"It's tiring, isn't it?" Lu Wan asked as he returned back to his room.
Ye Jiao tilted her head. "Do you mean, having them as your family?"
"Yeah," Lu Wan laid on his bed. "The Lu Family is nothing more than a family of honor and would always put honor at the very front. Other things didn't matter as long as they can keep the image of a great scholar and keep everything under control."
"You don't have to deal with them if you don't want to."
"I don't have any other choice," Lu Wan smiled bitterly. "I'm still incapable of going outside, so I can only stay here and bid my time. It is tiring, but I guess it's not that bad at times."
Now, Ye Jiao could faintly understand why this boy seemed sad at times and angry when he mentioned his family. With each of the family members were only people who thought of themselves and putting on a façade, everyone would surely feel tired. It was a relationship full of deceive.
"You're no longer alone, Senior Brother Lu," Ye Jiao put on a smile. "You have Master, me, and your senior brothers if you need company. We're all your family."
Looking at Ye Jiao, Lu Wan smiled. "Yeah."
"Good, now smile."
"Stop that, I don't need a kid to take care of me."
"Ah! You're saying that now?" Ye Jiao puffed her cheek in displeasure.
Lu Wan laughed. "Anyway, you should prepare yourself because we're going to school tomorrow."
"School? Are you going to talk with Wei Cheng again?"
"Kind of. I still need to resolve this matter one way or another," Lu Wan shrugged. "After all, I use him to get this time to spend training, so I'll find a way that will satisfy both of us."
Somehow, Ye Jiao had the feeling that it wouldn't' end as well as what her senior brother said. His smirk was too apparent. Well, since Ye Jiao also hated Wei Cheng, she decided to just wait for tomorrow.
…
The day passed quietly without any disturbance. The two of them headed to the academy early in the morning and headed straight to the classroom. This time, the students didn't even look at Ye Jiao because she had followed behind Lu Wan for a period of time a few weeks ago.
"You can just talk with Mu Xin. I'm going to wait for Wei Cheng."
"Ok."
Ye Jiao headed to their usual chair and noticed Mu Xin sitting in front of Lu Wan's chair. The cold expression on the girl's face melted a bit when she saw Ye Jiao.
"Ji-Xiao'er, it has been some time," Mu Xin greeted.
"Yes, indeed it has."
Mu Xin scrutinized Ye Jiao for a moment. "Have you heard the training the school is going to host next week?"
"I have. Isn't it training to allow them to get used to the forest environment."
"Yes. The special spring hunt only occurs once every three years, so they have to prepare the students to the fullest. Not everyone can participate because there's limitation for strength and age."
"Limitation?" Ye Jiao asked curiously.
"Only those at rank 2 or below can participate. In addition, they have to be under 17 years old," Mu Xin explained.
Normal people wouldn't be able to reach rank 2 under 17 years old. This was the limitation to make sure that only those talented students participated in the hunt because it was intended to allow them grow. At the same time, it would help them gain a clearer picture of the kingdom's condition.
"I see."
Mu Xin looked at Ye Jiao. "However, students from higher ranking families can bring servants or friends along as long as that person is under the age of 17. Will Lu Wan bring you to participate in the hunt?"
Ah, it was no wonder that their master asked Lu Wan to bring her in the hunt. Ye Jiao had thought that it was weird for their master to include her in their list considering she has to keep her identity a secret. With her acting as Lu Wan's servant, it would be easy for her to sneak inside and participate without anyone getting suspicious.
"I think so," Ye Jiao replied.
Mu Xin nodded. "I'll talk to him later."
"Huh?"
While Ye Jiao was surprised by Mu Xin's sudden remark, she could see Wei Cheng came into the class along with Wei Yin. Her eyes narrowed when she saw Wei Yin because she could clearly feel higher fluctuation of Eon Energy coming from that girl. It seemed that she was already close to break through to Eon Energy rank 2.
"Wei Cheng, how's the past few weeks?" Lu Wan greeted in a casual tone.
Hearing his voice, Wei Cheng's body froze for a moment. His eyes glinted dangerously as he glared at the young man before him. "You cowards! Because you didn't answer the challenge, I have to endure harsh training."
"Are you really having training?" Lu Wan jeered. "With that kind of body you have, I would not be surprised if you just fool around."
"Lu Wan!"
"I'm just telling the truth. Besides, do you really want to issue a challenge to someone younger than you?" Lu Wan put his hand on the back and assumed proud stature. "You're just afraid, are you not?"
Wei Cheng's face turned ashen. He really wished he could slap Lu Wan's mouth right here, right now, because this man truly has poisonous tongue. Unfortunately, he wouldn't be able to do that or his father might kill him for real.
Calming his thoughts, Wei Cheng crossed his arm. "What do you want, green hair? Are you going to be the one making the challenge instead?"
"Are you crazy? Who would want to fight an idiot like you?"
"Oh? You're truly a coward, then."
"I come here today not to issue a challenge but a bet," Lu Wan smirked.
Wei Cheng frowned. "A bet? Are you planning on fooling me, Lu Wan?"
"Nah, I would dare not to do something like that to a prestigious first son in a famous Wei Family," Lu Wan sung praise, but his tone was nothing more than mocking. "The question would be would you dare to bet with me?"
"Why not? State your terms!"