When Chen Yan asked, Gao Teng answered truthfully, "Teacher, last night I ran into a monster at a friend's house. After I killed it, it sprayed some strange liquid all over me.
"The people at the Public Security Bureau said it was a mark that would last at least half a month. During that time, if I ran into any snake monsters, they'd come after me."
Chen Yan was shocked. "You killed a monster?"
Gao Teng nodded, then continued, "After killing the monster, I went to clean out a sewer, but a swarm of rats attacked us. I nearly lost my life.
"I might have gotten up late today because I was so tired. I didn't mean to be late."
Chen Yan was even more shocked by what she heard. She hadn't imagined Gao Teng's day had been so harrowing.
She stood up from her chair and looked at Gao Teng apologetically. "I'm sorry. I misunderstood you, and I shouldn't have criticized you without asking what happened."
Gao Teng froze for a moment, then quickly waved his hands. "It's all right, Teacher. Don't take it to heart."
Chen Yan stepped closer, concern filling her eyes. "Are you hurt?"
"No."
Gao Teng said, "I was lucky. The friend who went with me to clean the sewer was a Level Four martial artist. If she hadn't driven off the rats, I'd probably be a pile of shit by now."
Chen Yan burst out laughing. "What nonsense are you talking about?"
Then she stopped laughing, her expression turning serious. "Be careful after you leave school. Try to avoid dangerous jobs. What would you do if something happened to you?"
Gao Teng scratched his head. "I don't want to clean sewers either, but I'm so short on money. Other jobs don't pay as well."
Chen Yan opened her mouth, but in the end, she swallowed her words.
The day before, she had specifically looked into Gao Teng's family circumstances. His parents had both died in the Rat Disaster six years ago.
With no one to rely on, he had spent all his family's money on martial arts training. He'd even sold his family home and taken out all kinds of online loans.
Given his circumstances, Gao Teng had no choice but to work desperately to earn money. Otherwise, his debts would keep piling up until he could barely survive!
"Actually..."
Chen Yan trailed off.
She wanted to urge Gao Teng to give up martial arts, but when the words reached her lips, she didn't know how to say them.
Gao Teng was clearly still full of hope for the future. She couldn't bring herself to discourage him.
But his life was also full of problems right now.
Chen Yan frowned, unsure what to do.
Just as she hesitated, the school broadcast suddenly crackled to life.
"All Grade Twelve homeroom teachers, the Public Security Bureau has informed us that the school will organize all Grade Twelve students to travel to Snake Island for practical combat training.
"In addition, the Public Security Bureau will send instructor teams to each class to take part in the training alongside the teachers and students.
"All Grade Twelve homeroom teachers, please organize your students and have them assemble on the field."
"Practical combat training on Snake Island?"
Chen Yan narrowed her eyes slightly. Snake Island was fairly dangerous.
People often went to the island to hunt mutated creatures, but snakes bred so quickly that they still infested the place.
Organizing students to train on the island could be very beneficial, but the risks were simply too high.
"All Grade Twelve homeroom teachers, the Public Security Bureau has informed us..."
The principal's voice sounded over the broadcast again.
The students in the classroom opened their eyes one after another, emerging from their cultivation.
Chen Yan glanced around the room. "Everyone, you heard the announcement. The school is planning to take all Grade Twelve students to Snake Island for practical combat training.
"This training carries a high risk. If anyone doesn't want to take part, you can withdraw. I'll explain the situation to the principal."
The students looked at one another.
Then someone tentatively raised a hand.
"Tea... Teacher, can I withdraw?"
A short-haired girl asked timidly.
"Of course."
Chen Yan said with a trace of displeasure, "Training this dangerous should be voluntary. How can we force students to take part?"
"Teacher, I'd like to withdraw too."
"Teacher..."
Soon, three more students raised their hands and chose to withdraw from the training.
Chen Yan waited a while. When no one else raised a hand, she slowly looked over the whole class.
"Does anyone else not want to take part in the 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. By then, no one will be asking what you want."
The classroom fell silent. No one spoke.
"Are you sure you've thought it through?"
"We have."
The students answered all at once.
If they weren't willing to take even the slightest risk, what was the point of practicing martial arts?
This practical training was a good chance to toughen their resolve. How could they shrink from the challenge?
Chen Yan nodded. Since the students were willing to take the risk, she had nothing more to say.
"By the way."
Chen Yan suddenly remembered something and turned to Gao Teng beside her. "Gao Teng, you shouldn't take part. The scent on you will put you in great danger. It's better not to risk it."
Gao Teng naturally disagreed. How could he give up such a good chance to earn achievement points?
He said earnestly, "Teacher, I want to take part in this training. I'll keep myself safe. If I back down at the first sign of trouble, what could I ever achieve?"
Chen Yan was surprised. Gao Teng wasn't afraid of danger?
"I'm glad you have that kind of conviction, but..."
Chen Yan looked worried. "Once you're on Snake Island, the mutated creatures may single you out as a main target. I'm afraid you won't be able to handle them."
At that, Gao Teng threw a punch into the air. His strength erupted with a sharp crack, showing just how powerful he was.
Chen Yan was stunned. Gao Teng could produce that much force without even channeling his true energy. His physical strength must be considerable!
She couldn't help wondering when he'd gotten so strong.
"Teacher, I've gotten stronger. You don't need to worry about my safety. I can protect myself."
Chen Yan fell silent for a moment. Seeing how firmly Gao Teng looked at her, she finally nodded. "Since you're so determined, I won't stop you. Just be extra careful on the island. Don't let your guard down."
Gao Teng smiled. "I understand."
Chen Yan looked at him, baffled.
Most students avoided training that put their lives at risk, yet Gao Teng was excited about it?
What a strange student.
The principal's voice continued over the broadcast. Chen Yan looked around at the class. "I'll ask one last time. Does anyone else want to withdraw from the training?"
After waiting a few seconds and seeing that everyone looked determined, she continued, "Everyone who wants to take part, follow me to the field.
"Deng Yang, Zhang Zhiyuan, Feng Jia, Yu Li, the four of you stay in the classroom and keep practicing. Don't slack off just because I'm not here to keep an eye on you."
Before you continue