"Now, open your textbooks to the first page. We'll begin with the basics of Soul Power circulation. Dugu Yan, tell us: when the Jade Phosphorous Serpent Martial Soul uses poison-based soul skills, where is Soul Power most likely to accumulate?"
Dugu Yan snapped back to her senses when called on and hurriedly stood up, her voice quieter than usual. "It's... it's the Yangchi Acupoint at the wrist. If a beginner doesn't properly regulate their Soul Power, toxins can get stuck there. Over time, it can become very painful."
"Correct." Chen Chu nodded. "Sit down. You don't need to be nervous when answering next time. I only target those who disrupt order; it has nothing to do with the rest of you."
He then looked toward Ye Lingling in the back row and asked, "Ye Lingling, what must one pay attention to when using the Nine Heart Begonia's healing soul skills?"
Ye Lingling slowly raised her head. Both her expression and movements were somewhat flustered, as though she did not know what to do. "You... you have to first assess your teammate's injuries, then adjust the Soul Power output. Otherwise, it'll waste Soul Power, and it might not even work."
"Very good." Chen Chu continued teaching, occasionally calling on other students to answer questions. Although Yu Tianheng was standing outside the door, he was not idle. With no one to chat with, he listened more intently than anyone else. Whenever he heard key or difficult points, he could not help furrowing his brows as he pondered them.
As the first class was about to end, Chen Chu finally looked toward the doorway and said sternly, "Yu Tianheng, come in."
Yu Tianheng pushed open the door. There was still a trace of defiance on his face, but he did not dare talk back again. He simply stood at the entrance, waiting for Chen Chu to speak.
"I punished you earlier not because you asked about my level, but because your attitude was disrespectful." Chen Chu looked at him and spoke word by word. "You are the heir of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. It is true that you are talented, but talent does not mean you can look down on everyone else. Now answer me: what were the Three Principles of Soul Power Circulation that I explained in class?"
Yu Tianheng froze for a moment, but fortunately, he had listened carefully earlier and immediately answered, "First, Soul Power must flow along the meridians; you can't force your way through barriers. Second, you must stabilize your Soul Power before using soul skills, or you can easily suffer backlash. Third, different martial souls have different Soul Power circulation paths, so you need to adjust according to your own martial soul."
"Correct." Chen Chu nodded. This kid did have some ability, and some basis for his arrogance. "I'm not punishing you to make things difficult for you. I want you to remember the rules. Come to my office after class. I want to have a proper talk with you."
Yu Tianheng had not expected this. He stood there blankly for a moment before nodding. "Understood, Teacher."
After the dismissal bell rang, the students gradually left the classroom. As Dugu Yan passed Yu Tianheng, she whispered, "You were far too impulsive just now. Teacher Chen doesn't look easy to deal with. The elders at home won't come stand up for you."
"I just don't like how he puts on airs," Yu Tianheng said stubbornly, though inwardly, he admitted that Chen Chu taught much more clearly than their previous teacher. He also had far more authority; no one in the class dared make a move under his watch.
After packing up her things, Ye Lingling passed the lectern. Seemingly having gathered tremendous courage, she approached Chen Chu and explained, "T-Teacher, Yu Tianheng... he's just proud by nature. He doesn't mean any harm. Please don't be angry with him."
Chen Chu smiled at the timid, shy little girl. "I'm not angry. I just want to talk with him. Student Lingling, if there's ever anything you don't understand, you can come ask me anytime."
Ye Lingling secretly glanced up at him, gave a firm "Mm," and nodded. Then she quickly walked out to find her good friend.
Watching Ye Lingling leave, Chen Chu could not help sighing. These little ones were developing far too quickly, and maturing far too early. This little girl was already so mature at such a young age. It was as if everyone had grown up on hormones.
Ye Lingling always wore a veil, so Chen Chu did not know what she looked like. Still, judging by her mannerisms and figure, she was probably a striking beauty. It was just that he had no thoughts in that direction.
After Chen Chu packed up his lesson materials and stepped outside, he saw Zhi Lin. Zhi Lin looked at him with a smile and asked, "I heard you punished Yu Tianheng as soon as class started? That kid is a notorious troublemaker in the academy. The previous three teachers couldn't keep him under control."
"Rules have to be established, or there's no way to teach the class." Chen Chu explained, "He's talented, but his temperament is still a little too rash. He just needs proper guidance."
"It's good that you see it that way." Zhi Lin handed him an invitation. "His Majesty is holding a gathering tonight. The empire's prominent figures will all be there, and His Majesty, the Crown Prince, and the Prince will also attend. You can go take a look and make some friends."
Chen Chu accepted the invitation, his expression shifting slightly. "Thank you, Elder Zhi. I'll go."
By the time he reached his office, Yu Tianheng was already waiting outside. Chen Chu waved him in, handed him a cup of hot tea, and pointed at a stool. "Sit. No need to stand."
Yu Tianheng hesitated before sitting down. He clutched the teacup in his hands and said nothing.
"I know you're unconvinced." Seeing his unease, Chen Chu took the lead in breaking the silence. "You think you're talented, so a teacher shouldn't treat you this way. But you need to understand that talent is capital for becoming strong, not a reason to be arrogant and conceited while you're still weak.
"You're currently Level 24. That's high in Tianwei Class, and perhaps it's not bad in this so-called number one academy. But in the entire Heaven Dou Empire—even across the whole continent—it amounts to nothing."
"I know," Yu Tianheng said quietly. "Grandfather has told me too that I can't be arrogant."
"It's good that you know." Chen Chu said, "I punished you because I wanted you to remember that, no matter where you are, if you don't have absolute confidence, you must follow the rules.
"If you want to know my Soul Power Level, that's possible too. Once you break through Level 30 and can withstand three of my moves in actual combat, I'll tell you."
Yu Tianheng's eyes lit up, and he asked in delight, "Really?"
"Of course." Chen Chu nodded. "But only if you attend class properly and follow the rules. Otherwise, forget it."
"I'll definitely follow the rules!" Yu Tianheng immediately promised. "I won't cause trouble in class anymore. I'll listen carefully!"
"That's more like it." Chen Chu smiled. "Go back now. Don't be late for class tomorrow."
Yu Tianheng stood up, then hesitated again before saying, "Teacher, earlier... I'm sorry. I shouldn't have talked back to you."
Chen Chu waved his hand. "It's fine. Just watch yourself next time."
After Yu Tianheng left, Chen Chu looked at the invitation Zhi Lin had given him earlier and fell into deep thought.
According to his original plan, it would have been best not to get involved with these people at all. He should have cultivated obediently until he reached the Titled rank, then come out and show off.
But as events developed, some things were simply beyond his control. Even if he did not want to go or get involved, people and circumstances would push him forward.
"Going wouldn't hurt. I can at least make an impression on these people. I'm Dugu Yan's teacher, and currently the academy's—and even the empire's—youngest Soul Emperor. This talent of mine should still hold some value."
Chen Chu sighed. This trip would inevitably place him in the sights of the major powers, and trouble would likely be endless from then on. But as long as he successfully obtained the Immortal Herbs and survived this difficult period, the overall situation would reverse.
"Right, perhaps I can see what gains the purgatory beneath the magma in Slaughter City can bring me. Maybe I can develop and make use of it in advance."
Before you continue