When Qian Ran and Wang Dong’er walked into the cssroom, almost everyone stared at Qian Ran with admiration.

  Yesterday’s fight with Bei Bei had rocked the entire outer courtyard. Even many students in the inner courtyard had heard about it. A freshman defeating an outer court prodigy had never happened before.

  Inner court students who followed Bei Bei were particurly stunned. Even the most powerful female student in the inner courtyard was surprised to hear about Bei Bei’s defeat by a freshman.

  In this context, Qian Ran’s popurity skyrocketed almost overnight, making him a household name among the freshman css. His name spread far and wide, even to those who hadn’t yet met him.

  “Goodness!”

  Qian Ran reached his seat and was taken aback at the sight of his desk, overflowing with snacks and love letters.

  Some even suggested meeting him in the forest after dark. Who knows what they had in mind?

  The gifts weren’t just from his own css—many came from other csses as well.

  “Humph. You’re really popur, huh?” Although Wang Dong’er felt proud of Qian Ran, the sight of all those letters and treats soured her mood. How dare these girls hit on her boyfriend right in front of her?

  Wang Dong’er quickly saw the downside of her disguise as a boy. Sure, it allowed her to live openly with Qian Ran and not worry about other girls. But on the other hand, she couldn’t openly stop these girls from pursuing him. To everyone else, she was just Qian Ran’s friend, with no authority over his private life.

  Did this mean she would have to watch her boyfriend being flirted with by other girls?

  In the freshman cssroom...

  Ten minutes before the afternoon bell, all 91 students were already seated, and the room was unusually quiet. Sometimes, a strict teacher is a blessing, encouraging students to focus. Many readers disliked Zhou Yi’s strict character, but Qian Ran appreciated it. In a world of cultivation, having a teacher push you was a luxury.

  Most teachers in the cultivation world appeared only on the first day of school and then left students to fend for themselves.

  Zhou Yi entered, pleased by the disciplined atmosphere.

  Three months from now was the freshman assessment. If they trained well now, even the weakest students might pass. Except for a handful of top students, the rest were pretty close in skill, so a good three months of preparation could make all the difference.

  Zhou Yi had already heard about Qian Ran’s victory over Bei Bei that morning and couldn’t help but smile. Bei Bei was the strongest fourth-year, and Qian Ran, a freshman, had beaten him soundly. This kid was full of surprises.

  “Everyone, assemble in the courtyard!” Zhou Yi commanded, turning to leave as the students followed her out in disciplined silence.

  In Shrek Pza, heaps of iron chains and vests were stacked in neat piles.

  “Qian Ran!” Zhou Yi called out.

  “Here!”

  “Qian Ran is now the strongest in Css One. Any objections?” Zhou Yi’s eyes scanned the css. Since yesterday, even the students who had resented him now had no doubts about his strength.

  “Good. From now on, Qian Ran will be css monitor. Anyone who beats him can take his pce,” Zhou Yi said, a hint of a smile in her eyes.

  All the students shivered slightly; none of them wanted to challenge him. The girls, meanwhile, cast shy gnces at Qian Ran. Now that he was css monitor, maybe they could approach him for help with studies… or perhaps something more.

  “These are iron vests to build your physical endurance. Put them on and start running ps around the pza. Keep running until the bell rings. You can use your soul power, but no soul skills. The one who finishes st will be expelled.” Zhou Yi’s voice was stern.

  “Yes, ma’am!”

  The students donned the heavy vests, though their expressions darkened, and began their ps.

  Although Qian Ran didn’t have to participate, he decided to put on a vest and join the group.

  …

  Meanwhile, in the Star Dou Forest, Huo Yuhao headed straight to the pce he remembered meeting the Skydream Iceworm.

  But there was no Skydream Iceworm.

  And no Electrolux either.

  “So, someone really took it first… damn it!” Huo Yuhao cursed.

  “Who the hell did this? Can you handle the responsibility that comes with stealing such a fate?”

  Frustrated, Huo Yuhao felt crushed. Even with the support of the Haotian Sect to help him grow stronger, he needed Skydream and Electrolux. Without Skydream, the Ice Emperor’s spirit would be out of reach, and without Electrolux, his connection to the Holy Spirit Sect was weakened.

  “If I find out who stole what’s mine, I’ll hunt them down.” Huo Yuhao gritted his teeth, seething with anger. Without this opportunity, many techniques he remembered from his past life would be impossible.

  “I’ll have to rely on the Haotian Sect to find a hundred-thousand-year spirit beast to sacrifice itself for me. Only then will I have the strong mental strength needed to engrave powerful soul devices. When that happens, I’ll join Shrek as a genius soul engineer.” Huo Yuhao felt stifled by this setback, but it was his only option.

  Though he wasn’t sure why the Haotian Sect was so supportive of him, he wasn’t about to question it. In just a few days, he had gained two levels.

  Why would the Haotian Sect value him? What could they possibly see in him?

  For now, he didn’t mind the mystery—he would figure it out in time.

  Plus, he had a pn to get closer to Dong’er. With a little money, he could swap into her dorm. Then… heh.

  He’d never had a chance to watch Dong’er bathe or inspect her personal belongings back in his memories. Just thinking about it made his cheeks turn red. Thanks to his memories, he was head over heels for Wang Dong’er, and even wanted to…

  (End of Chapter)