Moist Breath, Suffocating Answer

Chen Yan stroked his chin as he looked at the top-ranked person on the Genius Youth Ranking.

"Seventeen years old, Soul Power Level 65, martial soul: Heavenly Phoenix."

That strength was pretty impressive!

Nowadays, as long as someone broke through to Titled Douluo at around the age of twenty-five, they would have a chance of reaching the Limit. Advancing twenty-five levels in eight years was not impossible for a martial soul of this caliber. So, was she someone from this generation who might reach the Limit and inherit the Heavenly Phoenix title?

Chen Yan kept his gaze on the ranking.

In truth, the Genius Youth Ranking did not rank people purely by strength. First, candidates registered from across the Federation and submitted their information. Then, after professional review, the potential of those on the list was assessed, ultimately determining the final top thirty.

In other words, this ranking would inevitably be somewhat inaccurate. After all, its fame was not universal. For example, Tang Wulin and his group, far away in Eastsea City, had never even heard of this ranking. But for the younger generation of geniuses, it was indeed an opportunity to make a name for themselves across the land.

If a student made the list, it would also be excellent publicity for the school.

Warm, moist breaths brushed against Chen Yan's shoulder. Gu Yuena's silver hair cascaded loosely down as her bright eyes remained fixed on the journal, as though she were studying it together with Chen Yan.

Chen Yan quietly shifted his butt to the right and said without changing his expression.

"..."

"You're too close."

"Huh? What did you say?" She raised her head as if suddenly startled awake, a trace of confusion flashing through her eyes.

Looking at Gu Yuena's adorably blank expression, fine, he surrendered.

"Nothing." He straightened up. "It's getting late, and we still have class this afternoon. You should head back first."

"Ah, aren't we eating?"

"Ahem, then let's eat first."

At Chen Yan's words, a flicker of delight passed through Gu Yuena's eyes, but she quickly returned to calm. She gently nodded and closed the journal in her hands.

"Mm, I want steamed lamb, steamed bear paws, steamed deer tails, braised flower ducks, braised chicks, braised young geese, marinated pork, marinated duck, soy-braised chicken, cured meat, pine blossom, pork stomach, air-dried meat, sausage, assorted crispy pastries, smoked chicken and tripe, steamed eight-treasure pork, glutinous rice stuffed duck..."

"Stop, stop, stop... Where did you hear—"

Halfway through his sentence, Chen Yan abruptly stopped.

He suddenly remembered that if it was not him, then it had to be the other one.

Actually, he had not originally remembered that dish-name routine, but as his spiritual power grew stronger and stronger, many things long buried by time had resurfaced in his mind. This particular passage was still somewhat blurry, though, and he did not talk in his sleep.

Chen Yan covered his head and looked at the softly laughing Gu Yuena.

"Go on, I'll make it." Chen Yan turned around wearily. Even now, he still hated the version of himself who had cooked that day. Well, look at this—he had been targeted now!

This time, Gu Yuena achieved a complete victory! (ˊωˋ*)

That afternoon, Chen Yan and Gu Yuena arrived outside the Teaching Building.

The Teaching Building was a modern-looking structure. Its exterior was primarily white, accented by large glass windows, giving it a clean and bright appearance. Inside, a plaque hung above the lobby, its vigorous calligraphy bold and forceful, carrying a faint spiritual fluctuation.

They climbed the stairs, and before long, arrived at the floor where Class One was located.

What kind of classroom arrangement was this? Why did the best class have to walk the farthest?

Class One's classroom was on the sixth floor, the top floor, and they needed to swipe a card to enter.

There were only ten sets of desks and chairs in the classroom, with eight students already seated. The teacher stood at the podium, seemingly waiting for the final two students.

Twenty pairs of eyes met his own—Gu Yuena was not looking—and their gazes crossed. Chen Yan once again experienced the supreme ritual of being stared at by the entire class after arriving late.

So awkward.

Chen Yan lowered his head slightly, avoiding those curious gazes. He gently tugged on Gu Yuena's sleeve, signaling for her to enter the classroom with him.

The remaining two seats were directly in front of the podium. The two of them took their seats under the entire class's watchful eyes, and the teacher lightly cleared her throat.

"Alright, students, hello, everyone! I'll be your homeroom teacher for the next three years. My surname is Qin, and my given name is Man. You can call me Teacher Qin or Sister Qin. Of course, calling me your real sister is fine too."

Soft laughter rang out in the classroom. Although they had only just arrived in this new environment, soul masters generally adapted rather quickly.

"Welcome to the warm little family of Class One. I believe everyone heard clearly this morning why Class One was established, so I won't repeat it too much here."

Teacher Qin swept her gaze around the classroom, her eyes gentle yet firm. Her words revealed both her expectations and trust in the students.

"What I want to say is that Class One is not merely a place for learning—it is also the cradle of your growth. Here, you will receive the strictest training and gain the deepest friendships. I hope that over the next three years, we can work hard together, improve together, and create a brilliance that belongs to us."

The atmosphere in the classroom gradually became more animated, and excitement and anticipation shone in the students' eyes. Teacher Qin's words seemed to ignite the flames in their hearts, filling them with confidence for the challenges ahead.

Chen Yan studied this teacher. She appeared to be in her twenties, with glossy black hair tied into a simple ponytail that showed off her capable, efficient nature. Her eyes were bright and lively, while her face was gentle and approachable. Though she was thin and petite, she gave off an exceptional sense of security.

"Now then, please introduce yourselves one by one. Remember to include your martial soul, Soul Power Level, and hobbies."

"Let's start with this student."

She had clearly been looking at the person on the right, yet she actually ambushed him!

Thanks so much.

Chen Yan stood up, his heart twitching slightly.

"I'm Chen Yan, nine years old this year. My martial soul is the Golden Dragon, and my Soul Power Level is 28. As for hobbies..." He gave a slight shrug. "There's nothing I particularly like."

"Uh, alright then..."

"And you?"

Teacher Qin choked on her words, gave an awkward smile, then turned an expectant gaze toward Gu Yuena.

"Gu Yuena, Silver Dragon martial soul, level 28."

Qin Man: (o￣Д￣)＜Coughing blood

Although she had already learned their basic information from her father, I didn't brush them off at all, so why were they both being so perfunctory?! Where was the justice in this?!

Hearing that answer, she nearly stumbled and fell to the ground. In her heart, she instantly raised the difficulty level of getting along with the two of them to the maximum.

The students nearby all had flickering expressions. Level 28 Soul Power—several levels higher than all of them!

Having been heaven's favored prodigies since childhood, the sudden appearance of two people even more outstanding than them left a gap in their hearts.