Tianyu spent the next stretch of time immersed in intense training. After a brief rest, he returned to lifting the iron tripod, this time attempting more challenging variations—lifting it faster, holding it longer, even occasionally swinging it slowly like a massive sword.
Every movement made his muscles tremble, but that was exactly what he wanted. This extreme pressure forced his body to adapt, pushing the limits of his strength little by little.
"I have to get stronger... I must!"
Sweat poured down, soaking his clothes, and the ground around him was filled with small cracks from the constant pressure. A few servants peeking from a distance could only shake their heads, both amazed and slightly scared by their Young Master's insane dedication.
Suddenly—
"Tianyu! It's time for breakfast!"
Xu Jiujiu's clear voice broke his concentration. Tianyu quickly lowered the tripod with care and turned toward the source of the voice.
At the pavilion door, Xu Jiujiu stood with her hands on her hips, her face wearing an expression that clearly said, "Don't you dare keep training."
"Alright, Sister Jiujiu! I'm coming!" Tianyu called out with a wave.
He grabbed a small towel from a bench in the garden and wiped the sweat off his face and neck. His breathing was still a bit labored, but he couldn't hide the satisfied smile on his face. That morning's training had been rewarding.
Just as he was about to walk toward Xu Jiujiu, his legs suddenly gave way. Ah—!
His body nearly collapsed, but his trained reflexes allowed him to stomp firmly on the ground, regaining balance just in time.
Seeing this, Xu Jiujiu immediately rushed over. "See? I told you not to overdo it!" she scolded while grabbing Tianyu's arm to support him.
Tianyu gave a sheepish laugh. "Just lost my balance for a second. I'm fine."
Xu Jiujiu sighed deeply. "If you collapse, don't expect me to pamper you," she muttered, though her tone was still filled with concern.
With slightly unsteady steps, Tianyu was finally brought to the main dining room. The table was already filled with all kinds of delicious dishes—fragrant roasted meat, fresh vegetables, a bowl of clear soup, and warm white rice.
"Eat all of this. Your body needs the energy after such a grueling workout," said Xu Jiujiu, handing him a special bowl of soup filled with meat and tonic herbs.
Tianyu nodded enthusiastically. Without further ado, he began devouring the food in front of him. Every bite felt like energy flowing directly into his tired muscles.
"Sister Jiujiu, thank you for the tripod. It really helped," Tianyu said between mouthfuls.
Xu Jiujiu gave a small smile. "I just provided the tool. You're the one who did that insane training."
Their breakfast continued in a relaxed mood. After finishing the meal, Tianyu went to his room to take a shower and change into his school uniform.
Knock knock
"Tianyu, are you ready?" Xu Jiujiu's voice came from behind the door.
"Almost, Sister Jiujiu!" he called back while adjusting the blue tie around his neck.
When the door opened, Xu Jiujiu was already standing there wearing an elegant light blue hanfu. Her eyes sparkled when she saw Tianyu's appearance.
"Wow, Young Master looks very handsome today," she teased, narrowing her eyes playfully.
Tianyu scratched his reddening cheek. "Ah, don't tease me, Sister Jiujiu. It's just a regular uniform."
They both walked toward the main gate, where a special horse-drawn carriage was already waiting to take them to school. Several servants stood in neat rows, bowing respectfully as they passed.
They entered the carriage. Inside, Tianyu opened a small window, letting the morning breeze brush against his face.
"Sister Jiujiu, what do you think the teacher will teach me on the first day?" Tianyu asked curiously.
Xu Jiujiu smiled gently. "On the first day, you'll usually learn about history first. After that, basic knowledge about soul beasts." She paused for a moment before continuing, her tone turning more serious. "The school also divides students into three classes. Class A is for those with the highest rankings, Class B for those with average scores—not bad, but not outstanding either. Meanwhile, Class C… is for those with the lowest scores."
Her eyes sparkled with spirit. "As the top scorer in the placement test, the school will prioritize you with training resources. But remember—" her voice grew firmer, "if you don't show progress, those privileges can be taken away at any time."
Tianyu nodded earnestly. "I understand. I won't waste this opportunity." Then, out of curiosity, he asked, "Did Sister Jiujiu ever rank first?"
Xu Jiujiu shook her head, her shiny black hair swaying in the wind coming through the window. "Never. I'm a Support-type Soul Master—my specialization is different."
The carriage rolled smoothly down the road. Tianyu looked out the window, observing other students walking toward the same destination. Suddenly, a grand building appeared on the horizon.
"We're almost there," Xu Jiujiu whispered.
Tianyu gave a small nod, his eyes filled with curiosity. His first day at Xing Luo Junior Academy was finally about to begin.
After several minutes, their carriage arrived at the academic building. Many students turned their heads as Xu Jiujiu's carriage entered the school grounds.
With a graceful motion, the coachman opened the carriage door. Xu Jiujiu stepped out first, her light-blue hanfu fluttering gently in the breeze. Tianyu followed behind, his dark-blue uniform suiting him perfectly and making him look even more adorable.
"Look! That's the royal family's carriage!"
"Princess Xu Jiujiu came herself!"
"Who's the boy next to her?"
With confident steps, Xu Jiujiu led the way through the crowd of students who respectfully parted to make way. Tianyu followed behind, ignoring the stares directed at him.
Xu Jiujiu walked him all the way to the entrance of Class 1-A. With a soft smile, she patted Tianyu on the shoulder. "This is as far as I go. If anything comes up that you can't handle, come straight to me. My class is on the sixth floor, Room 6-A."
"Got it, Sister Jiujiu," Tianyu replied with a nod.
Taking a deep breath, Tianyu opened the classroom door. His gaze was immediately met by a wide room with rows of glossy dark wooden desks and a large, clean blackboard. The classroom was lively, with students chatting excitedly with their seatmates, creating a soft but noisy buzz.
Tianyu looked around and his eyes immediately landed on a familiar figure—Dai Huabin. Although he had been defeated easily yesterday, his injuries seemed to have fully healed. Not surprising, considering he had the backing of a powerful family.
Surrounding Dai Huabin were several students—descendants of nobles loyal to the White Tiger Duke—eagerly flattering him. However, when Dai Huabin turned toward the door and saw Tianyu, his expression changed.
He frowned, then suddenly turned his head away with a cold demeanor. But Tianyu noticed how tightly his hands clenched on the desk.
"Looks like he still hasn't accepted his loss," Tianyu thought.
He walked in calmly. A few students looked at him curiously, whispering about "the boy who lives with Princess Xu Jiujiu."
He found an empty seat by the window and sat down. Tianyu looked forward, ready to face his first lesson.
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