Eight's First Battle

Zero Class's first joint training session was set for the third day of classes. The morning mist had yet to disperse when all eight had gathered on the field.

Yun Zhiyu stood at the front, her jet-black hair tied into a ponytail. Beneath dark brown contact lenses, her violet eyes were calm as still water. Behind her, Wu Nianbing gripped the ice chain around her neck, her plain white skirt brushing dew-covered blades of grass. Bluesilver Grass flickered in Tang Wulin's palm, its golden light suppressed deep beneath his skin. Gu Yue's black hair fell to her waist, her gaze indifferent as the auras of five elements circulated around her. Xie Xie's twin daggers trembled lightly at his waist, eager for battle. Zhang Yangzi's Dark Illusion Demon Eagle lay dormant in his eyes. Wei Xiaofeng's Azure Shadow Serpent afterimages slithered around him. Wang Jinxi's Bone Dragon Claw surfaced faintly over his knuckles, and his pale gray face was solemn.

"Today's training," Wu Changkong's voice came from the mist. Dressed in snow-white robes, with his blue sword on his back, he said, "will be an eight-person team battle. Teacher Shen Yi and I against all eight of you."

Shen Yi stepped out from beside him. Her pale green dress glowed softly in the mist, while a Sensitive Plant condensed into a small flower in her palm, its leaves quivering. "Senior Brother said he wants to see how well you work together. If you lose, you'll train for another two hours."

"If you win," Wu Changkong added, the corner of his mouth lifting in a barely perceptible curve, "class ends early."

Wei Xiaofeng's eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Really," Shen Yi said with a smile. "But in all the years Senior Brother has taught, none of his classes have ever won."

Yun Zhiyu stepped forward, her gaze sweeping across the seven behind her. "Formation—Zhang Yangzi, aerial reconnaissance. Cover the field with Darkness Control. Wei Xiaofeng, harass the left flank. Use Azure Shadow Stack to keep Teacher Shen occupied. Wang Jinxi, defend the front. Use Bone Dragon Claw to protect the core. Wu Nianbing, push through the right flank. Frostmark Sword Shadow will be the main attack. Tang Wulin, use Bluesilver Grass for control and restrict Teacher Wu's movement. Xie Xie, conceal yourself with your twin daggers and wait for an opportunity to assassinate. Gu Yue..."

She paused and looked at the black-haired girl. "Elemental support. Water, fire, wind, earth, and light. Adapt to the situation."

Gu Yue nodded faintly, a trace of surprise flashing through her eyes—Yun Zhiyu's arrangements had perfectly maximized her elemental control without fixing her in one position, preserving all her flexibility.

"As for me," Yun Zhiyu said at last, her voice calm yet clear, "I'll hold the formation, look for an opening, and decide the battle with one strike."

She stepped back and took a position slightly behind the center of the group, like a sword not yet drawn, all its edge concealed.

"Begin!"

Zhang Yangzi was the first to take to the air.

The Dark Illusion Demon Eagle martial soul erupted at full power. Black soul power spread like a tide, swallowing the light across half the field. His figure flickered in and out of the darkness, Eagle Strikes the Sky gathering force as his gaze locked onto the two targets below—Wu Changkong's blue sword and Shen Yi's Sensitive Plant.

"Darkness Control? Not bad!" Wu Changkong's voice came from within the darkness, carrying a hint of approval. "But not enough."

The blue sword left its sheath.

There was no glow of a soul skill, no magnificent sword aura—only a simple, straight streak of sword light. Yet it tore through Zhang Yangzi's darkness from the middle. The light seemed to contain some ancient rhythm. Wherever it passed, darkness retreated like the tide, revealing Wu Changkong's cold, stern face.

"Tang Wulin!" Yun Zhiyu called sharply.

Bluesilver Grass burst from the ground. It did not attack Wu Changkong—it wrapped around Zhang Yangzi's body and yanked him backward, pulling him clear of the lethal sword light. At the same time, its Vines spread beneath Wu Changkong's feet, trying to restrict his movement.

"The core of a control-type soul master isn't attack, but restriction." Wu Changkong shifted his feet and flicked his blue sword, severing all the Bluesilver Grass Vines. "But your Bluesilver Grass isn't tough enough yet."

He took a step forward, closing in on Tang Wulin like a ghost. The blue sword's tip pointed straight at Tang Wulin's throat, only to be blocked by a bone shield before it could touch him—

"Bone Dragon Claw!" Wang Jinxi roared. Pale bone patterns surged beneath his skin, and vicious bone spikes spread across the shield, catching the edge of the blue sword.

"Timely defense," Wu Changkong nodded. "But not enough power."

With a flick of his wrist, the blue sword hummed. The bone spikes shattered one after another, and Wang Jinxi was blasted several steps back. A deep sword mark appeared across the bone shield.

At the same time, Wei Xiaofeng's Azure Shadow Stack struck from the left, three afterimages pouncing on Shen Yi at once. Shen Yi stood smiling as the Sensitive Plant trembled in her palm. Pale green soul power formed a thin curtain of light, rebounding all three afterimages.

"The Azure Shadow Serpent is fast," she said, "but the soul power fluctuations between the real and false bodies are too obvious. The one on the left has only thirty percent of the soul power—it's bait. The one on the right has too much killing intent—it's a feint. The middle one..."

She reached out. The Sensitive Plant's leaves touched the air, landing precisely on Wei Xiaofeng's true body's forehead. "Here."

Wei Xiaofeng froze. His afterimages dispersed, and his true body fell from the air, only to be caught by a Vine—Tang Wulin's Bluesilver Grass had saved another teammate.

"Nianbing!" Yun Zhiyu's voice came from behind.

Frostmark Sword Shadow streaked across the sky like a startled swan. A white figure charged from the right flank, the tip of the Icebound Frost Sword coated in tiny frost blossoms as it shot toward Wu Changkong's ribs. The strike was swift and fierce, carrying the unique, all-freezing chill of Heavenfrost Sword Intent.

Wu Changkong turned sideways, his blue sword spinning back to collide with the Icebound Frost Sword. Sword auras intertwined as frost blossoms and sword light shattered together. Wu Nianbing was forced back, a hint of pallor appearing on her pale face, but she gritted her teeth and attacked again.

"Frostmark Sword Shadow has improved!" Wu Changkong said. "But your sword intent is too straightforward. It lacks variation."

He lightly raised his blue sword, guiding Wu Nianbing's attack aside. At the same time, he flashed toward Yun Zhiyu—he had seen through it. This class monitor who was "holding the formation" was the true core of the eight.

"Gu Yue!" Yun Zhiyu called.

All five elements erupted at once. Fireballs, water arrows, Wind Blades, earth spikes, and light attacked Wu Changkong from five directions simultaneously, sealing off every route of escape. A cold sharpness flashed through Gu Yue's black eyes as Elemental Tide flowed around her fingertips, precise as the embodiment of some natural law.

Wu Changkong's brows furrowed slightly. His blue sword traced a circle around him, sword aura forming a barrier that knocked back four of the elements. But the burn of flame, erosion of water, Severance of wind blades, impact of earth spikes, and dazzling glare of light made his body pause for an instant—

That instant was enough.

Xie Xie's figure darted from the shadows, the Light Dragon Dagger and Shadow Dragon Dagger stabbing simultaneously toward Wu Changkong's back. The two-ring soul skills of his Twin Martial Souls—Light Dragon Storm and Shadow Dragon Storm—intertwined at the dagger tips, forming a gold-and-silver tornado with an edge that could rip apart anything.

"Twin Martial Souls," Wu Changkong said, a trace of gravity in his voice. "Not bad."

His blue sword spun back. Sword aura collided with the tornado in a deafening roar, sending Xie Xie flying backward. Yet he flipped in midair, drove the Shadow Dragon Dagger into the ground to steady himself, and vanished into the shadows again.

"But your concealed aura," Wu Changkong said, "isn't faint enough yet."

His blue sword pointed toward the direction where Xie Xie had hidden. Sword aura shot out like a rainbow, tearing apart that patch of shadow. Xie Xie was forced into view, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, yet he grinned brightly. "You found me? I'll improve next time!"

At the same time, Shen Yi moved.

The Sensitive Plant's leaves quivered, pale green soul power transforming into countless fine threads that spread toward the eight of them. It was not an attack, but a combination of healing and control—wherever the threads touched, soul power circulation slowed slightly, as though bound by some gentle force.

"Teacher Shen's Sensitive Plant!" Yun Zhiyu's voice came from behind.

"It can heal and control. Don't let the threads touch you—use soul power to shake them off!"

She held two fingers together like a sword, and Torch Dragon Breath: Nether Shadow surged from her palm. Netherworld chill froze and shattered the approaching threads. But Shen Yi's threads were endless, like spring Vines. Cut one, and ten more grew.

"Little Zhiyu," Shen Yi said with a smile, "if you don't make a move, your teammates won't be able to hold on much longer."

Yun Zhiyu did not answer. Her gaze moved across the field, her spiritual power covering the entire area and capturing every detail—Wu Changkong's sword forms, Shen Yi's threads, her teammates' soul power fluctuations, and... that fleeting opening.

After every strike, Wu Changkong's sword had a 0.3-second gap as he withdrew it.

When Shen Yi switched between healing and control, her threads had a half-breath fluctuation in soul power.

"Zhang Yangzi!" she suddenly called, her voice calm yet carrying unquestionable authority.

"Eagle Strikes the Sky. Target three zhang above Teacher Wu's head. Don't attack—create a shadow."

"Wang Jinxi," she continued, "slam the ground with Bone Dragon Claw. Use the shockwave to disrupt Teacher Shen's threads. Don't defend—put everything into one strike."

"Tang Wulin," her voice quickened, "wrap Bluesilver Grass around Teacher Wu's ankle. Don't restrict his movement. Make him lift his foot."

"Gu Yue," she said, looking at the black-haired girl, "fire element. Burn the ground three chi to Teacher Shen's left and force her to move."

"Xie Xie," her gaze fell on the boy in the shadows, "use the Light Dragon Dagger to strike Teacher Shen's landing point after she moves. Use the Shadow Dragon Dagger to protect yourself. Retreat after one strike."

"Wei Xiaofeng," her voice carried some ancient cadence, "Azure Shadow Stack. Have three afterimages pounce on Teacher Wu's right side at once. Divide the soul power evenly between real and false bodies. Don't attack—make him lose focus."

"Wu Nianbing," she said at last, her voice softening, "Frostmark Sword Shadow. Gather power and wait for my signal."

All seven moved at once.

Zhang Yangzi's Eagle Strikes the Sky created a patch of shadow above Wu Changkong's head. Though it was instantly torn apart by sword aura, it made his vision stall for a moment. Wang Jinxi's Bone Dragon Claw smashed into the ground, and the shockwave threw Shen Yi's threads into brief disorder. Tang Wulin's Bluesilver Grass wrapped around Wu Changkong's ankle. Though it was severed in an instant, it slowed his raised foot by half a beat. Gu Yue's fire element scorched the ground, forcing Shen Yi to move right. Xie Xie's Light Dragon Dagger stabbed toward her landing point, forcing her to evade again. Wei Xiaofeng's three afterimages pounced on Wu Changkong's right side, their soul power evenly divided so that real and false became indistinguishable, causing Wu Changkong's blue sword to shift slightly—

"Now!"

Yun Zhiyu moved.

Dusk Dragon Flash: Instant Step activated. Her figure vanished from where she stood, and when she reappeared, she was already one chi in front of Wu Changkong. The distance was too close for the blue sword's form to fully unfold, yet too far for Shen Yi's threads to return in time.

She held two fingers together like a sword. She did not release her martial soul or use a soul skill. It was merely the simplest thrust—aimed directly at the gap in Wu Changkong's withdrawn sword form, that 0.3-second opening.

Wu Changkong's pupils contracted sharply.

He felt it—the majesty flowing from Yun Zhiyu's fingertips, a pressure that made even the blue sword tremble. It was not a difference in soul power, but suppression from bloodline, an even more ancient aura, as though it had been born at the dawn of heaven and earth.

His blue sword spun back as he tried to block it, but he was a moment too slow.

Yun Zhiyu's fingertips stopped half an inch before his throat.

At the same time, Wu Nianbing's Frostmark Sword Shadow shot from the right flank. It was not aimed at Wu Changkong, but Shen Yi—forced back by Xie Xie, Shen Yi had yet to steady herself when frost blossoms reached her brow.

"...Stop!" Wu Changkong's voice was slightly hoarse.

The soul power fluctuations across the field abruptly subsided.

The eight withdrew their attacks, gasping for breath, but all their eyes fell on Yun Zhiyu—on the fingertips halted before Wu Changkong's throat, and on the violet gleam that occasionally flashed beneath her dark brown contacts.

"We... won?" Wei Xiaofeng's voice was full of disbelief.

"No." Yun Zhiyu withdrew her hand, her voice calm. "Teacher Wu held back. If he had unleashed his full strength, my fingers wouldn't have pierced through."

She looked at Wu Changkong, the vertical slit in her violet eyes slowly closing. "But Teacher has acknowledged that our coordination deserves an early dismissal."

Wu Changkong was silent for a moment. His blue sword slid into its sheath with a clear hum. Looking at the ten-year-old girl before him, at those eyes bearing the vicissitudes of countless ages, he suddenly felt that perhaps his sword, sealed away for so many years, truly ought to be drawn again.

"...Class dismissed!" he said, a faint softness in his voice. "Today, you won."

Shen Yi walked over from the side, the Sensitive Plant blooming in her palm. Pale green soul power turned into a fine drizzle that fell over the eight, healing the minor injuries from their battle. Her eyes settled on Yun Zhiyu, filled with complicated emotions—astonishment, gratification, and a pride belonging to an elder martial sister whose heart had been moved.

"Zhiyu," she said softly, "that finger strike of yours..."

"Secret!" Yun Zhiyu interrupted her, a faint curve appearing on her lips. "Senior Sister promised not to ask."

Shen Yi froze for a moment, then laughed. There was a certain relieved resolve in that laughter. "Fine, I won't ask. But your Four-Word Battle Armor..."

"I remember," Yun Zhiyu said. "Wait until I achieve Heavenly Forging."

The eight sat side by side at the edge of the field, facing the sea breeze as they felt their soul power slowly recover.

Tang Wulin's Bluesilver Grass swayed gently in his palm. Xie Xie's twin daggers clinked crisply at his waist. Zhang Yangzi's Dark Illusion Demon Eagle circled overhead. Wei Xiaofeng's Azure Shadow Serpent afterimages slithered around him. Wang Jinxi's Bone Dragon Claw flickered over his knuckles. Wu Nianbing's Frostmark Sword Shadow condensed an ice flower in the air. Gu Yue's five elements flowed around her fingertips in a tiny vortex.

Yun Zhiyu sat among them, her jet-black hair fluttering gently in the sea breeze.

"Today's coordination," she began, her voice low but clear enough for everyone to hear, "has improved, but it is far from enough."

"Zhang Yangzi's darkness has sufficient coverage, but it doesn't last long enough. Wei Xiaofeng's afterimages are fast enough, but the soul power distribution between real and false bodies still needs work. Wang Jinxi's defense reacts in time, but his power output is unstable. Wu Nianbing's sword is fast enough, but it has too few variations. Tang Wulin's control is tough enough, but lacks offensiveness. Xie Xie's concealment is faint enough, but his timing is inaccurate. Gu Yue's elements..."

She paused and looked at the black-haired girl. "They're strong enough, but you're holding back. Why?"

Gu Yue's silver eyes flickered faintly, but she did not answer.

Yun Zhiyu did not press her. She merely withdrew her gaze and looked out toward the distant sea. "No matter why, Zero Class is one whole. One person's restraint can create cracks in that whole. I hope..."

She paused, her voice softening. "That someday, you can trust us, just as I trust all of you."

Gu Yue was silent for a while. A complicated emotion flashed in her eyes as she lowered her head to look at her palm. The five elements flowed around her fingertips, yet when they touched some even more ancient memory, they all froze at once.

"...I'll try," she finally said, so softly that it seemed meant only for herself.

Yun Zhiyu smiled and reached out to ruffle her black hair—the gesture exactly like the one she used with Yun Zhishu. Gu Yue's body stiffened slightly, then gradually relaxed.

"Good," she said. "I'll wait."

The sea breeze passed by, intertwining the hair of the eight—jet-black, pure black, sky blue, gray-white—like some star chart not yet born, but already beginning to sprout.

In the distance, Wu Changkong and Shen Yi stood side by side, his white robes and her green dress forming a strange harmony beneath the setting sun.

"Senior Brother," Shen Yi said softly, "these children..."

"They will surpass us," Wu Changkong interrupted. His blue eyes reflected the eight figures in the distance. "Especially her."

He paused, his voice carrying a resolute determination. "I will teach them well, while I... can still hold a sword."

Shen Yi turned to look at his cold, stern profile, tenderness and stubbornness in her pale green eyes. She reached out and gently clasped his hand. The Sensitive Plant's soul power flowed between them like silent companionship.

"Senior Brother," she said, "you are not alone. You never have been."

Wu Changkong stiffened but did not pull his hand away. He only gazed into the distance, at those growing lights that belonged to the future. The blue sword hummed low within its sheath, as though answering some distant call.