C12 The Evil Spirit

The dashing male teacher darted past a student and charged at a black-haired zombie.

Contrary to his suave looks, his voice was gruff. With a thunderous yell, he brandished a long sword that blazed with fiery red flames, transforming it into a formidable flaming sword in a flash.

"Meet your end!"

The dashing male teacher bellowed as he thrust the flaming sword with a fiery might, stabbing fiercely into the torso of the black-haired zombie.

The female teacher next to him burst into applause, her enthusiasm somewhat out of place amidst the intense fight.

"Sizzle..."

The air was tinged with the scent of something charred, suggesting the flaming sword had done its job.

Xia Yi watched intently as the dashing male teacher's sword strikes were swift, repeatedly piercing the black-haired zombie. Yet, these attempts failed to penetrate the zombie's defenses. The flaming sword struck as if hitting an iron sheet, sending out a shower of sparks. The noise was significant, but it inflicted no harm on the black-haired zombie.

At one point, the zombie even caught the flaming sword in its grasp, nearly pulling the teacher into a dangerous close-quarters struggle.

Despite his pretty-boy appearance, the male teacher's strength was formidable. Faced with a seemingly hopeless situation, he remained unflappable, his expression a picture of concentration and serenity—an attitude worthy of respect.

After another unsuccessful attempt, the dashing male teacher sheathed his flaming sword and stepped back.

Xia Yi observed the pursuing black-haired zombie, which appeared completely unscathed at first glance. On closer inspection, however, its fur had been significantly singed by the flaming sword, leaving a pervasive burnt stench throughout the third floor.

You dare to ridicule me? Aren't you just as ineffective?

Xia Yi was about to taunt the dashing male teacher when his eyes suddenly widened in shock. The black-haired zombie, which had been in hot pursuit, began to stagger. After struggling to take a couple of steps, its contorted, rigid body shook violently before collapsing to the ground, motionless.

"Teacher Su, you're incredible!" The female teacher cheered, her eyes practically sparkling with admiration as she gazed at the dashing male teacher.

Another male teacher smiled slightly and offered his commendation, "Ziqi, you've made remarkable progress!"

Su Ziqing offered a slight smile, showing none of the flippancy or disrespect that had been directed at Xia Yi.

"I've just had some insights into the 'Zhili Fire's' marvelous uses, which is perfect for practicing with these items."

"That explains it. I was wondering why you hadn't summoned your Martial Spirit 'Flame Eater'. With the 'Flame Eater' in play, these weaklings would have been dealt with in no time!" The female teacher clapped enthusiastically, heaping praise on Su Ziqing.

Su Ziqing allowed himself a small, proud smile, but the male teacher next to him frowned and quietly corrected his colleague.

"Teacher Wang's body was taken over by the 'evil spirit'; Teacher Zhao misspoke."

"My apologies, Teacher Yang Zhangzhen." Su Ziqing and Zhao Jingjing were taken aback, quickly nodding in acknowledgment of their oversight.

The teacher, now a black-haired zombie, was stronger than the student zombies. After Su Ziqing dispatched Teacher Wang, the remaining three student zombies were swiftly dealt with by the trio of teachers.

Meanwhile, another rumble echoed from the staircase to the fourth floor, louder than before.

"We're still unclear on how the 'evil spirit' managed to break free from the fifth floor's confinement and make its way to the fourth. But since it's made it to the fourth, it could potentially reach the third. We must stop it!" Yang Zhangzhen peered at the staircase with a furrowed brow before turning to address the six students.

"Leave the Spirit Gathering Tower immediately and alert Dean Wu Liang to send reinforcements to contain this 'evil spirit'!"

Xia Yi observed Yang Zhangzhen, who had always kept a low profile, now stepping up to take control. He was intrigued by him and equally by the 'evil spirit' Yang Zhangzhen had mentioned.

Judging by Yang Zhangzhen's tone, this 'evil spirit' was a formidable threat.

Xia Yi stood with his arms folded, his right thumb idly stroking his slightly stubbled chin.

'No wonder. Since entering the Spirit Gathering Tower, my ascent to the fourth floor was fairly quick. Yet, Teacher Wang and the three students reached it before me, clearly indicating they're stronger. That this 'evil spirit' could dispatch four individuals of considerable strength in such a short time speaks volumes of its might.'

Yang Zhangzhen had successfully persuaded the students to leave. Noticing that Xia Yi remained, he gently suggested that he too should depart.

"Teacher Xia, this 'evil spirit' is no ordinary foe; it's incredibly strong. Even the dean would have to exert considerable effort to seal it. Our presence here might only buy some time. Given the perilous circumstances, it would be best for you to leave as well."

Yang Zhangzhen spoke with genuine concern, devoid of any hint of flippancy. It was clear that he was genuinely worried for Xia Yi's safety rather than mocking him.

Xia Yi was not one to be ungrateful. He reciprocated the respect and regard shown to him with the same demeanor.

He accepted the advice, bowing to Yang Zhangzhen in gratitude, "Teacher Yang, please stay safe."

Yang Zhangzhen responded with a smile and a nod of acknowledgment.

As Xia Yi was about to leave, the third floor suddenly trembled. Caught unprepared, Xia Yi stumbled, nearly falling.

With a thunderous crash, the staircase to the fourth floor gave way, revealing a massive black shadow that seemed tangible.

The air chilled abruptly, dropping several degrees, and the atmosphere darkened, as an oppressive force enveloped them. It felt as if a monstrous creature was lurking nearby, ready to leap out and tear them apart.

Xia Yi and his companions were on high alert, too afraid to make any sudden moves that might provoke the 'evil spirit.'

Despite knowing there was only one 'evil spirit,' they couldn't shake the ridiculous feeling that they were encircled.

The shadow drifted from the fourth-floor staircase, aware that its intimidating presence had frozen them in place. It leisurely approached the group as if out for a casual walk.

"Has Dragonflight Cloister fallen on hard times? It's no wonder you can't draw many 'martial spirits' to reside here. And now, after such a short period, you've reopened the Spirit Gathering Tower. I'm already struggling to find enough to eat, and here you are, competing for the same scraps? That's just bullying!"

An exasperated voice erupted, reminiscent of a child whose candy had been stolen.

"Bullying someone? Are you a human 'evil spirit'?" Xia Yi mumbled under his breath.

Su Zizhi and Zhao Jingjing shot him a fierce glare, chastising him for his careless interruption. What if it startled the 'evil spirit'?

However, Yang Zhangzhen regarded Xia Yi with a curious glance, a hint of intrigue flickering in his eyes.

It appeared that the 'evil spirit's' intimidating presence had little effect on Xia Yi.