Opening Ceremony

Xie Xie hurriedly tucked away his entry card for the Primary Spirit Ascension Platform and threw an arm around Cheng Duoyi's shoulder. "Look at what you're saying! You already treat us like friends, so how could we not treat you the same? Look at how frail you look—don't worry, if anyone bullies you in the future, just tell me. I'll take care of them!"

Seeing Xie Xie's actions, Yun Xiao's heart leaped into his throat; he didn't dare to watch and squeezed his eyes shut.

Huh? Brother Cheng didn't hit Xie Xie?

Besides, does Brother Cheng even need you to look after him?

I'm afraid if you knew Brother Cheng's true strength, you'd be scared to tears!

Cheng Duoyi chuckled. "Alright, if I need anything, I'll let you know. Just don't flake on me when the time comes."

"Impossible! Absolutely impossible!" Xie Xie declared. "As long as you tell me, I guarantee I'll always have time."

For some reason, the moment Xie Xie embraced Cheng Duoyi, the blood in his veins stopped merely boiling and began to surge violently. His soul power also accelerated its circulation at that very moment; just this single hug was more than twice as effective as his usual diligent cultivation!

If he were to cultivate while hugging him, wouldn't it be three or four times faster?

As soon as this thought surfaced, Xie Xie was startled by himself.

No, why would I have the thought of hugging a guy to cultivate!

Even if he gives too much, I can't have thoughts like that!

I like girls!

Xie Xie hurriedly let go of Cheng Duoyi, feeling a strange sense of loss that left him feeling quite uncomfortable.

Yun Xiao had no idea what Xie Xie was thinking; he was busy sighing to himself.

People, really!

Don't be too flashy in how you do things.

Zhou Changxi was the perfect example.

If he were still here, he surely would have received a free entry card for the Primary Spirit Ascension Platform as well.

Yun Xiao looked at Cheng Duoyi. "Brother Cheng, from now on, you are the dorm leader of our Dormitory 205. If you have any orders, just let me know at any time. I guarantee I'll get it done."

Xie Xie nodded repeatedly. "Yes, yes, yes! From now on, you're our dorm leader."

Cheng Duoyi nodded. "Fine."

"It's getting late, let's hurry up and get some sleep."

"Sleep, sleep."

"We'll follow Brother Cheng's lead."

The three of them climbed into their respective beds.

Cheng Duoyi drifted off to sleep with ease.

Xie Xie, however, couldn't sleep; his eyes remained fixed on Cheng Duoyi as he wondered what he was thinking.

Deep down, Yun Xiao wanted to seize this opportunity; he was determined to cling to Cheng Duoyi's coattails.

Early the next morning.

The opening ceremony of Eastsea Academy was held grandly in the main square.

The square was filled not only with first-year freshmen but also with upperclassmen from the second to the sixth years.

The Dean stood on the podium, delivering a passionate and stirring speech.

He first welcomed all the freshmen to Eastsea Academy.

Then, he introduced the history and achievements of the academy.

Following that, his expression turned solemn. "Yesterday, a very unfortunate incident occurred at our academy. A certain first-year freshman was expelled for violating the rules of Eastsea Academy. I hope everyone remembers that the academy is a place for you to learn, not a place for you to bully other students."

This statement sparked a wave of discussion among the crowd.

Clearly, many had already heard the general situation from yesterday.

However, they didn't know the specifics, only that a massive hole had appeared in a room on the second floor of the boys' dormitory, suspected to have been caused by an eight-ring Soul Douluo.

"Silence!"

The Dean still commanded authority; once he spoke, the crowd immediately quieted down.

"A person's character..."

Worried that someone might provoke Cheng Duoyi, the Dean spoke at length about character, urging them to keep themselves in check. Finally, he encouraged everyone to cultivate diligently so they could become outstanding soul masters in the future.

After the Dean's speech concluded, it was time for the class assignment ceremony.

Long Hengxu held the class roster and began to read aloud.

As each name was called, the first-year freshmen walked into their respective class formations.

Finally, Long Hengxu cleared his throat. "Grade 1 Class 5: Cheng Duoyi, Tang Wuling, Xie Xie, Yun Xiao..."

Long Hengxu had originally intended to place Tang Wuling in Class 1, knowing she was level 18 with a Blue Silver Grass martial soul, but considering the situation with Cheng Duoyi and Leng Xue'er, he ultimately assigned her to Class 5.

Moreover, Class 5 had Wu Changkong; he believed that Wu Changkong and Leng Xue'er could teach the students well, which was what he looked forward to most.

Wu Changkong and Leng Xue'er walked to the front of Class Five's formation.

Wu Changkong maintained his usual icy demeanor, devoid of any expression, while Leng Xue'er looked at Cheng Duoyi and Tang Wuling with gentleness.

"Follow me."

Following Long Hengxu's words, Wu Changkong spoke indifferently and turned to walk toward the teaching building. Such cold indifference did not make many people dislike him; instead, they found it to have personality and grew quite fond of it.

Leng Xue'er nodded toward Cheng Duoyi.

Cheng Duoyi responded, taking Tang Wuling's hand to follow the two of them.

"Brother Yi'er, why were you also assigned to Class Five?" Tang Wuling looked at Cheng Duoyi in confusion. "Didn't the Dean just say that Class Five is the worst class? With your strength, you shouldn't have been assigned here!"

Cheng Duoyi whispered, "Aren't you the same?"

"I'm different, my Martial Soul is Blue Silver Grass..." Tang Wuling was clearly still brooding over her Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul.

"My Martial Soul is a dragon, yet I'm still in the same class as you, aren't I?" Cheng Duoyi smiled. "A Martial Soul doesn't represent everything. With me here, I believe you will break through to level twenty very soon. When that time comes and you've grown strong, you must protect me well."

At the mention of protection, Tang Wuling nodded hurriedly. "I will! I will definitely protect you well and never abandon you!"

Just as the two finished speaking, Xie Xie and Yun Xiao arrived on the other side of Cheng Duoyi. Xie Xie's eyes darted back and forth between the two. "Something's not right, you two are acting suspicious."

Tang Wuling's face flushed slightly, but she was secretly delighted in her heart. Hehe, it seems I can enjoy Brother Yi'er's care all to myself from now on.

Cheng Duoyi smiled. "Her name is Tang Wuling, she is my sworn sister."

"Oh~ a sister, hello there, sister." Xie Xie deliberately drew out his words, his tone filled with teasing.

"Hello, my name is Yun Xiao, I am Brother Cheng's little brother." Yun Xiao knew his place and did not speak out of turn.

His family background was not as deep as Xie Xie's, and his own Martial Soul was not particularly powerful, so he always thought twice before acting.

Cheng Duoyi did not mind Xie Xie's teasing.

"Let's get moving; we can talk about anything else after class."

Cheng Duoyi's words were very effective.

Xie Xie said, "Alright, starting from yesterday, you are my Brother Cheng. I'll listen to you."

Yun Xiao nodded and said, "I'll listen to Brother Cheng as well."

Tang Wuling held Cheng Duoyi's hand, feeling no surprise at all that he had so easily gained two followers.

She knew Cheng Duoyi's personality well.

As long as you were good to him, he would repay you twofold.

Brother Yi'er, I will guard your sincerity and won't let anyone else hurt you! Tang Wuling secretly vowed to herself again.

This was not the first time she had made such a vow. Not long after meeting Cheng Duoyi, she had begun swearing that she would not let him get hurt and that she would keep pace with him—which was the very reason she had started learning blacksmithing.