40 Summary

Concluding his remarks, Wu Zhangkong directed his attention to Anping and Gu Yuena, bypassing the usual discourse on cultivation matters. However, his curiosity surfaced as he questioned, "What prompted both of you to proactively challenge the Dark Gold Fearclaw Bear?" Unaware that the duo had prior knowledge of the soul bone within the formidable creature.

The others, intrigued, shifted their focus to Anping and Gu Yuena, puzzled by the seemingly uncharacteristic decision made by these typically composed individuals. After all, the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear was a subject covered in soul beasts coursework, given its distinct recognition.

Gu Yuena exchanged a glance with Anping, signaling her partner that she would take the lead in responding. She explained, "Teacher Wu, this decision was mine. I had two reasons. Firstly, I wanted to understand the Dark Gold Fearclaw Bear's soul. Would the Beast King possess heightened spiritual power? Secondly, I aimed to assess my strength after a semester of training."

Wu Zhangkong, his tone cold and disapproving, retorted, "You embarked on such a perilous endeavor for these reasons? Gu Yuena, do you comprehend the potential consequences if Anping had been a fraction slower and the Dark Gold Fearclaw Bear had torn you apart? Are you underestimating your own safety?"

Gu Yuena remained silent, prompting Wu Zhangkong to turn his scrutiny toward Anping. "Both of you, why didn't you dissuade her? Where is the caution you demonstrated previously? I'm aware of your close relationship, and if it's truly strong, you should have intervened."

Anping conceded, "Teacher Wu, we acknowledge our mistake."

With a stern gaze encompassing everyone present, Wu Zhangkong delivered a stern reminder, "This applies to all of you—remember, you only have one life. Regardless of the potential benefits, they pale in comparison to the importance of living. No matter how significant the gains may be, they won't matter if you lose your life and the relationships tied to it."

"Yes," echoed the group.

"Class is dismissed. We'll engage in practical combat training this afternoon," Wu Zhangkong declared before turning away and leaving abruptly.

As Wu Zhangkong's departing figure disappeared, Zhang Yangzi murmured, "True, Teacher Wu keeps the training going even at the end of the semester."

Xie Xie, with a smirk, added, "Count your blessings. In the senior department, many students wish they had teacher like Wu Zhangkong for their instruction."

Tang Wulin, patting Xie Xie on the shoulder, chimed in, "Teacher Wu is pushing us to enhance our strength further. Haven't you noticed the significant improvement in our abilities over the past few months?"

After some casual banter, the group formed and headed to the canteen for a meal.

In the afternoon, Wu Zhangkong led them to the training ground. Once assembled, he declared, "Due to the substantial absorption of spiritual power at the Ascension Platform yesterday, it's not advisable for you to partake in trials there recently. Instead, I'll organize team training for you."

Eager to try team training, Xie Xie suggested, "Three versus three, how should we group ourselves? Just don't pair up Anping and Gu Yuena, or it won't be a fair fight."

"No, it's the six of you against me," Wu Zhangkong announced. "Keep in mind, this isn't the spiritual ascension platform. In reality, you only have one life, and I may not hold back. I'll suppress my soul power to a level comparable to yours. I won't use soul skills to enhance myself, but I'll employ martial spirit."

When he emphasized the notion of having only one life, Wu Zhangkong cast a pointed look at Anping and Gu Yuena. Releasing his martial soul, he showcased two yellows, two purples, and two blacks, a flawless combination of soul rings. As an ice blue sword materialized, the intimidating aura swiftly receded to a level acceptable to the group. Despite the reduction, a lingering tension lingered in the air, causing a slight tightening in their chests.

Brandishing an ice blue long sword, Wu Zhangkong took a few steps back, creating distance from the others. He spoke in a cold tone, "Commence!"

Understanding Wu Zhangkong's methodical approach, Tang Wulin directed his blue silver grass to swarm toward him. Anping and Gu Yuena conjured fireballs, launching an onslaught from all angles. Meanwhile, Xie Xie, Zhang Yangzi, and Wang Jinxi split into three directions, closing in rapidly on their formidable instructor.

Wu Zhangkong swung the long sword in his hand, systematically extinguishing the fireballs launched from multiple directions. Evading the encroaching blue silver grass, he swiftly closed in on Xie Xie and the others.

Anticipating the impending danger, Wu Zhangkong grasped the blue silver grass entwining their waists, attempting to forcibly relocate the three from their current position. Xie Xie, quick on the uptake, utilized Tang Wulin's strength to expedite their retreat.

However, Wang Jinxi and Zhang Yangzi hesitated for a moment, realizing escape was futile as Wu Zhangkong closed in. With an icy chill enveloping the area, they sensed imminent danger. In a synchronized effort, the two clasped hands, channeling soul power through their bodies.

Their martial soul fusion skill, the Dark Eagle Dragon, manifested with a surge of dark energy. Wang Jinxi's aura noticeably intensified as he advanced, but the integration of Zhang Yangzi's aura became disrupted, leading to a momentary rejection. Groaning under the strain, the two staggered backward.

Observing the situation, Wu Zhangkong opted not to pursue. Perplexed, he inquired, "What happened? Did the martial soul fusion skill fail?"

Pale and disheartened, Wang Jinxi and Zhang Yangzi, aware that their martial souls weren't top-tier, relied on their fusion skill for strength. The failure left them feeling as if they had plummeted from heaven to hell.

Stepping back, Wu Zhangkong suggested, "Give it another try. Let's see what unfolds."

Undeterred, the duo decided to make another attempt, pushing their soul power to the limits. Black wings unfurled behind Zhang Yangzi as he embraced Wang Jinxi, attempting to activate their fusion skill.

Once again, the fusion failed, and frustration overcame Zhang Yangzi. Falling to the ground, he demanded, "What's going on? Why won't you merge with me?"

Perplexed, Wang Jinxi stared at the fallen Zhang Yangzi, equally baffled by the unexpected failure. Always proud of their martial soul fusion skill, deliberately resisting each other was inconceivable, especially in this critical situation.

Wu Zhangkong offered reassurance to Zhang Yangzi while assessing the physical condition of both. Combining his observations with their attempts at the soul fusion skill, he began to discern the underlying issue.

Wu Zhangkong observed the two and stated, "There's an issue with your martial soul fusion technique. It seems that Wang Jinxi's martial soul has undergone a mutation, impacting the compatibility between your martial souls and causing the recent failures."

Upon hearing the mention of a martial soul mutation, Wang Jinxi's gaze involuntarily shifted toward Tang Wulin. Zhang Yangzi quickly deduced the situation and questioned, "Is it because we've been practicing together?"

"That seems to be the case. I can't think of any other reason," Wang Jinxi affirmed.

Wu Zhangkong gestured for Tang Wulin to approach, initiating a careful examination of both individuals. After a thorough analysis, he confirmed Wang Jinxi's suspicion, "Your assumption is correct. The martial soul mutation occurred due to your joint practice, influenced by Tang Wulin's unique bloodline effect."

Examining the situation more personally, Wu Zhangkong continued, "From an individual standpoint, it appears to be a positive development. The mutation in your martial soul, influenced by Tang Wulin's peculiar bloodline, is heading in a favorable direction. However, the extent to which it can progress remains unknown."

"Regarding martial soul fusion skills, if you persist in practicing with him, the ongoing mutation is likely to reduce compatibility between your martial souls and Zhang Yangzi's. Consequently, the martial soul fusion skills will become impractical," Wu Zhangkong explained.

Concerned, Wang Jinxi inquired, "If I stop practicing with him, can I recover?"

After contemplating for a moment, Wu Zhangkong responded, "Given the short duration of your joint practice and the considerable difference in soul power, the impact isn't severe. If you practice separately, recovery should be swift. However, the influence of his bloodline power extends broadly. Should you decide to cease practicing with him, I can arrange a change in dormitories for you."

Wang Jinxi expressed gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Teacher Wu."

Reflecting on the recent examination, Wu Zhangkong sensed Tang Wulin's bloodline power had notably increased. Addressing the young man, he added, "Moreover, I've noticed a steady rise in Tang Wulin's bloodline power. This suggests that continued practice with him could potentially yield greater benefits than martial soul fusion skills. It's a decision you'll need to carefully consider."

"Thank you, Teacher Wu. I will carefully consider it," Wang Jinxi responded with a solemn nod.

Acknowledging Wang Jinxi's commitment, Wu Zhangkong nodded in return, opting not to delve further.

The unexpected episode left a lingering unease among those involved. Wu Zhangkong recognized the emotional immaturity of these young students and decided to suspend the team battle for the day to allow them time to adjust.

Addressing the group, Wu Zhangkong announced, "Today's class will shift to one-on-one battles. Tang Wulin and Xie Xie, you'll be the first pair."

He directed the remaining students to step aside, leaving Tang Wulin and Xie Xie at the center of the training field.

Feeling a poke on his arm from Gu Yuena, Anping turned his head inquisitively and asked, "What's wrong?"

Gu Yuena whispered, "Do you think we might have a martial soul fusion skill?"

Anping shook his head, "Impossible. Martial soul fusion skills require a high level of compatibility between both parties' martial souls. There should be a distinct feeling of resonance when the two compatible martial souls meet. After a semester, I've never sensed any compatibility with your martial soul. Do you feel any resonance?"

Blushing, Gu Yuena admitted, "Well, maybe. When I'm with you, I sense something unusual. I don't know if it's real. I won't know unless we try it."

Anping regarded Gu Yuena with a puzzled expression. Given his limited knowledge about martial souls, he had no basis for compatibility with Gu Yuena.

Observing Anping's confusion, Gu Yuena poked his arm again, expressing her frustration, "What are you thinking? Just give it a try. Even if we don't have a soul fusion skill, there's nothing to lose. Are you really not willing to give it a shot?"

"Alright, alright. We'll give it a try. No need to keep poking my arm," Anping conceded, understanding Gu Yuena's persistence.