Lin Xiuran did not disappoint expectations.
Beneath Tang Wulin's overwhelming Golden Dragon presence, Lin Xiuran exuded a pressure of his own. In an instant, this aura swept away the Golden Dragon King's oppressive force and pressed it back onto Tang Wulin.
The power of the Golden Dragon Claw was diminished, but Lin Xiuran's Phoenix Fire Fist burned even more fiercely. When the two collided, Tang Wulin was sent flying, and the lingering Golden Dragon King aura vanished completely.
In the stands, Long Hengxu was utterly stunned, unable to contain his amazement. This level of power was terrifying.
He had thought Tang Wulin, with his first purple soul ring, was impressive, but seeing Lin Xiuran's exceptional talent left him even more shocked.
Gu Yue's face was serious, full of thought. The brief loss of control over her elements was no accident—it proved that the man before her was truly extraordinary.
Xu Xiaoyan shook her head in disbelief. She had never imagined that her own second brother could be so strong.
Back then, Gu Yue alone could overpower his elder brother, yet now Lin Xiuran could defeat the combination of Gu Yue and Tang Wulin on his own. How could this not astonish her?
Tang Wulin approached Lin Xiuran. "You're strong."
"You too," Lin Xiuran replied lightly, a trace of pride in his eyes.
Tang Wulin gave a wry smile. Lin Xiuran's spiritual power and combat ability were both top-tier. For the first time, his Golden Dragon King's pressure had failed—by all accounts, the other was stronger.
Long Hengxu walked to Wu Zhangkong's side. "Now, I have even more confidence in your class. I also believe I can persuade the dean to increase resources for you. Teacher Wu, let me know your requirements."
Wu Zhangkong replied, "I think the students' diet needs to be improved. At this stage, nutrition is crucial. Their soul abilities are part of their bodies and require nourishment."
Long Hengxu hesitated but nodded. "I'll discuss it with the principal. But as you know, the existence of Class Zero brings pressure to the academy. Your consumption of resources is greater than imagined, especially the Spirit Ascension Platform—it's costly."
"Therefore, Class Zero must also bring glory to the academy. Upcoming competitions like the Tianhai Alliance Grand Tournament will test you. Even if you don't win top prizes, you must impress, earning recognition and glory. Currently, the goal is the Excellent Newcomer Award or Excellent Newcomer Team Award."
The academy built Class Zero largely to attract talent. By cultivating outstanding prodigies, they could recruit more exceptional students, forming a positive cycle. It was a bold and risky strategy, but the first step had been successful: Wu Zhangkong had cultivated a group of prodigies.
Wu Zhangkong nodded, eyes gleaming. "Send me the rules later."
Long Hengxu was surprised. "You agree so easily?"
"Why not?" Wu Zhangkong replied with a raised brow.
"Alright, I'll prepare it," Long Hengxu said hurriedly, leaving in a rush.
After daytime team battles, there was little else to do. Lin Xiuran returned to his dormitory.
"Sister Gu Yue Na, thank you."
Gu Yue Na smiled faintly. "Why thank me?"
"If not for you, my spiritual power wouldn't have grown so fast," Lin Xiuran said sincerely. He truly appreciated the help he had received—it had been a significant step forward.
Gu Yue Na shook her head. "No need. It wasn't only my training. When you obtained your second soul ring, your spiritual power had already increased significantly."
"My second soul ring?" Lin Xiuran was puzzled. He hadn't noticed such a dramatic effect.
Gu Yue Na explained, "When you acquired your second soul ring, part of the Phoenix Bloodline began unlocking. Beyond elemental power, it naturally boosted other abilities—this time, your spiritual power."
She paused, then continued, "Whenever you gain a new soul ring, the Phoenix Bloodline will strengthen. Not only will new elemental and spiritual power grow, but you will gradually master additional powers granted by the Phoenix Bloodline."
"So strong?" Lin Xiuran could hardly believe it. He hadn't realized it could be this extreme.
Gu Yue Na smiled faintly. "A true Phoenix Bloodline is as potent as a Dragon God's. Yours is the purest Phoenix Bloodline—how could it be weak?"
"The Phoenix is the King of Birds!"
Though still puzzled about the arrival of the Phoenix Bloodline in him, Lin Xiuran understood that such a bloodline could not appear artificially, much like the Dragon God's Bloodline.
Its presence in him hinted that his true identity was far from simple—perhaps connected to his mother—but he didn't yet fully understand. Wu Zhangkong knew of his mother but had not revealed the truth. Lin Xiuran would have to discover it in time.
"Enough thinking. Focus on your cultivation."
Gu Yue Na did not give him further chance to speak and sent him directly into the Sea of Spirit.
As Lin Xiuran's consciousness left, Tang Wutong finally appeared beside Gu Yue Na.
"Sister Na, I don't quite understand—why didn't you interfere more with the other you outside?"
Gu Yue Na glanced coldly outward. "Just as you dare not acknowledge Tang Wulin, I cannot casually interact with her."
Although unspoken, Tang Wutong understood, her eyes filled with complex emotions.
She hadn't expected her father to be so calculating, using everything at his disposal. Even her brother Tang Wulin had been merely a tool, manipulated from start to finish.
"Father… I thought I had reached my limit of disappointment in you, but it seems there's still more to come."
Tang Wutong murmured, shaking her head, a faint sense of despair in her eyes.
(End of Chapter)