Category: They All Want to Be My Female Lead

Chapter 85: Master is angry

Another ten days passed. Yan Zhen’s physique had noticeably improved, and his cultivation had successfully reached the Seventh Star Mystic One rank, fulfilling the system’s previous mission. He received the “Special Trump Card – Jack of All Trades,” which, upon activation, “allowed him to deduce most other Mystic Techniques of the same type, rank, and lineage from a single known Mystic Technique.”

However, he still couldn’t safely unleash the Triple Burst “Eight Extremes Explosion.” Instructor Yu Xuan, lacking Spiritual Power, couldn’t precisely control her strength to the necessary degree. Fearing she might injure him, she had to limit the intensity of her Mystic Power beatings, reducing their effectiveness.

Knowing she was doing her best, Yan Zhen wasn’t dissatisfied. He would find another solution for the remaining hurdle.

“Thank you for everything these past ten days, Instructor Yu Xuan. Not only did you train with me, but you also helped me with the medicinal baths.”

“I’m your instructor, Yan Zhen. It’s my duty to train you… and the medicinal baths are part of the training.”

In his room, Yan Zhen, his body covered in bruises, soaked in the steaming bath. Instructor Yu Xuan embraced him from behind, her soft hands trailing across his chest and stomach like a gentle serpent.

He no longer needed assistance to move around, but she still insisted on joining him in the bath, soothing his pain with her touch and kisses. He suspected she was becoming addicted to these intimate moments.

This both pleased and tormented him. He wasn’t completely spent after their training sessions, and his body was still very much… responsive.

However, for the sake of tempering his physique, he couldn’t afford to lose his vital energy. He had to endure.

He was also slightly apprehensive. Their intimacy had surpassed anything described in the script, which could potentially disrupt future plot points. He wasn’t sure if he would be able to steer things back on track.

While he was flattered by the affections of such a beautiful and kind woman, he couldn’t understand what she saw in him. They hadn’t even reached the “heroic rescue” scene yet!

“Instructor, is there anything you want?” he asked.

“Anything I want? Why do you ask?”

“Just… as a way of expressing my gratitude.”

“I told you, you don’t need to thank me…”

“But I’m always accepting your help without being able to do anything for you in return. So I thought I could at least give you a gift.”

“Who says you can’t do anything for me? Just get first place in the monthly assessment tomorrow, and I’ll be happy.”

“That doesn’t count. I would strive for first place even if you didn’t say anything.”

“You’re so stubborn. Let me think… Hmm, how about we go out together sometime?”

In other words, a date.

“Is that all?”

“Yes. You’ll have to treat me to food, watch a Star Shadow show with me… it’ll probably cost you a lot. Remember to save up.”

“Don’t worry, Instructor. I have plenty of allowance left.”

That wasn’t quite right. It wasn’t an “allowance.” It was an investment fund, worth over a hundred million crystal coins!

Every time he thought about that generous gift, he wanted to give the system a big, fat kiss.

“It’s a date then.”

Instructor Yu Xuan smiled sweetly, nuzzling her cheek against his neck.

Silence fell, and his attention was drawn back to the soft, warm body pressed against him. He felt both blessed and tormented.

When will this end?

He just wanted to play the role of an emotionless, power-hungry protagonist, but he kept facing these tests of endurance. He wasn’t some stoic sage. He might break eventually.

Is this world deliberately trying to make things difficult for me? Trying to prevent me from growing stronger?

…

The second monthly assessment arrived as scheduled. Yan Zhen, after nearly half a month of silence, reappeared, claiming first place and igniting another wave of discussion.

He tied with Xiao Mie. They both achieved perfect scores in all four assessment categories: theory, cultivation, Mystic Techniques, and practical combat.

Normally, a tie would be resolved through a duel. However, Xiao Mie, sensing that Yan Zhen wasn’t fully prepared, declined the duel, opting for a shared victory.

Yan Zhen wasn’t surprised. This was consistent with Xiao Mie’s actions in the script. He had his pride. However, the main reason was that Xiao Mie wanted to use Yan Zhen’s strength to help him smoothly break through to the Mystic Scholar realm!

This was precisely why Yan Zhen felt apprehensive.

A Ninth Star Mystic One Xiao Mie, no matter how strong, wasn’t a true threat. However, Xiao Mie would likely achieve a breakthrough during their duel.

Mystic Scholars could form a protective Mystic Power barrier around their bodies, creating a powerful defense. Without the Triple Burst “Eight Extremes Explosion,” it would be difficult to inflict significant damage.

Of course, even the Triple Burst wouldn’t be enough. He would need to activate another cheat.

“Ten more days,” Xiao Mie declared. “We’ll settle this in ten days.”

With that, he left the examination hall.

…

Back at the house, Yan Zhen immediately entered the Crystal Stone Space.

His Beautiful Sect Master must have sensed the changes in his body. He had to explain himself, or the consequences could be severe.

However, the moment he stepped onto the altar platform, a Mystic Power whip lashed out, narrowly missing him as he instinctively dodged.

The whip, as if possessing a life of its own, suddenly changed direction, striking his backside with a resounding crack. He yelped, leaping into the air.

A quick glance confirmed his suspicions. The whip was an extension of his Beautiful Sect Master’s power. Before he could speak, another lash struck him.

The sound was sharper than a slap, sending him jumping again.

“Master, please spare me! Let me explain!”

She ignored his pleas, the whip whistling through the air, raining blows upon him until he was dizzy and disoriented.

Just when he thought she was going to beat him to death, the whip stopped its assault. Instead, it deftly snagged his belt, pulling it loose, sending his tattered clothes falling to the floor.

Then, the whip wrapped around his waist, roughly tossing him into a square pool filled with medicinal liquid. A formation activated, the water glowing as the medicinal properties seeped into his body, rapidly healing his wounds and further strengthening his physique.

Realization dawned. He looked up at his Beautiful Sect Master. Her face was tight, her eyes cold and distant. She met his gaze briefly before turning away, refusing to look at him.

“Master…”

He felt a headache coming on. After half a month of secrecy, he had finally angered her.

Perhaps she had known all along but had chosen not to confront him, not wanting to disrupt his training and the assessment. Now that the assessment was over, she had finally…

He closed his eyes, focusing on absorbing the medicinal properties of the bath.

…

By nightfall, he had fully recovered. He climbed out of the pool, dried himself off, and hastily donned a sleeping robe before scurrying over to his Beautiful Sect Master. He knelt before her, gazing up at her stunningly beautiful face.

“Master, I know I was wrong,” he said meekly. “I shouldn’t have kept the body tempering training with Instructor Yu Xuan a secret from you. Please don’t be angry anymore.”

Chapter 84: Beautiful Sect Master’s Suspicions

Waking to the sound of birds chirping, Yan Zhen pushed open his window and stretched luxuriously, his joints popping satisfyingly. He felt energized, his body brimming with strength, as if yesterday’s exhaustion had been a mere illusion.

His Beautiful Sect Master’s medicinal bath was truly remarkable! Without it, even with healing pills, it would have taken him days to recover from those injuries.

Then, a thought struck him. He hadn’t visited her in the Crystal Stone Space last night… Oh, no!

After a hasty wash, he activated his Star Shifting Fire Seal and appeared before the altar.

“Good morning, Master.”

Chen Xi, who had been meditating, opened her eyes, her expression puzzled. “Zhen’er, why didn’t you come last night?”

He sat down before her, his posture respectful. “I apologize, Master. I was busy yesterday and felt exhausted, so I went to bed early… Were you waiting for me?”

“I’m always here, Zhen’er. It’s not that I was specifically waiting for you. I just… hoped you would visit more often.” A faint blush colored her cheeks, making her appear unexpectedly shy, like a young maiden experiencing her first crush.

Yan Zhen, too, felt a wave of shyness. He rubbed his cheek. “I also want to see you more often, Master. You’re so beautiful. Just looking at you lifts my spirits. Gazing at your beauty might even extend my lifespan.”

“Flatterer.” She chuckled. “If you’re busy, Zhen’er, then tend to your affairs. Come visit when you have time.”

“Alright. I’m going to have breakfast now. See you later, Master.”

He turned and practically fled.

Guilt is a powerful motivator.

Watching his hasty retreat, Chen Xi shook her head, amused. She was about to resume her meditation when a familiar scent reached her nose.

“Is that… Body Tempering Elixir?”

Her amusement faded, replaced by suspicion.

…

Another day of classes ended. Yan Zhen made his way to the training grounds, ready for another round of Mystic Power beatings from Instructor Yu Xuan.

From after school until nightfall, they trained, pushing him to his absolute limit. As he collapsed, exhausted, she helped him back to the house and into his room for his medicinal bath.

Having experienced this once before, she was less hesitant this time. She quickly helped him undress and lowered him into the steaming bath.

“Hiss!” He winced, sucking in a sharp breath.

After yesterday’s session, he had felt invincible. He had even asked her to increase the intensity. However, the pain was far worse than before.

Instructor Yu Xuan’s heart ached for him. Her eyes, magnified by her oval-shaped glasses, glistened with unshed tears. “I told you the intensity was enough! And you still asked me to increase it! You’re such a fool… Does it still hurt?”

“It’s alright. It’ll subside soon.”

— Damn you, author! What kind of messed-up training method is this?! There’s a limit to how much self-inflicted pain a person can take!

Watching him sitting rigidly in the water, his muscles trembling, his face pale, Instructor Yu Xuan bit her lip. She glanced at the closed door, remembering her instructions to the other girls not to disturb them. Her hesitation vanished.

Taking a deep breath, she slowly removed her outer robe, followed by her inner tunic and pale blue under-robe, folding them neatly. She placed her glasses on top of the pile before stepping out of her remaining clothes, her body as white and flawless as ivory. She gracefully lifted her leg and stepped into the tub, her movements silent and fluid.

Yan Zhen, who had been meditating, sensed her presence behind him. Before he could react, she wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling him back against her soft body.

Wherever he moved, he encountered the yielding warmth of her flesh, as if he had returned to the womb. It was incredibly comforting, easing his pain and exhaustion.

He opened his eyes, turning to look at her. “Instructor, what…?”

Her cheeks flushed crimson. Her hands gently massaged his stomach and chest, soothing his aching muscles. Her warm breath tickled his ear as she whispered, “My body is soft. Leaning against me won’t hurt, and it will save you some energy. Just relax.”

Yan Zhen was touched. He hadn’t expected her to go this far for him. Though he couldn’t see her, he knew how embarrassed she must be.

At a loss for words, he could only manage a weak “Thank you, Instructor.”

“Don’t thank me. I’m doing this because I want to.” Her voice was as soft as silk. “However… I can’t… help you with that right now. It would drain your vital energy and affect the effectiveness of the treatment. You’ll have to endure it.”

“Instructor, I’m not in the mood for… that right now,” he said wryly.

“Good. Just focus on absorbing the medicinal properties and healing your injuries. You’ll feel better soon.”

She leaned closer, her tongue tracing the bruises on his back and shoulders.

She didn’t channel her Water Mystic Power, as it would only aggravate his injuries. She simply wanted to soothe the pain she had inflicted with the softness of her body.

Yan Zhen understood her intentions. He was both touched and troubled. If she continued to pamper him like this, he might become utterly useless.

Is this a test? he wondered. Even a seasoned veteran like me can’t handle this! Fortunately, he was too weak to do anything about it.

Her gentle touch, her soft kisses and soothing licks, gradually lulled him to sleep.

Instructor Yu Xuan held him close, suppressing her own desires as she guided the medicinal energy into his body. She waited until the bathwater turned clear and the water cooled before lifting him out, drying him off, and carrying him to his bed.

After dressing, she lingered for a moment, gazing down at his sleeping face before quietly returning to her room.

— He’s holding back, and so will I.

…

The next day, Yan Zhen entered the Fire Refining Starry Sky to greet his Beautiful Sect Master. After a brief conversation, he excused himself.

Chen Xi sniffed the air, her brow furrowing as she detected the lingering scent.

“It’s definitely Body Tempering Elixir, but the refining technique is a bit crude. Zhen’er must have made it himself… Could he be secretly using Body Tempering Elixir to strengthen his physique?”

She quickly pieced together the clues, remembering his previous request.

“That child… is he really that obsessed with brute force techniques like ‘Eight Extremes Explosion’? I don’t understand boys. But who’s helping him train? Could it be… that instructor?”

A pang of jealousy stabbed at her heart.

She wouldn’t feel jealous of Yan Meng’er, Yan Ruyu, Mi Xue’er, Xiao Xinyan, or even Huangfu Wenqing. But Instructor Yu Xuan… that title… it made her feel as if her beloved disciple was being stolen away.

She pressed a hand against her aching chest, her expression pained.

Chapter 83:  Instructor, hit me!

It didn’t matter who beat him, as long as they controlled their strength. Instructor Yu Xuan, being a Sixth Star Mystic Master, could definitely handle it, refining his physique without causing lasting harm.

“—Instructor, hit me!” Yan Zhen pleaded earnestly.

Instructor Yu Xuan blinked, confused, then her mind jumped to certain… activities. Her cheeks flushed crimson. “I had no idea you had such… preferences,” she stammered. “It’s not that I’m against it, but you’re still young, Yan Zhen. It’s best not to delve into such… unhealthy things too early. Keep it simple… Ahem, anyway, I’ll take your… needs into consideration. You should focus on your cultivation for now.”

Huh? Even with his inner lecher, it took Yan Zhen a moment to realize she had completely misunderstood him. He quickly clarified his request.

“You mean… strengthening your physique?” Instructor Yu Xuan’s blush deepened. Embarrassed, she lowered her head. “Ahem, well, using Mystic Power to temper the body is indeed a viable method, but it requires supplemental medicinal baths, and it’s not a long-term solution.”

“That’s fine. I just want to increase my physical strength so I don’t injure myself while practicing my techniques. I’ve already prepared the medicinal baths.”

Instructor Yu Xuan nodded. “Alright, I’ll help you.”

Relieved and excited, Yan Zhen followed her to the training grounds.

…

They returned from the training grounds as dusk settled, Yan Zhen leaning heavily on Instructor Yu Xuan, his body exhausted.

The other girls were alarmed, fearing something terrible had happened. After Instructor Yu Xuan explained, they breathed a sigh of relief.

In Yan Zhen’s room, she followed his instructions, retrieving the pre-prepared medicinal liquid from his storage ring and diluting it in a tub of hot water. Then, she helped him undress and gently lowered him into the bath.

After a while, Yan Zhen finally caught his breath, managing a weak smile. “Thank you, Instructor Yu Xuan.”

She frowned, her eyes filled with concern. “How are you feeling?”

— Like crap! This self-inflicted torture is insane! Why did the author have to come up with such a ridiculous method?!

“I’m fine,” he rasped. “You controlled your strength perfectly. The medicinal bath will take care of the rest.”

Instructor Yu Xuan rolled up her sleeves, picked up a wooden ladle, and carefully poured a portion of the medicinal liquid over his shoulders and back. Her fingers gently traced his bruises, feeling his muscles tremble beneath her touch.

She was the one who had inflicted these injuries, so she knew how much they must hurt. With each strike, she had wanted to stop, but his determined gaze had spurred her on.

To endure such pain for the sake of strength…

“Yan Zhen,” she said softly, “why are you pushing yourself so hard? You don’t need to rush into a challenge against Xiao Mie. With your talent, you’ll surpass him eventually. Is it because of the pressure from your fiancée?”

— Huh? How does she know about Wenqing? Did Meng’er or the others tell her?

“No, it’s for myself. I lost three years of cultivation. I have to work harder to reach my goals, to reach even greater heights.”

“You don’t have to… I’m not helping you tomorrow. Find someone else.”

Her tone was petulant, surprising him.

Since their first meeting, she had always been composed, elegant, kind, and approachable. She perfectly balanced her authority as an instructor with her feminine grace, creating a uniquely comforting presence.

This was the first time he had seen her act like a sulky child… He quickly turned to her, trying to appease her. “Come on, Instructor. Don’t say that! I’m counting on you. If you won’t help me, who will?”

“Then stop practicing this ridiculous method.” She stubbornly turned his head away, continuing to pour the medicinal liquid over him, her voice taking on a motherly tone. “I don’t think you need this kind of training. If you cultivate diligently, you’ll reach the Seventh Star within one or two months. With the help of pills, it’ll be even faster… As for challenging Xiao Mie, you can wait until you reach the Eighth or Ninth Star. You’re already ranked third on the Nine Star Rank, and you won all ten matches in the gauntlet. You don’t need to prove yourself any further.”

Yan Zhen grasped her free hand. “Instructor, I’m not trying to prove anything. I want to improve through competition with Xiao Mie. We can sharpen each other’s skills… This effort is nothing. The process is a bit painful, but I can endure it.”

“Why are you so stubborn? You never listen!”

“I believe you’ll help me, Instructor Yu Xuan. Right?” He turned to face her, his eyes wide and pleading.

She averted her gaze, refusing to meet his eyes. “No.”

“Instructor~ Please help me~” He whined, nuzzling his cheek against her hand. The action, though mortifying, was incredibly effective.

The subtle sensation against her skin sent shivers down her spine, her cheeks flushing crimson. Her heart fluttered with a honeyed sweetness.

This was the first time he had initiated any kind of physical contact with her, and it was so endearing, so utterly irresistible.

— That little rascal… he knows how to manipulate me.

“Instructor~”

“Alright, alright, I’ll help you. But you can’t push yourself too hard. Tell me if you’re feeling any discomfort. If you can’t handle it, you need to rest.”

“I understand. Thank you, Instructor!”

She sighed, her heart aching as she looked at his bruised and swollen body.

The worst part was, these were injuries inflicted by her Water Mystic Power, so she couldn’t use it to soothe his pain.

She could only continue pouring the medicinal liquid over him, gently massaging away the bruising.

Yan Zhen closed his eyes, fighting back his exhaustion. He focused his mind, circulating his Mystic Power according to the “Imperial Blaze Art,” slowly absorbing the medicinal properties of the bath.

As time passed, the color of the bathwater gradually faded, the medicinal properties seeping into his body, healing his injuries. He finally succumbed to his weariness, his head drooping against the edge of the tub as he drifted off to sleep.

Instructor Yu Xuan watched over him, her gaze tender.

At midnight, when the bathwater had turned completely clear and the water had cooled, she gently lifted him from the tub, dried him off, and carried him to his bed.

Her eyes lingered on his… arousal, and she blushed, muttering, “Even injured, he’s still so… energetic…”

Knowing he was trying to temper his body and couldn’t afford to lose his vital energy, she resisted her usual urge to “help him out.” She tucked him in and quietly left the room.

Chapter 82: Six Down, Four to Go… Or Not

Academy regulations stipulated that top contenders on the Nine Star Rank had to accept at least one challenge per month. If no one challenged them, they were required to challenge someone ranked higher. The top-ranked student was exempt from this rule.

However, the regulations only specified the minimum, not the maximum. This meant Yan Zhen’s request to accept ten challenges in one day was technically within the rules, even though it was completely unheard of.

When he made his announcement, the five girls stared at him in shock, their voices overlapping as they tried to dissuade him.

Yan Zhen waved away their concerns, his confidence unwavering.

“Why are you doing this?” Instructor Yu Xuan asked, baffled. “You’re not just trying to show off, are you?”

Accepting ten challenges in one day was practically an insult to his opponents. They would be furious.

In his previous life, he hadn’t done this. He had accepted one challenge per day, fighting for ten consecutive days, successfully reaching the Seventh Star Mystic One rank. On the eleventh day, he had challenged Xiao Mie, defeating him by a hair’s breadth and claiming the top spot on the Nine Star Rank!

Witnessing his hard-won victory, his body battered but his smile radiant, had sparked a flicker of attraction within her. That feeling had intensified after he saved her from the Demon Realm’s assassins, growing into an uncontrollable blaze.

Reborn into this life, she had secretly hoped to witness his prowess on the dueling arena once more. However, his choices seemed to be diverging from his previous life.

“I want to test my limits,” he explained, reciting his prepared excuse. “I feel like I’m still a ways away from reaching the Seventh Star. If I continue cultivating at my current pace, who knows how long it will take? I need to push myself.”

His reasoning was flawless.

Instructor Yu Xuan sighed. “Alright. But if you can’t handle it, I’ll stop the challenges.”

He smiled at her reassuringly. “Thank you, Instructor~”

…

The news of Yan Zhen’s intention to accept ten challenges in one day spread like wildfire, throwing the entire Mystic Academy into a frenzy.

Since its establishment, the dueling arena had witnessed countless battles, but never a “gauntlet” like this.

Typically, duels were fought between opponents of similar strength. Winning a duel usually required expending all of one’s energy, leaving little room for another fight, let alone ten in a row.

His challengers were all top contenders on the Nine Star Rank. Accepting a gauntlet of such skilled opponents was practically asking for a beating.

One thing was certain: this was going to be entertaining.

Bookmakers, sensing an opportunity, set up betting pools, offering odds on how many matches Yan Zhen would win, from one to ten.

The odds for “winning all ten” were a staggering one to ten thousand!

Clearly, they believed it was impossible for him to emerge victorious.

Apart from the four girls he lived with, no one bet on him winning all ten matches. The most popular bet was three wins, which was already a testament to their high regard for his abilities.

This was the perspective of the spectators.

As for the ten students who had challenged him, they were all furious. As top contenders among their peers, they possessed immense pride. Yan Zhen’s actions were a blatant insult!

However, they had issued the challenges. As long as he accepted, they couldn’t back down. Otherwise, even if they lost, they would forfeit their monthly pill stipend to Yan Zhen.

The sun began to set, but the heat lingered, refusing to dissipate.

The spectator stands surrounding the dueling arena were packed, filled with students from all three classes. The turnout was even greater than for his duel against Lan Ke.

Below, the ten challengers, all ranked high on the Nine Star Rank, glared at Yan Zhen, their expressions murderous.

Yan Zhen, however, was prepared for their hostility.

— System, this doesn’t deviate from the script’s plot, right?

[Please state your reasons for deviating from the script.]

— Don’t you think this is way cooler? If I’m going to show off, I might as well go all out! What’s the essence of a “wish-fulfillment story? It’s all about being awesome! As the protagonist, I should actively correct any plot points that are illogical or lackluster, striving to create a more compelling story, not just blindly follow the script. What do you think, System?

[The Host’s reasoning is sound. The system approves.]

— *Ahem, well, if things go south , could you please reset things? I don’t want to spend a month bedridden.

[Acknowledged.]

Reassured, Yan Zhen steeled himself. His greatest trump card was the ability to reset if he lost.

“Yan Zhen!”

“Instructor Yu Xuan.”

“You… well, I won’t waste your time with unnecessary words. Just go out there and fight. I’ll handle any problems that arise.”

“Thank you, Instructor. I won’t let you down.”

[Ding! Key plot point commencing.]

[Current plot progress – Chapter 123: Ten Consecutive Victories.]

[Acting Requirements: Accept one challenge per day and achieve a breakthrough to the Seventh Star Mystic One rank during the final battle.]

[Requirements updated.]

[New Acting Requirements: Accept all ten challenges simultaneously, achieve victory, and reach the Seventh Star Mystic One rank.]

[Completion rate: 0%.]

Yan Zhen clenched his fists, his eyes hardening with resolve. He strode towards the arena, his every step drawing the gazes of the countless spectators.

As all eyes converged upon him, a fiery aura, like a shimmering veil, enveloped his body. A faint, translucent glow flickered above his brow. Despite being a mere Mystic One, he exuded an air of power that made even the instructors tense.

He seemed to have transformed. His usual gentle demeanor had vanished, replaced by a sharp, almost aggressive aura.

He met the gazes of his challengers, his voice cold and clear. “Which one of you wants to go first?”

“Hmph! Allow me, Liu Liang, sixteenth on the Nine Star Rank, to test your strength!”

A figure shot into the air, performing a somersault before landing gracefully on the arena.

“Yan Zhen, it doesn’t matter how many challenges you accept at once. In the end, I will defeat you.”

The referee instructor retreated to the edge of the arena, announcing the start of the duel.

“Come on then.”

“I don’t believe a mere Sixth Star Mystic One can be that strong! Take this!”

The battle erupted.

As his opponent charged towards him, the Spiritual Flame above Yan Zhen’s brow flickered, his perception expanding to encompass a one-meter radius around him.

He slowly clenched his fist, Mystic Power gathering, a faint fiery glow igniting.

The moment Liu Liang entered his perception range, his opponent’s weaknesses were laid bare before him. He swiftly lowered his stance, his fist shooting out like a bolt of lightning, striking the largest opening.

Single Burst “Eight Extremes Explosion”!

Liu Liang coughed up blood, his body flying backward, crashing off the edge of the arena.

The battle was over.

The noisy arena fell silent, the spectators staring in disbelief, wondering if they had imagined what they had just witnessed.

One move? That was it? That was a top contender on the Nine Star Rank! Ranked sixteenth out of nearly a hundred students, he should have lasted at least ten rounds!

Xiao Mie’s expression turned grim. That brat… he’s gotten so much stronger in less than a month…

Yan Meng’er and Mi Xue’er erupted in cheers, while Yan Ruyu and Xiao Xinyan clenched their fists, their eyes shining with excitement.

Instructor Yu Xuan and the other instructors, however, had noticed something peculiar.

“Could that be… Spiritual Power?”

“That kid… not only has he reached such a high level of Mystic Power cultivation, but he’s also awakened his Spiritual Power!”

“Instructor Yu Xuan, your student is a true monster!”

Instructor Yu Xuan smiled politely, her eyes sparkling as she gazed at Yan Zhen.

“Next.” He turned back to his challengers. Only nine remained. “Who’s next?”

Clearly shaken by his display of power, they exchanged hesitant glances. Finally, a portly figure leaped onto the arena.

“Allow me, Ren Ge, fourteenth on the Nine Star Rank, to teach you a lesson!”

Bang!

“Argh!”

“I, Lao Hu, thirteenth on the Nine Star Rank–”

Bang, bang!

“Oof!”

“I, ranked–”

Bang, bang, bang!

“Ugh!”

As the battles progressed, Yan Zhen began to feel a sense of unease.

What was he doing here? His goal was to complete this plot point while enduring some beatings to strengthen his body, preparing for his future duel against Xiao Mie, where he would need to unleash the Triple Burst “Eight Extremes Explosion” repeatedly.

But these guys… they were surprisingly weak. He had already defeated four, and the strongest one had only managed to withstand three of his punches.

This is ridiculous! Are they throwing the matches?

The spectators were equally bewildered. Yan Zhen might be strong, but he shouldn’t be dominating the top contenders of the Nine Star Rank like this! He was only a Sixth Star!

Some even began to suspect the bookmakers were rigging the matches.

But who would be bold enough to do such a thing?

Even though the Dean wasn’t present, he was undoubtedly watching.

Only the instructors understood. Spiritual Power, for those below the Mystic Scholar realm, was practically a cheat code!

Moreover, Yan Zhen’s control over his Spiritual Power was remarkable. He had even managed to create a miniature combat domain by shrinking his perception range. The moment his opponents entered his domain, their weaknesses were exposed, leaving them vulnerable to his attacks. How could they possibly win?

Yan Zhen frowned, urging the challengers to step up. Finally, a student ranked tenth managed to last ten rounds before collapsing.

Yan Zhen’s attacks were too precise, targeting the weak points in his opponent’s Mystic Power flow, disrupting his techniques and causing immense pain. Unable to fight at his full potential, he was swiftly defeated, leaving him feeling frustrated and humiliated.

But that was the nature of combat.

“Anyone else? Hurry up!” Yan Zhen’s patience was wearing thin.

He had mentally prepared himself for a tough fight, even for a reset, but these guys were turning out to be paper tigers, crumbling at the slightest touch.

Are they truly this weak, or are they throwing the matches?

“Come on! You all challenged me! Why are you scared now?!”

“I… I forfeit!”

“Who said you could forfeit?! Get up here!”

“I forfeit too! I’m not fighting anymore! Mommy!”

“Hey, where are you going? Get back here!”

“Only an idiot would stay and be his punching bag! I’m out of here!”

“I’m… I’m just a Sixth Star Mystic One!”

“Like hell you are! You’re definitely hiding your true cultivation! You sneaky bastard! You’ll get struck by lightning one day!”

“…”

The remaining four challengers, hurling insults and curses, fled the arena.

The previous challengers, whose strength was comparable to theirs, had been utterly crushed. What chance did they have?

Fighting was one thing, but getting beaten down within a few rounds was pointless.

Yan Zhen was exasperated. “Don’t run away! I’ll let all four of you fight me at once! Come back here! Instructor, stop them! Don’t let them escape! Damn it!”

They were all gone, leaving him standing alone on the arena, his hair ruffled by the wind, his expression bewildered.

The plot isn’t finished yet! What am I supposed to do now?

The spectators were equally stunned. What just happened? Was this some kind of scam? They ran away without even fighting! Do they have no shame?! Give us our money back!

Only Xiao Mie, Yu Yue, and a few others ranked in the top ten understood. This wasn’t a scam. Yan Zhen was simply terrifying.

The instructors of the fleeing students were mortified. Losing was acceptable, but running away without even trying? What kind of cultivators were they? They would be receiving a harsh lesson when they got back!

The referee instructor could only smile wryly. He had overseen countless student duels, but this was the first time he had witnessed someone demanding a gauntlet, and then scaring off their challengers mid-way through.

“As the remaining challengers have forfeited, Yan Zhen is declared the victor of this ten-match duel. He will receive the monthly pill stipends of all ten challengers.”

Yan Zhen, however, wasn’t happy. Not only had he failed to complete his system mission, but he hadn’t even taken a single hit. This was a complete waste of time.

Who needs those crappy pills? The Small Origin Pills I refine are the best cultivation aids for Mystic Ones.

The highly anticipated ten-match duel ended anticlimactically, leaving both the spectators and the participants dissatisfied. They dispersed, grumbling and cursing.

The five girls gathered around him, stifling giggles at his sulky expression.

“Don’t be upset, Cousin. At least you won,” Yan Meng’er consoled him.

“Winning is all that matters. Did you want to lose? You’re such a silly goose,” Yan Ruyu added.

“That’s right, Little Brother Yan Zhen! You scared them all away! How cool is that?” Mi Xue’er chimed in. “Don’t be discouraged. You’ll have other chances to test your limits!”

“…”

Xiao Xinyan wanted to say something but hesitated. Their words seemed strange.

Why were they comforting him when he had won? Anyone listening would think he had suffered a crushing defeat.

“Alright, if there’s nothing else, let’s go home,” Instructor Yu Xuan declared.

They left the academy and returned to the house.

…

Back in his room, Yan Zhen bolted the door and entered the Crystal Stone Space.

His plan to get beaten up had failed. It seemed he had no choice but to seek guidance from his Beautiful Sect Master.

— I’m such an idiot.

Even if she hadn’t offered to help him strengthen his body, he could have simply asked! With their current relationship, would she refuse him? Of course not!

He mentally patted himself on the back for his brilliance, but his outward demeanor remained innocent and earnest. “Master,” he said, “I want to be able to use the Triple Burst ‘Eight Extremes Explosion’ without any problems. Can you help me strengthen my body?”

Chen Xi shook her head gently. “I’m sorry, Zhen’er. I can’t do that.”

— She refused.

Huh? He stared at her, dumbfounded.

“But why, Master?”

“I’ve told you before, Zhen’er. ‘Eight Extremes Explosion’ has a cultivation requirement. Using it prematurely will damage your body.”

“But if I strengthen my body, wouldn’t it be fine?”

“No, it wouldn’t. You might be able to withstand the strain, but the damage will still accumulate. It will build up over time, leading to serious consequences in the future. Just like your grandfather. One day, it all caught up to him, and he collapsed.”

“…You’re right.”

But he had to do this! He would eventually learn a body tempering technique to counteract the damage caused by “Eight Extremes Explosion.”

Why was his Beautiful Sect Master refusing to help him when the script clearly stated she would? Perhaps she was simply too worried about him, unwilling to risk any harm to his body.

He had no choice but to abandon his hopes of relying on her. His only other option was Instructor Yu Xuan.

Chapter 81: I Want to Fight Ten!

Under Instructor Yu Xuan’s watchful gaze, Yan Zhen forced himself to finish the nourishing soup. He felt a surge of heat through his body. No, “heat” wasn’t quite the right word. It was more like… burning!

He burped, setting the empty bowl aside. Looking at Instructor Yu Xuan, he suddenly felt his attraction to her intensify. He wanted to bury his face in her hair, to taste her exposed skin.

“How was it, Yan Zhen?” she asked softly.

“It was… alright. But not as good as your usual cooking.”

“Well, it’s a medicinal soup. I added some herbs. It might not be as tasty, but it’s good for you.”

Her gentle voice, however, sounded like a seductive whisper to his ears, sending shivers down his spine.

— This is too much!

He took a few deep breaths, struggling to control his urges.

What kind of soup is this? It’s way too effective!

“I should be going now. Just leave the dishes by the door when you’re done. I’ll collect them later.” She leaned closer, pressing a soft kiss against his cheek before departing, her cheeks flushed with a mixture of shyness and delight.

Yan Zhen barely managed to maintain his composure.

Instructor Yu Xuan is too good at this! He couldn’t understand what she saw in him. He was just a sixteen-year-old boy. Apart from his handsome looks, exceptional talent, kind heart, strong will, impressive acting skills, and refined manners, he didn’t have much else to offer.

Maybe she has a thing for younger men?

Or is it simply the protagonist halo working its magic?

The memory of their lunchtime activities resurfaced, sending another wave of heat through his body. He quickly swallowed a Calming Pill.

Focus on eating.

He picked up his chopsticks and finished his meal, feeling pleasantly full.

He wiped his mouth, drank his tea, gathered the dishes, and set them outside the door before heading to the bathroom for a cold shower.

The evening breeze, cool and refreshing, caressed his skin.

His body had calmed down, the restless energy dissipated. His mind, too, had returned to normal. He no longer saw suggestive shapes in every shadow.

Click. He opened the door to the changing room and stepped inside. At that moment, the bathroom door opened as well. A slender, white figure, wrapped in a towel, emerged.

They both looked up, their eyes meeting. A moment of stunned silence hung in the air.

“Miss High-and-Mighty?”

“Yan… Yan Zhen?!”

Xiao Xinyan’s eyes widened, and a wave of mortification washed over her. She instinctively covered her chest and let out a shriek.

She stumbled backward, her legs suddenly weak, and collapsed onto the floor, the towel slipping from her grasp.

Yan Zhen found himself staring at a very revealing “M” shape.

He had a clearer view than during their “treatment session.”

[Image of a naked woman on the floor]

His “dragon,” previously subdued, roared back to life, ready for battle.

Xiao Xinyan scrambled to her feet, her gaze meeting his from below. Her eyes held a mixture of shame, fear, and… submission? The remaining emotion was unreadable. There was no anger, which was strange.

“Yan Zhen, what… what are you doing? Don’t try anything funny! I’m not that kind of woman!”

Yan Zhen swallowed hard, about to respond when Mi Xue’er’s voice reached them from outside.

“Xiao Xinyan! If you’re going to scream while bathing, at least warn us first!”

She entered the changing room and froze, her eyes widening as she took in the scene before her. She rushed over to Yan Zhen, shielding him with her body.

“Little Brother Yan Zhen! What are you doing? How could you…?”

Yan Zhen’s head throbbed. This is a huge misunderstanding!

“Senior Sister Xue’er, it’s not what you think! It was just a coincidence–”

“I know, I know! Don’t look! Close your eyes! Looking at such filth will give you eye problems!” Mi Xue’er interrupted, her soft hands covering his eyes, plunging him into darkness.

Yan Zhen was stunned. Her tone was all wrong. Shouldn’t she be scolding him?

“Mi Xue’er! Who are you calling filth?!” Xiao Xinyan shrieked, scrambling to her feet and clutching the towel to her body.

Mi Xue’er, her face inches from his, her cheeks flushed, turned to face her nemesis. “Who else would I be talking about? Spreading your legs like that in front of a boy! If you’re not ashamed, I’m ashamed for you.”

“I tripped! I wasn’t doing anything!”

“Oh, please! A Seventh Star Mystic One tripping over thin air? You expect me to believe that? You did it on purpose!” Mi Xue’er glared at her rival. “Xiao Xinyan, I’m warning you, take your… urges elsewhere! Don’t pollute my Little Brother Yan Zhen’s innocent eyes! He’s so pure, so adorable! If you try to seduce him with your… pathetic excuse for a body, I won’t let you get away with it!” She punctuated her words with a huff.

“You–!”

Xiao Xinyan was furious, but with her clothes disheveled and her composure shattered, she couldn’t win this argument. Unable to retaliate physically, she could only grit her teeth in frustration.

Yan Zhen remained silent, standing motionless like a piece of furniture, pretending he was completely irrelevant to the situation.

“What’s going on here?”

Yan Ruyu and Yan Meng’er arrived, followed closely by Instructor Yu Xuan.

One look at the scene, and they understood. Yan Zhen had obviously walked in on Xiao Xinyan.

Yan Meng’er quickly took Mi Xue’er’s place, covering his eyes from behind and pulling him away. Yan Ruyu gently pushed him from the front, the sisters working together to guide him to a safe corner, away from the brewing storm.

Instructor Yu Xuan stepped between Mi Xue’er and Xiao Xinyan, preventing them from tearing into each other.

“That’s enough, you two! Stop arguing! It’s late, and you’re disturbing the neighbors. Go to bed.”

“Fine. I’ll let you off easy this time, for Instructor Yu Xuan’s sake.” Mi Xue’er was genuinely angry. She hadn’t even had the chance to show Yan Zhen that part of her, and this shameless hussy had already stolen the first look! “But if it happens again, I’ll see you on the dueling arena. And I’ll make sure you regret it.”

“You and what army? You’re just a measly Sixth Star Mystic One! Bring it on!” Xiao Xinyan retorted, her pride refusing to back down. When it came to strength, she wasn’t afraid of Mi Xue’er. “Why wait for the dueling arena? We can settle this right here, right now! Come on!”

“You think I’m scared of you?”

“Whoever backs down is a dog!”

Instructor Yu Xuan’s eye twitched. “Xue’er! Xinyan! Go to your rooms!”

Neither girl dared disobey their instructor. With a final huff, they turned and stormed off in opposite directions.

Instructor Yu Xuan sighed, massaging her temples.

These two… even after facing life and death together at the Sacred Land Academy in my previous life, they still fought constantly. What am I going to do with them?

Her gaze fell on Yan Zhen, still sandwiched between Yan Meng’er and Yan Ruyu. Her mood brightened slightly. “Alright, Yan Zhen, go take your bath… I’ll deal with these two. Meng’er, Ruyu, let’s go.”

She turned and left, Yan Ruyu following close behind. Yan Meng’er, however, lingered, her mischievous side resurfacing. “Cousin, do you want me to scrub your– Hey! Cousin, stop dragging me! I can walk on my own!”

Left alone, Yan Zhen blinked, bewildered.

He took a bath in a daze, dried off in a daze, and returned to his room in a daze.

He sat on his bed for a long time, his mind replaying the events of that evening.

Finally, he snapped out of his stupor and entered the Crystal Stone Space.

The stone table had been lowered. His Beautiful Sect Master sat behind it, a space left open beside her, clearly intended for him.

Seeing her beloved disciple, Chen Xi patted her thigh invitingly.

Yan Zhen, determined to maintain his composure, quickly sat down, only to find himself enveloped in her embrace, her wide sleeves trapping him like a hunter’s net.

The fiery energy he had thought he had suppressed flared back to life, his “Armstrong Cannon” primed and ready.

Chen Xi immediately sensed his reaction, but she chose to ignore it for now. As before, she kept her hands on his waist, occasionally interrupting his attempts at drawing squares and circles, disrupting his focus.

Yan Zhen quickly reached his breaking point, his face flushed, his eyes glazed over.

Finally, unable to endure it any longer, he turned to her, his voice a pathetic whimper.

“Master~”

His pleading tone and pitiful expression melted her heart. However, she wanted to tease him a little longer. Feigning ignorance, she asked, “What is it, Zhen’er? Your face is so red. Are you feeling ill?”

“Master, I… I…”

“Hmm?”

— I want you to take care of me, Master.

The words were on the tip of his tongue, but he abruptly regained his senses. This didn’t fit his protagonist persona.

No, I can’t say that! I have to hold back!

Chen Xi, however, couldn’t resist. She leaned closer, her lips brushing against his ear. “Do you want Master to take care of you?” she whispered.

“Mmm.”

He didn’t dare answer, only managing a noncommittal sound.

“How do you want Master to take care of you, Zhen’er?” she asked softly, her hand moving suggestively. “Like this?”

“…”

“You’re not saying anything, Zhen’er. Does that mean you agree?”

“…”

His lips pressed together, he stubbornly continued drawing his shapes. To his surprise, despite the chaotic desires swirling in his mind, he managed to maintain a sliver of clarity, slowly completing his square and circle.

Chen Xi’s eyes widened. She hadn’t expected him to make a breakthrough at a time like this… Well, there was even less reason to deny him now.

“There, there. You’re Master’s only disciple. Of course, I’ll take care of you. Just leave everything to me~”

She tilted his chin up with her free hand, forcing him to meet her gaze. She leaned in, her lips meeting his.

Clothes rustled, and a fire ignited.

…

The next morning, Yan Zhen entered the dining room, feeling refreshed and invigorated. However, the atmosphere was even more awkward than the day before.

“Good morning, everyone! What’s for breakfast?” he greeted them cheerfully.

“Porridge today, Cousin,” Yan Meng’er replied.

“Oh, chicken and mushroom porridge? Sounds good.”

“…”

“Why aren’t you eating? Waiting for me? Don’t be so polite! Dig in!”

He demonstrated by taking a large gulp, nearly emptying his bowl.

“Mmm~ Perfect balance of flavors! Delicious! You should eat too.”

As if suddenly released from a spell, the girls picked up their spoons and began eating.

…

The next few days passed in a similar fashion. After school, Yan Zhen would immediately retreat to the Crystal Stone Space to practice splitting his focus.

Finally, on the fifth day, he grasped the key. He could now successfully divide his attention three ways, drawing his shapes while simultaneously dealing with his Beautiful Sect Master’s distractions.

It was time to put his newfound skill to the test in actual combat.

Left hand forceful, Yang energy. Right hand gentle, Yin energy. He channeled his Mystic Power according to the “Tai Chi Shock” technique, unleashing both forces simultaneously, aiming to neutralize the Mystic Power his Beautiful Sect Master had gathered in her palm.

However, she easily outmaneuvered him, her single hand more than enough to keep him on the defensive. He couldn’t even touch her sleeve, let alone neutralize her Mystic Power. Their training sessions usually ended with him bruised, battered, and exhausted.

Afterward, his Beautiful Sect Master would prepare a medicinal bath for him, her touch, imbued with the five-colored glow of the Starry Glass Fire, soothing his wounds.

Under her dedicated tutelage, his strength grew by leaps and bounds. Finally, after half a month, he achieved a breakthrough, successfully neutralizing her Mystic Power and even managing to tear a piece of her sleeve.

“Well done, Zhen’er! Congratulations!” Chen Xi beamed, her praise genuine.

Yan Zhen breathed a sigh of relief, his heart soaring. “It’s all thanks to your guidance, Master! Thank you!”

With this new skill, he was confident he could hold his own against Xiao Mie. However, he wasn’t satisfied yet.

While “Tai Chi Shock” was a valuable trump card, “Eight Extremes Explosion” was the key technique for his protagonist role. He needed to master the Triple Burst before moving on to the next arc, as it would play a crucial role in many future scenarios.

The only way to achieve this was to endure some beatings.

Ever since he had claimed the third spot on the Nine Star Rank, the other top contenders had been eyeing his position with envy. Over the past half month, he had received no less than ten challenge letters. However, he had ignored them, choosing to focus on his cultivation, as the script dictated.

Now, it was time to put those challenges to good use.

…

One morning, Yan Zhen entered the dining room in high spirits, only to find Mi Xue’er embroiled in another argument with Xiao Xinyan.

That’s right. Even after half a month, Xiao Xinyan was still stubbornly refusing to move out.

Mi Xue’er, naturally, was furious, demanding she pack her things and leave.

Xiao Xinyan, however, had an excuse. She claimed her old room had been assigned to another family member, leaving her with nowhere to go.

Mi Xue’er didn’t care. She told her to find her own place.

Xiao Xinyan, of course, refused. At this point in the year, there were no vacant rooms for rent in the North City District. Besides, she insisted on staying wherever Instructor Yu Xuan lived.

Mi Xue’er was ready to throw down, but Yan Ruyu and Yan Meng’er intervened.

“Are you leaving or not?”

“No.”

“Xiao Xinyan, you’re the eldest daughter of the Xiao family! Aren’t you ashamed of acting like such a shameless freeloader?!”

“No.”

Ever since Mi Xue’er had mocked her in front of Yan Zhen, calling her “filth” and claiming she would give him “eye problems,” Xiao Xinyan had adopted an attitude of utter indifference. Nothing Mi Xue’er said could faze her anymore.

Mi Xue’er: Combo attack!

Xiao Xinyan: HP -1 -1 -1!

Instructor Yu Xuan, accustomed to their bickering, ignored them. Seeing Yan Zhen enter, she beckoned him to sit down.

The two girls immediately ceased their argument, straightening their postures, as if unwilling to appear unladylike in front of him.

Yan Zhen, however, paid no attention to this subtle shift. “Instructor Yu Xuan,” he announced, “I want to accept all the challenges I’ve received in one day. Can you arrange it?”

Chapter 80: Beautiful Sect Master’s Distractions

Yan Zhen understood his Beautiful Sect Master’s point.

Simply being able to draw a circle with his left hand and a square with his right wasn’t enough. He needed to do it under duress.

However, there were many ways to distract him. Why did it have to be hugging?

Enveloped in her embrace, her unique fragrance, a blend of floral and medicinal scents, filled his senses. It was intoxicating, like a potent aphrodisiac, capable of stealing one’s reason.

The most distracting aspect of this position, however, was the sensation of her body pressed against his back. Though he couldn’t see her, he could vividly picture her in his mind:

She stood barefoot, her arms emerging from her flowing sleeves to encircle his waist, her pale hands clasped over his abdomen. Her upper body leaned against his back, the weight of her ample bosom, concealed beneath her black robes, pressing against him. He imagined those mounds as soft, white dough, expertly kneaded by a skilled baker into perfectly round cakes. Even through the fabric of her robes, he could sense their yielding softness.

This felt less like a distraction technique and more like a newlywed wife clinging to her husband.

Of course, it was just a resemblance. His Beautiful Sect Master wouldn’t act like that.

Her heart was filled with a sincere desire to see him succeed. She was willing to do anything to nurture his talent, including dual cultivation.

He didn’t understand why things were unfolding differently from the script, but since his Beautiful Sect Master was so invested in his growth, he couldn’t let her down.

Yan Zhen took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.

Instructor Yu Xuan’s ministrations earlier had left a lingering trace of “sage energy” within him, making him less susceptible to distractions.

He picked up the brush, attempting to draw a square with his left hand and a circle with his right, all while being held captive in his Beautiful Sect Master’s embrace.

Suddenly, her hands, clasped over his abdomen, gently tickled his stomach. He stifled a giggle, the lines of his square and circle going awry.

His amusement faded.

Chen Xi chuckled softly. “That was just a small distraction, Zhen’er. You can’t let yourself be so easily swayed. In other words, you need to reserve a portion of your focus for dealing with unexpected events. That way, no matter what happens, your drawing won’t be affected.”

He nodded thoughtfully and tried again.

He divided his focus into three parts: one for drawing the square with his left hand, one for drawing the circle with his right hand, and one reserved for dealing with any sudden distractions.

The theory was simple, but putting it into practice proved surprisingly difficult.

What did it mean to keep his mind “empty”? Was he supposed to just zone out like a couch potato? Did reserving a third of his focus mean becoming one-third of a couch potato?

…

He struggled, his expression contorting as he tried to grasp the concept, but it eluded him.

The system remained silent, indicating he couldn’t skip this part. He had to figure it out on his own.

This time, he focused on drawing his shapes while remaining vigilant for any surprise attacks from his Beautiful Sect Master. However, she made no move, simply holding him close as he struggled to draw, his shapes becoming increasingly crude due to his divided attention.

He had been tricked.

“Heh, let’s try again.”

“Okay~”

On his third attempt, he had barely drawn a horizontal line with his left hand and a curved line with his right when the pressure against his back intensified. A cool breeze brushed against his ear, sending shivers down his spine.

Another failure.

“Don’t be discouraged, Zhen’er. Keep trying.”

“Alright.”

He couldn’t shake the feeling that his Beautiful Sect Master was enjoying this a little too much. Her voice seemed lighter, more playful.

Although she usually maintained an aloof, ethereal demeanor, he knew she had a mischievous, childlike side.

Like that time she had secretly eaten his snacks and licked her fingers. So adorable!

“Zhen’er, focus.”

A gentle tap on his head snapped him out of his daydream. He banished those thoughts and resumed his attempts at multi-tasking.

His Beautiful Sect Master, meanwhile, had moved on to new distractions. One of her hands slipped beneath his tunic, slowly trailing from his stomach to his chest, like a curious snake exploring a burrow.

He gritted his teeth, forcing himself to ignore the sensation as he sped up his drawing. However, just as he was about to complete his shapes, her fingertip grazed a particularly sensitive spot.

His fourth attempt ended in failure.

His face burning with shame, he protested, “Master, please… don’t do that. You know I’m sensitive there.”

Chen Xi tightened her embrace. “That’s precisely why I’m doing this, Zhen’er. In actual combat, your opponent’s attacks will be relentless, and your survival instincts will force you to focus intently. If you can’t handle this level of distraction, you won’t stand a chance in a real fight… I’ll be increasing the intensity from now on. Be prepared.”

What?! Even more intense? He couldn’t imagine enduring anything more stimulating.

He grimaced and continued practicing.

She nibbled on his earlobe, sending shivers down his spine. She trailed kisses along his neck, her touch light as a feather.

Her hands, like playful children, roamed his body, pinching his sides, drawing circles on his chest, even venturing lower, her fingernails gently scraping his sensitive skin.

His face burned, his hands trembled, and his drawings became increasingly distorted.

He briefly wondered if his Beautiful Sect Master was treating him like her personal toy, but her instructions remained serious, focused, and insightful. He quickly dismissed the thought. It was his own fault for being so weak-willed.

Finally, a voice calling his name from outside prompted her to release him.

“Come back tonight and practice some more. It’s understandably difficult at first, but with your strong foundation in Spiritual Power, Zhen’er, I believe you’ll master this quickly. Soon, you’ll be able to split your focus three ways, even four.”

Yan Zhen, still reeling from her ministrations, nodded weakly.

“I’m going to eat now. See you later, Master.”

He practically fled back to his room. Hearing Instructor Yu Xuan calling his name, he straightened his clothes and opened the door.

“Instructor.”

He blushed, as did Instructor Yu Xuan. She lowered her head, her hands trembling slightly as she held the tray, resembling a newlywed concubine still intimidated by her husband’s… vigor.

Except in their case, the roles were reversed.

She hurried into the room and placed the tray on the table. “I’m sorry, Yan Zhen. I… I lost control earlier. That’s why I was so… unrestrained. It was my fault. I promise it won’t happen again. Please don’t be angry.”

He wasn’t angry. He was more concerned about the possibility of a next time. He twitched his lips.

“It’s alright, Instructor. I’m not angry. After all, I’m also responsible. I can’t blame you entirely.”

“Good, I’m glad. I made this soup especially for you. Drink it. It’ll replenish your energy.”

She gazed at him expectantly, clearly not planning to leave until he finished the soup.

Curious, he opened the lid of the container. His face instantly darkened.

If he drank this, he wouldn’t be getting any sleep tonight!

Chapter 79

The afternoon was dedicated to practical combat training. Due to the morning’s confrontation, the other students had decided to ostracize Yan Zhen, refusing to spar with him.

Yan Zhen was perfectly content with this arrangement. He was about to close his eyes and rest when Xiao Xinyan approached him, her voice uncharacteristically meek.

“Let’s spar.”

“Are you sure?” Yan Zhen eyed her skeptically. “I’m not very good at holding back.”

“Don’t underestimate me.” She lifted her chin defiantly. “I may only be a Seventh Star Mystic One, but I’m not afraid of an Eighth Star.”

Yan Zhen nodded. “Alright, I’ll try to go easy on you. Just call out if I’m hurting you.”

A flicker of delight crossed her face when he agreed. However, sensing the curious gazes of their classmates, she quickly schooled her features into a stern expression. “What are you looking at? Get back to your training!” she snapped.

Her natural beauty, coupled with her talent, her status as the Xiao family’s eldest daughter, and the backing of her brother, the top-ranked student, gave her a certain authority.

The other students quickly dispersed, their minds buzzing with speculation.

Why is Xiao Xinyan acting so familiar with Yan Zhen? Didn’t he just declare his intention to challenge Xiao Mie this morning? Is she trying to use her feminine wiles to assess his strength?

As the spar commenced, many students couldn’t help but watch, their confusion growing. Even Xiao Mie frowned.

Although they were only cousins, he and Xiao Xinyan were relatively close.

He knew his cousin well. She wasn’t a bad person at heart, but her temper was short, and her tongue was sharp. Apart from the few girls who fawned over her, she didn’t get along with anyone, even going so far as to physically punish a boy who had confessed his feelings for her.

So why was she being so… friendly with Yan Zhen, someone she clearly disliked?

As he pondered this, a thought struck him. Yan Zhen was the one who had rescued her from Xiao Shi.

And now, she was living with Instructor Yu Xuan, along with that Yan Zhen brat.

— Don’t tell me…

Xiao Mie’s frown deepened. Yan Zhen might be exceptional, but he was already entangled with Mi Xue’er and the others. He didn’t want his little cousin getting involved.

— Another reason to fight him.

…

After returning home, Yan Zhen immediately entered the Crystal Stone Space and informed his Beautiful Sect Master of the situation.

To defeat Xiao Mie in a month, he needed to temporarily set aside alchemy and talisman crafting and focus solely on cultivating his Mystic Power and Mystic Techniques.

Chen Xi, having anticipated this, readily agreed and offered her guidance.

In terms of Mystic Power, Yan Zhen had stockpiled a significant amount of Small Origin Pills, enough to help him reach the Seventh Star Mystic One rank within a month.

The key lay in his Mystic Techniques.

Xiao Mie had been suppressing his cultivation for over a year, honing his control over Mystic Power and mastering his techniques to a level far surpassing other Ninth Star Mystic Ones.

Regarding Mystic Power, Yan Zhen was confident he wouldn’t lose to any other Mystic One, thanks to the “Imperial Blaze Art” and the support of his Spiritual Power.

His weakness lay in his Mystic Techniques.

Currently, only “Tai Chi Shock” and “Eight Extremes Explosion” were truly effective in combat.

“Qigong Finger” and “Qi Vortex Technique” were only useful for dealing with weaker opponents or providing support.

The “Flame Palm” and “Great Flame Palm” techniques passed down through his family were even less useful.

Learning ordinary Mystic Techniques wouldn’t be enough to defeat Xiao Mie. His best option was to further develop his mastery of “Tai Chi Shock” and “Eight Extremes Explosion.”

According to the script, his Beautiful Sect Master would advise him to focus on strengthening his body to withstand the strain of unleashing the Triple Burst “Eight Extremes Explosion” without injury.

The fastest way to increase his physical strength in a short time was through a cycle of enduring beatings, soaking in medicinal baths, and enduring more beatings.

However, his Beautiful Sect Master had a different suggestion: mastering the second level of “Tai Chi Shock.”

“Using gentle force to deflect attacks and retaliating with shockwaves is merely the first level of ‘Tai Chi Shock,’” she explained. “There is a second level, known as ‘Yin Yang Force.’”

Chen Xi demonstrated, her left hand glowing with white light, her right hand radiating black energy.

“Left hand Yang, right hand Yin. When these two forces strike a target simultaneously, Yin and Yang intertwine, giving birth to Tai Chi, neutralizing the opponent’s Mystic Power.”

She drew circles with her hands, one black, one white. As they merged, she pushed forward, the surrounding Mystic Power visibly dissipating.

Yan Zhen watched, mesmerized. He hadn’t known “Tai Chi Shock” possessed such a profound ability. It was a silencing technique, capable of disrupting an opponent’s Mystic Power flow, making their attacks increasingly difficult to execute and preventing them from unleashing their Mystic Techniques.

The perfect counter to someone like Xiao Mie, who excelled in Mystic Techniques.

And if he combined it with the occasional pull and control of his “Qi Vortex Technique”…

Wow, that would be truly annoying. He could already picture Xiao Mie’s frustration, his powerful techniques rendered useless.

Was he really going to walk the path of a cunning trickster?

No, he was supposed to be a righteous, powerful warrior, overwhelming his opponents with sheer force, breaking through all obstacles with his strength.

Only then would Xiao Mie truly acknowledge his superiority and become one of his trusted allies at the Sacred Land Academy.

“Master, this seems incredibly difficult. I don’t think I can learn it in such a short time. Is there another, simpler method? Like, perhaps, the second level of ‘Eight Extremes Explosion’…?” He hinted desperately.

Chen Xi chuckled softly. “The second level of ‘Eight Extremes Explosion’ involves generating a ninth extreme force within the eight existing forces. You’ll need to reach at least the Mystic Master realm to even attempt it. You’re still far from that level, Zhen’er. However, ‘Tai Chi Shock’ has no cultivation requirement. With enough comprehension, even a Mystic Disciple can master it.”

Yan Zhen was starting to get frustrated. Why wouldn’t she just tell him how to strengthen his body and stabilize his Triple Burst?

Then it hit him. Mastering “Tai Chi Shock” would also involve enduring beatings. And after those beatings, his Beautiful Sect Master would naturally have him soak in medicinal baths. Wouldn’t that achieve both goals?

This must be her intention! Yan Zhen felt a surge of enlightenment. Although the plot was deviating slightly, the overall direction remained consistent.

“I understand, Master. What do I need to do?”

“The so-called Yin and Yang Forces are simply gentle and forceful energies. There’s no great secret. The key lies in coordinating these two forces with your cultivation technique. Therefore, the first step is to learn how to split your focus. Zhen’er, try drawing a circle with your left hand and a square with your right.”

Chen Xi gestured with her hand, and a stone table rose from the ground before them.

Yan Zhen retrieved paper and a brush from his storage ring and began to draw, his mind focused.

He had expected to struggle, but to his surprise, he succeeded on his first attempt. A perfect circle on the left, a perfect square on the right.

Chen Xi nodded approvingly. “With your strong soul and nascent Spiritual Power, this isn’t a difficult task. However, this is just the beginning. In actual combat, your opponent won’t give you the luxury of focusing calmly. Therefore, the minimum requirement is to split your focus three ways, like this.”

To his astonishment, she embraced him from behind, her ample bosom pressing against his back, the soft mounds deforming under the pressure.

He froze, his ears burning. Her voice, a soft whisper against his ear, sent shivers down his spine.

“Now, Zhen’er, is it still easy to draw a square with your left hand and a circle with your right?”

“N-no, not really.”

Her warmth and fragrance overwhelmed his senses, making it impossible to concentrate on anything else.

“However, you can’t focus too intently on one thing, or you won’t achieve true multi-tasking.” She released him, her expression carefully neutral. “Finding the balance is the key to mastering the second level of ‘Tai Chi Shock.’”

Chapter 78: Yan Zhen is eating

Challenging newcomers was an unspoken rule at the Mystic Academy, especially in the Advanced Classes. It was a rite of passage, a way to establish dominance. Therefore, Yan Zhen’s preemptive strike, mirroring his entrance into the Class, was perfectly acceptable.

Besides, this was a key plot point. The script required him to “provoke the entire class and secure a duel agreement with Xiao Mie.”

As expected, his bold introduction resulted in him being surrounded by a group of hostile classmates during lunch break.

Most of them were Xiao Mie’s loyal followers. As the top student and the eldest son of the esteemed Xiao family, he had no shortage of devoted fans.

While Xiao Mie might be willing to overlook Yan Zhen’s arrogance, his followers were not. They considered Advanced Class 1 their territory. Even if Yan Zhen possessed exceptional skills, he shouldn’t have been so brazen.

Despite being encircled, Yan Zhen remained seated, leaning back in his chair with an air of nonchalance. He crossed his arms, stretched out his legs, and casually surveyed the group. “Anyone who wants to fight, step right up. But be warned, I won’t hold back against weaklings.”

Mystic Power, infused with the Gold and Silver Fire, flared around him, enveloping half his body in a faint, shimmering aura. It was a display of power typically reserved for Mystic Scholars.

The students’ faces tightened. They knew Yan Zhen wasn’t a Mystic Scholar, but they couldn’t help but feel apprehensive.

To achieve a feat typically reserved for Mystic Scholars while still at the Mystic One rank defied logic, making him seem even more formidable.

However, among these hot-blooded youths, there was no shortage of those who refused to back down until they hit a wall. Provoked by the word “weakling,” one student stepped forward, challenging Yan Zhen.

He was a Seventh Star Mystic One. Challenging Yan Zhen, a mere Sixth Star, would normally be considered dishonorable. However, in this situation, no one thought so. Instead, they admired his courage.

Yan Zhen acknowledged his opponent’s spirit, beckoning him with a crooked finger. “Brave, aren’t you? Let’s see what you’ve got!”

The challenger’s face flushed red with anger. With a roar, he charged at Yan Zhen, unleashing a Mystic Technique.

Yan Zhen met his attack with a swift kick to the chest, sending him flying backward.

The student scrambled back to his feet, ready to attack again. However, Xiao Mie’s voice boomed through the classroom.

“Stop this at once! Fighting is forbidden in the classroom! If you want to fight, take it to the dueling arena!”

Having silenced his followers, Xiao Mie turned to Yan Zhen, his expression serious. “Yan Zhen, our paths are destined to cross. I’ll be waiting for your challenge.”

“You won’t be holding onto that first place title for much longer,” Yan Zhen retorted, refusing to be outdone.

“Planning to challenge me after you reach the Seventh Star? You’re more arrogant than I thought.” Xiao Mie’s confidence was unwavering. “I’m not like Lan Ke. You’d do well to remember that.”

“Suppressing your cultivation? Honestly, that’s foolish.” Yan Zhen couldn’t resist adding, “With your talent, you should be pushing for a breakthrough, not holding yourself back. What’s the point of being strong at the Mystic Scholar realm if you waste years stagnating? You need to set your sights higher.”

“Aiming too high will only leave you grounded, Yan Zhen.”

“Fine. We’ll agree to disagree.”

Yan Zhen shrugged and strode out of the classroom.

Xiao Mie was a formidable opponent, even for the two Mystic Scholar students who were about to graduate.

At his current level, engaging Xiao Mie without using the Gold and Silver Fire would be risky. His chances of winning were slim.

He needed to advance at least one more star rank and refine his mastery of several Mystic Techniques before he could confidently face him.

As he walked, Yan Zhen claimed the reward for completing that key plot point.

[Special Trump Card – Jeet Kune Do: Activateable only when the opponent refuses the Host’s request. Upon activation, the Host’s next punch will induce a state of submission in the opponent, rendering them temporarily obedient to the Host’s commands.]

“…Interesting.”

Though a bit strange, it seemed potentially useful.

He cheerfully added it to his inventory. As he rounded a corner, he nearly collided with someone, stopping just in time.

It was Miss High-and-Mighty, blocking his path. Don’t tell me she’s going to start something here? He tensed, wary.

“Senior Sister Xinyan? Do you need something?”

Xiao Xinyan stood rigidly, her hands clasped before her, her usual arrogance replaced by a demure, almost timid demeanor.

“Yan Zhen… Junior Brother… you’re no match for Brother Xiao Mie. Don’t be reckless and challenge him. You’ll only lose miserably.”

Yan Zhen raised an eyebrow. “Is that all?”

“You… you don’t believe me?” she asked, her voice laced with urgency. “I’m telling the truth! Brother Xiao Mie is far more powerful than you realize. Even a One Star Mystic Scholar wouldn’t be confident in defeating him!”

“I’m also far more powerful than you realize. Even a One Star Mystic Scholar wouldn’t be confident in defeating me.”

“You–!”

“Anything else? If not, please step aside. I’m in a hurry.”

“Wait!” She blocked his path again. “I’m here to repay my debt. How much was that pill? I’ll reimburse you.”

That pill? He realized she was referring to the Detoxification Pill. The ingredients weren’t expensive, only the refining process was complex. It had a high market price, but his production cost was quite low.

“No need to repay me. I’m not so petty as to demand payment for a simple pill. Just be careful next time. Don’t get drugged again. I won’t bother saving you. I don’t want to get soaked again!”

Xiao Xinyan flushed at his blunt words, unable to refute them.

The memory of pleasuring herself and losing control in front of him filled her with shame. Yet, a strange thrill lurked beneath the surface, causing her to involuntarily clench her legs together.

Yan Zhen, unwilling to waste time on her, saw through her act. Her earlier confrontation with Mi Xue’er had revealed her sharp tongue and fiery temper. This sudden shift to a meek, gentle demeanor was clearly a tactic to disarm him and gain his favor.

Unfortunately for her, her attempts at gentleness paled in comparison to Instructor Yu Xuan’s. Now that was true gentleness.

…

Instructor Yu Xuan, being in charge of the Intermediate Class, had her office in the Intermediate Class building, a bit of a distance from the Advanced Class. It took him a while to reach her.

The curtains were drawn, and the door was shut. Stepping inside, he was greeted by a wave of cool air. Instructor Yu Xuan, being sensitive to heat, had already activated her Snow Wind Pearl.

“Instructor, I… I’m here.”

Anticipating what was to come, Yan Zhen felt a blush creep up his neck.

“Come in and sit down,” she beckoned, retrieving a food container from beneath her desk. She began to set out the dishes one by one. “Let’s have lunch first.”

“Oh.”

Yan Zhen breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed he had been overthinking things. Instructor Yu Xuan was simply treating him to a special lunch.

That was even better! Her cooking was far superior to the academy cafeteria’s fare.

He sat down in her chair and accepted the chopsticks she offered. “Thank you, Instructor,” he mumbled before digging in with gusto.

This meat is so tender! These vegetables are perfectly sweet! And this fried rice is amazing!

“Aren’t you eating, Instructor?” he asked between bites.

Instructor Yu Xuan’s eyes twinkled as she gazed at him. She moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue. “I’m having something else.”

Huh? A sense of foreboding washed over him.

With a graceful movement, she knelt before him and expertly removed his “seal.” Meeting his gaze briefly, she blushed and lowered her head, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear before commencing her “lesson.”

A jolt of electricity shot through Yan Zhen, shattering his appetite. He froze, his chopsticks hovering over his fried rice.

Dragon-type Mystic Techniques were incredibly rare. However, there were many lower-level Snake-type Mystic Techniques, most of which were well-suited for women.

Instructor Yu Xuan, who cultivated Water Mystic Power, a Yin element, was well-versed in several Snake-type Mystic Techniques.

In this instance, she unleashed a series of moves, each one hitting him with critical force.

Serpent’s Sway. Serpent’s Gaze. Serpent Coiling the Pillar. Serpent Playing with a Pearl.

And that wasn’t all. Galeforce Suction. Turtle and Snake Intertwined. Dragon and Snake Rising from the Earth. And finally, Heaven and Earth Overturned!

Yan Zhen was no match for her onslaught. Within five minutes, he was utterly defeated, completely at her mercy.

However, Instructor Yu Xuan knew that one defeat wouldn’t be enough to tame him completely. After a brief respite, she launched her second offensive.

Just then, Mi Xue’er’s cheerful voice echoed from the hallway.

“It’s getting hotter by the day. Even having lunch is making me sweat… Instructor Yu Xuan, are you in? We’re here to borrow your air conditioning!”

Click.

The door, which they had forgotten to lock, swung open. Mi Xue’er, Yan Ruyu, and Yan Meng’er filed into the office.

Yan Zhen and Instructor Yu Xuan froze, their hearts pounding in their chests.

Yan Zhen, caught completely off guard, stared at them in shock.

“Huh? Little Brother Yan Zhen, you’re here too?” Mi Xue’er looked around, surprised. “Where’s Instructor Yu Xuan?”

Yan Zhen opened his mouth, but no words came out. Instructor Yu Xuan, from beneath the desk, gently bit him.

The slight pain jolted him back to reality. His mind raced, formulating a believable excuse.

“Instructor Yu Xuan had to step out for a bit. She asked me to eat here. Do you need something?” He asked, trying to sound casual as he discreetly glanced downwards.

Instructor Yu Xuan had retreated beneath the desk, completely hidden from view by the tablecloth. It even concealed a portion of him as well.

He breathed a sigh of relief. Drawing on his acting skills, he forced himself to appear calm and continued eating.

“No, we’re just here for the air conditioning,” Mi Xue’er replied, settling into the chair opposite him.

Yan Ruyu and Yan Meng’er took the remaining seats.

Yan Meng’er rested her chin on her hands, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “Cousin, is Instructor Yu Xuan the one who made this food?”

Yan Zhen nodded. “Yes… s-si–”

“Yes what?” Yan Meng’er tilted her head, her gaze suggestive.

“I… I bit my tongue,” he coughed, quickly taking a mouthful of rice to cover his slip-up.

“Instructor Yu Xuan’s cooking is good, but I wouldn’t say it’s bite-your-tongue good. You’re so mean, Cousin!” Yan Meng’er pouted.

It’s just delicious food. Did he have to exaggerate like that, as if implying my cooking is inferior? She turned away, deciding to ignore her clueless cousin. No more late-night snacks for you for two days!

Yan Ruyu shared her friend’s sentiment, shooting Yan Zhen a disapproving look. The nerve of this brat! Enjoying Instructor Yu Xuan’s special treatment and forgetting all about Meng’er’s kindness! He has no conscience!

Yan Zhen, sensing their misunderstanding, felt a wave of injustice wash over him. “I really did bite my tongue! Stop overthinking things!”

Yan Meng’er covered her ears, shaking her head. “I’m not listening! I’m mad at you, Cousin!”

Yan Ruyu joined in with a huff.

“I’m telling the tru– Ah!”

He was about to defend himself when a wave of pleasure, like an electric shock, coursed through him. His body spasmed, and he actually did bite his tongue this time.

Mi Xue’er slammed her hand on the table. “Little Brother Yan Zhen, confess! What did you do to Instructor Yu Xuan?!”

Yan Zhen’s heart skipped a beat. Had he been discovered?

“I… I didn’t do anything to her!”

“Then why is she treating you so well? Secretly cooking you lunch? We’ve never received such special treatment! No, you’re stealing all the attention that rightfully belongs to us! You have to make it up to us, Little Brother Yan Zhen!” Mi Xue’er declared, her logic questionable but her conviction unwavering.

He couldn’t argue with her. His mind was still replaying the sensations of Turtle and Snake Entwined and Dragon and Snake Embrace, making it impossible to form coherent sentences.

“What? No witty comeback?”

“Uh… no.”

“Hmm, then how are you going to make it up to us?”

“I… well… um…”

“Tell you what. Ruyu and I have been wanting to learn cooking from Meng’er. You can be our official taste tester. How does that sound?”

“Sure, no… no problem.”

“Great! Since you’re so agreeable, we’ll forgive you this time~” Mi Xue’er winked at Yan Ruyu and Yan Meng’er, her expression smug. They had successfully lured their target into their trap.

Yan Ruyu and Yan Meng’er exchanged glances, picturing Yan Zhen’s reaction to Mi Xue’er’s disastrous cooking. They stifled giggles, unable to contain their amusement.

Meanwhile, Yan Zhen, lost in a whirlwind of sensations, was oblivious to their scheming. He closed his eyes, surrendering to the waves of pleasure crashing over him.

…

Finally, his body relaxed, and he let out a long sigh. As Instructor Yu Xuan’s gentle ministrations soothed him, he resumed eating.

Each bite was incredibly delicious.

He finished his meal, wiped his mouth, sipped his tea, patted his stomach, and sighed contentedly.

Mi Xue’er set up her Projection Mirror on the table, idly watching gossip news until she couldn’t help but yawn. “Why isn’t Instructor Yu Xuan back yet? Did something important come up?”

“She’s probably busy taking care of Yan Zhen’s transfer. Skipping ahead to the Advanced Class must involve a lot of paperwork,” Yan Ruyu replied.

Yan Ruyu and Yan Meng’er huddled together, studying a large catalog filled with the latest products from the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce, ranging from cultivation tools to everyday items.

“Keeping Instructor Yu Xuan so busy… Little Brother Yan Zhen really is a sinful man,” Mi Xue’er teased.

“…”

Yan Zhen didn’t dare utter a word.

Because Instructor Yu Xuan was indeed still busy with him.

Because he was feeling… energized again.

Because… well, because…

He leaned back in his chair, contemplating the meaning of life and the mysteries of the universe.

…

As their lunch break neared its end, the three girls prepared to leave. Yan Zhen, however, decided to stay a while longer. He wasn’t eager to return to his classroom after provoking his entire class.

Once again, he was alone in the office. Or rather, almost alone.

“Instructor, they’re gone. You can come out– Mmm!”

— By the time he returned to his classroom, his legs were still wobbly.

Chapter 77: Entering Advanced Class 1

Instead of sleeping, Yan Zhen spent the night cultivating in the Crystal Stone Space, consuming a Small Origin(Primordial) Pill and meditating alongside his Beautiful Sect Master.

Now that he possessed Spiritual Power and had mastered Spiritual Perception, he attempted “inner vision” under Chen Xi’s guidance.

He could see his Mystic Power within his dantian, swirling strands of energy coalescing around a central core, resembling the atomic models he had seen in physics textbooks.

To advance in star rank, he needed to integrate more Mystic Power into this swirling mass. The further from the core, the more difficult it became, as the energy strands resisted forming a stable, cyclical flow.

However, this wasn’t a significant obstacle for someone with Spiritual Power. As long as his Mystic Power and Spiritual Power reserves were sufficient, he could theoretically reach the Ninth Star in one go.

Of course, this was just a theory. In reality, there were limits to what a human body could withstand. Unless, of course, you weren’t quite human anymore.

After a night of dedicated cultivation, Yan Zhen could sense a slight improvement in his cultivation. At this rate, he would reach the Seventh Star Mystic One rank within a month.

Reluctantly ending his cultivation session, he left the Crystal Stone Space. After washing up, he made his way to the dining room.

Instructor Yu Xuan and Yan Meng’er were preparing breakfast.

Mi Xue’er and Yan Ruyu sat together at the table. At the furthest end sat… Xiao Xinyan. The atmosphere between the two groups was frosty, but there were no glares exchanged. They simply pretended the other didn’t exist.

Mi Xue’er and Yan Ruyu chatted animatedly, their conversation revolving around the new summer products released by the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce. Xiao Xinyan, on the other hand, was engrossed in a book, her cheeks flushed, her expression focused. It seemed she had recovered from yesterday’s ordeal.

Yan Zhen paused.

*Right, she’s staying here for a few days.*

Seeing him enter, Mi Xue’er greeted him with even more enthusiasm than usual. “Good morning, Little Brother Yan Zhen!”

“Good morning,” he replied casually. “You’re all up early today.”

Usually, they wouldn’t appear until breakfast was ready.

“Well, starting today, you’ll be an Advanced Class student, Little Brother Yan Zhen. We won’t be in the same class anymore. The only time we’ll see you is during meals. So naturally, we have to cherish every moment.” Mi Xue’er’s tone was dramatic, her chin resting on her hands as she gazed at him with feigned melancholy. “I won’t be able to hear you call me ‘Senior Sister’ anymore… How about you just call me ‘Sister’ from now on?”

Yan Ruyu swatted her arm playfully. *Calling her “Sister” would make them closer than actual cousins!*

— *Pfft.*

A deliberate snort, laced with mockery, came from the other end of the table.

Mi Xue’er glared at Xiao Xinyan but didn’t rise to the bait.

Yan Zhen smiled faintly. “I can still call you ‘Senior Sister’ even after I move to the Advanced Class. After all, you’re three years older than me.”

Mi Xue’er’s annoyance melted away at his sweet smile. She covered her flushed cheeks with her hands. “Oh, Little Brother Yan Zhen, you’re so sweet! I want to marry you!”

Yan Ruyu rolled her eyes at her friend. *Honestly, Xue’er! She has no filter!*

— *Heh.*

Xiao Xinyan’s voice again, this time muffled by the book she was holding, but the taunt was clear.

She had been surprisingly well-behaved before Yan Zhen’s arrival. The moment he appeared, however, she seemed determined to make her presence known.

Mi Xue’er slammed her hand on the table and stood up. “Hey, Xiao Xinyan! What’s that supposed to mean?!”

Xiao Xinyan lowered her book, revealing her carefully made-up face. “I laughed while reading. Is that a problem?”

“You’re laughing while reading Mystic Technique cultivation notes? You should have died from laughter by now!”

“Hmph, mind your own business.”

“Alright, Xue’er, calm down.” Yan Ruyu pulled her friend back down into her seat. She turned to Xiao Xinyan, her tone sharp. “You should watch your tongue. You’re a guest in this house. This kind of behavior is only making things difficult for Instructor Yu Xuan.”

Xiao Xinyan’s smug expression faltered. She glanced at Yan Zhen, only to find him staring at her with an exasperated look. Flustered, she hid her face behind her book, lapsing into silence.

By the time Instructor Yu Xuan and Yan Meng’er arrived with breakfast, the cheerful atmosphere had been restored.

After breakfast, they set off for the academy, their group now one member larger, attracting even more attention than usual.

“Is that Yan Zhen? The one who defeated Lan Ke, a Ninth Star Mystic One, while he was only at the Sixth Star? And took his place on the Nine Star Rank? He’s amazing!”

“A Sixth Star Mystic One reaching the third position on the Nine Star Rank? That’s never happened before in the history of the academy! What the hell?!”

“No wonder he’s involved with all four academy flowers. Damn lucky bastard! I’m so jealous!”

“Wait, isn’t that the Xiao family’s eldest daughter with them? Why is *she* with Yan Zhen?”

“Xiao Xinyan is also Instructor Yu Xuan’s student. It’s not unusual for them to walk together. But watch what you say. You don’t want to get beaten up. She might be pretty, but she’s not as nice as the other four.”

“You mean… she’ll stomp on you with her beautiful feet? Will she? *Slurp*…”

“…”

— *Dude, seriously? Get a grip.*

Yan Zhen was speechless.

*I often feel out of place because I’m not perverted enough.*

At the academy gates, their group split up.

Yan Meng’er went to the Beginner Class.

Yan Ruyu and Mi Xue’er went to the Intermediate Class.

Instructor Yu Xuan, accompanied by Yan Zhen and an unusually quiet Xiao Xinyan, headed towards the Advanced Class building.

“Yan Zhen, after careful consideration, the instructors have decided to place you in Class 1. You’ll be in the same class as Xiao Mie and Xinyan.”

Yan Zhen nodded.

There were only three Advanced Classes. Xiao Mie led Class 1, Yu Yue led Class 2, and Lan Ke had been in charge of Class 3. Each instructor had a top student, maintaining a certain balance.

However, his arrival would disrupt this equilibrium. He had defeated Lan Ke and was considered a rival to Xiao Mie, one of the academy’s top students.

Placing him in Class 1 was clearly a strategic move, pitting him against Xiao Mie and using their rivalry to hone their skills, pushing them both to reach their full potential.

Yan Zhen wasn’t opposed to this arrangement. In fact, it suited him perfectly.

Once he reached the Seventh Star Mystic One rank, he would challenge Xiao Mie!

…

When they arrived at the Class 1 classroom, the instructor was already present.

The instructor for Advanced Class 1 was none other than Xiao Mie’s mentor, a square-jawed, middle-aged man named Fang.

Instructor Fang placed his hands on his hips and scrutinized Yan Zhen. He chuckled. “A Six Star defeating a Nine Star, eh? You’re quite the talent, kid. Instructor Yu Xuan has a good eye. But my Xiao Mie is no slouch. Defeating him won’t be easy.”

Instructor Yu Xuan smiled gently, patting Yan Zhen’s head. “I believe Yan Zhen can do it.”

Yan Zhen blushed, and Instructor Fang laughed heartily. “Still shy, eh? That won’t do! A man should stand tall and be confident!” He clapped Yan Zhen on the shoulder, his grip firm.

After Instructor Yu Xuan departed, Instructor Fang led Yan Zhen into the classroom and instructed him to introduce himself to his new classmates.

Yan Zhen cleared his throat, his gaze sweeping over the students before him. In a loud, clear voice, he declared, “Young City Lord of Martial Tang City, Yan Zhen, sixteen years old, Sixth Star Mystic One, soon to be Seventh Star. Anyone who wants to spar, I’m always up for a challenge!”

The class: (oへo╬)

Xiao Mie: (￣ー￣)

Xiao Xinyan: (。oˇˇo。)

Instructor Fang: Σ(дlll)

— That little brat… all that shyness in front of Instructor Yu Xuan was an act!

Chapter 76: Instructor Yu Xuan’s Interrogation

After their barbecue dinner, an enraged Mi Xue’er dragged Yan Ruyu and Yan Meng’er off to bathe, leaving a trail of sparks in her wake. Instructor Yu Xuan escorted Xiao Xinyan to the spare room, while Yan Zhen cleaned up the courtyard. Once he was done, he returned to his room to bathe.

Later, sprawled on his bed, Yan Zhen lazily browsed through the dozens of cards in his system inventory, contemplating his next move.

The current arc had come to a temporary halt. Starting tomorrow, he would officially be an Advanced Class student. His main objective was to diligently cultivate under his Beautiful Sect Master’s guidance, conquer the Nine Star Rank, and eventually graduate.

He also had a side quest: to pretend to be Mi Xue’er’s boyfriend and meet her parents, sparing her from further arranged marriage proposals.

After all, he was now one of the top students at the Mystic Academy, surpassing any of the young talents or noble sons of Silver Moon City. Coupled with his background as the Young City Lord of Martial Tang City and a descendant of a noble lineage, being his boyfriend would certainly eliminate the need for any other marriage alliances.

It was a simple task: have dinner with her parents, make a good impression, and call it a day. Nothing too challenging.

Outside of the academy, he needed to continue refining pills and strengthen his partnership with Fatty Nian. Only then could he smoothly encounter the beautiful, wealthy, and kind older sister.

*Everything should go according to plan.*

Yan Zhen closed the system interface. Just as he was about to enter the Crystal Stone Space, a knock on his door startled him.

“Yan Zhen, it’s me.”

The voice was soft and gentle.

He hurried over to open the door. Instructor Yu Xuan stood in the hallway, clad in a pale blue silk robe.

Her hair was still damp from her bath, her skin glowing with a delicate sheen. The robe, though loose-fitting, did little to conceal her voluptuous curves. The overlapping lapels offered a tantalizing glimpse of her cleavage, drawing his gaze.

This was the first time he had seen her in this particular robe. The silky fabric, adorned with a subtle wave pattern, perfectly complemented her ethereal beauty.

“Instructor, what brings you here?” he asked.

Instructor Yu Xuan met his gaze, then gently pushed him back into the room, closing the door behind her.

Yan Zhen stumbled back until his legs bumped against the table. She pressed down on his shoulders, guiding him into a seat.

Her serious demeanor sent a shiver down his spine. He had a bad feeling this had something to do with Xiao Xinyan.

Instructor Yu Xuan crossed her arms, accentuating her ample bosom. Her face was set in a slight frown, her delicate brows furrowed. She stared down at him, her expression a mixture of curiosity and annoyance.

“Yan Zhen, tell me exactly how you saved Xinyan this afternoon. And don’t try to sugarcoat it.”

Yan Zhen blinked, opting for a half-truth. “Well, Instructor, after you left, I decided to get some sun on the roof. I happened to see Xiao Shi lurking beneath Xinyan’s window, so I went to investigate. To my surprise, he was trying to drug his own cousin! I subdued him and found those vials of dew you saw in your room earlier. He had concentrated them, increasing their potency by at least three times. It was strong enough to drive a woman mad! I couldn’t just ignore it, so I forced my way into her room and helped her purge the drug from her system.”

“Don’t play dumb, Yan Zhen. You know that’s not what I want to hear.” Instructor Yu Xuan’s eyes narrowed. “How did you help her purge the drug?”

*Well, that’s a bit awkward to explain.*

Seeing the curiosity burning in her eyes, he decided to be truthful. “When I… when I went in, Senior Sister Xinyan was… pleasuring herself. Even after reaching her peak, she couldn’t stop. I had to tie her hands behind her back to prevent her from exhausting herself further.”

As he spoke, Instructor Yu Xuan’s cheeks flushed, as if she were picturing the scene in vivid detail.

“And then?” she prompted, her voice barely a whisper.

“Then I asked her if she wanted me to find a man to help her out or if she preferred to take a pill and have me use my cultivation to purge the drug. She didn’t answer, so I chose the latter.”

Instructor Yu Xuan swallowed hard. “You made the right choice. Go on.”

“I gave her a Detoxification Pill, which can neutralize most Tier 1 pills. Then, I used my cultivation to gather the Dream Drop Dew’s energy into one place and stimulated certain pressure points, forcing her to… uh… to expel the drug through urination.”

*Urination?!* Instructor Yu Xuan’s eyes widened. She couldn’t bring herself to imagine it.

Even though she had been diligently researching various techniques in an attempt to please Yan Zhen, she hadn’t yet encountered anything *that* intense.

Composing herself, she fixed him with a stern look. “You saw everything, didn’t you?”

Yan Zhen feigned innocence. “Instructor, she was bathing. I saw everything the moment I entered. It’s not like I wanted to.”

“Really? Xinyan, though perhaps not as beautiful as Xue’er and the others, is still quite attractive. You weren’t tempted at all?”

“Not really. My body reacted, but that’s just instinct. Nothing to do with me!”

“Hmm~” Instructor Yu Xuan’s expression softened slightly. “Where did you touch her during the process?”

Yan Zhen thought back, reciting the locations. “Her hands, her lower back, and her abdomen. It was all for medicinal purposes. I didn’t touch her anywhere else, and I didn’t look any more than absolutely necessary.”

Instructor Yu Xuan stared at him intently for a long moment.

“Then, one last question. Why… why did you choose that particular method? You don’t have any… strange fetishes, do you?”

*Oh, hell no! We can’t have that misunderstanding. She’ll think I’m some kind of pervert!*

“No! I don’t!” Yan Zhen quickly clarified. “The ideal method would have been to induce sweating, but my cultivation isn’t strong enough to make someone sweat profusely in a short time. I had to choose a more common and straightforward approach. Stimulating specific pressure points was the easiest way.”

Instructor Yu Xuan’s gaze remained skeptical.

Yan Zhen sighed. “I’m telling the truth, Instructor Yu Xuan. I didn’t take advantage of her in any way. I swear!”

“I didn’t say I didn’t believe you.” She quickly grasped his hand, gently pulling it down, her gaze softening. “It’s good that you didn’t. I wouldn’t want you to get into trouble for trying to help someone.”

*It’s a bit late for that,* Yan Zhen thought wryly, remembering his ruined clothes.

“Just be a good boy, Yan Zhen. Good boys get rewarded.”

Instructor Yu Xuan cupped his face in her hands, her thumbs gently stroking his cheeks. Her eyes, bright and filled with affection, gazed down at him, her intensity almost overwhelming.

“Come to my office tomorrow at noon,” she murmured.

Leaning down, she brushed a light kiss against his forehead.

*Chu~*

Yan Zhen’s eyes widened. *Not her office again!*