"Yes, yes! My name is Xun Yu. Miss, how did you manage to say my name correctly?" Xun Yu asked, excitement evident in his voice. This was the first time someone had managed to say his name without dragging out the syllables.
Ye Lingling furrowed her delicate brows. "How did I do it? Well, your name is Xun Yu, so I called you Xun Yu. What's so difficult about that? Are these characters that hard to pronounce?"
Honestly, she was more confused than anyone else. The name seemed straightforward enough, yet everyone had been calling him something completely different, as if they were purposely messing with him.
"Could it be related to the Nine Heart Begonia?" Nan Feihuang thought to himself. He had a theory. The Nine Heart Begonia was on par with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, and just as the Seven Treasures could evolve into the Nine Treasures, perhaps there was untapped potential in the Nine Heart Begonia as well.
If his hunch was correct, perhaps the title of the world's best support wouldn't necessarily belong to Ning Rongrong in the future.
"Yes! So simple and pure!" Xun Yu was overwhelmed with emotion, nearly brought to tears. He had spent his entire life being called all sorts of mispronunciations, but now, finally, someone had said his name right. Everyone else—including his fool of a lord—couldn't even get it right!
"Miss, I've wandered through life without finding a true leader. But if you don't mind, I—"
Before Xun Yu could finish his passionate declaration, Nan Feihuang quickly pulled him back, whispering, "Xun Yu, what's wrong with you? Did Lu Bu's spirit possess you? Are you planning to defect?"
"My apologies, I lost my composure," Xun Yu said, regaining his usual calm. Being called by the wrong name for over nine years had taken its toll, so hearing it said correctly was overwhelming. But of course, he wasn't about to change sides over something like this.
Still, looking at Ye Lingling's graceful face, he had made a decision.
"Alright, you two, please take your seats. Let's get started with the lesson," Qin Ming said, cutting the introduction short. He merely wanted them to meet the class, and the introductions were enough for that.
As Nan Feihuang sat down, he began to think about how to join the Emperor Team. Meanwhile, Xun Yu's eyes remained glued to Ye Lingling's back, unable to look away.
"Alright, everyone. Today's theory lesson is about identifying and dealing with strong attack-type spirit beasts..." Qin Ming began the class. He was known for being thorough in his studies, constantly in the library in his spare time to make up for any weaknesses in his education from Shrek Academy, all in the pursuit of becoming a great teacher.
It was likely this focus that had kept him single. With his looks and talent, he wasn't lacking in admirers, especially among the female teachers. But, as people said, he was as straight as an arrow.
An hour later, the lesson concluded.
Qin Ming put down his textbook. "Alright, that's it for today's theory lesson. This afternoon, we'll have practical training, so make sure you're ready. Yu Tianheng, Dugu Yan, Osler, Yufeng, Ye Lingling, Nan Feihuang, and Xun Yu, stay behind for a moment. Everyone else is dismissed."
The noble students, who had been struggling to stay awake through the boring lesson, perked up immediately at the word "dismissed" and bolted from the classroom like they had been shot out of a cannon.
They weren't here to learn theory or even practical skills. Their main goals at the academy were simple: to enjoy life and network with more powerful nobles. That was the true calling of these spoiled aristocrats.
Qin Ming was used to it by now. He fulfilled his duty as a teacher, giving proper lessons to those who wanted to learn. The rest were beyond his control.
But Yu Tianheng and his group were different. They had both talent and the drive to improve their skills, making them the students he focused on cultivating.
"Teacher Qin, is there something you need from us?" Yu Tianheng asked.
Qin Ming nodded. "Yes. Ever since the Shi brothers left, your seven-man team has been down to five. Without them, you haven't been able to participate in team battles at the Great Spirit Arena. I've been searching for suitable replacements, but you know the other students here. They wouldn't fit well with your team. However, I think Nan Feihuang and Xun Yu might be just what you need. Their levels are comparable to yours, and they might work well with the team."
"Would you two be interested?" Qin Ming asked, turning to Nan Feihuang and Xun Yu.
"Of course. It would be an honor to work alongside the inheritor of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon," Nan Feihuang said with a smile. He had been planning to join the Emperor Team, so this opportunity was perfect.
Xun Yu's prediction from yesterday had been spot-on. Since they had replaced the Shi brothers, it only made sense for them to fill their spots on the team.
"I would be honored as well," Xun Yu added without hesitation. He was likely even more eager to join the group than Nan Feihuang.
"Joining us won't be that easy," Yu Tianheng said, his eyes narrowing at Nan Feihuang. "I know your martial soul comes from Her Excellency Xuan Bing, so it's no doubt powerful. But the quality of a martial soul and your level aren't everything. I won't have anyone dragging us down. When it comes to my team, I'd rather have fewer members than settle for weak ones."
His tone was sharp, but Yu Tianheng wasn't being deliberately condescending. It was simply the innate arrogance of someone who had inherited one of the most powerful beast martial souls.
It was much like Ning Rongrong's princess complex. Some things simply couldn't be changed until they matured.
And having seen many nobles at the academy who, despite their high levels due to family resources, lacked true combat ability, Yu Tianheng had little patience for those who couldn't back up their rank with real skill. He could easily take on several of them at once.
Nan Feihuang's noble status far surpassed that of most students here. But if he was just another spoiled aristocrat, all the talent and rank in the world wouldn't make up for incompetence in battle.
Nan Feihuang had expected this sort of reaction. Xun Yu had warned him yesterday that to earn Yu Tianheng's respect, he would have to prove himself through strength.
With a calm smile, Nan Feihuang said, "If you have doubts, I'd be happy to demonstrate my abilities. This afternoon is practical training, right? How about we spar? You and me, Yu Tianheng. Let's see what I'm capable of."
"Oh? You want to fight me?" Yu Tianheng's interest was piqued. He hadn't encountered a worthy opponent in the Tianzhi class yet.
This newcomer's audacity intrigued him.
"Are you afraid?" Nan Feihuang asked with a grin.
Yu Tianheng laughed. "Afraid? Why would I be? Let's do it. This afternoon, we'll have a fair duel. If you win, I'll not only accept you but even let you be team captain. Even if you lose, as long as you impress me, I'll still allow you to join."
Though Yu Tianheng was older and more experienced, he wasn't one to bully the younger students. As one of the two inheritors of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, he had a reputation to uphold. A little challenge was good for everyone.
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