Douluo: I Am the Lord of Mysteries

After they left the disciplinary office, Wu Zhangkong let go of the two boys' hands and walked ahead in silence.

Looking at his tall, upright figure, Tang Wulin quickly picked up his pace to catch up.

"Teacher, thank you."

Wu Zhangkong replied coolly,

"You didn't do anything wrong. What's there to thank me for?

No one interferes with my classes."

Xie Xie jogged up beside them, a rare cheerful grin spreading across his face.

"Teacher Wu, that was amazing just now! I respect you now!

Even if you train us to death, I won't complain!"

"Remember what you just said," Wu Zhangkong replied faintly.

Tang Wulin then turned to Xie Xie and said sincerely,

"Thanks, Xie Xie."

Xie Xie looked a bit flustered,

"Why does it sound so awkward when you say it?

I didn't do it for you. I just hate seeing older kids gang up on younger ones."

Tang Wulin smiled,

"We're friends now."

Xie Xie gave a dismissive snort,

"You make friends too easily.

I never said I consider you one."

"That's not important," Tang Wulin replied simply.

Then he looked toward Nan Fusheng,

"Fusheng, thanks to you, too. You…"

But Nan Fusheng cut him off with a wry smile.

"Come on, Wulin. We're friends.

You think I'd just stand by and do nothing in that situation?

And don't try to comfort me. You already know about my family.

Maybe… death was a kind of release for my mom."

Xie Xie glanced at Nan Fusheng in surprise.

What did he mean by 'death was the only escape'?

But wisely, he didn't ask. Instead, he turned to Nan Fusheng and said,

"About last time—I said some stuff I shouldn't have.

But I still haven't given up. Next time, we'll have a proper, fair duel."

Ahead of them, Wu Zhangkong was walking in silence. But as he listened to the noisy chatter behind him,

a faint smile briefly tugged at his lips—so fleeting it could've been a trick of the light.

He didn't comfort the students. That wasn't his style.

Let them work things out themselves.

The next morning…

Xie Xie was already regretting what he had said the day before.

Wu Zhangkong was a man of his word.

He'd said there would be physical training—and sure enough, he meant it.

Conditioning drills: running.

The track at the Intermediate Division of Eastsea Academy was massive—one full lap was 800 meters.

Their assignment: ten laps.

When they heard that number, no one complained out loud…

But inside, every student was cursing.

That's eight kilometers! Just for warm-up?!

But when Wu Zhangkong brought out three sets of heavy iron training vests,

each weighing 20 jin (about 10kg), and strapped them onto Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, and Nan Fusheng,

The rest of the students instantly shut up.

Suddenly, they were very grateful not to be those three.

If this had happened the day before, Xie Xie probably would've thrown a fit.

But today? He stayed silent.

He was prideful, yes—but he stood by his words.

Besides, after what had happened yesterday, he genuinely respected Wu Zhangkong.

Xie Xie had always worn his aloof arrogance like a badge of honor.

But this teacher—colder, more aloof, and vastly more powerful—

truly lived up to his reputation as the "Ice-Cold God."

As for Tang Wulin, he didn't complain at all. He looked… excited.

And Nan Fusheng? He had no objection to this kind of training either.

After all, this kind of hardcore physical regime was textbook Shrek-style. Old school.

Xie Xie was an Agility-type Battle Soul Master, so even wearing the 20-jin vest,

he shot off like a bolt of lightning at the start.

Tang Wulin and Nan Fusheng ran at a steadier pace—slower, but consistent and strong.

But after just two laps, Xie Xie's speed began to drop.

By lap four, he was gasping for breath,

his lungs felt like they were on fire, and the weight of the vest felt like it had tripled.

He didn't even have the strength left to regret his big mouth from yesterday.

"You okay?"

Tang Wulin's voice came from behind him.

Xie Xie glanced over his shoulder.

Tang Wulin was sweating too, but he looked way better off.

"I'm fine!"

Xie Xie gritted his teeth and pushed himself faster.

No way this guy's catching up to me!

And that Nan Fusheng guy—he's Control-type!

Why does he look so relaxed?!

Losing in physique to Tang Wulin was understandable.

He'd already seen firsthand the raw strength Tang Wulin had.

But to lose to a control-type like Nan Fusheng? That he couldn't accept!

Tang Wulin's breathing remained steady.

"Teacher Wu gave us this weight training for a reason.

Don't forget—we're going to be representing our class in the Class Advancement Tournament."

Xie Xie didn't respond—because at this point, talking was a luxury he couldn't afford.

Five laps.

Xie Xie's legs felt like they were filled with lead.

He could barely keep moving.

Both Tang Wulin and Nan Fusheng had the stamina to overtake him,

But they chose not to.

Instead, they slowly reached out and each grabbed him under one arm.

Suddenly, Xie Xie felt lighter, his steps easier.

Startled, he looked at the two boys.

Nan Fusheng kept his gaze forward.

Tang Wulin just smiled and picked up his pace slightly, helping carry Xie Xie forward.

Wu Zhangkong stood in the center of the field,

watching as Class Five gradually fell apart. His face remained calm, but he occasionally furrowed his brow.

"Nan Fusheng, Tang Wulin.

You two have so much strength, huh?

Then carry him—and give me ten more laps."

Xie Xie whipped his head around to look at Tang Wulin,

only to see the boy's face still calm and composed.

"Ten more laps…

We should pick up the pace," Tang Wulin said calmly.

"Can't miss lunch. I skipped breakfast—starving."

Xie Xie couldn't help it,

"Are you even human? Don't you feel tired?"

Tang Wulin gave a small smile.

"Not really."

Nan Fusheng was even more direct,

"Let's go, Wulin. The faster we finish, the sooner we rest."

Xie Xie:

At this moment… I realize—I'm the weakest link.

Just then, a figure slowly walked toward the field entrance.

It was a girl.

She wore a white long-sleeved top and white pants.

She looked about the same age as the first-year students.

Her features weren't stunning, but she had a clean, delicate look—refreshingly plain.

She had long black hair, dark eyes, and a well-proportioned figure for her age.

Her large eyes shone with intelligence.

Even just walking, her steps had a unique rhythm,

And an aura seemed to follow her.

A quiet strength.