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The next evening arrived swiftly.
Sunset's golden glow streamed through the dorm window, bathing the room in warm amber light.
Tang Wulin gathered everyone in his room.
"Wulin—armor ready?" Fang Yang asked.
Tang Wulin's lips curved into a confident smile. "All set."
He pulled metallic objects from his storage device, handing them out.
"Tomorrow's the Rebellion Intermediate Platform. Try these now—if sizing's off, I'll adjust tonight."
"This is…?"
Xie Xie and the others stared in awe.
It was a metal vest—crafted from thumb-sized silver plates, interlocked with ingenious clasps.
Despite its metallic appearance, it felt surprisingly light—almost like chainmail.
Each plate bore faint cloud-like patterns, radiating an otherworldly aura.
"So light… what material is this?" Zhang Yangzi traced a finger over the surface.
"Cloud Titanium," Tang Wulin explained. "Thousand-Refined to purify and strengthen it."
His expression turned serious. "Lightweight—but incredibly hard and flexible."
He added, "The Platform's scanner will replicate our gear inside. Wearing this boosts your survival odds."
"Thanks!"
Gratitude shone in their eyes as they took the vests.
They suited up—perfect fit, no adjustments needed.
"Alright—rest well tonight," Fang Yang urged. "Finals are tomorrow. Conserve your strength."
"Got it!" they chorused.
One by one, they returned to their dorms—preparing for the trials ahead.
…
Next morning, thick fog blanketed Donghai City—visibility reduced to mere meters.
Usually quiet, the Donghai Spirit Pagoda buzzed with unusual activity.
The Rebellion Period had drawn Soul Masters from across the region, all seeking rare spirit beasts.
In the Platform, hundred-year and thousand-year beasts granted massive power boosts.
Thus, Rebellion Period entry cards sold for over a million Federation Credits at auction—affordable only to major factions.
At dawn, Wu Zhangkong led Class Zero to the Pagoda.
"Remember," his voice cut like ice, "Rebellion Period means maximum entrants. Inside, everyone outside your squad is an enemy."
His gaze swept over them. "Your sole mission: SURVIVE. Fail the exam? Winter break—canceled."
"Understood!"
Six voices rang with resolve.
Guided by Spirit Pagoda staff, they entered a compact chamber—walls etched with complex soul-guided arrays, humming with faint energy.
No metal pods this time—instead, six towering glass capsules stood ready.
"The Intermediate Platform differs from the Elementary," the attendant explained.
"Battle Armor is prohibited—but since you're students, inspections will be lenient."
Wu Zhangkong wordlessly handed over six qualification cards.
The attendant verified them—approved.
"Rebellion Intermediate Platform is extremely dangerous," the attendant warned gravely.
"Sixty-thousand-year apex beasts may appear. Stay vigilant."
"If threatened—evacuate immediately. Dying here risks real neural trauma!"
One by one, they stepped into the capsules.
Metal rings clamped around their bodies.
Glass hoods lowered, sealing them in.
"Prepare for entry!"
A wave of intense dizziness hit them—consciousness fading.
—
Fang Yang awoke to a sea of green.
Lush vegetation surrounded him—indistinguishable from the Elementary Platform at first glance.
But they all knew: this was far deadlier.
Here, thousand-year beasts were common—ten-thousand-year monsters possible.
Crucially—all six spawned together.
"Gather to me," Fang Yang ordered, eyes scanning the treeline.
"Yes, sir!"
They clustered instantly.
"Our objectives are clear," he declared.
"One: Survive one hour—pass the exam.
Two: Hunt as many beasts as possible—strengthen your soul rings.
Stay alert—maximum vigilance from now on."
"Understood!"
"Wulin—distribute the Cloud Titanium armor," Fang Yang commanded.
Tang Wulin nodded, handing out the vests.
Soon, all but Fang Yang and Gu Yue wore the gleaming armor—cold metal radiating quiet confidence.
"Move out!"
The squad shifted into combat stance.
Without hesitation, Tang Wulin's group released their martial souls.
—
Back in the Spirit Pagoda control room, attendants watched the screen.
"Impressive kids," one remarked to Wu Zhangkong. "Well-prepared, seamless coordination. You've trained them well, Teacher Wu."
Wu Zhangkong gave a faint nod—pride glinting in his emerald eyes. "Let's see how they perform."
As a Shrek Academy–bred combat specialist, he knew adaptability was a Soul Master's greatest trait.
This Rebellion Period exam tested exactly that—no equipment restrictions, only survival.
His gaze lingered on Fang Yang and Gu Yue.
Two prodigies… lost to the Spirit Pagoda.
Then his eyes fell on Tang Wulin—anticipation flickering in his gaze.
This dual martial soul heir—Bearer of Blue Silver Emperor and Hao Tian Hammer—was the Tang Sect's next leader.
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