Facing Zhang Shan Again, Crushing Him with Strength

Early that afternoon, at the Martial Training Ground.

Blazing sunlight spilled over the level flagstones, casting a dazzling white glare.

The students of Class Three had already lined up neatly. Though they had only just finished lunch, excitement sparkled in every pair of eyes.

The burly Instructor Lei stood at the edge of the grounds with his arms folded, dressed in his usual practical training clothes.

"Over these past six months and more, you've fought and struggled through the Illusion Realm. Both your temperaments and your techniques have improved considerably."

Instructor Lei's booming voice echoed over the Martial Training Ground. "Training without fighting is just empty show. So today, I've invited an 'old friend' back to spar with you."

As his words fell, a tall, slender figure walked in from the sidelines.

Clad in a second-year academy uniform, the newcomer wore a gentle expression. It was Zhang Shan, who had left a deep impression on the freshmen during their first practical combat lesson.

"Greetings, Instructor Lei, and greetings to all my junior brothers and sisters." Zhang Shan cupped his hands in salute. His smile remained unchanged, but a closer look revealed a gravity in his eyes that he could not quite conceal.

Chu Bai stood at the front of the line, his eyes narrowing slightly.

The keen perception granted by [Formless Cloud Hand] allowed him to instantly catch the change in Zhang Shan's aura.

Compared to six months ago, Zhang Shan had yet to break through to the third level of Qi Refining, but his wood-aspected spiritual energy was several times more active, his aura as firmly rooted as an ancient tree. Clearly, he had not wasted those six months either.

"Chu Bai." Instructor Lei looked at him. "Since you're now the leader of the freshmen, you can take the