MTLNOVEL Chapter 144: Chapter 144: The Assessment Ends!
In the Spirit Pagoda's control room at Eastsea City, the four staff members were utterly numb.
"I knew it! I just knew it!" Staff Member A groaned hopelessly, his tone full of despair.
"Ugh!" Staff Member B sighed heavily, shaking his head in frustration. "We should probably start thinking about how to clean up this mess. With so many soul beasts wiped out in one go, this area will need to be sealed for at least a month to recover."
"Is that really the issue here?" Staff Member C spread his arms in exasperation. "Is it just about sealing the area? No! It's about overtime! I was just one week away from my vacation!"
"Enough already. What's done is done. Complaining won't fix anything," Staff Member D said calmly. "Instead of whining, let's figure out how to resolve this as quickly as possible."
The four exchanged glances, each seeing the same helplessness and self-doubt reflected in the others' eyes.
Wu Zhangkong observed the group's chatter with his usual cold indifference. His expression was unreadable, but his thoughts were sharp and precise.
That black, sword-like plant… is it related to Jing Xiaoyu? he pondered. The possibility seemed highly likely. After all, the Azure Moon Willow and Demon Flower had already left a lasting impression on him.
It wasn't inconceivable that Jing Xiaoyu, now a Soul Ancestor, could summon new plants. However, this black, sword-shaped plant clearly possessed the power of a ten-thousand-year soul beast. Did that mean Jing Xiaoyu could now summon such beings?
Wu Zhangkong's sharp gaze shifted toward Jing Xiaoyu's four black spirit rings, his heart weighing the possibilities. The fourth ring alone, judging by its depth, was at least forty-thousand years old. If that was the case, summoning a ten-thousand-year soul beast no longer seemed surprising.
Inside the Spirit Ascension Platform, the five members of Zero Class were systematically absorbing the spiritual energy left in the air. They were cautious, taking turns: four absorbed energy while one stood guard. This strategic approach ensured no opportunistic soul master could ambush them mid-process—a wise decision indeed.
Time ticked by steadily. By the time they had absorbed all the spiritual energy within a several-hundred-meter radius, a full twelve hours had passed. Their gains were undeniable, but no one allowed themselves to relax.
"Everyone, only half the time has passed," Jing Xiaoyu said in a serious tone. "We must be even more vigilant for the remaining twelve hours. Do not let our earlier success make us complacent. Understood?"
"Understood!" The others immediately straightened and replied in unison, their expressions turning serious.
"Good." Jing Xiaoyu nodded approvingly. "Let's move out. From now on, our primary goal is to stall for time. I will ignore unnecessary fights."
With that, the five of them left the lake and began moving toward other areas of the Beginner Spirit Ascension Platform.
The next day, Jing Xiaoyu and the others awoke in their respective Spirit Pagoda login pods. As they stepped out, stretching their sore muscles, they noticed the four staff members staring at them. The staff's faces were filled with an inexplicable complexity, their eyes clouded with the weariness of someone who had lived a lifetime in a day.
Jing Xiaoyu froze for a moment, bewildered. Didn't these guys look normal yesterday? What happened?
We just wiped out a few more soul beasts than usual. Why are they acting like this is the end of the world? Jing Xiaoyu thought, speechless. He shifted his gaze toward Wu Zhangkong, who stood leaning casually against the wall, eyes closed, completely detached from the situation.
Gu Yue and the others also noticed the staff's odd expressions but wisely chose not to meet their gazes. They quickly walked over to Wu Zhangkong, lining up silently.
"Teacher Wu," Jing Xiaoyu called, seeing Wu Zhangkong still playing the part of an aloof statue.
Wu Zhangkong immediately opened his eyes. His gaze swept across the five students, and he said curtly, "Back to the academy."
With that, he turned and walked out of the room. Jing Xiaoyu followed without hesitation, with Gu Yue, Xu Xiaoyan, Tang Wulin, and Xie Xie trailing close behind.
Left behind, the four staff members exchanged despairing looks, a shared urge to resign bubbling in their chests.
"Beginner Spirit Ascension Platform Zone A-2 will be sealed for thirty days of maintenance starting today," an authoritative voice suddenly rang out in the room.
The staff members stiffened, adopting respectful expressions. The announcement confirmed their expectations, but internally, their emotions swirled in silent turmoil.
On the top floor of the Eastsea Spirit Pagoda, inside the Pagoda Master's office, Leng Yaozhu sat serenely while Ji Changming stood beside her.
"Pagoda Master Ji, I will be leaving Eastsea City soon. I've caused you quite a bit of trouble these past few years," Leng Yaozhu said calmly.
"Not at all, not at all," Ji Changming replied hurriedly. "Your presence has been an immense blessing for Eastsea Spirit Pagoda, Your Grace. How could it be called trouble?"
His words were part flattery, part truth. Under Leng Yaozhu's tenure, the Eastsea Spirit Pagoda had indeed flourished. The upcoming launch of the Intermediate Spirit Ascension Platform login pods was irrefutable proof of her influence.
If all went smoothly, Eastsea City would soon become the ninth city in the Federation to gain access to Intermediate Spirit Ascension Platforms. This would solidify the Eastsea Spirit Pagoda's dominance in the region.
"Heh," Leng Yaozhu chuckled softly. "Work hard, Ji Changming. When you reach the Title Douluo rank, I'll recommend you to the Spirit Pagoda Council."
Ji Changming's eyes widened in shock, his aged face flushing with excitement. His voice trembled as he said, "Thank you, Your Grace, for your trust and guidance!"
No wonder Ji Changming was so moved. Joining the Spirit Pagoda Council meant entering the organization's highest ranks and gaining a say in its decision-making. Normally, even if he became a Title Douluo, this was far beyond his reach. But with Leng Yaozhu's recommendation, everything changed.
His spirit surged with newfound motivation. Though he was currently at Rank 85, a gap of five ranks lay ahead of him—a challenge that could take decades. But with Leng Yaozhu's promise, it felt as though a new fire had been lit within him.
Leng Yaozhu shook her head faintly, unimpressed by his emotional display. With a flicker of her form, she vanished from the office.
Meanwhile, Zero Class had returned to Eastsea Academy.
In their classroom, Wu Zhangkong stood before them.
"You have five days. After five days, we leave for Shrek Academy," he announced, his expression as stoic as ever.
"Teacher Wu," Xie Xie raised his hand, "isn't five days a bit…"
"Too much? Fine, three days," Wu Zhangkong cut in coldly.
"No, no! Five days is perfect!" Xie Xie waved his hands frantically, retracting his complaint.
"These five days are for you to spend time with your families," Wu Zhangkong continued, his voice softening just slightly. "Once you join Shrek Academy, you won't have many opportunities to see them. Shrek's breaks are few and far between."
"Understood, Teacher Wu," Xu Xiaoyan replied, her face tinged with sadness.
"Dismissed." Wu Zhangkong waved his hand, but his gaze landed on Jing Xiaoyu. "Jing Xiaoyu, come with me."
With a nod to Gu Yue and Xu Xiaoyan, Jing Xiaoyu followed Wu Zhangkong out of the classroom.