'Does she want to learn cultivation history from me?' Zhen wondered.
If it had been before he discovered the oddities in that cultivation game, he would have thought it was fine to talk about it, to tell the woman that the scriptures and techniques passed down were genuine and could actually be used for cultivation—if only Earth had Qi.
But now, he found it hard to tell anyone about it because of his desire to keep it secret.
Strangely enough, when Lin Qingxue asked, many students turned to look at Zhen with curious eyes.
"In my opinion, cultivation did exist," Zhen began, "but from all the ancient historical records that have survived to this day, we can't find a single figure who ever claimed to have cultivated. However, we do know that many ancient generals possessed combat strength that, although still within human limits, was far too powerful. Maybe they did cultivate but only advanced a little and kept it a secret."
This was an opinion he often expressed, and he was fairly convinced that those ancient generals, so mighty and formidable, had indeed cultivated.
At that time, Earth might have had a trace of Qi they could use to strengthen themselves.
Unfortunately, there were no records of anyone claiming to have cultivated or possessed the powers of a cultivator.
"So, you believe cultivation truly existed because of the strength of those ancient generals. Are there any other reasons that make you believe this?" Lin Qingxue asked again.
'Of course, because I've proven that all the scriptures and techniques passed down from ancient times are authentic,' Zhen thought inwardly, unwilling to speak the truth because it was the core of his secret.
Out loud, he said, "I believe it existed, even if there are no strong factors or evidence… You could say it's simply my faith in my own feelings."
What else could he say to keep hiding his secret, other than pretending to be a man who just loves to fantasize?
Coincidentally, that was what some people already thought of him.
"I see…" Lin Qingxue looked disappointed to hear that.
After that, she suddenly stood up and walked out of the classroom.
Zhen wasn't sure how to react.
His students also went quiet for a moment before one of them spoke.
"Mr. Xia, you're too stiff. If you had answered with more mysterious words, Lin Qingxue might've been intrigued. That was a rare chance."
The one who said that was actually Yan Zhu.
"What nonsense are you saying?" Zhen asked, frowning.
"Just a romantic tip from me to you. Wouldn't it be great if you got close to Lin Qingxue? Hahaha…" The man laughed, followed by the rest of the students.
Zhen rolled his eyes and thought, 'Do you think I don't know how to win a woman's heart? Hmph, I was way more popular than you back in the day.'
He chose not to respond and continued with the history lesson.
Young people thought romance was simple.
Maybe it was easy for them because youthful love was straightforward—if a man and woman were physically attracted to each other, their relationship could blossom.
But adult life wasn't that simple.
Only those who had reached that age would understand.
Even getting an ordinary woman was difficult, let alone someone like Lin Qingxue with her elite status and accomplishments in the medical world.
Who knew how his students would react if they found out that he had once dated Lin Qingxue when they were younger? That he was the only man who had ever been her ex.
Sadly, that was just in their youth. Now, they seemed like strangers with a massive wall between them.
Zhen had long since lost the will to pursue her.
After an hour and thirty minutes, the class finally ended.
The students quickly filed out of the room.
None of them played the virtual game again, since they needed to get food and prepare for their next class.
Zhen still had another class to teach, one with students on a different schedule.
He organized his teaching materials for the next session.
Then he stepped out of the classroom, heading toward the cafeteria because he could no longer stand the hunger. His body was already trembling slightly from the lack of food.
This university had a large cafeteria offering high-quality food at cheap prices, and professors could eat for free.
Zhen had had a favorite table ever since he was a student here.
It was in a corner on the second floor, from where he could clearly see the entire university courtyard.
He sat there, carrying a large portion of food.
"Hey, hey, the Hundred Flame Sect has started taking over the Sacred Cloud Sect's territory..."
As he began to eat, Zhen heard something surprising from two men seated not far from him.
"Are you serious? Are they heading for full-on war?"
"Seems like it. The Hundred Flame Sect apparently failed to break through the Sacred Cloud Sect's defensive formation, so they changed tactics by taking over city after city. It's said that every city around the Sacred Cloud Sect holds hidden formations that support its main defenses."
"What a mess… how are we supposed to grow under these circumstances?"
"Everything's gotten harder now, and the Hundred Flame Sect disciples are so rough and arrogant. I nearly got beaten by them."
"..."
Zhen, listening to their conversation, began to wonder how things would unfold with the war between the two sects.
Perhaps not all cities would be attacked, as there were simply too many to strike simultaneously, but those that were attacked would definitely pose challenges for the players who spawned there.
'I hope Spring City is still safe,' he thought.
Right after that thought crossed his mind, he was stunned to see a woman in a white coat appear and walk toward him.
Of course, it was Lin Qingxue.
She was truly approaching him, only stopping once she reached his table.
"Mr. Xia, may I sit here?" she asked, glancing at the chair across from him.
Being called "Mr. Xia" by her outside of class made Zhen feel a bit awkward.
It seemed they really had become strangers. But their relationship went way back, and it had been a long time since they last interacted.
"Go ahead," Zhen replied, letting her sit.
At his age, he no longer had much interest in putting on an act to please others.
If their relationship was now nothing more than the formal interaction between professor and student, so be it.
Lin Qingxue looked into his eyes for a moment before sitting down.
"I know you weren't being honest in class. Maybe you couldn't say it then, but here, I want to learn personally from you what makes you believe cultivation truly existed in ancient times," she said once seated.