Chapter 4: Xu Sanshi Humbled, Tianmeng Iceworm's Caution
Jiang Nannan quietly held the small pouch in her hand and weighed it gently. Feeling the heavy weight inside, a faint joy filled her heart.
With this much money, if she sent it home, her mother would surely be happy. It could significantly improve their lives.
"Bastard! How dare you flirt with my Nannan! You must have a death wish!"
A furious shout erupted nearby, followed by a terrifying surge of soul power.
Ye Chen turned his head and saw a sturdy young man in black striding toward them with thunderous steps.
He was over 1.8 meters tall, with a powerful build, thick eyebrows, sharp eyes, and a rigid face flushed red from rage. His presence alone was intimidating.
It was none other than Jiang Nannan's number-one admirer—Xu Sanshi.
"Xu Sanshi, what do you think you're doing!"
Before Ye Chen could even react, Jiang Nannan had already stepped in front of him, her expression filled with anger.
Xu Sanshi's furious momentum instantly faltered when he saw her, and he looked almost pitiful as he said, "Nannan… this guy is clearly up to no good. Don't let him deceive you…"
"Hmph, Ye Chen is just a new student. What bad intentions could he possibly have?"
Jiang Nannan snorted coldly, glaring at Xu Sanshi with open disgust. "You, on the other hand—I've told you many times. There's nothing between us. Stop pestering me and don't interfere with my life. Otherwise, don't blame me for being rude!"
Xu Sanshi's face flushed red and green with shame. He dared not lose his temper at her, so he settled for glaring viciously at Ye Chen. "Kid, I suggest you walk away right now. Leave Jiang Nannan alone, or I'll show you what true cruelty is!"
"Xu Sanshi! If you dare lay a finger on a new student, I'll report you to the Dean's Office!" Jiang Nannan's voice went cold. This time, she was truly enraged.
Xu Sanshi often threw his weight around, especially toward boys who got close to her. Nearly all of them had tasted his fists.
It was bad enough bullying other senior students, but now he was picking on a freshman? That was disgraceful to Shrek Academy!
Anyone who didn't know better would think all Shrek students were arrogant bullies abusing their power.
Inside and outside the academy alike, upperclassmen were forbidden to attack lowerclassmen. Anyone caught by the Dean's Office would be expelled immediately.
Xu Sanshi only ever got away with minor punishments because of his family background in the Xuanming Sect and because his actions hadn't crossed serious lines—yet.
"Nannan, fine, fine, I'm leaving, I'm leaving…"
Xu Sanshi shrank back, hastily retreating.
But before leaving, he threw Ye Chen another venomous glare.
Normally, no one dared report him—everyone he bullied was around his age and too proud to tell the teachers. Reporting bullying would only make them a laughingstock.
But if he actually laid hands on a freshman and word got out, even with his sect connections, the consequences would be severe.
The Xuanming Sect's partnership with Shrek mainly provided medicines and resources. Shrek granted them certain favoritism—but never to the point of bending official regulations.
"I'm sorry, junior. You must have been scared. Don't worry, with academy rules in place, he wouldn't dare touch you."
Jiang Nannan turned back toward Ye Chen with a gentle smile, her voice filled with apology. After all, Ye Chen had been targeted because of her.
"It's fine, Senior Sister. The noodles are getting cold—let's eat." Ye Chen said with an easy smile.
"Mm~"
Jiang Nannan nodded softly and sat back down, continuing to eat small bites of her noodles.
…
A small crowd had gathered around by now. Seeing that Xu Sanshi hadn't fought Ye Chen, many looked disappointed, feeling their gossip had suddenly lost flavor.
The male students' gazes toward Ye Chen brimmed with jealousy.
Just a pretty boy—why did he get Jiang Nannan's attention? Life truly was unfair.
Meanwhile, several female students stared at Ye Chen with bright eyes. None of them had ever seen such a handsome young man before. Their hearts fluttered with secret admiration and envy toward Jiang Nannan for being the one to talk to him…
At the grilled fish stall not far away, Huo Yuhao and Tang Ya had witnessed the entire scene.
Tang Ya kept her gaze fixed on Ye Chen for a long time before turning to Huo Yuhao. "Yuhao, do you know what class that guy's in? I don't recall seeing him before."
Though she found Ye Chen good-looking, it wasn't love at first sight—just curiosity. How did someone like that appear out of nowhere and immediately win over the cold goddess Jiang Nannan?
"No idea. First time I've seen him," Huo Yuhao replied, shaking his head. He had little interest in such things—his heart and mind were focused solely on growing stronger, on revenge—for his mother.
"Yuhao, be careful of that boy," came the voice of the Tianmeng Iceworm in Huo Yuhao's mind, carrying a rare note of seriousness. "His martial soul should be the Ultimate Ice. He's extremely powerful. Don't provoke him."
"Ultimate Ice? Is it really that strong?" Huo Yuhao asked with curiosity. It wasn't often that Tianmeng Iceworm sounded this cautious.
That boy was probably a new student—and not even from Class One. There was a good chance they'd meet in the freshman tournament. Naturally, Huo Yuhao wanted to know more.
"You should remember that I told you about a great opportunity waiting for you when you reach rank 20, right? What I plan to give you… is the Ultimate Ice martial soul."
Tianmeng Iceworm's voice grew slow and deep. "Ultimate Ice is the pinnacle manifestation of the ice element—rarer than even twin martial souls. In simple terms, just four words: invincible among equals."
"That strong?" Huo Yuhao murmured, his gaze locking on Ye Chen once more. He had never heard Tianmeng Iceworm speak so highly of anyone.
Not wanting to dampen his host's spirit, Tianmeng Iceworm added, "But don't worry. Once you gain the opportunity I've prepared for you—and with my assistance—you'll definitely not fall behind him in the future."
He needed to give Huo Yuhao motivation—to train harder and reach rank 20 as soon as possible.
Huo Yuhao had no innate advantages and no resources. His only option was effort.
Thankfully, after receiving a Soul Ascension Pill and a Profound Water Pill recently, his cultivation had advanced rapidly. He was now a rank-17 Soul Master—almost rank 20 already.
"Alright."
Huo Yuhao nodded firmly, silently resolving to work harder—to reach rank 20 before the term ended and claim the miraculous chance that could change his destiny forever.
(END CHAPTER)
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