The faint sensation of weightlessness told Gu You they were descending deep underground — but just how deep, he couldn't guess.
The Spirit Transferring Tower truly deserved its reputation as the number one organization on the continent. Its strength and wealth were unmatched, and such a construction must have cost astronomical sums.
There were no floor indicators inside the elevator, but after a full three minutes, it finally came to a halt.
Stepping out, they arrived at a vast hall filled with dozens of staff members. Beyond lay several metallic passageways.
Long Hengxu pulled out five specially crafted entry cards and handed them to one of the staff, who silently gestured for them to follow as he led them down one of the corridors.
After walking about fifty meters, they entered another elevator and descended again — this time, only for about ten seconds. When they emerged, they found themselves inside a circular chamber.
The entire space was made of metal, and massive soul tool screens lined the walls, displaying shimmering images that looked like lush, green jungles.
The staff member turned to face them. "The primary spirit ascension platform permits five entrants. There's no time limit. When you can no longer endure the dangers inside, press your emergency recall device, and you'll be returned here. Now, I'll explain a few key points."
"Only five?" Long Hengxu frowned. Why had the academy only been granted five slots? He shot a glance toward Gu You.
Naturally, Gu You had heard everything. 'So basically, you didn't even arrange for me? Typical.'
Everyone's eyes shifted toward Gu You, and the atmosphere grew awkward. Six people, but only five spots — how were they supposed to divide them?
Suddenly, one of the staff pointed at Gu You in shock. The young man was dressed in white, wearing a mask. "You're that kid from the news! The 'model youth'!!" His mask twitched slightly as his eyes widened in disbelief.
"What?" The other staff members were startled. They hurried to examine Gu You closely, and some even pulled out their soul phones to compare him to the news photos. 'It's him! It's definitely him!'
Xie Xie and Wu Zhangkong also stiffened. They usually spent their time either at the academy, out eating, or running errands — they didn't keep up with the news. But on the side, Long Hengxu's face changed. A friend had once told him about a young boy, barely a teenager, who had cooperated with the military to take down two evil soul masters at the Soul Douluo level. Long Hengxu finally understood why the headmaster hadn't even asked Gu You to sign the academy's special Zero Class agreement. It wasn't just the Forgers' Association recommending him — the academy had practically been honored by his presence!
What Long Hengxu didn't know was that even Headmaster Yu Zhen was unaware of Gu You's "model youth" status. The Forgers' Association had kept his personal details strictly confidential; only his soul power level and martial soul had been shared.
Under everyone's stares, Gu You grinned. "So… could we get one more slot? If not, just wait a few hours — I'll go borrow a beginner's entry pass. How's that?"
A staff member hesitated. "Sorry, you need an official entry card to go in."
Gu You gave a helpless shrug — but just then, Wu Zhangkong stepped forward.
"I have one more card," he said coolly. "Let him in."
Long Hengxu stared in disbelief. Where had Wu Zhangkong gotten an extra beginner's entry card?
"A good talent must be nurtured," Wu Zhangkong continued calmly. "This was the academy's oversight. No matter what, Gu You must enter. I bought this card at a minor auction years ago. It was surprising, honestly — the auction was so small, none of the lots exceeded ten thousand federal coins. I had the money on hand, so I paid ten thousand for it."
Though his voice was still cold, Wu Zhangkong's image in everyone's eyes instantly grew several times taller.
Even Long Hengxu felt ashamed. "Indeed, the academy made a mistake. Zhangkong, I'll report this to the headmaster. We'll make sure you're compensated."
Wu Zhangkong didn't reply; he simply handed the entry card to the staff. "Thank you."
"Alright, follow me," the staff member nodded.
Gu You stayed quiet. He wouldn't call it touching exactly, but there was definitely a faint warmth in his chest.
Xie Xie trotted up beside him, curiosity written all over his face. "Hey, Gu You, what's this 'model youth' thing? Sounds like a big deal — is it really you?"
Gu You shot him a flat look. "You're better off not knowing. If you're so curious, go ask random people on the street. I'm not explaining it."
Seeing Gu You's refusal, Xie Xie had no choice but to fall back.
---
"Wu Lin," Gu Yue whispered, glancing cautiously around to make sure no one was paying attention.
"What is it, Gu Yue?" For some reason, Tang Wu Lin's voice sounded a little weak.
"That Gu You… I feel like there's something strange about his aura. Maybe we shouldn't get involved with him—"
"Why?"
"Ah!"
Gu Yue hadn't noticed when Gu You had appeared right behind them. His mouth curled into a smile.
Startled, Gu Yue stumbled back two steps and almost fell into Gu You's arms. She steadied herself, flushed, and huffed, "You… you're too sneaky!"
"Heh! And yet, when a certain two-faced turtle badmouths me behind my back, I don't see her showing much mercy," Gu You teased.
"You…" Gu Yue turned away, flustered.
"You're Tang Wu Lin, right? Nice to meet you. I'm Gu You. Don't listen to that two-faced turtle — I'm a really good guy." Gu You offered a friendly grin.
Tang Wu Lin, who was shorter by quite a bit, had to tilt his head back to meet Gu You's eyes.
"Nice to meet you!" he said cheerfully. So far, this older boy seemed kind enough. He didn't sense anything strange in his aura, either — in fact, Gu You gave off an energetic, optimistic vibe that made Tang Wu Lin feel at ease.
Gu Yue, meanwhile, was fuming. 'How did this flip around to make me the bad guy?!'
"Quiet down," the staff warned sharply. Only then did the group fall silent, trailing obediently behind.
---
"The Spirit Ascension Platform is something our Spirit Transferring Tower has spent over a thousand years developing," the staff explained as they walked. "It's the product of countless resources, untold accumulation, and nearly all our organizational wealth. You can think of it as another world altogether. It's built using extensive spatial technology. So, the most important thing for you to remember is this: the Spirit Ascension Platform is not a purely virtual environment. It's half-virtual, half-real. Many of the simulated data points require real-world feedback to function. The beginner-level platform you'll enter is mostly virtual, so your lives won't be in any danger."
(End of Chapter)
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