At Heavenly Lotus Academy in Lianjiang, the noon bell rang.
"Class dismissed."
Zhao Huo dispersed the "clothing" around his right hand, set down the red brick with a finger-sized hole poked through it, and said, "The offensive applications of the 'clothing' series—Finger Gun, Hand Blade, and Fist Hammer—have all been taught. But since Doctor Ren still hasn't returned, there won't be any practical training yet. That doesn't mean you can slack off.
"The first practical training session next month will include a test. You must use at least one of Finger Gun, Hand Blade, or Fist Hammer, or your monthly evaluation will be downgraded. When your Wristband Points get deducted and you can't afford food or tissues, don't blame your teacher for not telling you to review in advance."
"Yes—"
Zhao Huo strode toward the classroom door, but a crowd of students gathered around him to ask questions.
A girl asked, "Teacher, it's already been ten days. Doctor Ren still hasn't come back? I've been getting pimples lately..."
Zhao Huo said, "Drink more hot water and stay up less."
A boy asked, "Teacher, Teacher, do you know when Teacher Dong will be back? If I can't see Teacher Dong, I'm going to die."
Zhao Huo said, "Although our school doesn't have a graduate program yet, if someone dies in the dorm, the other roommates should receive hush money from the school. Your roommates will be grateful for your sacrifice."
Ever since the news that Zhao Huo had several wives had spread throughout the school, he had completely let himself go. After all, he could no longer maintain the image of a "serious and upright teacher"—that was the limitation of worldly convention. Could someone with three wives not be serious and upright?
Still, Zhao Huo was happy enough with it. He