The trainees' gazes immediately shifted away from Zhao Chenghuang and toward Yuanshi Tianzun, whom the dean was questioning.
It was an instinctive reaction. None of the trainees present took the matter seriously; they even felt the Qin Feng Academy teachers were making a mountain out of a molehill. So what if someone had snuck into Mermaid Lake?
There were no electronic devices at Qin Feng Academy, and entertainment and recreational facilities were lacking. Were they not even allowed to have some fun?
Perhaps in a few days, once boredom set in, they too would sneak into Mermaid Lake and frolic with those breathtakingly beautiful mermaids.
Only Zhang Yuanqing knew best that if his intrusion into Mermaid Lake were exposed, the academy teachers would first interrogate him about how he had learned of the hidden mission.
Second, that competitor would learn of him. And with him taking the blame, the armored man would escape unscathed instead.
Lastly, he would definitely be watched closely over the next few days, making it difficult for him to enter the stone door again.
Because even if he entered the stone door and obtained the treasure, headquarters would know perfectly well who had done it.
Meeting Dean Li Yanqi's sharp, profound gaze, Zhang Yuanqing shook his head and gave an ambiguous smile. "Teacher Song Man said mermaids have little fangs. I'm not an Earth Monster—I know full well how tough my defenses are."
The male trainees let out a round of knowing snickers.
The few female trainees who understood either blushed and spat in disdain, or failed to suppress their laughter and joined in.
The dean nodded solemnly, then looked at Sun Miaomiao. "Were you the one who entered Mermaid Lake?"
Sun Miaomiao shook her head. "It wasn't me. After returning to the dormitory, I stayed