Wu Changkong tapped the lectern, drawing everyone's attention.
"Eastsea Academy holds a Class Advancement Tournament at the start of every new school year. All six grades of the intermediate division and all three grades of the advanced division must participate."
Xie Xie quietly turned sideways, nudged Tang Wulin with his elbow, and lowered his head to whisper in his ear.
"Tang Wulin, let's go to that Stewed Beef Restaurant in the east of the city after class. My treat. I ate there once before, and it was really good. I lost to you in our last match at Eastsea Park, so this can be your reward."
Tang Wulin kept his eyes on the lectern and answered quietly, barely moving his lips.
"Listen to the lesson first. Stop talking."
"It's just a couple of words. It won't hurt."
Under the desk, Xie Xie lightly nudged Tang Wulin's leg with his toe, still wanting to discuss how many portions of beef they would eat that evening.
Wu Changkong's gaze had already settled on Xie Xie.
"Xie Xie, repeat what happens after a successful challenge in the Class Advancement Tournament."
Xie Xie's heart tightened, and he hurriedly stood up.
His mind had been entirely on that evening's food, and he had not taken in anything Wu Changkong had said.
His eyes darted about as he stammered, unable to produce a complete sentence for a long while.
"I... um... after a successful challenge... then..."
Wu Changkong slammed his palm onto the desk.
Smack!
A piece of white chalk bounced up, traced an arc through the air, and lodged squarely between Xie Xie's lips.
"Whispering in class. Stand for the rest of the lesson."
His expression calm, Wu Changkong continued explaining to the class.
"The Class Advancement Tournament allows lower-ranked classes in each grade to