"Nana, why do you think Teacher suddenly sent us to this rundown academy?"
A lazy, magnetic voice echoed in the classroom as a handsome boy leaned on one hand, idly surveying his surroundings.
But this "rundown academy" was anything but ordinary.
The walls were built from rare, rock-hard minerals, and the desks and chairs were carved from priceless woods.
Only six children were seated inside, each wearing luxurious noble attire, their clothing alone a testament to their prestigious backgrounds.
The girl called Nana had golden hair that cascaded like sunlight, though her delicate face was tinged with unease.
Hearing Xie Yue's complaint, Hu Liena tilted her head thoughtfully before replying, "I'm sure Teacher only sent us here for our own good. Maybe there's someone even more skilled who can teach us new things."
"Hmm… that makes sense."
Xie Yue glanced at his younger sister's serious expression and couldn't help but sigh inwardly. She was still too naïve.
Who in this world could be more qualified than their teacher—the Pope of Spirit Hall herself—to teach them?
If even the Pope couldn't guide them, what kind of "teacher" could possibly do better?
As they quietly speculated, a crisp sound of approaching footsteps grew louder in the hallway.
The children exchanged looks, then quickly straightened in their seats.
Whatever they thought of this new instructor, they couldn't show disrespect to someone personally chosen by the Pope.
Only one boy seemed unwilling to restrain himself—a red-haired youth, rebellious in demeanor, strange lava-like markings glowing faintly on his exposed skin. His gaze toward the door carried open defiance.
Knock, knock.
The classroom door slowly opened.
Under six pairs of curious eyes, a man strode in. His features were sharp, as if carved from stone, his scarlet eyes radiating a cold, oppressive killing intent.
The children froze. This man's presence… it felt even more terrifying than their revered teacher's.
Xie Yue blinked in surprise, glancing at his sister—only to see Hu Liena staring wide-eyed at the stranger, admiration and curiosity written all over her face.
Xie Yue shook his head helplessly. His sister had always been like this, worshipping strong people—it was ingrained in her nature, impossible to change.
Lin Fan's gaze swept over the six children chosen by Bibi Dong. He quickly made his assessment.
True talent only lay in three of them—Xie Yue, Hu Liena, and the red-haired boy marked by fire, Yan.
The other three… average. Stronger than common spirit masters, yes, but nothing exceptional.
A wicked grin curled Lin Fan's lips.
Bibi Dong, you've truly given me a precious gift this time.
He had expected only Hu Liena to be sent. Instead, three members of the so-called "Golden Generation" were delivered to him at once.
Perfect. Saves me the trouble of hunting them down later.
Lin Fan's cold voice broke the tense silence:
"I'm sure your Pope has already explained why you're here."
"From this moment on, you will forget everything you've learned before. Every cultivation method you knew—discard it."
"Because… the Zerg have their own way of cultivating. A method far more unique—and far more powerful—than anything you've been taught."
The six children exchanged shocked glances, their disbelief plain on their young faces.
Yan flushed bright red, anger surging. "And why should we listen to you? Who do you think you are? You think you're better than the teachers of Spirit Hall?"
Lin Fan raised an eyebrow, a flicker of genuine surprise in his heart.
In the original timeline, Yan had been nothing more than a pitiful follower, loyal but unremarkable.
Yet Lin Fan could sense it now—a massive, untapped reservoir of fire-element energy dormant in Yan's body.
If properly awakened and cultivated, this boy's potential was… limitless.
It dawned on Lin Fan then—this world was full of so-called "mediocre spirit masters" with rare martial souls who never reached their true potential.
The problem wasn't their talent. It was their biology. Their bodies carried latent power locked away in their genetic code, waiting for the right trigger to awaken it.
Even the gods of this world couldn't perceive this level of hidden potential.
But Lin Fan could.
And if he could graft Zerg genetic modifications onto humans—especially spirit masters or even gifted commoners—he could awaken that dormant power while ensuring their absolute obedience.
An inexhaustible army of elite mid-to-high-tier fighters for his Swarm.
Lin Fan's heart burned with ambition as he stared at the children.
"Kehehehehe… You want to know who I am?" His voice turned sharp and mocking.
"I am the headmaster personally appointed by your Pope. And from now on, you'll do exactly as I say."
"And since some of you seem unwilling to obey… a little lesson is in order."
His scarlet eyes swept over their small, trembling forms like a predator sizing up prey. The children shuddered involuntarily, a bone-deep chill gripping their bodies.
Hu Liena quickly pleaded, "Teacher, please, we understand now! Yan didn't mean it. Can't you forgive us this once?"
"No."
Lin Fan's patience had run out. To him, these so-called prodigies were already Zerglings-in-waiting. Why waste time raising them the human way?
He waved his hand. The classroom began to tremble violently, as if something massive was awakening deep beneath the earth.
Rumble…
"Ah!"
The six children screamed, huddling together in terror.
Outside, Chrysanthemum Douluo glanced toward the building, crimson light flashing briefly in his eyes. With a faint shake of his head, he lifted a hand, a pale-yellow energy barrier enveloping the entire academy.
No sound, no spiritual fluctuations would escape.
Inside, Lin Fan's grin widened in satisfaction as he snapped his fingers.
BOOM!
The floor split apart, revealing a gaping black chasm.
The children shrank against the wall, pale-faced and trembling, eyes locked on the abyss that seemed to swallow all light.
Gurururu…
A strange, otherworldly sound echoed from the depths below…
****
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