly.

Wu Zhangkong's arrangement was indeed clever; it both appeased this "human-shaped beast" Situ Xuan and did not disrupt the overall structure of the class. It was just that...

He looked at Situ Xuan's calm, ripple-free face and couldn't help but sigh: With this "free agent" around, the future of the Zero Class would likely never be peaceful again.

The days ahead were destined to be anything but boring.