The Spirit Hall Academy, nestled to the east of the Pope's Palace, stood like a fortress among mountains and rivers—its surroundings picturesque and serene. Compared to Shrek Academy, the sheer scale and refined architecture of the place were like comparing heaven and earth.
Following behind Hu Liena, Ye Chen arrived at the edge of a massive city wall. A squad of middle-aged soul masters in dark uniforms stood guard by the gate. Each of them exuded a powerful aura—at least Spirit Sage level—drawing respectful glances from passing students.
With a flash of her token, Hu Liena was allowed entry. Ye Chen followed close behind.
Once inside, a lively cityscape unfolded before Ye Chen's eyes. Bustling streets brimmed with hawkers, their cries rising over one another to advertise everything from soul tools to rare herbs. Students in uniform—young men and women in matching robes with purple collars and white sleeves—lined the storefronts.
"Liena! There you are!"
A cheerful voice rang out. A group of young women approached, all clad in the academy's signature garb. They clustered around Hu Liena, chatting rapidly and laughing, offering invitations.
"We were just going to the west garden to see the spring blossoms—come with us!"
"Yeah, skip whatever boring thing you're doing. Tea and pastries await!"
Their smiles were bright, almost too bright. Ye Chen's instincts immediately picked up on the undercurrent beneath their friendliness.
As the chatter continued, Hu Liena's smile began to freeze. She politely declined, "Thanks, but I've got things to do."
"Oh come on, junior sister. What's more important than spending time with your sisters?" one teased. "You're always training. It wouldn't kill you to hang out once in a while."
Just then, they noticed Ye Chen.
"Well, well—who's this? Your new little boyfriend?" one girl giggled, eyeing Ye Chen. "He's kind of cute. Think you could share?"
Before Ye Chen could react, Hu Liena stepped forward, her eyes flashing coldly. "That's enough. Watch your mouth."
The speaker, Su Mei—a tall, elegant girl with sharp features—laughed lightly, unbothered. Though she wasn't as stunning as Hu Liena, her beauty had a prideful edge.
"Oh, touchy, aren't we?" Su Mei taunted. "Bringing your stray man into the academy and expecting no comments? Don't forget—this isn't your playground, just because the Pope favors you."
Her words grew increasingly venomous. In Spirit Hall Academy, strength was everything. And Hu Liena, despite her status as the Pope's disciple, was often the target of jealousy. Su Mei, clearly emboldened by the crowd, didn't hold back.
Ye Chen's expression darkened.
This woman... was really testing his patience.
His eyes narrowed. Without a word, he raised his hand—and with a crisp smack, slapped Su Mei across the face.
The force of it sent her flying.
She spun midair, crashing to the ground with a thud several meters away. Gasps erupted from the group as her friends stumbled back in shock.
Ye Chen didn't flinch.
Stepping forward, his voice dropped to a cold, biting whisper, "You dare insult my senior sister? If I hear another word like that from you, you might not get another chance to speak again."
He turned and gently took Hu Liena's hand, leading her toward the towering European-style building ahead.
"That's probably the academy," he murmured casually, as if nothing had happened.
They walked in silence for a while. Then, Hu Liena slowly pulled her hand back.
"Ye Chen..." she said softly. "You shouldn't have done that. Su Mei… she has a lot of influence here. She might retaliate."
Ye Chen chuckled lightly, brushing a strand of hair from his face. "Let her come. For you, I'd stand against the world."
Hu Liena blinked, caught off guard. Her cheeks flushed slightly. She remembered the time they'd spent in the Star Dou Great Forest—the way he shielded her then. She quickly turned away, unable to meet his eyes.
After entering the academy, Hu Liena brought Ye Chen to the administration office.
"This is my junior brother," she told the stern-looking man inside, before leaving in a hurry.
The man behind the desk had a square face and sharp brows, his stern demeanor radiating discipline.
"I'm Fang Zheng. Your instructor." His voice was cold and mechanical. "Name, age, innate spirit power, current level?"
Ye Chen stood tall. "Ye Chen. Twelve years old. Innate spirit power: level 1. Current level: just reached 40."
Fang Zheng raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. A level 1 talent, reaching 40 at this age?
He glanced at the boy again, recalling Hu Liena's words, then returned to his stony expression.
"Here," he said, tossing a card across the desk. "Your class assignment."
"Thank you, sir." Ye Chen reached to bow, but the door shut behind him before he could finish.
For just a moment, he had felt an immense soul power from within the room—stronger even than some Title Douluos. He frowned slightly.
"So this is Spirit Hall… full of hidden dragons and tigers."
He looked down at the card.
"Senior Class 3, Dorm 103."
Apparently, the academy was divided into lower, middle, and senior sections. Senior students were all over level 50.
Ye Chen didn't understand why he'd been placed there, but he wasn't one to back away from a challenge.
He asked around for directions to the dorms and started walking toward the western building, hoping to get some rest.
But before he got far, five burly men stepped in front of him.
"You Ye Chen?" the leader asked, cracking his knuckles. "You the punk who hit Su Mei?"
Ye Chen scratched his ear, yawning. "If you mean the screechy girl from earlier? Yeah, that was me."
"You've got a death wish!" one growled. "You know how precious Su Mei is? That face you messed up—do you even realize what you've done?"
Ye Chen's smile turned sharp. "What, she's your girlfriend? Or are you all sharing her?"
"Watch your mouth!"
Their soul power flared violently. All five were over level 40 and clearly older than him—men, not boys.
Ye Chen's eyes glinted with mischief as he raised his pinky mockingly.
"You guys seriously going to beat up a twelve-year-old over your crush?"
The five muscleheads roared in rage, puffing their chests like angry gorillas, ready to charge.
Ye Chen sighed.
"Guess rest will have to wait."
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