Journey to Snake Island

Facing Chen Yan's inquiry, Gao Teng answered truthfully, "Teacher, last night I encountered a monster at a friend's house. After I killed it, it sprayed a strange liquid all over me.

The people at the Public Security Bureau said this is a type of mark that will last for at least half a month. During this time, if I encounter any snake-type monsters, I will be targeted for retaliation."

Chen Yan was shocked, "You killed a monster?"

Gao Teng nodded and continued, "After killing the monster, I went to clean the sewers, but ended up being besieged by a swarm of rats and nearly lost my life.

Perhaps because I was too exhausted, I woke up a bit late today. I didn't mean to be late on purpose."

Hearing this, Chen Yan was even more astonished; she hadn't expected Gao Teng to have had such a perilous day yesterday.

She stood up from her chair and looked at Gao Teng with a face full of apology, "I'm sorry, Teacher misunderstood you. I shouldn't have criticized you without asking for the reason first."

Gao Teng was slightly taken aback and quickly waved his hands, "It's fine, Teacher, you don't need to take it to heart."

Chen Yan stepped forward, her eyes filled with concern, "Are you hurt?"

"Not at all."

Gao Teng said, "I was quite lucky. The friend who was cleaning the sewers with me is a Level 4 martial artist. If she hadn't routed the rat swarm, I'm afraid I would have already been a pile of dung."

Chen Yan chuckled, "What kind of nonsense are you spouting?"

Immediately, she retracted her smile and said with a serious expression, "Be more careful about your safety after leaving school. Try not to take on those dangerous jobs. What would you do if something really happened?"

Gao Teng scratched his head, "I don't want to clean sewers either, but the problem is I'm too short on money. Other jobs don't pay as well."

Chen Yan opened her mouth, but ultimately swallowed her words.

Yesterday, she had specifically looked into Gao Teng's family situation; his parents had both lost their lives in the rat plague six years ago.

With no one to rely on, he had exhausted his family's wealth to practice martial arts, not only selling their house but also falling into debt with various online lenders.

Faced with this situation, Gao Teng had no choice but to work desperately to earn money; otherwise, his debts would only pile higher, and even survival would become an issue!

"Actually..."

Chen Yan hesitated, wanting to say more.

She really wanted to persuade Gao Teng to give up martial arts, but the words died on her lips, and she didn't know how to bring it up.

Gao Teng was clearly still full of expectations for the future, and she really didn't want to dampen this student's enthusiasm.

However, Gao Teng's current life was fraught with problems.

Chen Yan furrowed her brows tightly, feeling quite troubled in her heart.

Just as she was hesitating, a voice suddenly came over the school's broadcast system.

"Attention all senior year homeroom teachers: per notification from the Public Security Bureau, our school will organize all senior students to head to Snake Island to conduct field combat training.

Additionally, the Public Security Bureau will dispatch guidance teams to be stationed in each class to complete this training alongside the teachers and students.

Will all senior homeroom teachers please organize your students to gather on the playground now."

"Heading to Snake Island for field combat training?"

Chen Yan narrowed her eyes slightly; Snake Island still held a certain degree of danger.

Although people often landed on the island to hunt mutated creatures, the reproductive capacity of snakes was too strong, and the place remained infested.

Organizing students to conduct field combat training on this island, while highly effective for training, carried risks that were simply too high.

"Attention all senior homeroom teachers: per notification from the Public Security Bureau..."

The principal's voice rang out through the broadcast once more.

The students in the classroom opened their eyes one after another, exiting their cultivation state.

Chen Yan scanned the group and said, "Students, you should have all heard it. The school is preparing to organize all senior students to go to Snake Island for field combat training.

This training carries high risks. If any of you do not wish to participate, you may choose to withdraw, and I will explain the situation to the principal."

The students looked at one another.

Shortly after, someone tentatively raised their hand.

"Tea... Teacher, can I withdraw?"

It was a girl with short hair who asked, looking somewhat timid.

"Of course you can."

Chen Yan said with a hint of dissatisfaction, "This kind of dangerous training should be based on voluntary principles. How could anyone force students to participate?"

"Teacher, I also want to withdraw."

"Teacher..."

Soon, three more students raised their hands, choosing to withdraw from the training.

Chen Yan waited for a moment, and seeing no more hands raised, her gaze slowly swept across the entire class.

"Is there anyone else who does not wish to participate in this training?

Don't feel embarrassed. If you don't want to go, you don't have to. Don't wait until you're on Snake Island to regret it; there will be no one there to negotiate with you then."

The classroom was silent; no one spoke.

"Have you all truly thought this through?"

"We have."

The students answered in a cacophony of voices.

If they didn't dare to take even the slightest risk, what was the point of practicing martial arts?

This field training was a prime opportunity to temper their character; how could they shrink back now?

Chen Yan nodded. Since the students were willing to take the risk, she could hardly say anything more.

"Right."

Chen Yan suddenly thought of something, turned to Gao Teng beside her, and said, "Gao Teng, you shouldn't participate.

The scent on your body will bring you great danger; it's better not to take the risk."

Gao Teng naturally held a dissenting opinion; how could he possibly give up such a good opportunity to farm merit points?

He said with a solemn expression, "Teacher, I want to participate in this field training. I will protect myself well.

If I were to act timidly because of a little difficulty, what could I possibly achieve in the future?"

Chen Yan was greatly surprised. Was Gao Teng actually not afraid of danger?

"I am very happy for you to have such conviction, but..."

Chen Yan said with a face full of worry, "Once you reach Snake Island, you will very likely become the primary target for mutated creatures. I'm afraid you won't be able to handle it."

Hearing this, Gao Teng threw a fierce punch into the air. Instantly, the force of his strike exploded, fully displaying his formidable power.

Chen Yan was stunned. Without even circulating his true qi, Gao Teng's punch could display such power; his physical strength must be quite high!

She was suddenly filled with doubt. When did Gao Teng acquire this level of strength?

"Teacher, I have become stronger. You don't need to worry about my safety; I have the ability to protect myself."

Chen Yan was silent for a moment. Seeing Gao Teng looking at her with determination, she finally nodded, "Since you are so insistent, I cannot stop you. In any case, once you are on the island, you must be extra careful. Do not be negligent or careless."

Gao Teng revealed a smile, "I understand."

Chen Yan glanced at him, her heart filled with confusion.

This was training that required risking one's life, something many students would avoid at all costs, yet Gao Teng was actually excited?

What a strange student.

"Attention all senior homeroom teachers, please receive the notice from the Public Security Bureau..."

The principal's voice continued to broadcast. Chen Yan looked at the entire class, "I will ask one last time: is there anyone else who wants to withdraw from the training?"

After waiting a few seconds and seeing that everyone's expressions remained firm, she continued, "All students who wish to participate in the training, follow me to the playground to assemble.

Deng Yang, Zhang Zhiyuan, Feng Jia, Yu Li, you four stay in the classroom to cultivate. Do not slack off just because I am not watching you."