"Isn't it all your fault?"
Wang Dong glared at Su Yu, complaining.
If it weren't for Su Yu, would he have exhausted himself like this?
"Wasn't it you who insisted on competing with me?"
Su Yu retorted. He wasn't about to take the blame for this.
"Who asked you to be so stingy and not lend me your metal suit? Stingy! It's not like I wanted it."
Wang Dong argued back, feeling indignant. He thought that after last night, they could at least be considered friends.
"It's not about me being stingy. This thing is too heavy—there's no way you could carry it," Su Yu explained.
"Really? I don't believe it. It's just a metal suit. How heavy could it be?"
"You'll find out when we get back," Su Yu replied, amusement glinting in his eyes.
Being stubborn, are you? Su Yu was an expert in dealing with stubbornness.
Supporting Wang Dong, the two slowly made their way back to the dormitory.
After resting for a bit, Wang Dong eagerly dragged Su Yu, wanting to try on the metal suit. He wanted to challenge himself and see just how heavy it could be.
But when Su Yu handed him the metal suit, Wang Dong stumbled, almost falling on the spot. It wasn't just a hundred pounds—it was at least a thousand! When it hit the dorm floor with a loud thud, the entire room shook.
Wang Dong stared at Su Yu in shock for a long moment, and in the end, he could only mutter one word: "Monster."
He was convinced. Truly convinced.
To think that Su Yu, wearing such a heavy metal suit, had completely exhausted him. Was this guy even human? Even if Su Yu called him a skinny dog, Wang Dong wouldn't argue anymore. Compared to Su Yu, he was a skinny dog. Su Yu was simply not a normal person.
"I'm all sweaty from running. I feel gross. I'm going to take a shower first." After informing Wang Dong, Su Yu grabbed a change of clothes and headed to the bathroom.
Before long, the sound of running water echoed from the bathroom. Listening to it, Wang Dong suddenly felt a bit awkward. Even though there was a door separating them, this was the first time he had been so close, to hearing a guy shower. For a moment, his face turned slightly red. He quickly reached out and covered his ears.
...
"You bastard! This guy is taking advantage of Dong'er! I have to teach him a lesson!"
In a secret location, Tai Tan clenched his fists tightly.
His fists hardened.
"Who's taking advantage of whom? Old gorilla, you'd better be careful with your words."
"And if you keep peeping like this, believe me, I'll deal with you," a voice suddenly rang out, and Mu Wu placed a hand on Tai Tan's shoulder.
"Deal with me? Are you looking for a fight? Do you think I'm afraid of you?"
Tai Tan turned to look at Mu Wu, his eyes filled with fighting spirit. That fight they had before was too enjoyable. Especially with that short little guy acting as a punching bag—it was incredibly satisfying.
If Jing Hongchen knew what Tai Tan was thinking, he would've coughed up blood.
"You still want to fight? Do you want to cause even more trouble? Aren't you afraid that little girl will find out you've been secretly following her?" Mu Wu said with a half-smile.
Tai Tan froze, and the thought of Wang Dong'er pulling on his beard made him shudder.
"Forget it, I'm a generous person. I'll let you off this time."
Tai Tan softened his tone, still trying to save face.
Mu Wu didn't mind Tai Tan's forced attempt to maintain dignity and changed the subject. "I'll say it again: when the young master is in the dorm, we are not allowed to peek."
"How can that be? What if that brat bullies Dong'er? Dong'er is so good-looking, so—"
"Enough. First of all, do you think my young master would even be interested? And even if we entertain that idea, my young master is not that kind of person. Besides, by constantly spying on them, you're giving them no privacy. Is that okay?"
Mu Wu's gaze turned sharp, his voice cold as a knife.
This old gorilla had a hot temper and lacked common sense, but he didn't even understand basic human relationships. How could anyone live without a bit of privacy? Being watched all the time—what kind of life is that? His young master wasn't a prisoner.
"I'm not negotiating with you. I'm telling you: if you keep spying on the young master's privacy, don't blame me if things get ugly between us."
"What's with the sudden outburst, old man? Fine, I won't watch anymore." Mu Wu's words startled Tai Tan. Sure, he liked fighting and could get carried away, but he wasn't stupid. Going head-to-head with Mu Wu wasn't worth it.
"Hmph, you'd better stick to that. I'll be keeping an eye on you," Mu Wu snorted coldly, staring at Tai Tan.
Tai Tan: "..."
Old coot, why are you watching me?! He grumbled internally but didn't say anything, turning to leave.
"Where are you going?"
Mu Wu asked.
"I'm going to find that shorty for a chat. That weapon he used yesterday hurt me."
Tai Tan's voice echoed from afar as he disappeared.
Mu Wu shook his head and sighed. What was the Clear Sky Sect's leader thinking, sending such a weirdo over? How could he be at ease with this? Feeling helpless, Mu Wu's figure flickered and vanished as well.
...
Back in the dorm, Su Yu had finished his shower and opened the bathroom door. While drying his hair, his toned upper body with defined muscles was visible, giving off a pleasing sense of strength.
"Huh? Why aren't you wearing clothes? We agreed—no walking around shirtless!"
Wang Dong shrieked, quickly covering his face with both hands.
Su Yu's mouth twitched.
"The bathroom is so small and wet. How am I supposed to put on clothes in there?"
"Why were you staring over here the whole time? Were you trying to peek?"
"I wasn't trying to peek!"
Wang Dong defended himself. How was he supposed to know Su Yu would come out at that moment?
Rolling his eyes, Su Yu finished drying his hair and put on his clothes. He then grabbed his long pants and put those on as well.
"Alright," Su Yu said calmly.
Hearing this, Wang Dong peeked through the cracks between his fingers. Indeed, Su Yu was now fully dressed. Wang Dong let out a sigh of relief, feeling much more at ease.
At that moment, Su Yu was wearing a simple outfit. His long white hair was still slightly damp, and combined with the snowflake mark on his forehead, he had a unique kind of charm. Wang Dong had to admit, this guy was handsome. No need for any embellishments; he was naturally striking.
"You're done, so now it's my turn for a shower. You need to get out." Covered in sweat, Wang Dong felt uncomfortable, especially after it had dried. He wanted to shower too.
"Then go shower. What's the big deal?"
Su Yu shrugged and sat down on a chair.
Is this guy worried I'll peek? There's nothing special about you. What's there to see? Do you think you're Zi Ji or something? If it were Zi Ji's figure, maybe I'd take a few extra glances.
"Get out, get out!"
Wang Dong's pink-blue eyes stared at Su Yu intently, his expression serious and determined, refusing to back down.
Su Yu turned his head and glanced at him, locking eyes with Wang Dong.
Wang Dong's stubborn, serious expression met Su Yu's gaze.
The two stared at each other for a moment before Su Yu deliberately looked away.
"Alright, alright, I'll leave, okay?"
Su Yu sighed. Considering Wang Dong's special status, he chose to back down. There was no other way—Wang Dong wasn't like the rest of them, those rough men.
"Besides, I'm kind of hungry. I'll go down and grab something to eat. What do you want?"
Su Yu asked.
"Uh... just bring me something, anything's fine," Wang Dong said quietly, tugging at the corner of his shirt.
"Okay."
Su Yu responded, changed his shoes, and then turned to leave.
"Su Yu!"
Wang Dong suddenly called out.
Su Yu turned around, puzzled.
"What's up?"
"Thank you," Wang Dong murmured, his voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz.
Su Yu was momentarily taken aback, then smiled slightly, waving his hand indifferently as he turned to leave.
Watching Su Yu's departing figure, Wang Dong let out a sigh of relief. He shut the dorm room door tightly and locked it, then carefully checked the window on the other side. After confirming everything was closed, he grabbed his towel and toiletries and walked into the bathroom. Before long, the sound of running water echoed through the room. In the bathroom, a faint, hazy silhouette could be vaguely seen against the misty white steam.
...
Meanwhile, Su Yu had already arrived at the cafeteria downstairs. He ordered a few steamed buns, a cup of Soul Beast milk, and two eggs from a Soul Beast bird. Su Yu sat in a chair in the cafeteria, casually picking up a bun to eat.
The bun seemed to be made with some kind of lamb, though he couldn't tell the exact breed. However, the meat was quite tender and delicious. Su Yu ate several buns in quick succession. He picked up the soul beast milk beside him and took a sip. It had a rich, creamy taste with no trace of gaminess, clearly processed with care. The flavor was excellent.
No wonder certain brats loved Soul Beast milk—it had a refined taste.
Su Yu quickly finished the buns, swallowing them in two bites each. While peeling an egg, he communicated with the system, performing his daily check-in.
"Check-in."
[Ding, the host has checked in. The system has detected that the host has checked in for 30 consecutive days. You've triggered the monthly check-in. Congratulations, host, you've received the 'Hundred Refinements Method.]
['Hundred Refinements Method': A beginner's forging technique.]
The simple introduction piqued Su Yu's interest.
"'Hundred Refinements Method'?"
Su Yu murmured to himself, tossing the peeled egg into his mouth.
As the saying goes, "hammered a hundred times"—the name "Hundred Refinements Method" suggested it was a forging technique.
Su Yu accepted the information flooding into his mind, and after a while, he snapped back to reality, a flash of understanding in his eyes. The Hundred Refinements Method included detailed explanations on refining, shaping, quenching, and polishing. With this, even a beginner could become a master blacksmith.
Not only that, but the Hundred Refinements Method also contained many specific techniques, such as sword forging and weapon quenching. Just the introduction to sword forging alone included more than a dozen methods, covering techniques like the Heavenly Thunder Forging Method, the Earthfire Forging Method, and Sword Spirit Cultivation.
Though it was labeled a beginner's forging technique, it was quite exhaustive. Of course, anything produced by the system was bound to be top-tier. How could it give something subpar?
Still, Su Yu had to admit that the Hundred Refinements Method came at just the right time. To learn about soul tools, one must first learn forging. Now, Su Yu could skip that step entirely. This would save him a lot of effort in the long run.
Back when Su Yu was learning hammer techniques, he had already been thinking ahead to his eventual study of soul tools. Otherwise, heavy weapons weren't limited to just hammers. Now that he had acquired the Hundred Refinements Method, Su Yu was in a good mood.
After quickly finishing his breakfast, he grabbed a set of food for Wang Dong as well. Knowing that Wang Dong might take a long time in the shower, Su Yu decided to wander around the recreational area outside the dormitory for a bit. Only after some leisurely strolling did he head back to the dorm.
When he arrived at Room 212, he inserted the key but found that the door wouldn't open. Left with no choice, Su Yu knocked on the door. After a moment, he heard the sound of slippers dragging across the floor, and then the door opened. Before Su Yu could react, a hand reached out from inside, pulling him in and shutting the door with a bang.
Su Yu stared blankly at Wang Dong, who was wrapped in a towel.
"You're still not done with your shower?"
How long had it been?
"I just finished, but I still need to change. And don't even think about peeking."
Wang Dong tried to put on a fierce face, but he looked more cute than intimidating.
Su Yu couldn't help but chuckle.
"Don't worry, I won't peek. There's nothing worth looking at anyway."
Wang Dong rolled his eyes, wanting to retort, but remembering his current identity, he held back. With a soft huff, Wang Dong turned and padded back into the bathroom in his slippers. Only after changing in the bathroom did he finally come out.
"You can change in the bathroom, you know. If you're worried about getting things wet, you can bring your soul tool in with you. Next time, you should change in the bathroom too. No changing outside."
Wang Dong walked up to Su Yu, his large blue eyes staring at him seriously.
Su Yu didn't respond. He was still digesting the information from the Hundred Refinements Method.
"Su Yu, I'm talking to you," Wang Dong said, dissatisfied.
"Mind your own business. Don't forget, I'm the boss here. Now eat your breakfast."
Su Yu casually handed over the breakfast he had brought.
"Hmph! How much did it cost?"
Wang Dong huffed, but there was nothing he could do about Su Yu.
"Just treat me to lunch later."
Su Yu replied without much thought.
"Alright!"
Wang Dong thought for a moment and decided not to ask about the money anymore. He dried his pink-blue hair and then happily began enjoying his meal.
After finishing his breakfast, Wang Dong took a sip of soul beast milk, then looked at Su Yu and asked, "By the way, the teacher said yesterday that we could check the class assignments today at the notice board in front of the teaching building. Did you go check?"
"No."
"Then how about we go together later?"
Wang Dong suggested.
"Sure."
Su Yu's response was indifferent, as usual.
...
Half an hour later, Su Yu and Wang Dong headed together toward the teaching building. The first year had two teaching buildings, with a total of 32 classes. Due to the unique promotion system of the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy, each class had older students. At the end of each school year, there would be an academic assessment. Passing meant moving up while failing meant repeating the year.
Of course, students could also apply for early assessments. As long as they were skilled enough, they could advance. The Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy didn't care about age—only about ability. Everything was based on strength.
To be honest, Su Yu quite liked this promotion system. At the very least, it was fair enough—there was no room for seniority or hierarchy based on age.