One week later—
Early in the morning, while everyone in the Third House was still fast asleep, Lu Tianming woke up as usual. After quietly getting ready, he left the dormitory and headed toward the academy's playground to begin his morning exercises.
During the week he had spent living within the academy, he had already explored every accessible corner of the grounds. He now knew exactly where he could cultivate or train without being disturbed. Among all those places, the playground was the most suitable for physical training. It was spacious, open, and commonly used by students for sparring or meditation, making it a place where no one paid much attention to others.
With light but steady steps, he arrived at the playground. At this early hour, it was completely empty, allowing him to train in perfect silence.
He began with three full laps around the field, his breathing steady and rhythmical. After that, he moved on to various basic exercises—squats, push-ups, and stretches—each movement precise and controlled, as if following a familiar ritual engraved into his body.
By the time the sun slowly rose above the horizon, casting a faint golden glow over the academy, Lu Tianming finally stopped. A thin layer of sweat covered his body, but his eyes remained clear and focused.
Normally, he would continue training for much longer. However, today was different. Classes were officially starting, and since it was the first day, he couldn't afford to be late.
After taking a short rest, he turned around and headed back toward the dormitories, his mind already preparing for the day ahead.
…
…
Inside the dormitory, a few students had already awakened and were meditating quietly as usual. Lu Tianming paid them no attention and went straight into the bathroom.
After bathing in cold water for a few minutes, his mind became completely clear and focused. He wiped the excess water from his body and changed into the academy uniform that the teacher had distributed the previous day. Only then did he step out of the bathroom.
"Oh? You went for your usual training again today, huh? Good, good."
As Lu Tianming sat down on his bed, Tie Xiong's voice rang out.
"Good morning, Senior Brother," Lu Tianming greeted him respectfully upon realizing that Tie Xiong was already awake.
This respect was not born from any rule or obligation, but from genuine admiration. On the very first day Lu Tianming had gone out to exercise, Tie Xiong had noticed him merely running laps around the field. Without hesitation, he had taught Lu Tianming several body-strengthening exercises that were truly beneficial.
It was because of that guidance—and Tie Xiong's sincerity—that Lu Tianming held him in such regard.
"Hm, you should cultivate for now. There's still an hour before the opening ceremony begins." Tie Xiong nodded as he spoke, suggesting that Lu Tianming make good use of the remaining time.
"Okay," Lu Tianming agreed. Knowing there was still some time to spare, he sat down cross-legged on his bed, entered a meditative state, and began circulating the soul power cultivation method given to him by Luo Feng of the Spirit Hall.
Watching this, Tie Xiong shook his head with a faint, approving smile. Soon after, he headed into the bathroom to freshen himself up before beginning his own cultivation.
An hour later, Lu Tianming ended his cultivation and swiftly stood up from the bed. Turning to the other side of the dormitory, he saw that Xiao Ling was already prepared as well.
"Xiao Ling, let's go quickly," he said as he looked at her.
"Okay. I was just waiting for you," Xiao Ling replied with a small smile as she stood up.
The two then left the dormitory together and headed toward their classroom. The opening ceremony would be held separately in each new students' respective class.
After walking for a few minutes, they arrived at the classroom assigned to them.
Class 1-C.
Without wasting any time, they stepped inside. Seeing that the teaching podium was still empty, both of them let out a quiet sigh of relief—their class teacher had not arrived yet.
However, before they could relax completely, Lu Tianming noticed several students inside the classroom casting strange glances in their direction. The looks were curious, mixed with something he couldn't quite place. This made him feel slightly puzzled.
Before he could figure out what was wrong, a hand suddenly landed on his shoulder.
"Student, could you please step aside so I may go ahead?"
A woman's calm voice sounded from behind him.
Lu Tianming turned around and saw a lady dressed in a teacher's uniform standing behind him. She was smiling, but for some reason, the smile felt… off.
Even so, as a student, he naturally didn't dare to disobey. He quickly stepped aside, making way for her without another word.
"Thank you," she said, still wearing the same smile, before walking calmly toward the teaching podium.
Lu Tianming and Xiao Ling didn't linger near the entrance. They quickly moved into the seating area, scanning the classroom for available seats. After a few moments, they found what seemed like the perfect spot—right beside the window, in the last row.
They sat down together. There were no empty seats left on the girls' side, so Xiao Ling had no choice but to share the bench with Lu Tianming.
Once everyone had settled, the lady standing on the podium clapped her hands lightly, instantly drawing the attention of the entire class.
"Hello, everyone," she said, her voice gentle yet clear. "I am your class teacher, Mu Bing. I am also a Soul Elder, with a soul power level of thirty-seven."
As she spoke, three soul rings slowly emerged from beneath her feet—two yellow and one purple—glowing brilliantly as they revolved around her body.
"I hope all of you will listen attentively during my classes," she continued with a smile. "Otherwise… I may have to take a harsher approach."
The moment her soul rings appeared, a faint but oppressive aura swept through the classroom. It wasn't violent, yet it carried undeniable pressure. The previously restless students immediately fell silent, not daring to make even the slightest sound for fear of being punished.
Seeing the reaction she wanted, Mu Bing retracted her aura and her soul rings vanished as if they had never existed. Her smile brightened, losing its sharp edge.
"Good," she said lightly. "Now then, let us begin."
And just like that, the class officially started.
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Thanks for Everyone's support!!!!!!