Turnover

Lu Ran was so conspicuous,

that Teacher Zhou naturally met his gaze,

and it was plain to see her anger skyrocketing,

her eyes wide with fury,

the wrinkles on her face trembling like the legs of a spider come to life,

but Lu Ran had no interest in playing a staring contest with her. He calmly turned his gaze toward the window,

though it was late summer,

the lush, carefully trimmed plants continued to grow in orderly rows,

a sea of green, brimming with life.

Shrek Academy had few people and lots of land,

and its green coverage was absurdly high. Some buildings were even integrated with the plants, such as the areas devoted to plant-type Martial Souls, where temporary and semi-permanent plant structures could be found everywhere,

Xuan Zi had even asked him to help build a tree house back then...

"Crack, crack..."

At the lectern, Teacher Zhou clenched her fists tightly,

and the invisible pressure of a Soul Emperor spread out,

making the air congeal.

The corner of her eye twitched violently, as though she were about to tear Lu Ran apart.

Wang Yan furrowed his brows,

Teacher Zhou had caused a scene at the Education Committee yesterday, even smashing the door to Du Weilun's office, the Outer Academy director of the Martial Soul Department,

and nearly every teacher at Shrek knew about it,

he had thought Fan Yu would persuade her to rein herself in. Burning bridges would do neither side any good,

but Teacher Zhou had made no effort to change at all,

he didn't know whether Fan Yu simply didn't understand the situation or she wouldn't listen,

after all, Fan Yu really was devoted wholeheartedly to Soul Tools.

But no matter what, he had no objection to educating students,

but using a Soul Emperor's pressure to force students into submission was something he absolutely could not accept,

that was the bottom line of all bottom lines.

He circulated his Soul Power, blocking Teacher Zhou's pressure,

and the students below felt the weight lift from their shoulders,

their breathing eased.

"I believe everyone is familiar with Teacher Zhou. She's the homeroom teacher of Freshman Class One, and she'll also be the other homeroom teacher for our class over the next six years."

If something went wrong on the very first day, it would be Wang Yan's failure,

and he was also warning Teacher Zhou through his actions: enough. Back off.

Wang Yan wasn't afraid of Teacher Zhou at all,

in terms of cultivation, they were both Six-Ring Soul Emperors. In terms of Soul Rings, they both had two yellow, two purple, and two black. As for their Martial Souls, Teacher Zhou had a Red Dragon, while he—

had a Coiling Dragon Staff,

if they really fought, it was hard to say who would win,

in terms of credentials,

Wang Yan had a solid grounding in theory and excellent teaching skills. He was one of Shrek Academy's mild-mannered teachers, a representative of the theoretical school, and the Outer Academy's leading senior teacher despite being only in his early forties,

while Teacher Zhou was merely an intermediate teacher, with less experience and ability than him,

after all, it was far harder for Shrek teachers to advance than it was for students. The requirements were much stricter.

Because of their personalities,

he and people like Teacher Zhou didn't get along,

but he still had to maintain a show of cordiality, and, more importantly, help her save face in front of the students,

that wasn't fear or backing down,

Teacher Zhou couldn't do anything to him, but in her attempt to regain her dignity, who knew what ruthless things she might do to the students,

Wang Yan would never allow that.

He had no choice. For the students' sake,

he could only help Teacher Zhou save face:

"Perhaps some of you have misunderstood Teacher Zhou, but you should know that she's a very capable teacher, with a unique teaching style. She's guided generations of outstanding graduates,"

if you only heard half of that, it really did sound true,

down below, Wu Feng grumbled to herself. If she expelled every student, the graduation rate would surely hit a record high. Her style was definitely unique; no one was more overbearing. And anyone who managed to last under her couldn't be anything but capable—their ability to withstand pressure would be off the charts...

Boohoo, Young Lord, I miss you so much...

"I believe that over the next six years, we can clear up any misunderstandings..."

No, we don't need six years. They've already been cleared up...

The students below, who had only heard rumors of Teacher Zhou's domineering ways,

felt their last shred of hope die,

what was this, if not a domineering teacher? This was a tyrant of a teacher!

Was she even human?!

At the lectern,

Teacher Zhou shot Wang Yan a cold glance,

his sanctimonious act made her sick,

Hypocrite!

She didn't believe Wang Yan had played no part in making her the assistant homeroom teacher,

it had to be Wang Yan, Du Weilun, Mu Jin, and the rest of those bastards conspiring against her!

Being a homeroom teacher was a very special position,

in some places, many people didn't want the job and were extremely reluctant to take it,

so the school might have to grab some poor soul to fill the spot,

the reason was simple: it was stressful, exhausting, hard work, and the payback was meager...

Anyone who volunteered was a saint.

Shrek Academy was completely different,

the job was hard and stressful, but the rewards were far too good,

at Shrek, teachers were clearly ranked, and homeroom teachers wielded enormous authority. It was a stepping stone for any teacher hoping to advance to special instructor and gain access to better resources and status,

there were tangible benefits.

Generally, ordinary teachers would first teach freshman classes, with very few lessons. If they performed well, they'd start guiding lower-year classes, again with few lessons at first, gradually taking on more. They had to build up seniority, put in time, and produce results; advance or be dismissed. Only then could they become intermediate teachers qualified to lead a class,

intermediate teachers then had to build up seniority, put in time, and produce results to become senior teachers,

and above them were special-grade teachers, who could enter the Inner Academy to teach,

their benefits would rise accordingly.

Teaching results, theoretical contributions, and the academy's recognition were the keys to advancement,

and among teaching results, student graduation rates and graduation levels were both important measures.

A homeroom teacher would guide a class for all six years,

Teacher Zhou had originally guided a class through its third year, but had been demoted straight to teaching freshmen,

she had lost three years, and the most important final three at that,

all her hard work had been taken away.

Teacher Zhou was resentful,

how many three-year stretches could an intermediate teacher afford to endure?!

This was a blatant humiliation!

And an attempt to suppress her!

Now even her position as head homeroom teacher had been taken away,

what a disgrace!

And Wang Yan was still putting on that sanctimonious act!!

Disgusting!

A chill settled over Teacher Zhou. She had devoted years of diligent service and was one of the best teachers in all of Shrek,

only now did she realize that enemies were everywhere. Everyone had betrayed her!

Everyone was targeting her!

Without a word,

her face expressionless, she turned and left, unwilling to associate with Wang Yan.

"Thud... thud... thud..."

Her heavy footsteps sounded from the classroom into the corridor. Every step seemed to pound at the students' hearts, growing fainter until they finally disappeared.

A chorus of "Phew~" rose through the classroom,

the sighs were remarkably in sync.

At least she's gone,

but these six years probably won't be easy...

The students wore long faces,

and Wu Feng sighed too, her delicate little mouth puckered,

sigh, this is so hard. Why does my Martial Soul have to be of the Power Attack System? If only I were...

Hm?

No, that's not right. I have to be of the Power Attack System, or I won't be able to protect the Young Lord!

She suddenly came to her senses, clenched her fists, and swore to herself:

For the Young Lord, I can't back down!

For the Young Lord!

For the Young Lord...

Young Lord...

The corners of her mouth crept upward, and she couldn't help swaying a little,

if only the Young Lord knew how much I've done for her...

Ah, Wu Feng, you've done so much for me!

Young Lord, for your sake, I'm willing to do anything...

Ah, Wu Feng, I'm so touched!

Young Lord, as long as you can be happy, I'll do anything...

Ah, Wu Feng, I'm happiest when I'm with you!

Young Lord, you've finally understood how I feel!

"Boohoo, Young Lord..."

Lu Ran glanced at Wu Feng,

watching her hug herself, now sad, now smiling, while muttering to herself,

Has she gone delusional?