In the principal's private office.
Zhou Pingxia brewed another cup of Cloud Mist Spirit-Nourishing Tea for Lin Mu.
He didn't drink any himself, instead pacing back and forth and muttering nonstop.
"This is insane. Absolutely insane..."
"I've led the Academy for a hundred years, and I've never seen anything this outrageous!"
He stopped abruptly, turned around, and fixed Lin Mu with an intense stare.
"Kid, be honest with me. How many secrets are you hiding?"
Lin Mu took a sip of tea. Its fragrance cleared his mind.
He looked up to meet Zhou Pingxia's burning gaze and answered calmly.
"Principal, I'm just a student who wants to get stronger in peace."
Zhou Pingxia studied his utterly composed expression and suddenly let out a long sigh.
He dropped onto the sofa and rubbed his aching temples.
"Forget it. Forget it."
"You're a monster, kid. I can't be bothered to ask anymore."
He looked Lin Mu straight in the eye, his expression growing utterly solemn.
"But you have to promise me one thing."
"Go ahead, Principal."
"In your current state, you're like a three-year-old running around the streets with a god-tier piece of equipment."
Zhou Pingxia's voice was more grave than ever.
"I don't know just how terrifying the power you wield is."
"Until you can truly control it, you have to learn to keep it hidden."
"Don't be fooled by how the countries in this world present a united front. They never stop scheming against each other."
"And there are strange religious organizations out there, some of them outright antisocial. Sooner or later, they'll set their sights on you."
"I can't follow you around and clean up your mess every time."
Lin Mu nodded solemnly.
"I understand, Principal."
"You don't understand a damn thing!"
The principal shot him an exasperated glare,