As the words left Wang Lei's mouth, Lin Feng saw right through his intentions.
He couldn't help but think—just anyone dares come looking for trouble with me now?
Lin Feng stood up from his seat, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
With a casual motion, he grabbed Dugu Yan's arm.
"And what if I say no?"
Still seated, Dugu Yan froze for a moment.
She was momentarily dazed, unsure how to react.
But she didn't push him away.
After all, she had already been drawn to Lin Feng's looks and temperament when they first met.
So now, she simply watched the two of them silently.
Seeing Lin Feng's gesture, Wang Lei's eyes turned bloodshot, rage flaring.
"Lin Feng, how dare you!"
He swung a fist the size of a steamed bun straight at Lin Feng.
But Lin Feng remained calm, smiling faintly.
"Everyone take note—he threw the first punch."
He let go of Dugu Yan's wrist and met the punch head-on.
Just as their hands made contact, Lin Feng shifted his palm to Wang Lei's wrist with lightning speed, yanked him forward, and brought his shoulder up hard.
All in one smooth motion.
BAM! A full 360-degree over-the-shoulder throw!
"Ugh..."
"damn it!"
Wang Lei hit the ground face-first, blood streaming from his nose.
But it wasn't over.
Lin Feng stepped on Wang Lei's back and grabbed one of his arms.
"Lin Feng, let go! If you've got the guts, fight me fair and square!"
Pinned to the floor, Wang Lei gritted his teeth and roared through the pain.
"Wang Lei, we're classmates. We should get along."
"But... You insulted me for no reason, then went straight for a fight."
"And now, even after getting beat, you're still barking like a sore loser?"
"Let me help your marquis father teach you a lesson about respect."
Lin Feng's eyes gleamed with battle intent, cold and razor-sharp.
The hand clamping down on Wang Lei's wrist squeezed tighter.
"Ah—ow! I give up, I was wrong!"
"I'm sorry, alright? I won't do it again!"
Wang Lei's face contorted in pain, the fight finally draining from him.
Seeing him surrender, Lin Feng slowly released his grip.
Wang Lei scrambled to his feet and fled into the crowd, glaring venomously back at Lin Feng.
Meanwhile—
Dugu Yan, who had been watching from the side, now looked at Lin Feng with newfound warmth and admiration in her eyes.
That was... kinda hot.
She liked guys who were strong.
Around them, murmurs began to rise from the watching classmates.
"This is the Royal Academy… Aren't fights strictly forbidden here? Those two are asking for trouble."
"Wait, wasn't Wang Lei a Rank 7? How did a Rank 5 like Lin Feng pin him down like that?"
"Maybe he just didn't fight seriously?"
"Still… he's the marquis' son. We better keep quiet."
"Marquis or not, who here doesn't have a family background?"
Wang Lei heard every word around him.
His humiliation only burned deeper.
"Lin Feng, my father is Wang Ben! I'm the son of a Tian Dou City marquis!"
"You dare lay a hand on me? Just wait—I'll tell my father!"
Clutching his bleeding nose, he hissed through gritted teeth.
"That's enough, Wang Lei. A loss is a loss."
"What, you gonna run crying to Daddy because you can't handle defeat?"
"If that's the case, should I go crying to my grandfather?"
Dugu Yan suddenly stood up, eyes full of contempt.
"You! So now both of you are ganging up on me!"
"Lin Feng, just you wait. One day, you'll regret this!"
Knowing he couldn't afford to offend Dugu Yan, Wang Lei spat out one last threat before staggering off, holding his face as he vanished into the crowd.
"What are you all staring at? Show's over—get the hell out."
Dugu Yan swept her cold gaze across the room.
The air chilled as a sharp, oppressive pressure radiated from her, driving away the onlookers.
Nobody wanted to make an enemy out of a Titled Douluo's granddaughter on the first day of school.
Soon, the classroom was empty, save for Lin Feng and Dugu Yan.
Dugu Yan softened her expression and turned to Lin Feng.
Lin Feng stood and smiled at her, a playful gleam in his eyes.
Up until now, he'd only seen Dugu Yan as a proud and temperamental girl.
He hadn't expected her to step up and shield him. Even going as far as to bring up her grandfather.
"Hmph. Trouble magnet."
Dugu Yan gave him a side-eye glare, then fixed her gaze directly on him.
Lin Feng sighed helplessly.
Miss Yan, how many times have you 'hmph'ed today?
Is that your one-word response for everything when you're being a tsundere?
He couldn't help but laugh at her expression.
"You're still laughing?!"
"Didn't you hear the others say fighting is forbidden at the academy?"
"Better get ready to write an apology and call your parents!"
She was visibly flustered now.
"It's fine. Didn't you just save me?"
"Thanks, Dugu Yan."
Lin Feng looked at her earnestly.
Especially as he said thank you, his eyes met hers, full of sincerity.
Dugu Yan's cheeks flushed under his gaze.
Seeing that, Lin Feng gently took her hand.
"Come on now, didn't we agree to explore the campus together?"
"Ah—uh… yeah!"
Caught off guard, she nodded, flustered as Lin Feng led her out of the classroom.
Outside, a stone pathway lined with lush greenery came into view.
The two strolled side by side along the path.
Dugu Yan casually plucked a rose from a nearby bush and brought it to her nose.
"Mmm… smells nice."
"Here Lin Feng, smell this."
She turned and held it toward him.
Lin Feng smiled and stepped closer, leaning in toward her outstretched hand.
"Yeah, it really does smell good," he said, inhaling deeply with a content expression.
"But without soul power, it's still nothing compared to the flowers in my grandfather's garden," Dugu Yan added proudly.
As they continued walking through the greenery, they arrived at a bamboo grove within the academy grounds.
A cool breeze rustled the leafy stalks, producing a soft, pleasant sound.
Lin Feng picked up a fallen bamboo stick and, drawing from his Blue Star memories, began to swing it in an elegant series of moves.
"Wow! That's amazing! Lin Feng, what kind of technique is that?" Dugu Yan clapped with excitement, mimicking his movements with enthusiasm.
"This? Just an old staff technique from one of my family's ancient manuals—'Dog-Beating Staff Style.'"
He casually made something up.
Later, they passed by the academy dining hall.
The mouthwatering aroma wafted over them.
But—
Dugu Yan didn't stop. She just kept walking ahead.
When Lin Feng looked up again…
Wait, isn't this my dorm?
"Lin Feng, can I take a look inside?" Dugu Yan asked, eyes full of curiosity.