Dai Huabin was also clapping, his gaze towards Zhang Lexuan filled with a barely noticeable hint of fervor, much like many of the other male students.
Transfer classes?
Like hell he'd transfer classes! With a teacher like her, he didn't care if he had to stay in the same class as Huo Yuhao.
A Spirit Douluo this young—she was definitely one of the geniuses of the inner court. If he could foster a good relationship with Zhang Lexuan, then why would he have to worry about Huo Yuhao in the academy?
"All right, all right."
Zhang Lexuan raised a hand with a smile, signaling for everyone to settle down. "Let's quiet down and start class."
After the applause gradually subsided, she cast Huo Yuhao a meaningful glance and began.
"Thanks to a few things I learned from a certain friend, we won't be studying theory in this first class of the term. We'll just have a chat instead."
Everyone was a bit puzzled, but Zhang Lexuan's Spirit Douluo rank had given them enough of a shock that no one questioned her unconventional approach. They quietly waited for her to continue.
"As for our conversation topic," Zhang Lexuan paused, smiling, "let's talk about aspirations."
Aspirations?
Seeing the confused looks on their faces, Zhang Lexuan patiently explained.
"Something like a life goal. Though everyone wants power and strength, what each person wants to do once they achieve that strength may differ."
"At its core, why do you seek strength? And once you've gained that power, what will you do with it?"
The new students bowed their heads, appearing to contemplate her question, unaware of the silent exchange between Zhang Lexuan and Huo Yuhao.
Zhang Lexuan gave Huo Yuhao a proud little smirk.
—Well, how was that? Not a bad start for a first-time teacher, right?
Huo Yuhao couldn't suppress a smile, nodding in approval.
—Impressive, impressive.
Zhang Lexuan's expression darkened slightly, and she raised an eyebrow.
—Not feeling very sincere there, are we? How about you go first, Yuhao?
—Please, Sister Lexuan, spare me.
Seeing Huo Yuhao's pained expression as he pleaded, Zhang Lexuan couldn't help but laugh, drawing curious glances from the other students.
"Ahem."
Caught as if goofing off in class, she quickly composed herself, cleared her throat twice to shake off the embarrassment, and, after shooting Huo Yuhao a glare, swept her gaze around the class with a serious expression.
"Anyone want to go first?"
After a brief silence, Dai Huabin hesitantly raised his hand. Receiving Zhang Lexuan's nod of approval, he stood, a proud glint in his eyes.
"My father went to war with my grandfather when he was thirteen. Starting as a soldier, he fought through thousands of battles, and eventually rose to become the head of the Central Corps of the Western Army Group in the Star Luo Empire."
"So when I'm stronger, I want to join the military and achieve greatness just like him—to become a hero admired by the people of the Star Luo Empire!"
His confident declaration echoed through the classroom, the pride in his eyes making some of the girls look at him with newfound admiration.
Though he couldn't quite match Huo Yuhao in appearance, Dai Huabin was certainly handsome by common standards.
And most importantly, he seemed to have a powerful background!
Zhu Lu, who recognized Dai Huabin as the boy Huo Yuhao had once beaten to a pulp, remembered vividly the time she had seen him crying and yelling "Don't kill me" after being rescued in the forest.
Seeing that moment convinced her mother that Dai Huabin's mindset was too damaged to ever become truly strong. Since then, her mother had not allowed her to meet him again.
But now, after five years, he seemed to be doing a lot better? She couldn't help but glance at Huo Yuhao behind her, biting her lip.
It had been five years since they'd seen each other. Was he even stronger now?
"Quite a respectable ambition."
Zhang Lexuan nodded with a smile, though aside from those words of encouragement, she offered no further reaction. She signaled for Dai Huabin to sit down, her expression indifferent to his noble background.
"Anyone else want to share?"
With Dai Huabin taking the lead, more and more students began to express their goals. Some were similar to Dai Huabin's, seeking fame, wealth, or power, while others hoped to live longer lives.
Many of the boys, infatuated with their beautiful teacher, racked their brains for unique responses in hopes of catching her attention.
Yet no matter what was said, Zhang Lexuan responded only with a polite nod, as if she were a patient elder listening to them dream about their futures.
At last, after one student finished, Zhang Lexuan looked directly at Huo Yuhao, a mysterious smile on her face as she asked, "Yuhao, would you like to share your thoughts?"
Hearing this, the other students hesitated slightly.
It was the first time Zhang Lexuan had directly asked a student to speak, and without any prior introduction, she had called him by name.
Curious, they turned to see who had managed to capture their beautiful teacher's attention so quickly. Slowly, Huo Yuhao rose to his feet.
"My purpose in becoming stronger..."
Meeting Zhang Lexuan's gaze, which seemed to expect something unique, Huo Yuhao pressed his lips together thoughtfully before speaking.
"...is to have the freedom to choose the life I want."
"Oh?"
Hearing an answer somewhat similar to those given earlier, Zhang Lexuan raised an eyebrow. Unlike with the other students, she didn't just nod and smile. Ignoring the strange glances between them, she prodded him with a smile.
"So, you're one of those who wants to do whatever they please once you're strong?"
"...More or less."
Memories of his previous life flashing through his mind, Huo Yuhao lowered his gaze, his gentle voice filling the room.
"But I don't believe freedom is doing whatever you want. It's knowing when not to act."
"Freedom isn't doing whatever comes to mind, but having the option not to act when it's something you don't want to do."
"When there's something I don't want to do, I want the freedom to not have to do it—not to be forced by reality into doing it."
Huo Yuhao paused and spoke softly.
"That's the freedom I seek."
Silence filled the classroom. Dai Huabin, sensing the shift in the room, glanced at Zhang Lexuan.
Seeing her stunned expression, he froze, jealousy surging through him.
His fists clenched tightly, his nails biting into his palms as he lowered his head, oblivious to the pain.
(End of Chapter)