Chapter 58: There Are No Useless Soul Masters, Only Useless Martial Souls…

"You know, Class Zero doesn't accept useless people."

Hearing Wu Zhangkong's words, Long Hengxu paused. "If he were useless, why would I call you? According to the principal, he's a genius from the Eastsea Forging Association. The student records will be updated tomorrow, and you can check for a kid named Gu You. Even I, as the teaching director, can't access his information right now. It's infuriating!"

There was a brief silence on the other end of the call. Then Wu Zhangkong replied, "If he can pass my assessment, I will teach him."

Long Hengxu was stunned. This was an order from the principal! And yet, Wu Zhangkong insisted that the student must pass a test before joining Class Zero? Since when did Wu Zhangkong have such authority?

Just as he was about to respond in anger, the soul communicator was abruptly hung up.

Damn it!

Long Hengxu nearly dropped his soul communicator in frustration.

But then he thought about its price—more than 3,000 federal coins, and it was only a few days old. He couldn't afford to break it now. He swallowed his irritation.

There was nothing more he could do. He knew Wu Zhangkong's personality well. Once he made a decision, no one could change his mind.

For now, he would just wait and see what happened tomorrow. If the so-called forging genius failed the test, he would think of another way. After all, an order from higher-ups couldn't simply be ignored.

Leaving the dormitory building, Gu You observed the surroundings. The entire Intermediate Division had eight buildings. Apart from dormitories, a cafeteria, and the administrative offices, the remaining buildings housed different grades and classes. Class Zero's location wasn't far from the dormitory—it was just a two- or three-minute walk away.

Gu You glanced at the large clock tower with its massive clock face. It was already nine o'clock, meaning class had started some time ago. He wondered if the famous teacher, Wu Zhangkong, was still waiting for him.

"Teacher Wu, what's today's lesson?"

When Tang Wulin entered the classroom, the other four students were already present. Sweat trickled down his forehead. Because of his large appetite, he always took longer to eat, so he often arrived just in time for class.

Ever since absorbing the first seal of the Golden Dragon King, his appetite had only increased. Now, he was practically a walking anomaly in the academy.

Class Zero students were provided with free Grade A meals. This was the best perk for Tang Wulin. However, his enormous food consumption was giving Long Hengxu a headache. But after witnessing Tang Wulin's outstanding performance in the promotion matches, Long Hengxu had no choice but to tolerate it. After all, he couldn't let the boy starve.

"Today, we're going to the Spirit Pagoda." Wu Zhangkong's words were as concise as ever.

The Spirit Pagoda? Why? None of them were at the stage where they needed spirit souls yet.

Tang Wulin and the others were puzzled, but Wu Zhangkong didn't explain. He simply announced it.

"Are we going now?" Gu Yue stood up. Today, she wasn't wearing her school uniform but a short skirt.

Wu Zhangkong frowned and checked his watch. Had Long Hengxu tricked him? Wasn't there supposed to be a new student joining Class Zero today? It was already this late, and he still hadn't arrived. Had Long Hengxu done this on purpose to mess with him?

Wu Zhangkong grew impatient. He hated it when people disrupted his class.

"We'll wait until 9:30," he said.

His answer confused the students. Why wait? Oh well, since the teacher wasn't teaching anything yet, they might as well relax…

Tang Wulin sat down at his desk. Gu Yue sat beside him.

"Good morning," she said with a warm smile.

"Good… morning," Tang Wulin replied, slightly out of breath from his earlier sprint.

"Tang Wulin, what's going on? The teacher seems off today," Xie Xie suddenly appeared behind him and tapped his shoulder.

Tang Wulin, still catching his breath, was startled by Xie Xie. He glanced at him, then at Wu Zhangkong, who stood by the door with his eyes closed in deep thought. Shaking his head, Tang Wulin said, "I don't know. Teacher Wu must have his reasons. You should go back to your seat—students aren't allowed to leave their seats during class."

Xie Xie smirked. "You're such a goody-two-shoes. The teacher didn't say anything."

Tang Wulin chuckled.

Thud! Thud!Steady footsteps echoed through the hallway. Wu Zhangkong opened his eyes and looked at the approaching figure.

A flicker of curiosity crossed his usually indifferent gaze. So, this was the student recommended by the principal? The so-called genius from the Eastsea Forging Association?

Long Hengxu had told him that if he wanted to verify the new student's abilities, he should check tomorrow's updated records. But Wu Zhangkong didn't have the patience for that.

True geniuses are forged through hardship.Talent alone means nothing.

He had read a quote from an ancient scholar that he deeply agreed with:

There are no useless martial souls, only useless soul masters.

Gu You locked eyes with Wu Zhangkong. The air between them grew tense.

Wu Zhangkong was undeniably handsome, with sky-blue hair cascading over his shoulders. His well-defined muscles were visible through his clothes. His icy-blue eyes were piercing. His appearance was so refined that it almost didn't seem real—definitely on par with Gu You himself.

But the most striking thing about him was the aura of coldness he emitted. He was like a distant ice sculpture—impossible to approach.

"Apologies, teacher. I was delayed by some matters," Gu You said in a low, respectful tone.

No matter the time or place, teachers were meant to be respected—except for those who were insane or incompetent. From what Gu You had read in the original story, he liked Wu Zhangkong's teaching methods. He had a sharp tongue but a soft heart. He seemed strict and indifferent, but deep down, he genuinely cared about his students.

Wu Zhangkong remained silent, quietly observing Gu You.

The prolonged silence made Gu You feel slightly awkward. He forced a smile. "Teacher, this is my recommendation letter. Please take a look."

He held out the letter with both hands.

But Wu Zhangkong didn't take it. He simply kept staring.

Inside the classroom, the students were buzzing. A new classmate?

They wanted to rush outside and see, but Wu Zhangkong's presence was too intimidating. In the end, they could only glance toward the doorway.

Even Gu You, who had a strong mental fortitude, felt a little uneasy. It was as if no matter how capable he was, he was still being judged as unworthy.

Just as he was about to speak, Wu Zhangkong finally broke the silence.

"There's no need for me to look at that letter. I never trust a piece of paper filled with meaningless data. A soul master's worth is proven in battle. If you truly have talent, then fight Xie Xie. If you win, Class Zero will welcome you."

Gu You nodded. Fighting? He was never afraid of that. With his current strength, he could go toe-to-toe with an ordinary Title Douluo if he fought with his life on the line. And that was only an estimate. After all, who knew what his Dragon God Bloodline might unleash in a life-or-death situation?

Inside the classroom, Xie Xie's eyes lit up.

A fight? Against the new guy? His blood started boiling with excitement.