Wifely Jiang Xuanli, the Academy Head's Instruction

As a senior from the previous year, she shouldn't be here.

But this rule isn't considered strict.

Moreover, Jiang Xuanli possesses unparalleled beauty, impeccable manners, and a gentle, approachable manner that always makes one feel refreshed.

When the elders came and went, they not only did not rebuke them.

Instead, most people would smile and nod, tacitly approving of this harmless transgression.

"Young Master Qin"

Seeing that familiar figure finally appear, Jiang Xuanli's eyes seemed to sparkle with starlight, and a faint smile bloomed on her lips as she greeted him.

Normally, Qin Wangchuan is either surrounded by Qin Zhaoer, who is always by his side, or by powerful figures like Li Qingluan. Only in the classrooms of the Xuanyi Academy can he find a moment of peace and quiet.

This is also the best time for Jiang Xuanli to get close.

Qin Wangchuan didn't stop walking; he merely turned his head slightly, his gaze falling on her stunningly beautiful face, and nodded in acknowledgment.

"Princess Jiang."

"Why use such formal terms between us?" Jiang Xuanli slightly raised her head, her eyes sparkling with a perfect blend of reproach and familiarity. Her voice was low and soft, almost a whisper, "Speaking of which, if it weren't for... that person interfering back then, I don't even know what I would call you now."

She subtly brought up the failed engagement, her tone devoid of resentment, only a hint of pitiful melancholy.

This hint of melancholy didn't linger for long, quickly transforming into a bright smile as she lightly changed the subject, "Let's not dwell on the past. Guess what Elder Yan taught us today?"

That's precisely where Jiang Xuanli's charm lies.

She was very good at knowing her limits, knowing when to show vulnerability to gain sympathy and when to show generosity to demonstrate her magnanimity.

This measured approach, like a finely crafted vintage wine, is initially mellow, but its aftertaste grows ever more lingering, always managing to touch the softest spot in one's heart at the most opportune moment.

In layman's terms: she has a very "wifely" vibe.

That's how he appears anyway.

"What?" Qin Wangchuan replied casually, showing little interest.

"Today we will discuss the Wanjie Thunder Furnace."

Jiang Xuanli breathed softly, her voice carrying an intimate air as if sharing a secret, while her gaze meticulously traced the boy's serene profile.

Initially, I approached him because of the powerful Qin Clan behind him, a force capable of changing the course of the Imperial Dynasty.

But from some point onward, that initial thought gradually fermented into a subtle obsession and... infatuation that even she herself hadn't anticipated.

She practically watched Qin Wangchuan grow up; all those years of attention, expectations, and investment had long since faded away.

Give up?

That would be a huge loss.

This simple thought quietly fermented in Jiang Xuanli's heart, becoming the most alluring and hardest-to-break poison.

She had lost the title that might have belonged to her.

But she will never easily let go of this person's future...

"The Wanjie Thunder Furnace?"

Qin Wangchuan paused almost imperceptibly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, before he understood.

Jiang Xuanli took in his subtle reaction, and the curiosity and resentment in her heart became even clearer.

Her smile remained unchanged, even softening slightly, as if it were just a casual remark:

"You didn't expect that, did you? I didn't at first either, but after thinking about it carefully, it makes sense."

"After all, the Wanjie Thunder Furnace is easy to learn but difficult to master, yet its effects are quite remarkable. For most disciples, it is indeed a highly cost-effective method."

Qin Wangchuan nodded. "I can already guess what it will be like later."

Jiang Xuanli covered her mouth and chuckled softly, a hint of tacit understanding flashing in her eyes. "I guessed it too."

As they spoke, the two stepped into the Tracing Law Palace side by side.

Gu Yixuan lowered her head and silently followed behind, stepping over the threshold.

Upon entering the palace, they saw Qin Wangchuan surrounded again.

However, it's different from before.

Most of the female cultivators were now squeezed to the outer perimeter, while a group of male cultivators, looking excited and arguing, surrounded Qin Wangchuan.

"The Soldier Puppet Technique they demonstrated in class yesterday was amazing! I tried it when I got home, and even with the ready-made Soldier Talisman, I couldn't control it."

"Yes, that level of precision in control is simply beyond human capability!"

"Is there some trick we haven't noticed?"

Qin Wangchuan was overwhelmed by a variety of questions.

Seeing this, Jiang Xuanli's smile remained unchanged. She simply took half a step forward without making a sound, her gentle yet clear voice drowning out the clamor of the crowd:

"Alright everyone."

Her gaze swept over everyone, her tone carrying an undeniable weight, "Discussing cultivation techniques is a good thing, but it's best to leave these minor questions for Elder Yan to consult directly."

No sooner had the words been spoken than a series of steady footsteps sounded from the palace gate.

Jiang Xuanli stepped aside at the opportune moment, smiling and indicating, "Look, Elder Yan has arrived."

Upon hearing this, everyone dispersed dejectedly and returned to their seats.

Elder Yan entered the hall.

He was slender and thin. His gaze swept across the room, pausing briefly on Qin Wangchuan. A slight smile played on his lips as he teased, "Oh, Qin kid, you've come two days in a row?"

"Could it be that my lesson has actually caught your eye?"

Qin Wangchuan followed up, saying, "If I don't come soon, I'm afraid I'll be removed from the roster by the elders next month."

These words were spoken so lightly that a low chuckle immediately filled the hall, lightening the atmosphere considerably.

Elder Yan smiled and gave him a light tap, saying, "Alright, alright, I know you're busy."

"Those old guys from the Lingyun Sword Academy have been pestering me relentlessly to get you to teach a few classes there. But you're nowhere to be seen, even in my classes."

"Sit down."

Having said that, he said no more, walked straight to the podium, and with a flick of his sleeve, the hall doors closed silently.

Taking advantage of this lull, Jiang Xuanli naturally led Qin Wangchuan to the empty prayer mat in the front row.

Xuanyi Academy, there were few familiar faces— Yun Zexuan, Zhao Lingyun, Xie Qingshang were all nowhere to be seen today.

Except for... the one huddled in the corner.

Zhou Yunyi sat alone on an inconspicuous futon, resting his chin on his hand, watching from afar as Jiang Xuanli took the initiative to protect Qin Wangchuan, and couldn't help but click his tongue twice.

"Ha, they're putting on quite a show."

He pursed his lips, lowering his voice even further, almost to the point of whispering.

"Anyone who didn't know better would really think this woman was some kind, gentle, and approachable person..."

Zhou Yunyi had personally experienced this firsthand.

The Zhou Clan had sent him to make contact with the Eldest Princess of the Central Province Dynasty, but he was severely humiliated.

He still remembers it!

On the stage, Elder Yan had already begun speaking.

"Today we'll be discussing a peculiar, rankless cultivation technique: [Wanjie Thunder Furnace]."

"It is said to have no rank because this technique will exhibit vastly different power depending on the user."

"I see that quite a few of you possess this skill, so let..."

Elder Yan's gaze, almost tangible, slowly swept over Qin Wangchuan.

Finally, without warning, it landed on Zhou Yunyi, who was huddled in the corner, and the sound echoed throughout the hall:

"Let the Academy Head explain it to us."

Zhou Yunyi, who had been huddled in a corner, secretly gloating that Jiang Xuanli had finally gotten around to sucking up to someone else, suddenly looked up upon hearing this. His expression instantly shifted from watching a show to one of utter bewilderment, as if asking, "Who am I? Where am I?"

His lips moved, and a thoughtless mutter escaped his lips:

"What... what the hell?"