Ever since Wu Zhangkong's stern scolding a few days ago, the atmosphere in Class Zero had grown increasingly tense.
Zhang Yangzi had become unusually quiet, while Wang Jinxi was even more silent than before.
The reason was simple—during a recent training session where the six members of Class Zero were sparring against Wu Zhangkong, Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi found themselves unable to perform their Martial Soul Fusion Technique.
At first, the two were confused and panicked. But after Wu Zhangkong's analysis, it was discovered that Wang Jinxi's Martial Soul had undergone a positive mutation due to his frequent training with Tang Wulin—a mutation that disrupted the compatibility needed for the fusion with Zhang Yangzi.
Zhang Yangzi or Tang Wulin.
Wang Jinxi now had to choose between the two. If he chose to continue with Zhang Yangzi, he would have to distance himself from Tang Wulin. Since Tang Wulin's Martial Soul was still developing and his influence was not yet deeply rooted, distancing himself would eventually revert Wang Jinxi's Martial Soul to its original state.
But if he chose Tang Wulin, his Martial Soul would continue mutating, potentially unlocking greater power and long-term potential—an obvious benefit to his future as a soul master.
One path led to loyalty and friendship. The other is power and potential.
Wang Jinxi was torn. Every day after class, he locked himself in his room, avoiding all interaction with others.
But Nan Fusheng could already tell—Wang Jinxi's actions showed his heart was already leaning toward a decision.
Two days passed quickly.
And then came the second portion of the semester's final exams.
"Follow me. It's time for the second part of your final exam," Wu Zhangkong said coolly.
Just then, Wang Jinxi stood up. "Teacher Wu."
"Hmm?" Wu Zhangkong glanced at him.
"I've made my decision," Wang Jinxi said steadily. "I'm giving up the opportunity to train with Tang Wulin."
Zhang Yangzi was stunned, looking at him in disbelief. But his eyes soon softened with emotion.
Wu Zhangkong's gaze sharpened slightly. "Are you sure?"
Wang Jinxi nodded firmly.
Nan Fusheng silently watched the scene unfold, feeling unexpectedly moved.
So the 'childhood friend' wins over the 'fated newcomer,' huh? A classic pure-hearted route. No one could say if Wang Jinxi had made the right or wrong choice.
Choosing Zhang Yangzi meant he had strong willpower, someone who wouldn't be tempted by personal gain. Going through the "temptation" of Tang Wulin and still standing by his old partner likely meant their bond and mutual trust had reached a new peak.
But from a purely practical standpoint? Foolish.
Allowing a powerful Martial Soul mutation—especially involving something as high-tier as the Bone Dragon King—was a rare and invaluable opportunity. Giving that up was like throwing away his future.
Wang Jinxi turned toward Nan Fusheng, Tang Wulin, Gu Yue, and Xie Xie. He drew in a deep breath, as if summoning all his courage. "And… Teacher Wu, thank you for your guidance this semester. And thank you to all my teammates."
"But… I'm sorry. I've decided to transfer academies, along with Yangzi. Tang Wulin's bloodline aura is too overwhelming. If I stay here, I'll continue being subconsciously influenced. Even avoiding him in practice, I feel an internal pressure that affects my cultivation. So… I have to leave."
Nan Fusheng saw the look in Zhang Yangzi's eyes—teary, overwhelmed.
He, too, had been under immense pressure. Losing the ability to use a Fusion Technique with his closest partner would've dropped him from a valued team member to just a regular soul master. His future in cultivation, his standing in the clan—all of it would be in jeopardy. Their family wasn't especially strong. Strength was the one thing that determined status in their circle.
And now, with Wang Jinxi's decisive choice, Zhang Yangzi's fears were washed away.
"As for our enrollment contract…" Wang Jinxi looked back at Wu Zhangkong. "I'll have to trouble you, Teacher Wu. I've already discussed it with my father. We'll compensate the academy for all the resources used this semester."
He bowed deeply.
Tang Wulin noticed that, as Wang Jinxi bowed, two small water droplets fell to the floor.
He didn't want to leave either.
One semester together, they had forged not only deep friendships but the rare combat chemistry soul masters dreamed of.
They weren't just friends—they were comrades who could trust each other with their backs in battle.
And now they had to say goodbye.
Just like Wang Jinxi said—even if training with Tang Wulin brought benefits, even positive ones—it had become unbearable. After two days of separation, he realized how deeply Tang Wulin's presence had been affecting him. The restlessness, the sleeplessness, the inability to focus during meditation—it was all too much.
This was a painful, reluctant choice—but one he had no choice but to make.
Wu Zhangkong remained stoic as ever, but Nan Fusheng caught a fleeting flicker of regret in his eyes.
"…Very well," Wu Zhangkong said calmly. "Since you've made your decision, I'll notify the academy. Your family should finalize the arrangements. Perhaps… this is the right decision."
Then he added, "Do you still want to take part in today's exam?"
Wang Jinxi gave a bitter smile. "Forgive us, Teacher Wu. Given our current emotions, Yangzi and I aren't in the right mindset for an exam. Fusheng, Wulin, Xie Xie, Gu Yue—do your best, okay?"
"Don't let us distract you. You're all amazing. We'll meet again, and maybe next time we'll be the ones challenging you. We'll work harder and catch up to you."
Moved by his words, Tang Wulin couldn't hold back anymore. He rushed forward and hugged both Wang Jinxi and Zhang Yangzi tightly.
The three stood together, crying uncontrollably.
"…You could've at least left room for me," Xie Xie muttered awkwardly from the side.
He turned to Nan Fusheng, but Fusheng just shook his head—I'm not getting involved in this sentimental drama.
He looked at Gu Yue. She gave Xie Xie a look of disdain—I'm not hugging a bunch of weepy boys.
Wu Zhangkong turned to leave, tossing one sentence over his shoulder: "The exam will be tomorrow."
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi returned to their dorms to pack. As for the details of whatever agreement was reached between their families and the academy, Tang Wulin didn't know.
All he knew was that Class Zero was now down to just four.
That night, Tang Wulin thought a lot.
His once-sunny demeanor dimmed. He had changed into someone far more pensive and melancholic.