"Hey, are you insulting my students?" Lin Fan put down his utensils and looked at the group, tilting his head. Everyone likes to show off, but doing it in front of me? Not going to happen. Besides, these thirteen students, though they may seem foolish now, won't remain unknown for long with such a holy and great teacher as me.
"So what if we are? Do you have a problem with that?" one of the teachers sitting opposite Liu Qingfeng said arrogantly. Lin Fan glanced at him—another fifth-stage innate cultivator with a violent aura, probably due to practicing a technique that induces rage.
"Mr. Hu, calm down. This new teacher from the Ding Class might not be familiar with the rules here," Liu Qingfeng said with a faint smile. In the Xuanyuan Realm, the strong prey on the weak, and strength is paramount. This is especially true at Heavenly Mansion Academy, where strength determines authority. The Ding Class, though still existent, is often disregarded by some teachers, as if it doesn't exist at all.
Attendance in the Ding Class is typically less than half, essentially a neglected class. This stems from the founder's principle of not giving up on anyone, no matter how untalented, as long as they are willing to pursue martial arts. The current dean of the Heavenly Mansion Academy still upholds this principle, though it receives little attention.
"Rules? Heh, I don't care about rules. Insulting my students is the same as insulting me, and I don't have a very forgiving nature," Lin Fan said with a cold smile.
"Mr. Lin, if you have any grievances, we can settle them on the academy's arena. Arguing here won't solve anything," Liu Qingfeng suggested. The arena is the place for resolving conflicts at the academy through strength. Private fights among students are forbidden. However, the arena mainly serves for private duels between teachers and students.
Since the division of students into four levels—A, B, C, and D—conflicts among teachers have lessened, though they remain common among students.
"Fine, I'll see you at the arena this afternoon. Not just you, but the three of you as well. This afternoon, I'll make you all end up like this table," Lin Fan said, lightly touching the table.
Using the technique "Gentle Brush of Flower," Lin Fan infused his true essence into the table. He then stood up and walked out without looking back, planning to give his thirteen students their second lesson that afternoon.
Liu Qingfeng snorted disdainfully as Lin Fan left. "Just a teacher from the Ding Class, acting all arrogant. Let's see if he dares face us at the arena this afternoon," Liu Qingfeng said.
"He's just a clown. A teacher like that will never bring any improvement to the Ding Class."
"Improvement? I doubt there'll even be a ripple. The Ding Class students are all untalented, unable to reach even the acquired realm. What use are they?"
"Let's not talk about it. He's ruined the mood. Let's continue our conversation."
"Sure."
...
Just as Liu Qingfeng and the others were about to resume chatting, the iron table suddenly cracked and turned to dust.
"This..." Liu Qingfeng and the others were stunned, unable to believe what they were seeing.
Meanwhile, Lin Fan, exiting the cafeteria, had a cold smile on his lips. The "Gentle Brush of Flower" technique might have an unassuming name, but its destructive power was among the strongest techniques Lin Fan had learned.
...
In the afternoon, Lin Fan's thirteen students arrived early in the classroom, looking markedly different from before. Where once they had been lifeless, now their faces showed a determined spirit.
All thirteen students bore bruises, as if they had been humiliated, but despite the pain, their spirits were high.
"Today, I went to Class Six of the C Level and told that guy not to underestimate the young and poor. I said I would one day regain my dignity. Although he beat me up badly, I didn't feel the pain. I feel like I've regained my long-lost confidence," Judy said excitedly.
"Me too. That guy is stronger than me, but I believe that under the teacher's guidance, I'll definitely become stronger," Cao Fushu said, clenching his fists.
"I got beaten up too, but when I went home at noon, I told my parents that I would work hard. They were very moved and encouraged me to keep going."
"One day a teacher, always a father. I must work hard and not disappoint Teacher Lin."
"Right, everyone, let's work hard. We have to prove ourselves."
...
Lin Fan walked into the classroom and was curious to see his students so excited.
"What happened to you all?"
The students exchanged glances before respectfully standing up. "Teacher, we will work hard and not disappoint you."
Lin Fan was taken aback but then smiled slightly, pleased to see his students so confident. However, confidence alone wasn't enough. Talent decided everything, and these students weren't even considered mediocre. No matter how hard they worked, it wouldn't amount to much.
It seems I have to take matters into my own hands, guiding these lost sheep to the peak of their lives with my noble brilliance. At least for the time being, I'm confident.
"Good, I'm glad to see you so confident. Now, follow me. Today, I'm giving you your second lesson: Crushing," Lin Fan said.
The thirteen students, puzzled, followed him. Crushing? What could the teacher be planning to teach them?
Over at the arena, a large crowd had gathered. Students and teachers from all four levels—A, B, C, and D—stood by, curious about the impending duel between teachers. The arena had been unused for a long time.
Like attracts like, and people of similar status tend to stick together. The four levels rarely interact with each other, reducing the likelihood of conflicts and fights. Even if there are conflicts, students usually resolve them privately. As for the teachers, they are generally more mature and wouldn't challenge others unless confident in their abilities.
This time, the word spread that a mere teacher from the Ding Class was going to challenge four teachers from the B Class. Everyone wondered if this Ding Class teacher had lost his mind.