Chapter Twenty-Three: The Teacher's Generosity

After sitting together in silence for two days, unable to find words, Counselor Song could sense the tension simmering between them. He knew that continuing to sit like this would only worsen their conflicts. Making up his mind, Counselor Song decided to bring out his most treasured secret.

“So, have the four of you managed to communicate these past two days?” Counselor Song entered the recuperation room as if nothing had happened.

“Very well!” Feng Shang quickly stood up and replied.

“And what about the rest of you?” Counselor Song glanced at Mao Xuanzi, Fang Zhe, and Han Tianyue, asking with a smile.

Mao Xuanzi stood and said, “Not bad.”

Fang Zhe echoed, “Not bad.”

Han Tianyue gave a nod. “I suppose it’s been all right.”

“Since everyone seems to be getting along, from today onward, I’ll teach you how to cooperate in battle!” Counselor Song began directing the four of them to gather together.

“I have here a trial halo. If you reach into it, it will copy your abilities—however strong you are, it will be just as strong. Alone, none of you can defeat it. Only by working together will you stand a chance!” As he spoke, Counselor Song reluctantly took out the halo, his heart aching to part with it, but for the sake of his beloved students, he steeled himself.

Feng Shang was the first to reach into the halo, and immediately it recognized the element of wind.

Mao Xuanzi followed, and the halo acknowledged fire.

Fang Zhe glanced at Han Tianyue, his heart heavy. After reaching into the halo, he told himself, “No matter what, I must win the final competition upon graduation!” The halo accepted the element of sound.

Han Tianyue stepped forward last, taking the halo from Counselor Song. He plunged his hand in, and the halo recognized water.

“What do we do next?” Han Tianyue asked, holding the halo.

“Wait a moment. When I’ve left the room and closed the door, throw the halo into the air!” Counselor Song instructed, his reluctance obvious as he slipped out of the recuperation room.

The moment the door shut, a series of crackling sounds erupted from inside. At the same time, Mao Xuanzi, Fang Zhe, Feng Shang, and Han Tianyue were all sent flying by the force of the halo.

“I didn’t expect the halo to be this powerful!” For the first time, Mao Xuanzi felt a genuine sense of pressure.

Han Tianyue scrambled to his feet and shouted, “If you’re afraid, just stand aside!”

He charged forward, only to be knocked back by the rebound, landing hard on the floor, blood spilling from his mouth.

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