After a long while, I gently patted her little face and called softly, "Zixue, Zixue, wake up." It took several calls before she opened her hazy sleepy eyes and asked in a confused voice, "What's the matter?"
I pinched her cute little nose affectionately and smiled as I said, "You little sleepyhead. We've already arrived at the academy. If we don't go back now, there won't be any dinner for us."
Only then did she gradually come to her senses. Seeing that it was already dark, she exclaimed in surprise, "It's so late already. Oh no, no. I'll surely be laughed at by them when I get back. It's all your fault." Her small fists kept pounding on my broad chest.
At this moment, all my arrogance and coldness had long been cast to the wind. All I wanted to do now was to dote on the treasure in my arms. I teased her, "If you keep hitting me, my old injury will flare up again."
Upon hearing my words, Zixue quickly withdrew her fist and changed to gently stroking. She looked up at me and asked in a panicked voice, "How is it? Did I hurt you?"
She looked so adorable that I burst into laughter and said, "Silly girl, I was just kidding you. You're so funny."
Only then did Zixue realize it and said angrily, "You're so bad. How could you... Ugh." I interrupted her words in the most direct way, greedily sucking on her sweet lips. After a while, she pushed me away and complained, "You're so annoying. Don't play such jokes on me in the future, okay?"
"Yes, ma'am. My baby."
I used the same method to lead Zixue and the Black Dragon into the academy. After settling the Black Dragon in the stable, I held Zixue's hand and headed straight for the cafeteria.
As we were getting closer to the cafeteria, there were more and more people around. Zixue tried several times to break free from my thick palm, but I held her hand tightly. The students we met on the way all looked at us with envious and jealous eyes.
Seeing that we were almost at the cafeteria, Zixue said anxiously, "Let go of me quickly. It's not good for others to see this. Besides, the academy doesn't allow students to have boyfriends or girlfriends."
I said casually, "What's so bad about it? Some people have already seen us just now. I want everyone to know that you're mine. Don't you want that? As for that ridiculous rule of the academy, it's not reasonable in the first place. Let's ignore it. I'll take care of everything." With that, I pulled her into the cafeteria.
Zixue muttered softly, "You've really gotten me into trouble this time. How am I going to attend classes in the academy from now on?"
The illuminating magic stones made every detail in the cafeteria clearly visible. There were a lot of people inside. When Zixue and I walked in, my tall figure and Zixue's beautiful face immediately became the focus of everyone's attention.
"Is this the freshman who got into a fight with the nobles last time? Look, he's actually holding Zixue's hand."
"It's this guy again. He actually dares to hold Miss Zixue's hand. I'm going to teach him a lesson."
"Wow, he looks so cool. He and Zixue really make a handsome couple. I'm so envious."
I said gently to Zixue, "What would you like to eat? I'll go and buy it."
Zixue's face turned as red as the sunset glow in the evening. She lowered her head and said softly, "You've really gotten me into trouble. I don't even have the mood to eat. You decide."
I smiled slightly. Just as I was about to pull her to buy food, the hateful figure of Warren appeared in front of us. His face turned livid as he said, "Let go of Zixue. What right do you have to hold her hand?"
I sneered at him and said, "What business is it of yours? Doesn't your arm hurt anymore? Do you want another go? Get out of the way."
Warren subconsciously touched his already healed arm, and his imposing manner obviously weakened. He said bravely on the outside but timidly on the inside, "Fine, you're tough. If you have the guts, don't leave. Just wait." Then he turned around and slunk away.
I sneered at his back and said, "Are you trying to scare me? If I was afraid of being scared, I wouldn't have come here."
Zixue tugged at my sleeve and said in a low voice, "Don't cause any trouble. You've just been released from detention."
I smiled and said, "Guys like him won't give up pestering us if you don't give them an unforgettable lesson. Don't worry about it. I'll take care of everything. Let's go and eat first."
After buying the food and sitting down to eat, another acquaintance came over. It was the beautiful girl Jin Lili who had stood up for Zixue before. I could see the surprise and hostility in her eyes. She ignored me and sat on the other side of Zixue, pulling Zixue and asking, "Don't tell me you skipped the whole afternoon of classes just to be with this guy."
Zixue glanced at her and quickly nodded slightly, with her little face almost buried in her chest.
Jin Lili pressed on, "How did he trick you into being with him? He didn't use any underhanded means, did he?" Zixue shook her head firmly and said, "Sister Jin, I really like him. Please don't ask me anymore. We are truly in love..."
I didn't interrupt their conversation. It was better for Zixue to handle this kind of thing on her own.
The two of them chattered on for a long time. Finally, it seemed that Jin Lili was convinced by Zixue. She stood up and walked in front of me, glaring at me fiercely.
I didn't back down and stared right back at her. Her sharp eyes gradually turned confused under my aggressive gaze. She sighed and said, "I really don't know what Zixue sees in you."
I said coldly, "You're not her, so of course you don't know." My gentle side is only shown to the one I love. Since she's so overbearing, I won't show her any kindness.
Jin Lili said angrily, "You, you..." Zixue saw that Jin Lili was angry and quickly grabbed her and made a pleading expression at her.
Jin Lili suppressed her anger and said fiercely to me, "You remember this. If you dare to bully Zixue, I will definitely not let you off."
I said calmly, "That guy just now seemed to have said the same thing, but I'm still sitting here safe and sound. However, don't worry. I only have love for Zixue and will never let her suffer the slightest harm."
Upon hearing the first part of my words, Jin Lili was about to lose her temper, but Zixue held her tightly. When she heard the latter part, her expression gradually softened. She gave a cold snort and said, "Remember what you've said."
Considering how much she cared about Zixue, I didn't want to fall out with her either, so I ignored her. Jin Lili turned to Zixue and said, "If he bullies you, you must tell me. Sister will stand up for you. You two can have your meal. I'm leaving now."
It was just like a trial by three departments. One group left and another group came. I lowered my head and said gently to Zixue, "I'm sorry to put you in a difficult situation, but this had to be done. It's better to end the pain quickly than to let it drag on. I don't want to cause trouble later by being indecisive. Do you understand?"
Zixue nodded obediently and said, "Hurry up and eat. The food will get cold."
"Yes, ma'am. I'll carry out your order right away." After that, I quickly started to gobble up the dinner in front of me. Surprisingly, Zixue didn't object to what I said. Instead, she kept picking up the meat from her plate and putting it into mine.
"I've had enough. Look how strong I am. You should eat more too. You're too thin."
"Precisely because you're strong that you need to eat more. With such a big build, how can you get enough nutrition if you don't eat more?"
Just as I was reveling in this tender meal, a familiar voice interrupted, "How affectionate you two are. I'm almost sick of it." I didn't even need to look to know it was Fengyun, this guy. He carried a plate and came over beside me.
I said, "Sit down. Eating won't shut your mouth."
Fengyun sat down beside me but ignored me. He asked Zixue with a playful smile, "Miss Zixue, how did Lei Xiang trick you into being with him? Can you tell me? You're the dream girl of most of our male students, yet this guy got to you first."
I looked at Fengyun unhappily. He seemed not to notice and eagerly waited for Zixue's answer.
Zixue first stole a glance at me, then said in a low voice, "I don't know either. I think it should be that I tricked him into being with me. Ever since I first saw him, I've been hopelessly in love with him. But I never expected him to like me. I felt that he was so lonely and somewhat out of reach. I never thought that he would like me."
I was shocked all over. I didn't expect Zixue to express her innermost feelings so directly. Intense emotions welled up in my eyes. I grabbed Zixue's small hand and said affectionately, "No, you can't say that. You are the greatest blessing that God has given me."
Fengyun shouted, "I can't stand it anymore. I can't stand it anymore. I'm leaving first. You two carry on." With that, he turned around and ran away. Zixue and I looked at each other and smiled, then continued our sweet dinner.
After finishing the meal, Zixue saw that I didn't move. She knew that I was waiting for Warren and the others. Holding my hand, she said in a low voice, "Let's go, shall we? Don't bother with them."
I looked at Zixue. Her face was full of anxiety. I couldn't bear to make her worried, so I had to give up my principles. I said helplessly, "All right. For your sake, I'll let them off this time."
I took Zixue's hand and walked towards the gate of the cafeteria. Just as we reached the door, we happened to meet Warren who had rushed back. I frowned and thought to myself, this guy is really courting death. When Warren saw that Zixue and I were about to leave, he thought I was afraid of him and sneered, "Hmph, I thought you were really brave. It turns out you're just putting on an act. What, you want to run away with your tail between your legs? It's not that easy."
I looked at him coldly and said, "Let me see how many reinforcements you've brought that you dare to be so arrogant."
Warren said disdainfully, "It's not about the number of soldiers but their quality. Today, I'll let you see what real martial arts is."
"Is that so? Then I'll be waiting to see it."
A cold snort came in from outside the door. My heart and mind were both shaken, and my face immediately changed color. Just by the sound alone, this person could control my mind. This person's cultivation is indeed unfathomable. No wonder Warren is so arrogant.
A person walked in from outside the door. This person was at least as tall as me. Although not as muscular as me, his figure was sturdy, and an imposing power emanated from his bones. His face was thin, and his eyes sparkled with divine light. Who is this? I was already completely at a disadvantage in terms of momentum and was suppressed by him.
This person first bowed deeply to Zixue and said, "Long time no see, Miss Zixue. Liwa is here to pay his respects. Please convey my regards to His Grace the Duke." His actions clearly showed that he didn't take me seriously. What surprised me even more was that Zixue's father was actually a duke who could be on an equal footing with a prince. No wonder no one dared to be rude to her.
Zixue said indifferently, "You don't have to be so polite, Senior Liwa. You should be graduating this year, right? Why are you still here making a fuss?" I secretly felt grateful in my heart. Zixue was obviously reminding me that this person was from the fifth grade and seemed to have a high status among the nobles.
Liwa said naturally, "I heard from my junior Warren that someone was disrespectful to you, Miss. So I came here specially to have a look and teach this arrogant guy a lesson."
Zixue said, "That won't be necessary. He's my friend and the person closest to me. Our business doesn't need outsiders to interfere." Her words made my heart warm.
Upon hearing Zixue's words, a fierce light flashed in Liwa's eyes. He stared straight at me, and I stared back at him without backing down even a bit. He said, "Then I really want to see who it is that can make Miss Zixue, who has always regarded men as nothing, fall for him."
Although I knew that this person was by no means easy to deal with, I certainly couldn't back down at this moment. I pulled Zixue aside and said, "You stay here and watch. Don't interfere no matter what. I'll take care of everything. I'll be distracted if you're here. Be a good girl and listen to me."
It was not easy to persuade Zixue, who was extremely reluctant to leave, to the side. I circulated the Berserk God Battle Qi throughout my body, secretly cast a Levitation Spell on myself, and stared firmly at my opponent. Everyone knew that a big battle was on the verge of breaking out.
"Who is causing trouble in the cafeteria again?" A deep voice came.
Both Liwa and I were taken aback. A person walked in from outside the cafeteria. It turned out to be the vice-principal. He scanned the people around with a gloomy face and finally fixed his eyes on me.
Frowning, he said, "Lei Xiang, why is it you again? You've just been released from detention. Have you forgotten?" As he spoke, he even winked at me.
Before I could answer, Liwa actually spoke first. He smiled obsequiously at the vice-principal and said, "Hello, Vice-Principal. We're not causing trouble. We're just chatting." It was really strange that he would excuse me. Why was that?
The vice-principal looked at him and said sternly, "Liwa, as the son of General Riwo of the Dragon Knights and the chief of the Heavenly Dragon Group in the academy, you should pay attention to your influence in the academy. This time, I'll pretend I didn't see it and forgive you once. If you really want to fight, wait until the academy's annual martial arts competition. If I find out that anyone fights privately again, don't blame me for being harsh. You'll be expelled from the academy immediately." So Liwa had such a great background. No wonder he seemed so powerful. He was actually the son of a Dragon Knight general. The vice-principal was obviously reminding me of his identity.
Liwa bowed and said, "Yes, Vice-Principal."
"All right, everyone disperse. Go and do what you were going to do. Liwa, you and Warren come with me. Lei Xiang, I'm warning you. Your punishment has just been lifted. If you break the rules again, you heard what I said just now. Let's go."
Before leaving, Liwa gave me a meaningful look and said in a low voice, "I hope you can hold out until you meet me in the academy martial arts competition." Warren, on the other hand, gave me a fierce glare.
I responded to his challenge with a determined look.
The vice-principal turned around and left. Jin Lili emerged from behind the vice-principal as he walked away. She bounced over, grabbed Zixue and said, "So, did I arrive in time? I'm the one who called the vice-principal. How are you going to thank me?"
I gave a cold snort beside them and said, "Mind your own business."
Jin Lili's face immediately turned red with anger. She shouted loudly, "If it wasn't for Zixue, I wouldn't have helped you at all. Do you know how powerful Liwa is? He's already a high-ranking Earth Knight now, with strength close to that of a Dragon Knight. How can you possibly contend with him?"
"That's my own business. It's none of your concern."
"You..."
Zixue tugged at my sleeve and looked at me pleadingly. I gave Jin Lili a snort and said softly, "Zixue, let me walk you back."
Zixue said in a low voice, "No need. I can just go back with Sister Lili. She's already angry."
I glanced at Jin Lili, who was so angry that she couldn't speak, and said, "All right. Then be careful. I'll go back now. Let's have lunch together tomorrow." After that, I gently kissed her on the small face and turned around and left the cafeteria. I really liked the feeling of kissing her. Her delicate and tender skin that seemed to break at a touch was so alluring. Behind me were Zixue with a blushing face and Jin Lili, who was fuming with anger.
Zixue's voice came from behind, "Don't you dare go to that nurse again in the future." It seemed that when it came to the person she loved the most, even a shy girl like Zixue couldn't tolerate the slightest bit of infidelity. Hearing her words, I couldn't help but think of Crane. During those ten days of recuperation in the hospital, I could sense her affection for me. Her eyes were so clear and sincere. It seemed that I had to find an opportunity to make things clear to her. After all, Zixue was my choice now.
When I got back to the dormitory, Fengyun and the other two were all there. It looked like they were going to conduct a collective interrogation of me.
I darted up to my upper bunk in a flash and lay down.
Huoxing's voice came up, "Hey, Lei Xiang, why aren't you saying anything? You didn't even greet us."
I said, "What's there to say? Didn't that big-mouthed Fengyun tell you everything?"
Fengyun said awkwardly, "Why am I a big mouth?"
I leaned over the edge of the bed and looked at him, saying, "So, did you tell them or not?" Fengyun was immediately speechless.
Huoxing said, "Brother Lei, you really have it in you. You actually managed to win over Miss Zixue. Come on, tell us about your heroic deeds."
I smiled and said, "Don't call me that. I'm not necessarily older than you. Zixue is a nice girl. She treats me well, and I like her a lot. So it just happened naturally."
Huoxing said, "Speaking of which, when you were put in detention this time, our teacher was almost beside herself with anxiety. She went to the vice-principal several times to plead for you, but that old guy, the vice-principal, just wouldn't agree. He kept you in detention for three whole months. You've already fallen so far behind right at the beginning of this semester. How are you going to catch up?"
I said unhappily, "Don't speak ill of the vice-principal. You don't understand. He put me in detention for my own good. These three months were very important to me. However, I still want to thank Teacher Zhuang. She's really a responsible and excellent teacher."
Fengyun asked curiously, "Come on, tell us. How were these three months so important to you?"
I gave him a glare and said, "Just because of your big mouth, I'm not going to tell you. But I suggest that you often go to the library. There are a lot of good books there."
Huoxing seemed to understand something and said, "I see. Did the vice-principal put you in detention to help you avoid the harassment of the nobles? And choosing the library was to give you an opportunity for self-study and further education?"
I nodded and said, "You're quite smart. You're much better than some people."
Fengyun pretended to be angry and said, "What's wrong with me?"
I said in surprise, "Did I say anything about you?" Fengyun was immediately at a loss for words, which made the Huo brothers burst into laughter.
Huoxing said, "Brother Lei, you seem different from before since you came back. It seems that you really learned a lot in the library."
I asked, "How am I different?"
Huoxing said, "You're more cheerful than before. You're not so gloomy anymore. At least you'll chat with us a few words. You never used to do that. You always had a gloomy face, and I was even afraid when I saw you."
I chuckled and said, "What's there to be afraid of? I don't see that you're afraid of me. I am indeed more cheerful than before. Maybe it's because Zixue melted my cold heart." I thought to myself that Crane should also take some credit for it. How should I deal with this matter so as not to hurt Crane?
Well, there's always a way out when the situation arises. I'll think about it when the time comes.
"Let's all go to bed. We have classes tomorrow."
I lay on my back on the bed, looking at the ceiling. I realized that I had already started to like my life in the human kingdom. There were more and more things that I couldn't bear to part with. If this went on, I might really get deeply involved. But I've already promised Zixue that I would take her with me wherever I went. I definitely can't break my promise, and I don't have the heart to do so either. I think I've already accomplished my task now, right? Should I go back to the Orc Kingdom now? It was a very tempting idea. But I immediately rejected it. What was so good about going back? There wasn't even anyone to talk to. There were feuds, robberies, and struggles everywhere. Just thinking about these things made my heart sink. It was much more comfortable here. Didn't my father give me five to ten years? Well, I'll stay here for ten years and then go back to the Orc Kingdom. Maybe if my father and the others knew that I was doing this, they would say that I'm not patriotic. But I don't think so. What kind of country do I have to love? To be honest, I also have a quarter of human blood in me.
Early in the morning, I was woken up by them. After having breakfast, I decided to go and find Teacher Zhuang before class to tell her that I was back. Since she cared about me so much, I should at least let her know.
I knocked on the door, and a familiar voice came from inside, "Who is it? Come in."
I walked into Teacher Zhuang's office. She was sitting behind the desk, writing something. When she looked up and saw it was me, a look of surprise and joy appeared on her face. She stood up from the chair and grabbed my thick arm, saying, "Lei Xiang, you're back. Did you suffer during this time?"
Why did she care about me so much? I could feel that her concern came from the bottom of her heart. Her words made my heart warm, and my nose felt a bit sour. Since I was a child, my mother had never cared about me. But why did a teacher whom I had known for less than four months care about me so much?
I said in a hoarse voice, "Thank you for your concern, teacher. I'm fine."
Teacher Zhuang sighed and said, "It's all because I'm not capable enough to excuse you. The vice-principal kept you in detention for three months. From today on, come to me in the evening for tutoring. You can't fall behind. You have great potential, and I have high hopes for you."
"Teacher, thank you, but I don't think it's necessary. Actually, the vice-principal put me in detention for my own good. Please don't blame him." I then told Teacher Zhuang about the vice-principal's good intentions and how I had been training hard during this time. But I hid the part about the Berserk God's Art and memorizing books. Anyway, the Berserk God's Art wasn't suitable for everyone, and besides, I had some selfish motives.
She suddenly realized and said, "So I wrongly blamed the vice-principal. You're really something. Learning all the elementary magic in just three months is already quite remarkable. Don't have a feud with those nobles anymore in the future. You can't compete with them."
I said resentfully, "What's so great about the nobles? Do they have privileges just because they were born with a silver spoon in their mouths? I despise people like that the most. It's not something they achieved through their own efforts, yet they're so arrogant. Yesterday, right after I was released from detention, I almost got into a fight with Liwa during dinner. He's the most powerful noble I've ever met."
"What? Liwa? He's the top warrior in the academy and the chief of the Heavenly Dragon Group. His family-inherited Dragon-Subduing Battle Qi is extremely powerful. His father also wields great power in the imperial court. How did you get on his bad side? He's different from other nobles. He has a good family upbringing and generally doesn't provoke others easily. What exactly happened?"
My face turned red, and I said, "Teacher, it's almost time for class. I'll tell you later."
Teacher Zhuang stared at me with sharp eyes and suddenly realized, "Ah, I see."
I said awkwardly, "Teacher, it has nothing to do with Zixue. I just couldn't stand that guy Warren."
Teacher Zhuang had a look of triumph, smiling and saying, "I tricked you just now. Now I really understand. It's all because of Zixue. She's a really nice girl. You should cherish her! However, you need to be more low - key in the academy. After all, the academy doesn't allow students to date."
I was stunned by what she said. It took me a long time to react. "Teacher, you don't object to me and Zixue..."
Teacher Zhuang said matter - of - factly, "Object? Why would I object? You're at an age when emotions run high. It's normal. What I want to tell you is that you must control yourself and not cause any trouble. Besides, would it be useful even if I objected? Although we haven't known each other for a long time, I think I know your personality quite well. Foolish boy, don't give up easily when you meet someone you like, and never hurt the other person. Got it?"
I nodded and said, "Yes, teacher."
Teacher Zhuang seemed to remember something and said, "Oh, by the way, after you were put in detention, a girl came looking for you. She's a nurse at the affiliated hospital of our academy. She's pretty and seems quite smart. I told her you were in detention, and she looked very sad. She said she'd come to see you after you were released. It should be these days. You're not two - timing, are you?"
No way! Crane really likes me. Otherwise, why would she come to look for me on her own? What should I say to her if she comes? I can't say I don't have any feelings for Crane, but I'm also afraid of losing Zixue because of her. I fell into deep thought.
Teacher Zhuang pushed me and said, "I'm asking you a question."
I let out an "ah" and woke up from my reverie. How should I tell the teacher? She's been so kind to me, and I don't have the heart to lie to her. On a whim, I said, "Oh, by the way, Teacher Zhuang, I heard from the vice-principal that our academy has an annual martial arts competition. What's that all about?"
Although she clearly knew that I was changing the subject to avoid the question, she was still intrigued and replied, "The martial arts competition is very important. It's a crucial way for the academy to assess its students. It's held once a year, in February every year, which means it will be held at the end of this semester. It's also a shortcut to a career in public service. Any student who can rank among the top ten has the possibility of joining the Dragon Knight team."
I asked, "Do all the students compete together?"
Teacher Zhuang shook her head and said, "It's divided by grade. The academy has a total of five grades. Each class selects two students to participate in the competition. The top ten I mentioned earlier refers to the top ten students in the fifth grade. That is to say, ten participating students are selected from each class of the fifth grade. Although there have been some outstanding students from lower grades, generally speaking, the students in the fifth grade have the highest quality. And since they are about to graduate, the ten students selected from each fifth grade class are the darlings of luck and will definitely be given important positions."
"To avoid burying talent, the academy also stipulates that the grade champion of a lower grade can challenge the champion of any other grade. If they win, they can directly enter the fifth grade."
So that's how it is. No wonder Liwa told me to hold out until I met him. If I want to compete with him, I must first win the grade championship.
Teacher Zhuang added, "So, you have to practice hard for me and try to win the grade championship. Speaking of which, I feel ashamed. I've taught several classes of magic warriors, and in the competitions among the same grade, we usually rank within the bottom two. You must avenge me. Since our grade has recruited more students this year, there are a total of six classes and twelve participating students. Even if you can't win the championship, you have to at least make it to the top three. You and Fengwen both have great potential. I plan to send you two to participate in the competition."
"Isn't Fengjuan the top student in the class? Is it appropriate not to let her compete?"
Teacher Zhuang chuckled and said, "That chubby girl is quite competitive. She became the top student mainly because of good luck. Don't I know who has strong strength? If it weren't for the fact that you and Fengwen were both injured in your match, she wouldn't have become the top student. I'll talk to her about it later. Oh, hurry up. I was so busy talking to you that it's already time for class."