"..."
That afternoon, in Eastsea City's villa district.
[Lu Li, are you happy today?]
[I guess so. What about you?]
[Heeheehee, if you're happy, then I'm happy too.]
[Silly goose (sticker)]
[Oh, that's such an affectionate way to address me. But then again, what's wrong with being a silly little fool who likes you? It'd be even better if you liked me back.]
["..."]
In the villa district of Eastsea City.
Lu Li looked at the messages Na Nali had sent him through their communicators, chatting with her on and off. Sometimes, he had to admit that this little lovesick fool...
was actually pretty cute.
Although being lovesick could be a flaw, if someone was only lovesick over you...
well, that was a different story.
Just then, a call came in from Wu Changkong.
"Brother Lu Li, I've done it..."
"I'm a Seven-Ring Soul Sage now."
The instant he answered, an excited voice came through the phone, carrying an emotion that was difficult to put into words. Breaking through a bottleneck after so many years was a tremendous change for Wu Changkong.
"Then congratulations, Chang Kong."
Lu Li smiled. He wasn't surprised.
After absorbing a Ten Thousand Year Spirit Fruit, Wu Changkong's cultivation and potential had been restored to what they once were.
"You've been stuck at the same cultivation level for years. With the effects of the Mysterious Ice Grass, your breakthrough was bound to be more than just one level. For the next few days, focus on stabilizing your cultivation."
He thought it over, then added with a smile.
"As for the kids..."
"Leave them to me."
"..."
Eastsea Academy's teachers' dormitory.
Wu Changkong stared at the seventh Soul Ring beneath his feet, feeling the power of a Soul Saint coursing through him. His emotions were in turmoil.
Just as Lu Li had said, he hadn't merely reached level seventy-one. He was already at level seventy-four. The Mysterious Ice Grass had worked even better than he'd expected.
And, just as surely...
He owed Lu Li a tremendous debt.
Wu Changkong had never been good at talking to people. At this moment, especially, he simply couldn't find the right words for Lu Li on the other end of the call.
"Brother Lu Li, I know this probably sounds hollow, but... I'm truly grateful to you."
"I'll do everything I can to repay you."
He spoke with difficulty.
He didn't know how to fully express his gratitude, but he knew that without Lu Li, even the chance of becoming a Soul Saint would have been slim.
He'd waited many years for this cultivation level—one that had once seemed within reach, but had come so late.
He was no longer young.
"We're brothers. It's nothing."
"I'm just glad I could help. You don't have to say anything more."
"If you really want to repay me, then train hard and break through to Titled Douluo as soon as you can."
Hearing Wu Changkong's words, Lu Li smiled and shook his head. He'd given him the Mysterious Ice Grass because he considered Wu Changkong a friend. That was all. Besides...
The hundred percent increase in cultivation speed had already made the gift worth more than the grass itself. There was no need for repayment.
He'd traded a heavenly treasure that wasn't even filling enough for a hundred percent boost to his cultivation speed at the Titled Douluo stage. He'd made a killing.
"Thank you, but one thing is one thing."
"I can't just let this go."
Wu Changkong shook his head. The kinder Lu Li was to him, the harder he had to work to repay him. Only then...
would he be worthy of being Lu Li's brother.
If he only took and never gave, their friendship would eventually fade.
"By the way, Brother Lu Li, can you handle the kids' classes? Especially practical training..."
He suddenly thought of something and asked.
He wasn't too worried about the theory classes, but the practical ones—would Brother Lu Li be teaching those too?
It was no exaggeration to say that if Lu Li himself were teaching, Wu Changkong was afraid one punch might split the little ones' heads open.
"Don't worry. For practical training..."
"I found the kids a suitable sparring partner."
Lu Li smiled and told him honestly.
"That's a relief."
Only then did Wu Changkong relax.
A sparring partner didn't sound too strong. Lu Li had probably found an upperclassman, which was fine. Fighting stronger Soul Masters could help the kids improve...
Wu Changkong didn't keep Lu Li on the phone much longer and soon ended the call. By then, Na Nali had already sent several more messages to Lu Li's communicator.
[Why'd you send an ellipsis? Is it because you've got so many sweet nothings you want to say to me that you're too embarrassed to say them, Lu~ Li~?]
[Hey, hey, why'd you stop talking?]
[Did you disappear, or... did someone steal the time you were spending on me?]
[...]
"A friend called, so I got back to him."
As soon as Lu Li sent the message, Na Nali immediately called him.
"You know, I forgot I could just call you. That way, I don't have to worry about you chatting with someone else."
Her lovely voice came through the phone, playful and sweet.
As for whether Lu Li's friend was a man or a woman, or who they were...
She wasn't going to ask. That would make her seem so sensitive.
"I don't chat with that many people," Lu Li said with a smile and a shake of his head. Did Na Nali really think he was some kind of heartthrob?
Sure, plenty of people liked him, but before he turned eighteen, he'd hardly added anyone as a friend. Na Nali was an exception.
"Really?"
"Then I must mean a lot to you."
There was a hint of doubt in Na Nali's voice, but she still smiled as she spoke. Whether it was true or not, at least...
she had to be different from everyone else in Lu Li's heart, right?
That was all she could ask for.
"..."
"Maybe."
Lu Li smiled. If Na Nali weren't so direct, he wouldn't say anything.
But she was already this straightforward...
It would be too cruel to keep brushing her off.
"Huh?"
"Lu Li, what did you say?"
Hearing his unexpected reply, Na Nali, far away in Heaven Dou City, was startled. Then her eyes curved into crescents.
Could it be...
"What's the big deal? You're my friend. Of course you mean something to me."
At her surprised reaction, Lu Li chuckled and answered calmly.
"Oh, just a friend? I thought you meant something else..."
Na Nali pouted. Lu Li, she really wanted to give you a good scolding. How could you be so mean?
That wasn't what she'd meant by "meaning something" at all.
"If you've got the nerve, come to Heaven Dou City again."
"Just you wait..."
"I'll teach you a lesson, you little pest."
Na Nali gave a huff and threatened him.
She'd gone easy on him last time.
If there was another time...
she'd show him just how formidable she was!
"Okay."
"I'll be waiting."
Lu Li smiled as he replied, without giving it much thought. If this little bell could really teach him a lesson...
then he'd have to be pretty weak.
"You really know how to answer, Lu Li. Then let me ask you something—are you brave enough to answer?"
Na Nali huffed.
"Go ahead."
Lu Li looked curious and nodded.
"Was the person who just called you a man or a woman?"
"..."
"A man."
Lu Li gave an helpless smile. If she felt threatened, she could just say so. Why make a big deal out of whether he dared to answer?
"Mm, good!"
Na Nali's tone softened at once, and she smiled.
If it was a guy, she could relax...
"Next time you come to Heaven Dou City, I'll take you out for something delicious."
"What delicious food?"
"I'm not telling you. Heehee..."
"..."
Before long, the next day arrived.
That morning, Class Zero's practical training began on the field. Aside from Gu Yue, the others once again stood on the battle platform alongside the Tyrant Dragon, Xiao Ba.
"Yesterday, we barely broke one-tenth of the way through. Today, our goal is—"
Tang Wulin and the others exchanged glances, each seeing the determination in the others' eyes.
"One-tenth!"
"..."
Lu Li fell silent, looking like he wanted to say something.
Should he call the kids' plans simple and straightforward, or just admit they were hopeless?
Was breaking through one-tenth really such a lofty goal?
Still, this was fine.
If they improved a little every day, those little gains would add up.
"Teacher Lu Li, what about me?"
Gu Yue came to his side, looking thoughtful.
"You? Go back and cultivate."
"This kind of practical training won't do much for you, Gu Yue. You can come if you want, but I'd recommend skipping it."
Lu Li studied her for a moment before answering seriously.
For a true genius—especially the Silver Dragon King, with countless battle experiences and techniques—what need was there for lessons? She only needed to meditate.
Just like how he did nothing but meditate or train in his secondary profession.
Geniuses like them only had one thing to do: work hard to increase their cultivation and potential. As for everything else...
Their stats would take care of it all.
"..."
"All right."
Gu Yue nodded. With Big Brother Lu Li as the teacher, the class really did have a different feel to it.
Meanwhile, elsewhere.
Wu Changkong left the teachers' dormitory, but he still couldn't quite put his mind at ease. He headed to the field, looking pensive.
"I wonder what Brother Lu Li's practical training is like. Let's see..."
But soon, as he watched the Tyrant Dragon swipe Wei Xiaofeng off the battle platform with one claw, he silently added a question mark in his mind.
You're sure...
this is a suitable sparring partner???
"..."
Na Nali: Do you guys think I still have a chance?
Before you continue