Regret, pain, and hatred swirled within Xiao Chen. If only he had known Chu Yi’s strength beforehand, how could he have dared to provoke such a formidable person?
"Second Uncle, help... help me get revenge!" Xiao Chen’s face was bruised and swollen. His fingers twitched as he pointed at the aloof young man surrounded and adored by a throng of students, his expression an unabashed mask of hatred, tinged with a hint of fear.
His Second Uncle fell silent, a bitter smile touching the corners of his lips. He gritted his teeth. "Don’t worry. I won’t let him get away with this."
A prodigy with such potential... no matter how strong the Xiao Family is, what can they possibly do?
At that moment, Chu Yi found himself surrounded by admirers, feeling utterly elated. He had just thrashed Xiao Chen and severely injured Shen Yun. His mind was clear, his spirit satisfied, and he had earned considerable honor.
A sweet-looking junior was on his left, and on his right, Senior Sister Gongqun, alluring in her fiery red palace dress; they vied for his attention. The conversation soon veered towards having children. Names were already being discussed, along with which kindergarten they should attend and who should manage the family finances.
These two had swooped in, and Chu Yi, having just endured a major battle, was in no state to fend them off. Thus, they seized the opportunity. Each woman took one of his arms, and he reveled in the sensation—like soft, snow-capped peaks pressing against him.
Suddenly, Director Yang materialized before them, a kindly smile on his face.
"Chu Yi, you performed exceptionally well. Truly worthy of being a Starfire reserve member. The Dean specifically asked to see you."
Upon hearing this, Chu Yi nodded. His previous performance was, in no small part, a display for the higher-ups; with his potential being so great, even if he had killed Xiao Chen, someone would surely protect him.
Soon, he departed with Director Yang, leaving behind only a figure that commanded awe and respect.
"He caught the Dean’s eye! He’s made it big time!"
"Starfire has fallen, and the underdog has risen! Chu Yi submitted a perfect answer sheet. Keep going, work hard, and there will be rewards! We all have a bright future!"
"My dear, the ’blessing’ of the 996 work schedule is waiting for you."
"Are you daft? He’s originally from the Starfire Sequence! Ninety-nine percent effort can’t compare to that one percent talent!"
"I’ve decided! My number one idol is the King of Black Robes. My second idol... it’s you, Daddy Chu Yi!"
A wave of emotion washed over the crowd. This battle had cemented Chu Yi’s rise to fame.
"Truly an outstanding man," Senior Sister Gongqun said with a smile, her gaze filled with admiration. "Chen Xi, you’re new here. Shouldn’t you show some deference to your senior?"
Her heart burned with passion. Chu Yi has restored his contract ability! With his Super Talent, he has a chance of reaching the Dawn Star rank!
A Golden Beast Tamer could establish a Beast Taming Family that would prosper for a hundred years.
A Dawn Star-tier Beast Taming master was an Overlord of a city, a pillar of stability!
Coming from a Beast Taming Family herself, she understood this better than anyone. As long as Chu Yi showed any interest, even without him taking the initiative, plenty of Noble Families and conglomerates would personally send their daughters to him.
Chen Xi smiled faintly, her eyes bright, her teeth pearly, her complexion like ruby and jade—a snow lotus blooming atop an icy peak.
The man she had set her sights on, how could he be snatched away by just any Tom, Dick, or Harry?
Her gaze flickered to Senior Sister Gongqun’s chest. With a faint smile, she said, "Senior Sister, our senior prefers things that are natural. He’s not fond of artificial enhancements or extreme methods, you know."
With that said, she took light, graceful steps, her figure swaying alluringly as she rose and departed.
"You..." Senior Sister Gongqun’s face froze. A flicker of guilt crossed her eyes before she finally snorted coldly, turned on her heel, and stalked off.
Chen Xi, on the other hand, approached Shen Yun. The latter was on a stretcher, receiving treatment, her injuries now stabilized.
"Chen Xi..." Shen Yun, wrapped in bandages like a mummy, grew excited upon seeing her good friend. In her charmed state of mind, she naturally overlooked certain details.
"Miss, please don’t let the patient get too agitated," a medical staff member reminded from the side.
"Mm, I understand." Chen Xi gently stroked her friend’s hand. Her lips, as tender as cherry blossoms, curved into a mischievous, almost wicked smile.
Sacrifice the best friend, boundless mana.
Chu Yi was led to an office. As soon as he entered, he saw a venerable and imposing figure standing there.
Director Yang tactfully withdrew.
"Chu Yi, do you recognize your mistake?" the old Dean thundered, his voice the first to break the silence. Surging Golden Power erupted from him, manifesting a fierce tiger spirit, its eyes, large as copper bells, fixed intently on Chu Yi.
Trying to intimidate me right off the bat?
Chu Yi calmed Bika and said nonchalantly, "Dean, we know each other well enough. Let’s skip this part, shall we? I’m in a hurry."
Over the past two years, Chu Yi had experienced the full spectrum of human kindness and indifference. It was this old Dean who had supported him, allowing him to remain at the academy for two years without being expelled.
The old Dean faltered for a moment, then shot the scamp an exasperated glare. "In front of everyone, you killed Xiao Chen’s Royal Griffin! You destroyed his future?"
Chu Yi shrugged, feigning innocence. "I didn’t want to! That person is in the top ten of the third year, a renowned expert in the academy, and a young master from a Beast Taming Family. He has over a hundred battles under his belt!"
"And me? I’m just a novice Beast Tamer who only recently formed a contract. And the contract is with nothing more than a weak little Red Fox Cub."
"YIP!" Bika stood upright, its small paws clasped together, putting on an adorably clueless and innocent expression.
The old Dean frowned, a feeling that something was amiss nagging at him.
"Facing such a formidable opponent, I showed my respect by using every trick up my sleeve. That’s how I barely managed to scrape by with a win," Chu Yi said, patting his chest with a look of lingering apprehension.
Bika also put on a convincing imitation.
The old Dean was speechless. "..."
After a moment, he pressed, "So, your Pet Beast killed his, and you personally launched a sneak attack?"
Chu Yi retorted, "The only question that matters is, did I win or not?"
The old Dean was momentarily choked with anger. "Our Star Dragon Academy has always been upright and honorable! How could we resort to ambush tactics? That’s something only those scoundrels from Rocket Academy would do!"