Chapter 8: Zi Xue, Trouble
Chapter 8: Zi Xue, Trouble
After a long while, I gently patted her little face and called softly, “Zi Xue, Zi Xue, wake up.”
I called several times before she finally opened her hazy, sleepy eyes and asked in confusion, “What’s wrong?”
I affectionately pinched her cute little nose and said with a smile, “You little sleepyhead. We’ve already returned to the academy. If we don’t go back soon, there won’t be any dinner left.”
Only then did she gradually wake up. Seeing that it was already dark, she cried out in surprise, “It’s this late already? Oh no, oh no. When I go back they’ll definitely laugh at me to death. It’s all your fault.”
Her small fists kept pounding against my broad chest.
My usual arrogance and coldness had already been thrown far away at this moment. Right now, I only wanted to pamper the treasure in my arms.
I teased her. “If you keep hitting me, my old injury might relapse.”
Hearing that, Zi Xue immediately withdrew her fists and instead gently rubbed my chest. Looking up at me, she asked anxiously, “Are you alright? Did I hurt you?”
Her expression was simply too adorable. I burst out laughing.
“Silly girl, I was just teasing you. You’re so easy to fool.”
Only then did Zi Xue realize what had happened. She said angrily, “You’re so bad. How could you—mm!”
I used the most direct method to interrupt her words, greedily kissing her sweet lips.
After quite a while, she pushed me away and complained, “You’re so annoying. Don’t joke like that with me again.”
“Yes, my lady. My treasure.”
Using the same method as before, I brought Zi Xue and Black Dragon back into the academy. After settling Black Dragon in the stable, I took Zi Xue’s hand and headed straight for the cafeteria.
As we approached the cafeteria, more and more people appeared around us. Zi Xue tried several times to pull her hand free from my firm grip, but I held on tightly. The students we passed looked at us with eyes full of envy and jealousy.
Just as we were about to reach the cafeteria, Zi Xue said anxiously, “Let go of me. It wouldn’t look good if people saw us. Besides, the academy doesn’t allow romantic relationships between male and female students.”
I replied casually, “What’s wrong with that? People already saw us earlier anyway. I want everyone to know that you belong to me. Don’t you want that? As for that ridiculous academy rule, it’s unreasonable in the first place. Don’t worry about it. Whatever happens, I’ll handle it.”
As I spoke, I pulled her into the cafeteria.
Zi Xue muttered quietly, “You’ve really gotten me into trouble this time. How am I supposed to attend classes in the academy from now on?”
The illumination magic stones lit the cafeteria so brightly that every detail could be seen clearly. There were many people inside. As soon as Zi Xue and I entered, my tall figure and her beautiful appearance immediately became the center of attention.
“Isn’t that the new student who fought with the nobles last time? Look, he’s actually holding Zi Xue’s hand!”
“It’s that guy again! He actually dares to hold Miss Zi Xue’s hand. I’m going to teach him a lesson.”
“Wow, he looks so cool. He and Zi Xue really make a perfect pair. I’m so jealous.”
I gently asked Zi Xue, “What do you want to eat? I’ll go buy it.”
Zi Xue’s face was as red as the evening sunset. Lowering her head, she said softly, “You’ve really gotten me into trouble. How could I still have the mood to eat? You decide.”
I smiled slightly and was about to take her to get food when the detestable figure of Hua Lun appeared in front of us.
With a dark expression, he said, “Let go of Zi Xue. What right do you have to hold her hand?”
I looked at him with a cold smile.
“What does it have to do with you? Does your arm still hurt? Want to try it again? Get lost.”
Hua Lun subconsciously touched his arm, which had already healed. His momentum immediately weakened. With a show of bravado, he said, “Fine. Just you wait. If you’ve got the guts, don’t leave. Wait right here.”
After saying that, he turned around and left in a miserable state.
I sneered at his retreating back. “Trying to scare me? If I were afraid of threats, I wouldn’t have come here.”
Zi Xue tugged at my sleeve and whispered, “Stop causing trouble. You just got out of confinement.”
I smiled. “People like him won’t stop pestering you unless you give them a lesson they’ll never forget. Don’t worry. Leave everything to me. Let’s eat first.”
After buying food and sitting down, just as we were about to start eating, another familiar person came over.
It was Jin Lili, the beautiful girl who had defended Zi Xue before.
I could clearly see the surprise and hostility in her eyes. She didn’t even look at me. Sitting down beside Zi Xue, she grabbed her hand and asked, “Don’t tell me you skipped class all afternoon just to stay with this guy.”
Zi Xue glanced at her and quickly nodded slightly. Her face was almost buried in her chest from embarrassment.
Jin Lili pressed further. “How did he trick you into this? Did he use some shameless method?”
Zi Xue shook her head firmly.
“Big Sister Jin, I really like him. Please don’t ask anymore. We truly…”
I didn’t interrupt their conversation. This kind of matter was better left for Zi Xue to handle herself.
The two of them chattered for quite a while. In the end, it seemed that Jin Lili had been persuaded by Zi Xue.
She stood up and walked over to me, staring fiercely.
I met her gaze without backing down. Under my aggressive stare, the sharpness in her eyes gradually turned into confusion.
She sighed. “I really don’t know what Zi Xue sees in you.”
I replied coldly, “You’re not her. Of course you wouldn’t know.”
The gentle side of me was only for the person I loved. For someone as overbearing as her, I had no reason to give a pleasant attitude.
Jin Lili said angrily, “You—you—”
Seeing Jin Lili getting angry, Zi Xue quickly grabbed her and gave her a pleading look.
Suppressing her anger, Jin Lili glared at me and said sharply, “Remember this. If you ever dare bully Zi Xue, I won’t let you off.”
I said calmly, “Someone else said the same thing just now, but I’m still sitting here perfectly fine. However, you can rest assured. All I feel for Zi Xue is love. I will never let her suffer even the slightest harm.”
When she heard the first part of my words, Jin Lili almost exploded again, but Zi Xue held her tightly. When she heard the latter part, her expression gradually softened.
With a cold snort she said, “Remember what you just said.”
Seeing how much she cared about Zi Xue, I didn’t want to completely fall out with her, so I ignored her.
Jin Lili turned to Zi Xue and said, “If he ever bullies you, make sure to tell me. Your big sister will stand up for you. Go ahead and eat. I’m leaving first.”
It felt like a three-court interrogation. As soon as one group left, another arrived.
I lowered my head and said gently to Zi Xue, “I know this put you in a difficult position, but it had to be done. It’s better to suffer briefly than drag things out and cause trouble later. Do you understand?”
Zi Xue nodded obediently. “Hurry and eat. The food will get cold.”
“Your husband obeys immediately.”
After saying that, I quickly began devouring the dinner in front of me. Strangely, Zi Xue did not refute what I had said. She simply kept picking up pieces of meat from her plate and placing them into mine.
“I’ve had enough,” I said. “Look how strong I am. You should eat more. You’re too thin.”
“That’s exactly why you should eat more,” Zi Xue replied. “You’re so big—if you don’t eat more, how will you get enough nutrition?”
Just as I was enjoying this gentle meal, a familiar voice interrupted.
“Such deep affection. I’m getting sick just watching.”
Without even looking, I knew it was Feng Yun. The guy walked over with his tray and sat beside me.
I said, “Sit down. Even food can’t shut your mouth, can it?”
Feng Yun sat next to me but ignored me completely. With a mischievous grin, he asked Zi Xue, “Miss Zi Xue, how did Lei Xiang trick you into falling for him? Can you tell me? You’re the dream girl of most of the guys here, yet this guy got ahead of everyone else.”
I looked at Feng Yun unhappily.
He acted as if he hadn’t noticed and stared eagerly at Zi Xue, waiting for her answer.
Zi Xue first stole a glance at me, then said softly, “I don’t know either. Maybe I’m the one who tricked him instead. Ever since the first time I saw him, I couldn’t help falling for him. But I never expected him to like me. I only felt that he seemed so lonely… and a little unreachable.
“I never thought he would actually like me.”
My entire body trembled.
I never expected Zi Xue to speak her feelings so directly. Strong emotion surged in my eyes. I grabbed Zi Xue’s small hand and said deeply, “No, you can’t say that. You are the greatest gift heaven has given me.”
Feng Yun shouted, “I can’t take it anymore! I’m leaving. You two carry on.”
He turned and ran off.
Zi Xue and I looked at each other and smiled before continuing our sweet dinner.
After we finished eating, Zi Xue noticed that I was still sitting there without moving. She knew I was waiting for Hua Lun and the others.
Holding my hand, she whispered, “Let’s go, okay? Don’t lower yourself to their level.”
I looked at her. Her face was full of worry. I couldn’t bear to make her anxious, so I reluctantly abandoned my own intention.
“Alright,” I said helplessly. “For your sake, I’ll let them off this time.”
I pulled Zi Xue toward the cafeteria door.
Just as we reached the entrance, Hua Lun happened to return.
This guy really has a death wish.
When Hua Lun saw Zi Xue and me leaving, he thought I was afraid of him and sneered, “Hmph. I thought you had guts, but you were just pretending. What’s wrong—trying to run away with your tail between your legs? Not so easy.”
I looked at him coldly. “Let me see how many reinforcements you brought to act so arrogant.”
Hua Lun said disdainfully, “Victory isn’t about numbers but quality. Today I’ll show you what real skill looks like.”
“Oh? Then I’ll be watching.”
A cold snort suddenly came from outside the door.
My mind trembled and my expression changed instantly.
Just the sound of that voice alone could shake my mind. This person’s strength was truly unfathomable. No wonder Hua Lun had become so arrogant.
A man walked in from outside.
He was nearly as tall as I was. Although not as muscular as me, his build was sturdy, and a powerful aura seemed to emanate from his very bones. His face was lean, and his eyes shone sharply.
Who was this?
In terms of presence, I was already completely at a disadvantage and felt suppressed by him.
The man first bowed deeply to Zi Xue.
“Long time no see, Miss Zi Xue. Li Wa greets you. Please convey my regards to His Grace the Duke.”
His behavior clearly showed that he didn’t even consider me worth acknowledging.
What shocked me even more was that Zi Xue’s father was actually a duke—someone equal in status to a prince. No wonder no one dared treat her disrespectfully.
Zi Xue said calmly, “Senior Li Wa, there’s no need to be so polite. You should be graduating this year, shouldn’t you? Why come here to join the excitement?”
I felt grateful inside.
Zi Xue was clearly reminding me that this man was a fifth-year student and likely held great status among the nobles.
Li Wa replied naturally, “I heard from my junior Hua Lun that someone had been disrespectful to you, Miss. So I came to see for myself and to teach this arrogant fellow a lesson.”
Zi Xue said, “That won’t be necessary. He is my friend—and also the person closest to me. Our matters do not require outsiders to interfere.”
Her words warmed my heart.
After hearing her statement, a fierce light burst from Li Wa’s eyes as he stared directly at me.
I stared back without yielding.
He said, “Then I would like to see what kind of person could make Miss Zi Xue—who has always treated men as if they were nothing—fall in love.”
Although I knew this man was definitely not someone easy to deal with, I absolutely could not retreat now.
I pulled Zi Xue aside and said, “Stay over there and watch. Don’t interfere. Leave everything to me. If you stay here, I’ll lose focus. Be good.”
After much effort, I finally persuaded the reluctant Zi Xue to step aside.
I circulated Berserk battle energy throughout my body and secretly cast a Flight spell on myself. My eyes locked firmly onto my opponent.
Everyone could tell that a battle was about to erupt.
“Who’s causing trouble in the cafeteria again?”
A deep voice suddenly rang out.
Li Wa and I both froze.
A man walked in from outside the cafeteria.
It was the Vice Principal.
His face was dark as he glanced around the room before finally stopping his gaze on me.
Frowning, he said, “Lei Xiang, why is it you again? I just finished your confinement. Have you already forgotten?”
As he spoke, he also gave me a subtle look.
Before I could answer, Li Wa unexpectedly spoke first.
With a polite smile, he said to the Vice Principal, “Vice Principal, greetings. We’re not causing trouble. We’re just chatting.”
He was actually speaking in my defense. Why?
The Vice Principal looked at him and said sternly, “Li Wa, as the son of Li Wo, one of the Dragon Generals, and the top student of the academy’s Tianlong Group, you should pay attention to your influence in the academy. I’ll pretend I didn’t see anything this time and forgive you all.
“If you really want to fight, wait until the academy’s annual martial competition. If I discover anyone fighting privately again, don’t blame me for being merciless. You will be expelled immediately.”
So Li Wa had such a powerful background.
No wonder he seemed so formidable—he was the son of a Dragon General. The Vice Principal was clearly reminding me of his identity.
Li Wa bowed. “Yes, Vice Principal.”
“Alright,” the Vice Principal said. “Everyone disperse. Go back to what you were doing. Li Wa and Hua Lun, come with me.
“Lei Xiang, I’m warning you. Your punishment was just lifted. If you violate the rules again, you heard what I said just now.”
“Let’s go.”
Before leaving, Li Wa looked at me meaningfully and said in a low voice, “I hope you can last long enough in the academy tournament to meet me.”
Hua Lun shot me a fierce glare.
I returned his challenge with an unwavering gaze.
After the Vice Principal left, Jin Lili suddenly appeared from behind him. She skipped over happily, grabbed Zi Xue’s arm, and said, “Well? I came just in time, didn’t I? I was the one who called the Vice Principal. How are you going to thank me?”
I snorted from the side. “Busybody.”
Jin Lili’s face immediately turned red with anger. She shouted, “If it weren’t for Zi Xue, who would bother helping you? Do you know how strong Li Wa is? He’s already a High-Rank Earth Knight now, almost at the level of a Dragon Knight. Do you think you can compete with him?”
“That’s my own business. I don’t need you to worry about it.”
“You—!”
Zi Xue tugged at my sleeve and looked at me pleadingly.
I snorted at Jin Lili, then said softly, “Zi Xue, let me walk you back.”
Zi Xue said quietly, “No need. I’ll go back with Sister Lili. She’s already angry.”
I glanced at Jin Lili, who was still so angry she couldn’t speak, and said, “Alright then. Be careful. I’m going back first. Let’s have lunch together tomorrow.”
After saying that, I gently kissed her small cheek and walked out of the cafeteria.
I really liked the feeling of kissing her. Her delicate skin was so soft and alluring.
Behind me remained a blushing Zi Xue and a fuming Jin Lili.
Zi Xue’s voice came from behind me.
“You’re not allowed to go look for that nurse again.”
It seemed that when it came to the person they loved most, even a shy girl like Zi Xue couldn’t tolerate the slightest rival.
When I heard her words, I couldn’t help thinking of Ke Lan.
During those ten days recovering in the hospital, I could clearly feel her affection for me. Her eyes had been so clear and sincere.
It seemed that I would have to find a chance to explain things to her properly.
After all, Zi Xue was now the one I had chosen.
When I returned to the dormitory, Feng Yun and the Huo Xing brothers were all there, not a single one missing. Judging from their expressions, they were clearly preparing to interrogate me together.
I jumped onto my upper bunk and lay down.
Huo Xing’s voice came from below.
“Hey, Lei Xiang, why aren’t you saying anything? Aren’t you even going to greet us?”
“What’s there to say?” I replied. “Didn’t that big mouth Feng Yun already tell you everything?”
Feng Yun looked embarrassed. “How did I become a big mouth?”
I leaned over the edge of the bed and looked at him.
“Did you say anything or not?”
Feng Yun was immediately speechless.
Huo Xing said excitedly, “Brother Lei, you’re amazing. You actually managed to win over Miss Zi Xue. Come on, tell us about your heroic achievements.”
I smiled. “Don’t call me ‘Brother Lei.’ I might not even be older than you. Zi Xue is a good girl. She treats me very well, and I like her too. So things just happened naturally.”
Huo Xing said, “Speaking of that, when you were locked in confinement this time, our teacher was almost worried to death. She went to the Vice Principal several times to plead for you, but that old man refused every time and kept you locked up for three full months. The semester just started and you’ve already missed so much. How are you going to catch up?”
I said displeased, “Don’t speak badly about the Vice Principal. You don’t understand. He confined me for my own good. These three months were very important for me. But I still need to thank Teacher Zhuang Jing. She really is a responsible and good teacher.”
Feng Yun asked curiously, “Tell us already. Why were those three months so important to you?”
I glared at him. “With a big mouth like yours, there’s no way I’m telling you. But I do suggest that you guys go to the library more often. There are a lot of good books there.”
Huo Xing seemed to suddenly understand something.
“I get it. The Vice Principal locked you up to help you avoid trouble from the nobles, and putting you in the library gave you a chance to study on your own.”
I nodded. “You’re pretty smart. Much better than certain people.”
Feng Yun pretended to be angry. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
I said in surprise, “Did I mention your name?”
Feng Yun immediately choked on his words, which made the Huo brothers burst into laughter.
Huo Xing said, “Brother Lei, you seem different after coming back this time. Looks like you really learned a lot in the library.”
I asked, “How am I different?”
Huo Xing replied, “You’re more cheerful than before. You’re not as gloomy anymore. At least now you’ll chat with us a bit. Before, you always had that dark expression. Honestly, you scared me sometimes.”
I laughed. “What’s there to be afraid of? I never noticed you being afraid of me. I guess I am more cheerful now. Maybe Zi Xue melted the ice in my heart.”
And maybe Ke Lan helped too, I thought.
But how could I handle this situation without hurting Ke Lan?
Forget it.
When the cart reaches the mountain, there will be a road.
I would deal with it when the time came.
“Alright, everyone go to sleep. We still have class tomorrow.”
Lying on my back in bed, I stared at the ceiling.
I realized that I had already begun to like living in the human lands. There were more and more things I couldn’t let go of.
If this continued, maybe I would eventually be unable to pull myself away.
But I had already promised Zi Xue that no matter where I went, I would take her with me. I could never break that promise, nor did I want to.
I had basically completed my mission already, hadn’t I?
Should I return to the Beastmen Kingdom now?
It was a tempting idea.
But I quickly rejected it.
What would I gain by going back?
There wasn’t even anyone I could talk to. Everywhere there was hatred, robbery, and endless fighting.
Just thinking about it made my heart grow cold.
Life here was far more comfortable.
Hadn’t my father given me five to ten years?
Fine.
Then I would stay here for ten years.
After ten years, I would return to the Beastmen Kingdom.
Maybe my father and the others would say that meant I didn’t love my country.
But I didn’t see it that way.
What country did I truly have to love?
After all, I also carried one-quarter human blood.
Early the next morning, the others woke me up.
After breakfast, I decided that before going to class, I should visit Zhuang Jing first and tell her that I had returned.
She had been so concerned about me. No matter what, I should let her know.
I knocked on the door.
A familiar voice came from inside.
“Who is it? Come in.”
I entered Zhuang Jing’s office. She was sitting behind her desk writing something.
When she looked up and saw me, surprise immediately appeared on her face. She stood up from her chair and grabbed my strong arm.
“Lei Xiang, you’re back. Did you suffer much during this time?”
Why did she care about me so much?
I could tell that her concern came from the heart.
Her words made me feel warm inside, and my nose even stung slightly. From childhood until now, my mother had never shown me such concern. Yet why was it that a teacher I had known for less than four months cared about me so deeply?
In a hoarse voice I said, “Teacher, thank you for your concern. I’m doing well.”
Teacher Zhuang sighed.
“It’s all because I’m not capable enough. I couldn’t clear things up for you, so the Vice Principal kept you confined for three months. Starting today, come here in the evenings so I can tutor you and help you catch up. You mustn’t fall behind. You have excellent potential, and I have very high expectations for you.”
“Teacher, thank you, but I don’t think that will be necessary,” I replied. “Actually, the Vice Principal confined me for my own good. Please don’t blame him.”
I then explained the Vice Principal’s intentions and how I had been diligently cultivating during that time.
However, I concealed the parts about the Berserk God Technique and memorizing the books. After all, the Berserk God Technique wasn’t suitable for everyone, and besides, I had a bit of selfishness involved.
She suddenly understood.
“So I wrongly blamed the Vice Principal. You’re really something—learning all the beginner magic in just three months is already very impressive. In the future, don’t keep clashing with those nobles. You can’t win against them.”
I said bitterly, “What’s so great about nobles? Just because they were born with a golden spoon in their mouths, they get special privileges? I despise people like that the most. They didn’t earn anything themselves, yet they still act so arrogant. Last night after I got out of confinement, I almost got into a fight with Li Wa during dinner. He’s the most formidable noble I’ve ever seen.”
“What? Li Wa?” Teacher Zhuang exclaimed. “He’s the academy’s top warrior and also the leader of the Tianlong Group. His family’s Dragon Subduing Battle Energy is extremely powerful, and his father holds enormous influence in the imperial court. How did you end up provoking him?”
My face reddened.
“Teacher, class is about to start. I’ll tell you another time.”
Teacher Zhuang stared at me with sharp eyes, then suddenly said, “Ah, I understand now.”
Embarrassed, I said, “Teacher, it’s not Zi Xue’s fault. I just couldn’t stand that guy Hua Lun.”
Teacher Zhuang revealed a triumphant expression and laughed.
“I was just testing you. Now I really understand. So it’s because of Zi Xue. She’s a very good girl—you must cherish her. But you should be more restrained in the academy. After all, the academy doesn’t allow romantic relationships.”
I was stunned by her words. It took me a while to react.
“Teacher… you don’t oppose me being with Zi Xue?”
Teacher Zhuang said matter-of-factly, “Oppose? Why would I oppose it? At your age, being driven by emotions is perfectly normal. What I want to remind you is that you must control yourselves and not cause any trouble.
“Besides, even if I opposed it, would it matter? Although we haven’t known each other for long, I feel I understand your personality quite well.
“Silly boy—when you meet someone you truly like, don’t give up easily. And never hurt the other person. Do you understand?”
I nodded.
“Yes, Teacher.”
Teacher Zhuang suddenly remembered something.
“Oh right. After you were confined, a young woman came looking for you. She seemed to be a nurse from the academy’s affiliated hospital. She was quite pretty and looked very clever. I told her you were in confinement. She looked very upset and said she would come see you again after you got out. It should be within these few days. You’re not trying to juggle two relationships at once, are you?”
Could it be that Ke Lan really liked me?
Otherwise, why would she come looking for me on her own?
If she came again, what should I say to her?
As for Ke Lan, it wasn’t that I had no feelings for her. But I was afraid that because of her, I might lose Zi Xue.
I fell into deep thought.
Teacher Zhuang nudged me.
“I asked you a question.”
I snapped out of my thoughts with an “Ah.”
How could I answer that?
She had been so kind to me, and I didn’t have the heart to deceive her. Suddenly an idea struck me.
“Oh right, Teacher Zhuang. I heard from the Vice Principal that the academy holds an annual martial tournament. What’s that about?”
Although she clearly knew I had changed the subject to avoid answering, my question still piqued her interest.
“The tournament is very important,” she explained. “It’s one of the main ways the academy evaluates its students. It’s held once a year in February—essentially at the end of the semester.
“It’s also a shortcut into an official career. Any student who ranks in the top ten has a chance to enter the Dragon Knights.”
I asked, “Does everyone compete together?”
Teacher Zhuang shook her head.
“No. The competition is divided by grade. The academy has five grades in total, and each class selects two students to participate. The top ten I mentioned refers to the top ten in the fifth grade.”
She continued explaining the challenge system between grades.
So that was how it worked.
No wonder Li Wa had told me to hold on until I met him. If I wanted to fight him, I would have to win the grade championship first.
Teacher Zhuang continued, “So you must train hard for me and try to bring back a grade championship.”
Suddenly she exclaimed, “Oh no! I got so busy talking with you that class has already started!”
I realized the same thing.
We hurried out together, rushing toward the classroom.