After the round of self-introductions, Liu Hai frowned slightly. "It seems someone is missing."
"Teacher Liu, Tang San is probably with Grandmaster on some business," Zhao Ming reminded him.
"Oh, I remember now," Liu Hai said, realization dawning, though his frown persisted.
Even though Tang San had informed him in advance, missing the first class left an uncomfortable feeling. It was said Tang San was out to acquire a spirit ring, but it seemed unnecessary to be so hasty. At least attending the first class would have been courteous.
Seeing Liu Hai's furrowed brow, Zhao Ming smiled slightly. Grandmaster and Tang San were both high IQ, low EQ individuals, unfamiliar with social niceties.
Rivals tend to clash. Liu Hai had never been fond of Grandmaster's theories, and his dislike extended to Grandmaster's disciple, Tang San.
"Teacher, Tang San might have urgent matters. No need to worry," Zhao Ming said with a smile, offering an explanation for Tang San.
"Hmm?" Liu Hai looked at Zhao Ming in surprise.
He was well aware of the dynamics among the students. The conflict between Zhao Ming, Tang San, and Grandmaster was known to him.
He hadn't expected Zhao Ming to speak up for Tang San. Though he wouldn't do anything to the boy, Zhao Ming's gesture earned his favor.
Talent and strength were excellent, and Zhao Ming was humble. He was sure to achieve great things.
In Liu Hai's view, someone with such a disposition wouldn't initiate conflict with Grandmaster or Tang San. It was likely Grandmaster had demanded Zhao Ming as a disciple, causing the discord.
With this realization, Liu Hai's dislike for Grandmaster deepened.
He couldn't control Grandmaster's freeloading, but bullying his students was unacceptable.
"Alright, let's begin the class," Liu Hai said, taking a deep breath to calm his displeasure.
Zhao Ming observed Liu Hai's change in expression, pleased to have set back Tang San and Grandmaster even a little.
The curriculum at Nuoding Academy wasn't taxing. Soul masters primarily focused on cultivation. Classes lasted only two to three hours a day, with the rest of the time for self-cultivation.
This schedule suited Zhao Ming perfectly.
During this time, Zhao Ming and Xiao Wu grew closer.
They attended classes, returned to the dorm, and slept together. The only thing they didn't do together was use the bathroom.
Still, the task in his system interface to gain Xiao Wu's favor remained incomplete, which made him a bit anxious.
Autumn was a delightful season. The air was cool but not cold. The sky was clear with stars twinkling above.
Zhao Ming and Xiao Wu walked shoulder to shoulder on the academy's playground.
The atmosphere was peaceful and harmonious. By now, few students or teachers were outside the dormitories. Training at night was a tradition for soul masters.
"Zhao Ming, look at all the stars in the sky," Xiao Wu said, jumping excitedly, full of the youthful energy typical of her age.
"Yes, they're beautiful," Zhao Ming nodded.
"Legend says there are as many stars as people. Everyone has a star, and if we do good deeds, our star shines brighter. When we die, our star falls as a meteor, giving its last light to the world. Those with unfulfilled wishes or someone to protect become stars, watching over those they love."
"Is that true?" Xiao Wu was captivated by Zhao Ming's story, her eyes misty.
"If you believe, then it's true. Maybe you'll find someone looking out for you in the sky," Zhao Ming said, gently holding Xiao Wu's waist and letting her lean on his shoulder.
"Zhao Ming, I understand now. Thank you," Xiao Wu said sincerely, gazing at the twinkling stars.
"As long as you're happy," Zhao Ming replied softly, stroking Xiao Wu's hair.
"If you bloom, the breeze will come. If you're well, the sky is clear. If you're happy, that's the end," Zhao Ming murmured, recalling a phrase from his past life.
"If you're well, the sky is clear," Xiao Wu repeated, her eyes growing tender.
"Stupid Zhao Ming."
"Hmm? What's up?" Zhao Ming asked, noticing the softness in Xiao Wu's eyes.
"Didn't you ask me to be your girlfriend last time? I agree," Xiao Wu said softly.
"Alright, I'll take care of you forever," Zhao Ming said, holding Xiao Wu's hand.
"It's getting late. I should head back to rest," Xiao Wu said quickly, feeling like a little girl who had done something naughty, thrilled yet nervous.
"Okay, let's go," Zhao Ming said gently.
"Ding, congratulations to the host for completing the task."
"Ding, congratulations to the host for receiving the task reward: Martial Soul - Ancient Undying Phoenix."
•~~~•~~~•~~~•~~~•
𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝘁: '𝗕𝗼𝗴𝗱𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀𝗰𝘂' 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝘆 $5 𝗧𝗶𝗲𝗿.
𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝘁: '𝗝𝗰1202' 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝘆 $5 𝗧𝗶𝗲𝗿.
𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝙋𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 35+ 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲:
𝙋𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣.𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝗚𝗼𝗱𝗢𝗳𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿