All the first-class students in the audience were still in disbelief over the intense battle they had just witnessed. At first, they thought the match would end quickly with Huo Yuhao's defeat. But to their surprise, the young man showed an extraordinary performance and managed to defeat Wu Feng.
Even Wang Yan, who had been watching the battle, was shocked by the outcome. Although he had predicted that Huo Yuhao might have a chance to win, he believed it was very slim.
With eyes full of admiration, Wang Yan looked at Huo Yuhao, who was still standing tall in the arena.
Huo Yuhao's blue eyes slowly returned to normal, and the lotus in his eyes faded away. He swept his gaze across the spectator stands, then paused for a moment when his eyes met Wang Feng's. Without saying a word, he turned around and walked out of the arena.
Wang Yan immediately approached the unconscious Wu Feng. After examining her, he found that although Wu Feng had suffered internal injuries, her condition wasn't serious and could be healed without any permanent damage. However, Wang Yan was concerned because there seemed to be something wrong with her mental strength. Without delay, he carried Wu Feng and rushed her to the hospital for further treatment.
Meanwhile, Huo Yuhao walked quickly toward the exit. Waiting for him were Wang Feng, who had jumped down from the stands when their eyes met; Wang Dong, who flew down with his wings spread wide; and Xiao Xiao, who was carried by Wang Dong.
"Yuhao, you were amazing," said Xiao Xiao, her eyes sparkling, still caught up in the excitement of his victory.
Huo Yuhao gave a small smile, though exhaustion was clearly visible on his face. "It's thanks to all of you. I couldn't have done it alone."
Wang Dong watched him closely before asking, "Yuhao, are you okay?"
"Hm? I'm fine, actually, more than fine," Huo Yuhao replied with a smile. "I just defeated Wu Feng, one of the strongest students in our class. This proves that all the hard work I've put in over the past few months wasn't for nothing."
Suddenly, Wang Feng stepped forward. Without a word, he placed his hand on Huo Yuhao's head and gently ruffled his hair. "Don't pretend," he said softly. "Your face is pale. If you're tired, just say so."
Huo Yuhao remained silent, not resisting Wang Feng's gesture. The warmth of that hand seemed to melt away a bit of his fatigue.
Huo Yuhao closed his eyes unconsciously, his weakened body beginning to give in to exhaustion. Slowly, he leaned forward before collapsing limply toward Wang Feng.
Wang Feng quickly caught him before Huo Yuhao's body hit the ground. "I knew it," he murmured as he adjusted his position so Huo Yuhao could rest more comfortably in his arms.
Wang Dong immediately stepped forward, his face filled with concern. "He fainted? He just said he was fine!"
Xiao Xiao sighed. "Always pushing himself too hard, as usual."
Wang Feng carefully lifted Huo Yuhao's unconscious body. "Wang Dong and I will take him back to the dorm so he can rest. Xiao Xiao, leave his care to us."
Xiao Xiao nodded, though she still looked worried. "Alright. Let me know if you need anything."
With quick but careful steps, Wang Feng and Wang Dong carried Huo Yuhao along a quiet path. Since it was still class time, there were only a few students around the dorm area.
As they approached the dorm building, their eyes fell on the figure of Mu En, who was lying casually under a tree in the dorm courtyard. Sensing their presence, Mu En slowly opened his eyes.
Mu En's sharp gaze immediately noticed the unconscious Huo Yuhao. In an instant, he used his spiritual power to scan Huo Yuhao's condition.
"Just normal exhaustion," Mu En muttered before Wang Feng could greet him.
Wang Feng walked over to his teacher while still balancing Huo Yuhao on his back. "Hello, Teacher. As always, you're lying here."
Mu En raised an eyebrow. "What happened to that little disciple on your back?"
"He's exhausted from the fight," Wang Feng replied curtly. "I won't chat for long, Teacher. I'll take him to his room to rest."
After saying that, Wang Feng walked toward the building with Wang Dong following at his side.
When they arrived in front of the room, they opened the door and entered right away. Wang Feng gestured to Wang Dong. "Can you pull down the blanket? I want to lay Yuhao down."
Without a word, Wang Dong quickly tidied up Huo Yuhao's bed, making sure nothing was in the way. Once the bed was ready, Wang Feng gently laid Huo Yuhao down, carefully adjusting his position to make him comfortable.
Wang Dong stood beside the bed with his arms crossed. "He really should take better care of himself," he muttered, though his tone was filled with concern.
Before Wang Dong could cover Huo Yuhao with the blanket, Wang Feng noticed how messy his clothes were and said, "Should we change his clothes first? I don't think it's good to leave him like this. Also, we need to treat the burn on his hand."
Wang Dong nodded. "You're right. But… let me do it. You wait outside for a bit."
Wang Feng opened his mouth, about to ask why he had to leave and couldn't help. But Wang Dong's sharp gaze stopped him immediately. In an instant, Wang Feng recalled something—Huo Yuhao's true identity. Although it had never been directly confirmed, he was sure Yuhao was actually a girl. And Wang Dong… had shown similar signs, as if hiding their true identity as well.
Wang Feng could only sigh internally. He hadn't gotten any solid answers, but his suspicions were growing stronger. If that's true… then I'm the only real guy among the three of us.
With a resigned and slightly weary expression, Wang Feng walked out of the room and quietly closed the door behind him. Inside, Wang Dong looked at Huo Yuhao's unconscious face, then began gently changing his clothes with careful attention.
Outside, Wang Feng leaned against the wall, staring up at the now-cloudy sky. This world is really full of surprises, he thought. But it's okay… as long as they're still my friends.
After waiting for a while outside the room, Wang Feng heard Wang Dong's voice inviting him back in. As he stepped inside, his eyes immediately landed on Huo Yuhao, who was now dressed in neat sleepwear. The paleness on his face had begun to fade, replaced by a healthier color.
With deliberate movements, Wang Feng summoned his Ethereal Lotus. The sacred flower radiated a soft golden light, its delicate energy threads weaving through the air and wrapping around Huo Yuhao's body. Wang Feng closed his eyes, focusing his soul power to activate the lotus's healing ability.
In the stillness of the room, Huo Yuhao's condition visibly improved. A rosy hue returned to his cheeks, his breathing became more even and deep. His thick black eyelashes trembled slightly, as if responding to the healing energy. His soft red lips stood out against his pale complexion, creating a sight that made Wang Feng swallow unconsciously.
Standing behind him, Wang Dong didn't notice his friend's odd reaction. He was too focused on observing Huo Yuhao's recovery. "He looks much better now," Wang Dong murmured.
Satisfied that the healing was enough, Wang Feng retracted his Ethereal Lotus. The golden light slowly faded, leaving behind a peacefully sleeping Huo Yuhao with a calmer expression.
"We should let him rest," said Wang Feng as he adjusted the blanket over Huo Yuhao. His voice was slightly hoarse, and he quickly turned away to hide the faint blush on his cheeks.
Wang Dong nodded, eyes still on Huo Yuhao. "I'll stay here and watch over him. You can go if you want."
Wang Feng sighed and patted Wang Dong's shoulder. "I'll stay too. After all, this is my room as well."
He walked over to his bed beside Huo Yuhao's and sat down, his mind filled with the image of Yuhao earlier—his peaceful sleeping face, the fluttering lashes, and the soft red lips. Wang Feng shook his head, trying to chase away the strange thoughts creeping into his mind.