The three of them had booked the frontmost VIP compartment on the Soul Guidance Train bound for the East Coast.
Qiangu Wuji sat by the window in the corner, staring in utter bewilderment at the smiling woman across from him.
Even now, he still couldn't figure out what was going on. How had his perfectly ordinary trip ended up like this...?
"Wuji, when you think about it, there's no way I'd feel comfortable letting a child your age travel so far from home alone, is there?"
After they'd stared at each other for a while, Leng Yaozhu was the first to speak.
That made sense, but...
Qiangu Wuji couldn't help asking, "Mom, if you come with me to Aolai City, what about the Spirit Pagoda? Will it be all right without you?"
"If the Spirit Pagoda can't function without me, then I don't think it deserves to exist."
Leng Yaozhu snorted, then smiled and cupped Qiangu Wuji's pretty little face in both hands, gently kneading it.
"What, wouldn't you be happy to have your mom with you?"
Qiangu Wuji's face was squished out of shape, and he mumbled, "I don't mind, but how are we going to explain it to the school? If people find out you're my mom, how can I still... like we said?"
"Don't worry about that. You'll understand when we get there."
"Huh?"
Qiangu Wuji was confused.
But Leng Yaozhu only smiled mysteriously and said nothing.
He glanced at Gu Yue, who looked just as baffled.
Gu Yue was confused, too. She'd planned to spend the next few years getting familiar with the Spirit Pagoda, but last night Leng Yaozhu had suddenly approached her and said they were going to Aolai City together.
Though bewildered, she had no choice but to agree. Her position in the Spirit Pagoda was that of Leng Yaozhu's disciple. If her teacher left and she didn't go with her, people would surely grow suspicious.
After nearly five hours, the Soul Guidance Train finally reached Eastsea City, the largest city on the East Coast.
Since their destination was Aolai City, they didn't stop there. They took a taxi straight to Aolai City instead.
For Limit Douluo Leng Yaozhu, the distance was a mere step away, but out of respect for her son's wishes, she chose to travel like an ordinary person.
At nearly three in the afternoon, they finally arrived at Aolai City's Soul Guidance Car station.
Aolai City was truly a seaside town. The moment they stepped out of the car, the air hit them with the damp, salty smell unique to the ocean.
Qiangu Wuji wasn't used to the smell and couldn't help covering his nose.
"Are you Her Excellency Leng Yaozhu?"
Just as he was regretting the trip, an excited shout rang out from the crowd ahead.
Qiangu Wuji followed the voice and saw a black stretch Soul Guidance Car parked across the street.
A slightly chubby, middle-aged man stood by its door, waving excitedly.
Leng Yaozhu spotted him and, without another thought, led the two of them over.
"Are you Principal Lu Renjia of Red Mountain Academy?"
"Your Excellency, yes, that's me! As you requested, I'm the only one here to pick you up."
The middle-aged man looked as if he might burst into tears with joy. He hurried to open the rear door and then took their luggage for them.
Only Gu Yue had a bag, but Lu Renjia still made a show of helping.
Leng Yaozhu nodded appreciatively.
"Principal Lu, you don't need to be so polite. I contacted you out of the blue and caused you trouble. I should be the one thanking you."
"Your Excellency, what are you saying? It's an honor to have you grace our humble Red Mountain Academy with your presence. And on top of that, you're willing to teach and guide our students."
Huh?
She was going to teach at Red Mountain Academy?
Qiangu Wuji and Gu Yue exchanged glances, both seeing surprise in the other's eyes.
A Limit Douluo had come to teach at a beginner academy?
No wonder the principal was so excited.
Qiangu Wuji finally understood why she'd said it would be fine earlier. So that was the reason.
The two exchanged a few more polite words.
It was clear that Leng Yaozhu had no airs about her at all.
After their pleasantries, the three got into the car. Lu Renjia took the driver's seat, then suddenly turned to Qiangu Wuji and praised him with a smile.
"Your Excellency, is this the daughter of yours who'll be studying at our academy? She really is beautiful."
Qiangu Wuji blinked, then tilted his head and looked at Gu Yue.
Was he talking about Gu Yue?
Leng Yaozhu was taken aback, then couldn't help laughing.
"You think this child is pretty, too?"
"Of course! Though your daughter is still young, she's already so graceful and lovely. When she grows up, she'll surely be adored by everyone."
As Lu Renjia spoke, he kept his eyes on Qiangu Wuji, praising him with a look of admiration.
His words made Leng Yaozhu even happier. Her eyes curved almost into crescents as she reached out, took a lock of Qiangu Wuji's long golden hair, and twirled it around her finger.
"I think this child will be loved by everyone when he grows up, too. That's why I'm worried someone might trick him."
Qiangu Wuji's eyes widened. He suddenly realized that the two of them were talking about him. He couldn't help snapping, "Just to clarify, I'm a boy."
"Ah, a boy?"
Lu Renjia was taken aback and glanced at Leng Yaozhu in surprise.
She smiled and nodded.
"Allow me to introduce him. This is my son, Qiangu Wuji."
Lu Renjia's expression froze, as if he'd been struck by lightning. He looked Qiangu Wuji over several more times, then muttered, "Are boys all this pretty these days? He looks like a girl."
The car sped along and soon arrived at Red Mountain Academy.
Leng Yaozhu had called ahead to ask them to keep her identity secret, which was why they'd been able to come and go without hindrance.
As they walked along a path through the academy, Lu Renjia led the way and explained how Red Mountain Academy operated.
There wasn't much to say. Red Mountain Academy was an ordinary coed school, the kind commonly found in the Federation.
Lu Renjia clearly knew the academy wasn't very appealing, so he went out of his way to praise its strengths, such as its relaxed atmosphere and decent food.
He spoke as though afraid Qiangu Wuji would find the place disappointing and walk away.
After giving them a long list of details, he led them to the classroom building.
Lu Renjia stopped and said respectfully, "Your Excellency, according to Red Mountain Academy's tradition, before the term begins, we test students to see whether they have Soul Power. That way, we can determine whether they'll join the Soul Master Class or an ordinary class."
He glanced at Qiangu Wuji, then continued, "But since he's your son, there's no need to test him, is there? He can go straight into the Soul Master Class."
Leng Yaozhu said nothing. She simply looked at Qiangu Wuji, clearly asking what he thought.
Qiangu Wuji considered it briefly, then said, "Principal, you don't need to make special arrangements because of who I am. If everyone else has to take the test, then I should take it, too."
The principal laughed heartily.
"Since you put it that way, Wuji, we'll do as you say. Teacher Lin happens to be good at this, so you can take the test in her class."
Teacher Lin?
Qiangu Wuji was slightly taken aback. Could it be Lin Ximeng?
Wasn't she the teacher of Tang Wulin's class?
What a coincidence!
Before you continue