Chapter 8: Purple Snow, Trouble

  After a long while, I gently patted her small face and softly called out: "Zixue, Zixue, wake up." It wasn't until I had called several times that she finally opened her drowsy eyes and asked in confusion: "What's going on?"

  I gently pinched her adorable little nose and smiled, saying: "You little sleepyhead, we've already arrived at the academy. If you don't get up now, there won't be any dinner left for you."

  She slowly came to herself, saw that the sky had already darkened, and exclaimed: "It's so late, it's all over, I'll be laughed to death when I get back, it's all your fault!" Her small fist pounded my broad chest.

  My haughtiness and coldness have long been thrown away, now I just want to pamper the treasure in my arms. I tease her: "If you hit me again, my old wounds will relapse."

  After hearing what I said, Zixue quickly withdrew her fist and replaced it with a gentle stroke. She looked up at me and asked anxiously, "How is it? Did I hit you too hard?"

  Her look was really too cute, I burst out laughing: "Little fool, gotcha! You're so funny."

  Zixue finally reacted, angrily saying: "You're so bad, how... uh." I interrupted her with the most direct method, greedily sucking on her sweet fragrant lips. After a while, she pushed me away, complaining: "I hate it, don't ever play this kind of joke on me again."

  "Roger that. My darling."

  I took Zixue and Heilong into the academy with the same method, settled Heilong in the stable after arriving, then held Zixue's hand and rushed to the cafeteria.

  We're almost at the cafeteria, and there are more and more people around us. Zixue tried to break free from my thick palm several times, but I held her tightly, making all the students we met on the way look at us with envy and admiration.

  "Let me go, it's almost time for the cafeteria. It wouldn't look good if others saw us like this. Besides, the school doesn't allow boys and girls to date."

  "What's wrong with that? Someone saw us just now, I want everyone to know you're mine. Don't you want that? As for the school's stupid rules, they were unreasonable to begin with. Who cares about them? Everything has me." With that, he pulled her into the cafeteria.

  "Zi Xue muttered in a low voice: 'Now that you've gotten me killed, how am I supposed to attend classes at the academy from now on?'"

  The illuminated magic stone made the dining hall bright and visible, with many people inside. When I and Zixue entered, my tall figure and Zixue's beautiful face immediately became the focus of everyone's attention.

  "Is this the new student who got into a fight with the nobles last time? Look, he's even holding Zi Xue's hand!"

  "It's that little brat again, he actually dares to pull Miss Zixue's hand, I'm going to go teach him a lesson."

  "Wow, he looks so cool, and being with Zixue is just a perfect match, I'm so jealous."

  I gently said to Zi Xue: "What do you want to eat? I'll go buy it."

  Zixue's face turned red like the sunset glow of dusk, and she lowered her head to say softly: "Really let you die, how can there still be an appetite for eating, you decide."

  I smiled slightly, just about to pull her to buy food, when Warren's detestable figure appeared before us. His face iron-gray, he said: "Let go of Zixue, what right do you have to pull her?"

  I sneered at him and said, "What's it to you? Your arm doesn't hurt anymore? Want to come again? Get out."

  Hua Lun subconsciously rubbed his already healed arm, his momentum clearly weakening. Seething with anger, he said: "Fine, you're ruthless. If you have the ability, don't leave. Wait for me." After finishing speaking, he turned around and slunk away dejectedly.

  I sneered at his back: "Trying to scare me? If I was afraid of being scared, I wouldn't have come here."

  Xue whispered, tugging on my sleeve, "Don't cause any more trouble, you've just been released from confinement."

  I smiled and said, "A guy like him won't give up pestering you unless you give him a memory he can never forget. Don't worry about it, I've got everything under control. Let's go eat first."

  I had just bought food and sat down to eat when another acquaintance came over, the beautiful woman Jin Lili who had stood up for Zixue before. I could see the surprise and hostility in her eyes. She didn't acknowledge me, instead sitting down next to Zixue and pulling on her arm, asking "Don't tell me you skipped class this afternoon just to be with this guy?"

  Zixue glanced at her and quickly nodded slightly, her small face almost buried in her chest.

  Jin Lili asked, "How did he deceive you? Didn't he use some unmentionable means?" Zi Xue firmly shook her head and said, "Sister Jin, I really like him. Don't ask me anymore. We are sincere..."

  I didn't interrupt them, it's better for Zixue to handle this kind of thing herself.

  The two of them chattered on for half a day, and in the end, it seemed that Jīn Lìlì was persuaded by Zǐ Xuě. She stood up and walked to my front, staring at me with a fierce expression.

  I stared back at her unyieldingly, and under my intense gaze, her sharp eyes gradually turned into a bewildered expression. She sighed and said, "I really don't know what Zixue likes about you."

  "I said coldly: 'You're not her, of course you wouldn't know.' My gentle side is only for the one I love, and to someone as arrogant as her, I won't give her a good face."

  Jin Lili angrily said: "You, you......" Zi Xue saw Jin Lili getting angry and quickly pulled her back, making a pleading expression to her.

  Jin Lili suppressed her anger and said to me in a fierce tone: "You remember, if you dare to bully Zixue, I will not let you go."

  I calmly said: "The guy who just spoke seemed to have said the same thing, but I'm still sitting here fine. Don't worry, I only have love for Zixue and will never let her get hurt in the slightest."

  Jin Lili immediately wanted to blow up after hearing what I said earlier, but was tightly held back by Zi Xue. After hearing the next sentence, her face gradually calmed down. She coldly snorted and said, "Remember what you just said."

  Considering how much she cares about Zixue, I didn't want to quarrel with her either, so I ignored her. Jin Lili turned around and said to Zixue: "If he bullies you, be sure to tell me, sister will stand up for you, you guys eat, I'll leave first."

  It's just like the three departments meeting, one group leaves and another comes. I bowed my head gently to Zixue and said: "I'm sorry to trouble you, but this is something that must be done. It's better to suffer a short pain than a long one, I don't want to drag it out and cause more trouble later, do you understand?"

  Zixue nodded cleverly and said, "Hurry up and eat, it's getting cold."

  "My wife has an order to execute immediately." After finishing, I quickly peeled off the dinner in front of me. Surprisingly, Zixue didn't refute me, but kept putting the meat from her plate into mine.

  "I'm full, look how sturdy I am, you should eat more too, you're too thin."

  "It's precisely because you're growing up that you should eat more, how can you have enough nutrition with a big body like yours if you don't eat more?"

  As I was indulging in this tender meal, a familiar voice cut in, "How romantic, it's making me sick." Without looking, I knew it was Feng Yun. He walked up beside me with his plate.

  "Sit down, eating won't shut your mouth."

  Fengyun sat down beside me but ignored me, and with a flirtatious smile asked Zixue: "Miss Zixue, how did Lei Xiang deceive you into falling for him? Can you tell me? You're the dream girl of most of our male students, yet this kid managed to get ahead of us."

  I looked at Feng Yun discontentedly. He seemed to have not seen me and was waiting eagerly for Zi Xue's response.

  Zi Xue first stole a glance at me, then whispered: "I don't know either, I should have deceived him into my hands. Since the first time I saw him, I couldn't help but like him, but I never expected him to like me. I feel that he is so lonely and somewhat unreachable. I didn't think he would like me."

  I was shocked, I didn't expect Zixue to express her inner feelings so directly. With strong emotions welling up in my eyes, I grasped Zixue's small hand and said with deep feeling: "No, you can't say that, you are the greatest gift heaven has given me."

  "Feng Yun shouted: "Can't take it anymore, can't take it anymore, I'm out of here, you guys continue." He turned around and ran away. I exchanged a smile with Zi Xue and we continued our sweet dinner."

  After finishing dinner, Zixue saw me sitting still and knew I was waiting for Hualun and the others. Holding my hand in a low voice, she said: "Let's go, shall we? Don't bother with them."

  I looked at Zi Xue, her face was full of anxious expression, I couldn't bear to let her worry, so I had to give up my own principles. Helplessly said: "Okay, just let them off for your sake."

  I pulled Zi Xue towards the cafeteria's entrance. Just as we arrived at the door, Hua Lun happened to rush back and bump into us. I furrowed my brow, thinking that this kid was really asking for it. Seeing me and Zi Xue about to leave, Hua Lun thought I was afraid of him and sneered: "Hmph, I thought you had some guts, but it turns out you're just pretending. What's wrong? Want to tuck your tail and run? It won't be that easy."

  I gazed at him coldly and said, "Let me see how many reinforcements you've brought with you to be so arrogant."

  Hua Lun disdainfully said: "Soldiers are not in numbers but in precision, today you will see what real skill is."

  "Really? Then I'll be eagerly waiting."

  A cold snort came from outside the door, and my heart was shaken. I changed color instantly. With just a voice, he could control my mind. This person's power is indeed immeasurable, no wonder Hua Lun was so frantic.

  A man walked in from the door, he was no shorter than me, although not as robust as me, but his figure was lean and powerful, exuding an intimidating aura, with a clear and thin face, and eyes that shone brightly. Who is this? I was already completely at a disadvantage, being suppressed by him.

  He rushed up to Zixue and bowed deeply, saying: "Long time no see, Miss Zixue, Riviere has the honor of being here. Please give my regards to His Excellency the Duke." His actions clearly showed that he didn't take me seriously. What surprised me even more was that Zixue's father was a duke who could sit on an equal footing with the prince, no wonder nobody dared to be rude to her.

  Zixue said calmly, "Liva-senpai doesn't need to be polite, you should have graduated this year, why are you still here making a fuss?" I secretly felt grateful, Zixue was obviously reminding me that this person is a figure from the fifth grade, and seems to hold a high position among the nobles.

  Riva said naturally: "I heard from Warren's younger brother that someone was disrespectful to the young lady, so I came to take a look and want to punish this arrogant fellow."

  Zi Xue said: "Then it's not necessary, he is my friend and also the person closest to me. Our matters don't need outsiders to interfere." Her words warmed my heart.

  Li Wai's eyes burst with intense light as he stared straight at me, and I glared back at him without giving an inch. He said, "Then I'll have to see what kind of person can move the heart of Miss Zixue, who has always treated men like they're nothing."

  Although I knew this person was not good to be with, at this time I certainly couldn't retreat. I pulled Zixue aside and said: "You watch from the side, don't intervene no matter what. Everything is up to me. If you're here, I'll get distracted, listen and behave."

  It wasn't easy to finally persuade the reluctant Zixue to move aside, I circulated the Crazy God's fighting energy throughout my body and secretly applied a flying technique to myself, staring intently at my opponent. Everyone knew that once the fight began, it would be intense from start to finish.

  "Who's causing trouble in the cafeteria again?" a low voice came over.

  Riva and I were both startled as a figure walked in from outside the cafeteria. It was the vice principal, his face gloomy as he scanned the surrounding people before finally fixing his gaze on me.

  Frowning, he said: "Lei Xiang, how is it you again? I just finished serving your detention, have you forgotten?" As he spoke, he also gave me a meaningful glance.

  I hadn't even responded yet, but Li Va suddenly spoke up. He forced a smile and said to the deputy director, "Deputy Director, hello, we didn't cause any trouble. We were just chatting casually." Why did he speak up for me?

  The vice president looked at him and said sternly, "Riva, as the son of the Rivoldrake General and the leader of the Tianlong Group in the academy, you should pay attention to your influence in the academy. This time, I'll pretend I didn't see it, forgive you this once. If you really want to fight, wait until the annual martial arts competition held by the academy. If I find out anyone is fighting privately again, don't blame me for being impolite, I will immediately expel them from school." It turns out that Riva has such a big background, no wonder he looks so fierce, he's actually the son of the Dragon Rider General. The vice president was obviously reminding me of his identity.

  "Yes, Deputy Director."

  "Alright, everyone can disperse now. Riva and Hua Lun, follow me. Lei Xiang, I'm warning you, your punishment has just been lifted, if you make another mistake, you also heard what I said earlier, let's go."

  Riva gave me a meaningful look as he was about to leave, and said in a low voice: "I hope you can persist until we meet at the Academy's Martial Arts Competition." Hualun glared at me fiercely.

  I met his challenge with a firm gaze.

  The deputy dean turned and left, and Jin Lili flashed out from the back of the departing deputy dean. She ran over with a bounce, pulling Zi Xue and saying: "How's that? I arrived just in time, didn't I? The deputy dean was called by me, how will you thank me?"

  I snorted coldly from the side: "Mind your own business."

  Jin Lili's face suddenly turned bright red with anger, and she shouted loudly: "If it weren't for Zixue, I'd never help you! Do you know how formidable Riva is? He's already a high-ranking knight of the land, with strength close to that of a dragon knight. How could you possibly be his match?"

  "That's also my own business, don't you interfere."

  "You..."

  Zixue pulled on my sleeve, looking at me pleadingly. I hummed a response to Jin Lili and said softly, "Zixue, let me take you home."

  "Never mind, I'll just go back with Lijie, she's already angry."

  I took a glance at Jin Lili, who was already speechless with anger, and said, "Alright, be careful with everything, I'll head back first. Let's have lunch together tomorrow." After finishing speaking, I gently gave her a light kiss on the cheek, turned around and walked out of the cafeteria. I really like the feeling of kissing her, her delicate skin that was as tender as a flower petal was so captivating. Behind me, Zi Xue had a bright red face and Jin Lili's face was puffed up with anger.

  Zi Xue's voice came from behind, "From now on, you're not allowed to go find that nurse." It seems that when it comes to the person I love the most, even a shy little girl like Zi Xue can't be fooled. Hearing her words, I couldn't help but think of Kelan, those 10 days in the hospital, I felt her good intentions towards me, her eyes were so clear and sincere. It seems that I need to find an opportunity to clarify things with her, after all, now Zi Xue is my choice.

  Back in the dormitory, Feng Yun and the others were all there, looking like they were going to conduct a collective interrogation of me.

  I sprang up onto my upper bunk and lay down.

  "Hey, Lei Xiang, why aren't you saying anything? Not even a greeting?"

  "I said: 'What are you talking about? Didn't Feng Yun's big mouth already tell you everything?'"

  "How did I become a big mouth?"

  I leaned over to the bedside and looked at him: "So did you say it or not?" Feng Yun was suddenly speechless.

  Mars said: "Lei Ge, you're really something, actually catching up with Miss Zixue, quickly tell us about your heroic exploits!"

  I smiled and said: "Don't call me that, I'm not necessarily older than you. Zixue is a good girl, she's very nice to me, and I like her too, so it just happened."

  "Come on, you were locked up this time and our teacher almost died of anxiety. He found the vice president several times to plead for you, but that old guy just wouldn't agree, and he kept you locked up for three months. Now it's just the beginning of the semester and you've already fallen so far behind, how are you going to catch up?"

  I said with discontent: "Don't speak ill of the vice principal, you don't understand, he locked me up for my own good, these three months are very important to me. However, I still want to thank Teacher Zhuang, she is indeed a responsible and good teacher."

  "Feng Yun asked curiously: 'Quickly tell me, what's so important about these three months to you?'"

  I glared at him and said, "Just because of your big mouth, I won't say anything, but I suggest you guys go to the library often, there are many good books there."

  Huǒ Xíng seemed to have understood something and said, "I understand. Is it not the Vice President who locked you up in seclusion to avoid entanglement with the nobles, and choosing the library is also giving you an opportunity for self-study and further learning?"

  I nodded and said: "You're very clever, much better than some people."

  Feng Yun said with feigned anger: "What's wrong with me?"

  "I said nothing about you!" Feng Yun's face turned red with anger, causing the Huo brothers to burst into loud laughter.

  Mars said: "Lei Ge, this time you come back seems different from before, it looks like you really learned a lot of things in the library."

  "What's different now?"

  Mars said, "You're more cheerful than before, not as gloomy as you used to be. At least you'll chat with us for a few sentences now. You wouldn't do that in the past, always looking so somber and scary."

  I chuckled and said, "What's there to be afraid of? I didn't think you'd be scared of me. Maybe I'm more cheerful than before because Violet Snow melted my icy heart." Thinking to myself, it must also be thanks to Cran's efforts. How can I handle this situation without hurting Cran?

  Forget it, when we get to the mountain, there will be a way, let's talk about it then.

  "Everyone go to sleep, we still have class tomorrow."

  I lay on my back in bed, staring at the ceiling. I realized that I've started to enjoy life in the human world. There are more and more things that I'm attached to, and if this continues, I might really be unable to leave. But I promised Zixue that no matter where we go, I'll bring her with me. I absolutely cannot go back on my word, nor do I want to. Now that I've completed my task, shouldn't I just return to the Beastman Country? This is a very tempting thought. However, I immediately rejected it. What's good about going back? There's no one to talk to, only murder, robbery, and struggle everywhere. Thinking about this makes me feel cold. It's much more comfortable here. Didn't my father give me 5-10 years? Fine, I'll stay here for ten years, and then return to the Beastman Country after that. Perhaps if my father knew what I was doing, he would say that I'm not patriotic, but I don't think so. What 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 called up by them. After having breakfast, I decided to go find Teacher Zhuang before class and tell her that I'm back. She cares about me so much, I should at least let her know first.

  I knocked on the door and a familiar voice came from inside, "Who is it? Come in."

  I walked into Mr. Zhuang's office, he was sitting behind the desk writing something, he looked up and saw me, a surprised look on his face, stood up from the chair, grabbed my thick arm and said: "Lei Xiang, you're back, have you been suffering lately?"

  Why is she so concerned about me, I feel that her concern is heartfelt. Her words make my heart warm and my nose a little sour, from small to large, my mother has never cared about me, but why is it that just a teacher who has known me for less than 4 months cares about me so much?

  "Teacher, thank you for your concern, I'm fine."

  Mr. Zhuang sighed and said, "It's all because I'm not capable enough as a teacher, I couldn't get you off the hook, and Vice President had to suspend you for three months. From today on, come to my place every evening to make up for your lessons, you can't fall behind, your potential is great, and I have high expectations of you."

  "Teacher, thank you, but I think it's not necessary. Actually, Vice President's intention to lock me up was also for my own good, please don't blame him." I told Teacher Zhuang about Vice President's kindness and my hard work in cultivation during this period again. But I concealed the part about Kuáng Shén Jué and memorizing the book, after all, Kuáng Shén Jué isn't suitable for everyone, besides, I had some personal motives.

  "She suddenly realized: 'I was wrong to blame the deputy director, you're really capable, learning all the primary magic in just three months is not easy at all. In the future, don't compete with those nobles, you can't beat them.'"

  "I resentfully said: 'What's so great about nobles, just because they were born with a golden key in their mouth, do they have privileges? I despise people like this the most. It's not like they achieved it through their own efforts, yet they're still so arrogant. Last night after my ban was lifted, I almost got into a fight with Riva over dinner, he's the most infuriating noble I've ever met."

  "What, Riviere? He's the chief warrior of the academy and also the leader of the Dragon Squad. His family's Dragon Subduing Aura is extremely powerful, and his father has great power in the imperial court. How did you manage to offend him? He's not like other nobles, he's well-educated and generally won't easily provoke others. What exactly happened?"

  My face turned red and I said, "Teacher, class is about to start, let's talk later."

  Mr. Zhuang stared at me with piercing eyes and suddenly said, "Ah, I understand."

  I awkwardly said: "Teacher, it has nothing to do with Zi Xue, I just can't stand that kid Hua Lun."

  Mr. Zhuang showed a sly expression and smiled: "Just now was to trick you, but now I really understand, it turned out to be for Zi Xue, she's a good girl, you should cherish her well! However, in the academy, you need to restrain yourself a bit, after all, the academy does not allow boys and girls to date."

  I was stunned by her words and didn't react until a long time later, saying: "Teacher, you don't object to me and Zixue..."

  "Oppose? Why should I oppose, you're at an age where emotions take over, it's all normal. What I want to remind you is that you must hold yourself back and not cause any trouble. Besides, would my opposition even be useful? Although we haven't been in contact for long as teacher and student, I think I still understand your personality pretty well. Foolish kid, when you encounter someone you like, don't give up easily, and never hurt the other person, got it?"

  "Yes, teacher."

  Mr. Zhuang seemed to have thought of something and said, "Right, after you were locked up, a girl came looking for you. She seems to be a nurse from our college's affiliated hospital. She looks pretty and also quite clever. I told her that you were being locked up, and she looked very sad. She said she would come find you again after you get out. It should be in the next few days. You're not playing with two boats at once, are you?"

  No way, Kuran really likes me, otherwise why would she come to find me? If she comes to find me, how can I say to her? For Kuran, I can't say I have no good feelings, but I'm also afraid of losing Zi Xue because of her, and I fell into deep thought.

  Mr. Zhuang pushed me and said, "I'm asking you a question."

  I suddenly woke up from my contemplation, how could I tell the teacher? She was so good to me, and I couldn't bear to deceive her. I had a sudden inspiration and said: "Right, Teacher Zhuang, I heard the vice president say that our college has an annual martial arts competition, what's going on?"

  Although she clearly knew that I changed the subject to avoid it, she was still hooked by me and replied: "The martial arts competition is very important, it's one of the college's ways to test students, held once a year in February, which means at the end of this semester. It's also a shortcut to entering officialdom. Any student who can get into the top ten has the possibility of entering the Dragon Knights team."

  "Is everyone competing together?"

  Teacher Zhuang shook his head and said, "It's divided by grade level. The college has a total of five grades, with each class selecting two students to participate in the competition. What I meant by the top ten earlier refers to the top ten of the fifth grade, that is to say, the fifth grade of each class selected 10 contestants. Although there have been cases of low-grade masters appearing, generally speaking, the quality of the fifth grade is still the highest, and it's also close to graduation. The 10 students selected by each fifth-grade class are all lucky favorites and will definitely receive special treatment."

  In order to avoid burying talents, the college also stipulates that the champion of a lower grade can challenge any champion of an upper grade. If they win, they can directly enter the fifth grade.

  It turns out that's the case, no wonder Riva told me to hold on until I met him. If I want to compete with him, I must first become the grade champion.

  "Alright, so you'd better train hard and try to get me a champion back. To be honest, I'm already feeling embarrassed - I've led several classes of magic warriors before, and in the same-grade competitions, we're usually ranked last or second-to-last. You have to help me save face! This year, our grade has recruited more students, so there are six classes and 12 contestants in total. Even if you can't get the championship, you should at least make it into the top three. Both you and Feng Wen have great potential. I plan to send you both to participate in the competition."

  "Isn't Fengjuan the leader of the class? Isn't it suitable for her not to go into battle?"

  Teacher Zhuang chuckled and said, "Which fatty girl, is quite strong-willed, she became the president mainly because of good luck, can't I see who's really powerful? If it weren't for you and Feng Wen being evenly matched and injured, she wouldn't have become the president. At that time, I will do her work, oh dear, hurry up, spent too much time talking to you, class has already started."

  I also realized this problem and rushed with Teacher Zhuang to run towards the classroom.