"Brother Lu Li..."
"Then just watch."
Seeing Lu Li's serious expression, Wu Changkong nodded helplessly. It made sense, after all. Though Lu Li's cultivation was astounding, Wu Changkong had more experience when it came to teaching.
He'd leave it to him, then.
Sitting among the students, Lu Li paid Wu Changkong no further attention and instead focused his thoughts on the system space.
A special little plant, glowing red, had appeared in his inventory.
[Plant: Fire Dragon Grass]
[Age: Century-old]
[Legend has it that this grass grew where a crimson fire dragon fell. Consuming it greatly benefits those with low-level Beast Martial Souls.]
"Hmm. A century-old Fire Dragon Grass would probably only be effective if a little one at this stage consumed it."
Lu Li gave it a brief appraisal. Fire Dragon Grass ranked among the finest basic natural treasures and could significantly enhance the constitution.
It carried a trace of draconic aura, so it was fairly expensive. A specimen only decades old could fetch nearly a million, and a century-old one went for no less than three million Federal Coins.
But it was of no use to Lu Li, of course. One bite of it would do less for him than a watermelon.
"Teacher Lu Li, there aren't any seats left up front."
"I'll sit next to you."
Just then, a cool voice sounded. Gu Yue had quietly taken the seat beside him. With a faint, cool smile, she spoke softly.
"Mm."
Lu Li nodded, his expression calm.
Though the Silver Dragon King's astonishing intelligence had drawn criticism, he didn't think she could be that foolish. Na'er was pretty clever, after all.
Besides, the two of them had once been one. And years ago, he had even led her home by the hand.
"Looks like she didn't recognize me."
"The Golden Holy Dragon King isn't much, either..."
Seeing her greeting ignored so completely, Gu Yue muttered to herself. Lu Li wasn't much, either!
But being ignored by the person before her still brought a chill to her eyes. She was the mighty Silver Dragon King, Lord of the Dragon Clan, after all.
Even though she knew she was still just a little kid, being ignored by the person in front of her still brought a chill to her eyes.
Gu Yue's expression cooled. She folded her arms across her chest and stopped looking at him. This guy still had no idea what it meant to have the mighty Silver Dragon King's attention. That was fine; she'd have plenty of chances later!
She would make him kneel at her feet in loyal submission!
[Dear Host, during Class Zero's lesson, your deskmate Gu Yue was deeply displeased by your arrogant attitude. She swore she would make you see what she could do and trample you underfoot.]
[To avoid attracting the attention of this top genius, please keep up the good work!]
[Special Mission: You've Got My Attention]
[Mission Objective: In a future battle with Gu Yue, don't lose too badly.]
[The reward will be determined by the outcome of the battle.]
"..."
Hearing the new mission in his mind, Lu Li's mouth twitched. At first, he thought he'd gotten another job. He hadn't expected Gu Yue to be the one making a move.
What did it mean that his arrogance had made Gu Yue resent him? He'd only said "Mm" just now...?
Had Gu Yue really gotten triggered that easily? Was that the aura of a little Silver Dragon King?
"Trample me underfoot..."
"Me... you mean me?"
Lu Li glanced at Gu Yue out of the corner of his eye, feeling more than a little helpless. This mission probably wouldn't be completed for a long time.
No matter how much he wanted the reward, he wouldn't go after a nine-year-old Gu Yue, who was only a Soul Grandmaster.
Of course, not hitting children was one reason. Another was that even if he wanted to, he'd have to contend with Di Tian, the Beast Clan's most loyal follower.
"..."
"Teacher Lu Li is actually going to sit in on our class."
In the front row, Tang Wulin and the others looked toward Lu Li, their faces filled with astonishment. Having a Titled Douluo for a teacher was already unbelievable enough. They hadn't expected that now...
He would be attending class with them, too!
Was he sitting in to see whether Teacher Wu's lessons were any good? Teacher Lu Li was so dependable!
"We really did the right thing coming to Eastsea Academy."
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi exchanged a glance.
With their talents and a Martial Soul Fusion Skill, Eastsea Academy's first-year class wouldn't have been their only option. Even Tianhai Academy, with its stronger overall program, would have taken them seriously.
But they'd chosen not to go because they were homesick. Their parents often regretted it on their behalf. Looking at things now, though, they'd hit the jackpot!
Beside Zhang Yangzi, Wei Xiaofeng's eyes burned with excitement. Whatever had crossed his mind, his eyes were darting everywhere, and excitement was written all over his face.
"Wei Xiaofeng, what's wrong?"
Xie Xie looked at him in confusion, and even Tang Wulin, seated at the far end, turned to look.
"Phew, I was just thinking..."
"Look, why is Teacher Lu Li sitting in on Class Zero? Of course, he's observing Teacher Wu's teaching, but look at it another way. Doesn't that make him a student in Class Zero?"
"And I'm a student in Class Zero, too."
Wei Xiaofeng's face flushed red as he grinned.
"Round that up, and I'm Teacher Lu Li!"
"Doesn't that mean I'll be a Titled Douluo someday, too? Hehehe!"
Everyone: "..."
Hey, damn, you really are a genius!
At that moment, Gu Yue once again witnessed the foolishness of humanity, and her estimation of her own intelligence rose even higher.
Tang Wulin, Zhang Yangzi, and Xie Xie all looked like they wanted to say something, while the usually withdrawn Wang Jinxi said, quite unusually, "Could he really be a genius?"
"Wei Xiaofeng, that's some impressive thinking. I admit you really are a genius. You're this."
Xie Xie's expression turned a little odd. As he spoke, he slowly gave Wei Xiaofeng a thumbs-up, dripping with sarcasm.
"Right? Glad to see you've got good taste."
Wei Xiaofeng looked at him in surprise.
Who would've thought this weak loser he'd beaten would understand him so well? He'd picked the right friend.
"You're right..."
Xie Xie silently covered his face. At that moment, he felt not only speechless but ashamed of himself.
How had he lost to this guy?
He felt so embarrassed!
"All right, that's enough."
Wu Changkong interrupted them at just the right moment. But when his gaze passed over Wei Xiaofeng, he, too, looked thoughtful for the first time. Was this little guy actually a genius?
Aside from his decent talent, he seemed more like a special kind of "genius."
"Unlike the lessons you've had before, Class Zero's curriculum will be divided into theory, practical exercises, and special training. You'll learn more about those later."
"Now we'll begin Class Zero's first lesson, which is also our first theory class. Today, we'll talk about..."
"Mechas."
He wrote the two characters heavily on the blackboard, and the five boys immediately perked up.
Mechas—the romantic dream of every man!
"We're starting with mechas right away!"
"Teacher Wu, isn't that material for the advanced division?"
Xie Xie was both surprised and delighted, but still asked in confusion.
"Correct. It is material for the advanced division. But there's no need for you to wait until then. What we'll cover this time is only introductory theory."
Wu Changkong nodded calmly and spoke in a measured tone.
"To understand the origins of mechas, we have to go back ten thousand years. Soul Guidance Technology had already reached unprecedented heights by then, especially under the hands of Spirit Ice Douluo Huo Yuhao, when it reached its peak."
"And in the hearts of Soul Engineers, Soul Guidance Technology was no longer just a matter of weapons and armor. They began to imagine how it could better help Soul Masters develop..."
Wu Changkong continued speaking.
In the front row, the five boys listened patiently without saying a word, their eyes shining.
After all, mechas were the romantic dream of every man!
Though Gu Yue wasn't as excited as the boys, her eyes were just as intent and serious. Mechas!
As a new human technology, mechas were one of the main reasons Soul Beasts had been driven to the brink. She didn't have to like them, but she absolutely had to pay attention!
At the same time, a rueful smile appeared on Lu Li's face, because it was clear the system had started a new growth mission:
[In the Class Zero classroom, you heard about the concept of mecha masters. Under the instruction of the powerful homeroom teacher, Wu Changkong, you couldn't help imagining yourself piloting a mecha into battle. Your heart began to race.]
[Own a mecha, pilot a mecha, operate a mecha!]
[New mission activated!]
[Long-Term Mission: I Must Become a Mecha Master]
[Mission Objective: Become a mecha master, own at least one white-quality mecha, and pilot it safely.]
[Mission Reward: A top-tier mecha exterior and core, scaled to the mecha's quality.]
"Another long-term growth mission..."
"Looks like the system wants me to become an all-around master."
Lu Li chuckled. That was fine. Mechas were the romantic dream of every man. But then again, who said...
He couldn't become a mecha master?
"..."
Gu Yue: Lu Li! I'll make you kneel!
Lu Li: Are you talking about me? (smile)
Before you continue