Double-Standard Headmistress

When Xue Wu heard that, the bold smile returned to her lips.

Not only did she refuse to let go of Shui Bing'er's other arm, she deliberately pressed closer and lightly rested her head against Shui Bing'er's shoulder.

"But I'm Bing'er's true sister. Our Martial Soul Fusion Skill was ordained by heaven. It's not something you can envy your way into."

"You!"

"What true sister? My sister and I share the same father. You aren't even remotely related to her—you're the third wheel!"

"Third wheel?" Xue Wu raised one eyebrow. Rather than getting angry, she smiled even more brightly.

"Bing'er hasn't said anything, so why are you so worked up? Besides, a Martial Soul Fusion Skill is a soul-level compatibility certified by heaven itself. Even heaven says we're a pair, so you, her actual little sister, should step aside."

"You're talking nonsense! My sister is mine!"

Shui Yue'er stomped her feet furiously. Realizing that stomping did nothing, she immediately changed tactics, lunging forward like a hungry tiger to hug Shui Bing'er around the waist and burying her face in her sister's chest as she rubbed against her.

"Big Sis! Say something! Are you better with her after fusing, or with me? I'm your real little sister!"

"Bing'er, don't listen to her. She's just jealous." Xue Wu refused to be outdone. She wrapped an arm around Shui Bing'er's shoulders from the other side and winked at Shui Yue'er across from her.

Caught between the two girls, with Xue Wu tugging one arm and her little sister hugging her waist, Shui Bing'er looked exactly like a doll being fought over by two children.

"My sister is mine!"

"Bing'er is mine!"

"Third wheel!"

"You're the third wheel! Your whole family are third wheels!"

"Both of you, stop it!" Shui Bing'er finally shouted, unable to bear it any longer.

The students below the platform had long since doubled over with laughter.

Clap, clap, clap...

Ling Shuang clapped her hands, drawing the entire class's attention away from the three troublemakers tangled together on the Spirit Battle Platform.

"Alright, today's practical assessment ends here."

"I've recorded all of your performances. This afternoon's theory class will include a detailed analysis based on today's results. Now go have lunch in the cafeteria. Dismissed."

"Yay!" Shui Yue'er was the first to spring away from her sister. Just moments ago, she'd been red-faced while fighting over "ownership" of her sister, but the instant she heard the word "food," she tossed her sister aside.

The students left the training grounds in groups of two or three.

"Wu Changkong, stay behind." Shui Qinghan's voice came from behind him.

Wu Changkong had just reached the training ground entrance when he paused, then turned around and walked back.

Shui Bing'er and Shui Yue'er had heard the headmistress as well. The sisters exchanged a glance. Shui Yue'er was about to say something, but Shui Bing'er gently tugged her sleeve, signaling for them to leave first.

"Headmistress, what is it?"

"Did someone come looking for you last night?"

Wu Changkong froze briefly before nodding.

"Bing'er's father came to my dorm last night. He tested my strength with his pressure."

"As expected." A knowing smile appeared on Shui Qinghan's lips as she asked curiously, "Did he tell you about that engagement from back then too?"

"He did," Wu Changkong answered truthfully.

He then briefly recounted Shui Yu's visit the previous night...

After hearing him out, Shui Qinghan fell silent for a moment, then reached out and patted his shoulder.

"I never expected my brother to think so highly of you."

"In all these years, I've never seen him so satisfied with any young man."

She withdrew her hand and lowered her voice. "Keep it up. I approve of you pursuing Bing'er with both hands and both feet."

"Headmistress, didn't you say before that romance between students could easily affect cultivation?"

Cough, cough.

"That's different. Ordinary romance really can be distracting, but you two are different. If you get together, I'll turn a blind eye."

Wu Changkong felt awkward.

He never would have imagined that this headmistress, renowned for her severity, would be so blatantly double-standard when it came to him and Shui Bing'er.

Of course, he wasn't foolish enough to question that double standard. With the headmistress supporting him, it was nothing but excellent news.

From Shui Yu to Shui Qinghan, the attitudes of the Shui Family's two elders couldn't have been clearer.

The only obstacle left was the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.

"Alright, go eat."

"Oh, and don't be late for this afternoon's theory class."

"Understood. Thank you for the reminder, Headmistress." Wu Changkong watched Shui Qinghan leave before turning toward the cafeteria.

The moment he passed through the training ground's archway, he ran into Shui Bing'er and Shui Yue'er, who were waiting by the roadside.

"Changkong, over here!" Shui Yue'er waved as she called out. "Why did the headmistress call you over? Was it because you were so impressive today that she wanted to give you special tutoring?"

Wu Changkong walked over to them and said evenly, "Nothing much. She just asked about my strength."

"She asked about my current cultivation progress and my plans for obtaining my fourth Soul Ring."

"Tch, that's all? How boring."

Shui Bing'er glanced at him, a thoughtful look flashing through her eyes.

"Then let's go to the cafeteria. If we wait any longer, all the good dishes will be gone."

The three of them headed toward the cafeteria.

Along the way, Shui Yue'er chattered nonstop. Sometimes she complained that Xue Wu, that "third wheel," was far too arrogant; sometimes she curiously asked how her sister's Martial Soul Fusion Skill with Xue Wu actually worked; and sometimes she pestered Wu Changkong about how exactly he had managed to block that attack.

Shui Bing'er walked beside her sister, occasionally cutting in to stop her from saying anything too outrageous. Yet her gaze drifted toward Wu Changkong from time to time, lingering on his face before casually moving away.

Skywater Academy Cafeteria—

Before they even reached the entrance, the aroma of food drifted over on the air.

When they pushed open the cafeteria's glass doors, an even richer scent washed over them.

It was the fragrance of young women.

The enormous cafeteria was packed with girls dressed in sea-blue academy uniforms.

Other than Wu Changkong, the entire cafeteria was filled with girls—and beautiful ones at that.

When Wu Changkong entered, at least dozens of gazes swiveled toward him from every corner.

Several upperclassmen in the corner whispered among themselves, their voices faintly audible.

"That's him, that's him."

"The white-haired one."

Wu Changkong walked to the serving counter. Several long lines had already formed there, and the rich scent of food made Shui Yue'er swallow repeatedly.

While getting their food, they ran into Xue Wu, who had gotten there ahead of them.

The group found a long table by the window and sat down.

Not long after they sat down, two figures carrying trays walked over.

Qiu Ruoshui walked in front and soon set her sights on the empty seat opposite Wu Changkong.

Carrying her tray, she walked straight over and sat down. Shen Liuyu followed behind her, setting her tray beside Qiu Ruoshui's and giving everyone at the table a slight nod.

"Class monitor, that Skyfrost Slash of yours today..." Qiu Ruoshui smiled. "You faced a Martial Soul Fusion Skill head-on. We've been discussing it while eating—how did you train your sword aura to become so powerful?"