After waiting for a while, a teacher finally entered the classroom. It turned out to be Teacher Lin—the same person who had helped Tianyu when he first arrived at the academy.
"Good morning, my students," Teacher Lin greeted while scanning the room.
"Since today is your first day of classes, I won't give you a heavy topic. This time, we'll be learning about the history of this continent. This land has a long history filled with conflicts, alliances, and remarkable advancements in spirit power..." Teacher Lin's voice flowed calmly as he occasionally wrote key points on the board.
Tianyu listened attentively. Even though the topic wasn't about battles or cultivation techniques, he still showed respect and interest. Although Sister Xue had taught him parts of history—such as the rise and fall of the Spirit Hall—most of what he knew dated back ten thousand years. The history from then until now was something he barely understood.
Time passed, and eventually the lunch bell rang, marking the end of the morning session. The classroom grew noisy as the students stood up, chatted, and rushed out the door.
Tianyu also stood from his seat. Just as he was about to step out, a girl suddenly greeted him from the side.
"Hi, you're Long Tianyu, right?"
Tianyu turned around. Standing before him was a girl with shoulder-length hair, bright eyes, and a friendly smile.
"My name is Ning Xue. Mind if I join you for lunch?" she asked confidently.
Tianyu was momentarily surprised, then nodded with a smile. "Of course. I don't know many people here yet."
They walked together down the corridor toward the academy's cafeteria.
The Xing Luo Junior Academy's cafeteria was filled with the enticing aroma of warm food. The large hall was bustling with students gathered in groups, chatting and enjoying their meals. Long wooden tables were neatly arranged, while staff moved swiftly, serving trays of food.
Ning Xue took a bowl of hot soup, rice, and a few simple yet nutritious side dishes. Meanwhile, Tianyu filled his plate with enough food for a dozen people. The cafeteria staff raised an eyebrow.
"You sure you can finish all that?" they asked doubtfully.
Tianyu nodded confidently. "Don't worry, I'm used to eating a lot."
They eventually found a seat in a quiet corner near a large window overlooking the garden. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dancing patterns of light across the wooden table.
For a while, they ate in comfortable silence. But after finishing half her plate, Ning Xue began a conversation.
"By the way," she said casually, "what's it like living in the same pavilion as Princess Xu Jiujiu? It must feel like a dream, being that close to royalty."
Tianyu turned toward her, a little puzzled by the question. "At first, it felt… a bit strange. But Sister Jiujiu is very kind. She's warm and caring—not what I expected at all."
Ning Xue smiled brightly and leaned in slightly. "I heard she's very selective about the people around her. You must be someone really special to have gotten close to her so quickly."
Tianyu just shook his head lightly. "I don't know… She said she was interested because of my Martial Soul back then. Maybe that's all there is to it."
Ning Xue glanced at him with interest, then spoke in a tone that subtly hinted at a deeper meaning. "You know, I've always admired Princess Jiujiu. Not just because of her status, but because of the way she carries herself. Elegant, wise, and strong. If I ever had the chance to learn directly from her, that would be an incredible opportunity."
Tianyu tilted his head slightly as he looked at her. "You want to learn directly from Sister Jiujiu?"
"Of course," Ning Xue replied with a soft smile. "Who wouldn't? But I know someone like me probably wouldn't easily get the attention of the royal family. That's why I admire you, Tianyu. To be trusted and noticed by her directly… you're like a bridge to a higher world."
Tianyu was silent for a moment, then responded in a calm but honest tone. "I'm not sure I can help you with that. I'm still trying to figure out my place here too."
Realizing she might have revealed her intentions too quickly, Ning Xue quickly smiled again. "Oh, sorry if what I said sounded strange. I just… wanted to know more about you and your surroundings. Who knows, maybe we could become close friends, right?"
Tianyu returned the smile, though more faintly. "Friends? That's fine. But I think we should be friends because of who we are… not because of who we know."
Ning Xue paused, then gave a light laugh to dispel the brief awkwardness. "You're right. Sorry, Tianyu. I was too forward."
After finishing lunch, the two of them stood up from their seats and got ready for the next lesson. This time, the classroom felt cooler, with tall windows that allowed the soft afternoon sunlight to filter in.
The teacher who entered was a middle-aged man with a firm posture. His short black hair was neatly trimmed, and his sharp eyes swept across the room. "Good afternoon, students," he greeted in a deep but clear voice. "Today we'll be learning the basics of Soul Master knowledge."
"A Soul Master is a human who possesses a Martial Soul," the teacher said as he slowly walked between the rows of desks. "But keep in mind, not everyone who has a Martial Soul can be called a Soul Master." He stopped at the front and began writing key points on the board with chalk.
"They must possess sufficient spirit power to truly earn that title." His voice rang with conviction. "The Soul Master is the most noble profession on our continent."
Tianyu listened respectfully, even though he had already mastered the material. Around him, some noble children began to fidget, shifting in their seats.
The teacher then gave a detailed explanation of the Spirit Rank levels. Tianyu occasionally took notes, even though he already knew it all by heart. His eyes sometimes drifted to the window, where the shadows of trees lengthened with the passing time.
When the class bell finally rang, the teacher's voice still echoed in Tianyu's mind. "Remember today's lesson well—it is the foundation of all your knowledge as future Soul Masters."
Tianyu and Ning Xue got up from their seats and joined the flow of students filling the hallway. The afternoon atmosphere at Xing Luo Junior Academy was more relaxed, with golden sunlight bathing the school courtyard.
Ning Xue glanced at Tianyu with a small smile. "You were really serious listening to the teacher just now. I bet you already mastered that basic stuff, huh?"
Tianyu nodded slowly. "Yes, but I don't think there's any harm in reviewing the basics. Sometimes you discover things you missed before."
They chatted casually as they walked. Suddenly, a commotion at the end of the hallway caught their attention. A group of students had gathered around someone. Mocking voices and laughter rang out.
"Useless trash, your spirit power is only at level 2 and you dared to enter the academy? Know your place," mocked one of them, followed by loud laughter. "Just a servant's child. Young Master Dai was kind enough to let you into the academy, and you dare stand up to him?"
Tianyu looked toward the crowd. In the middle stood a young girl dressed in ragged clothes, her face streaked with dust. She looked scared but didn't try to cry. Her hands clutched tightly at the hem of her tattered robe.
Without thinking, Tianyu began walking toward them.
Ning Xue stayed in place, hesitant. She stared at Tianyu's back as he walked away, then turned her gaze away. Inside her, a small conflict stirred. Her reason for approaching Tianyu in the first place hadn't been entirely out of personal interest—she hoped to get closer to Xu Jiujiu through him. But if she got involved in this situation, she risked offending another noble family.
From where she stood, Ning Xue could see Dai Huabin among the crowd. If he truly was leading this bullying, then Tianyu stepping in meant directly confronting the son of the White Tiger Duke—one of the most powerful figures in the Xing Luo Empire.
Ning Xue clenched her fists, but in the end, chose to walk away. She didn't want to become Dai Huabin's enemy. It was too risky.
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