Chapter 20: Chapter 20: Four substitutes
After closing the door, Yu Tianyan took out a plan from his bracelet—one he had never shown to Liu Erlong. It was destined to be another sleepless night.
The next morning...
The clearing in the woods behind the academy
Liu Erlong, wearing a purple battle skirt, looked at the boy and girl in front of her with a satisfied smile. These were her hopes for turning things around and regaining her honor.
Tai Long, 14 years old, martial spirit: Powerful Gorilla, Level 27 Strength-Type Battle Spirit Master. Tai Long, already well-built, looked stronger than most adults. At nearly 1.9 meters tall, with broad shoulders and a solid build, his short chestnut-red hair and shining eyes displayed admiration for Liu Erlong.
Jing Ling, 15 years old, martial spirit: Skeleton, Level 27 Agility-Type Spirit Master. Perhaps due to his martial spirit, half of Jing Ling's face, covered by hair, was unusually pale. His expressionless face and tightly closed, colorless lips made him appear cold and distant.
Huang Yuan, 15 years old, martial spirit: Lone Wolf, Level 27 Strength-Type Spirit Master. Compared to the muscular Tai Long and the pale Jing Ling, Huang Yuan looked quite ordinary. His hair was styled back uniquely, and his well-proportioned, 1.8-meter frame hinted at strength without exaggeration. A slight smile made him seem approachable.
Jiangzhu, 14 years old, martial spirit: Healing Scepter, Level 25 Support-Type Spirit Master. With reddish-brown hair that fell to her shoulders and a gentle face, Jiangzhu was a beauty, though less eye-catching than Liu Erlong. At only 14, her figure was quite developed, with a presence that attracted many students.
"If you four need any resources for cultivation, you may directly apply through the director. If that's not enough, I will personally assist you. Train hard and don't waste your talents. Bring honor to our Blue Tyrant Academy in the upcoming Spirit Master Elite Competition!" Liu Erlong declared excitedly.
"Yes, Dean!" the four replied in unison, their voices filled with enthusiasm.
Dean Liu Erlong, until recently, had existed only as a legend to them. Now, not only had they met her in person, but she had also promised them training resources. They realized they were about to receive the academy's full support, and perhaps, even personal instruction from the dean herself.
Teacher Yinshu, standing nearby, smiled as he reached out to pat Yu Tianyan's head. "Xiaoyan, these brothers and sisters will surely be the future hope of our Blue Tyrant Academy."
Yinshu, aware of Yu Tianyan's extraordinary talent, knew he was the most gifted student in the academy. While he doubted Yu Tianyan would compete in the Spirit Master Elite Competition as a teenager, he believed the boy would be a formidable participant by age 20.
Yu Tianyan, however, smirked and raised his voice. "They're nothing but trash."
Yinshu, caught off guard, saw Liu Erlong's displeased expression and quickly pulled Yu Tianyan back. "He's just a child, Dean. Please forgive his ignorance."
Yinshu was puzzled; the usually polite Yu Tianyan had never spoken this way. But, despite his qualifications, the boy's rude words clearly irritated the four students. They looked at Yu Tianyan, noting his small stature and youthful face, which barely seemed ten years old. None wanted to engage harshly with a child, but Tai Long, unable to hold his temper, snorted.
The snort caught Yinshu's attention. Treating Yu Tianyan as half a son, he wondered if he'd need to watch Tai Long more closely in the future.
Everyone at Blue Tyrant Academy knew the dean had a younger brother. Living in a restricted area of the academy, the mysterious "beaten younger brother" was a familiar story among students. Despite knowing who Yu Tianyan was, the four students couldn't shake the bad impression his words left.
Liu Erlong, annoyed, said, "Xiaoyan, if you have nothing better to do, go practice. Don't cause trouble here."
Yu Tianyan, having ignored her last night, hadn't spoken to her all morning, which had already soured her mood. Now, when she was pleased with her talented students, he'd gone and insulted them. Did he think she, Liu Erlong, wouldn't discipline him?
Seeing Liu Erlong scold her brother on their behalf, Tai Long and the others felt a mix of relief and gratitude. They straightened up, feeling that their presence was truly valued.
But, determined to make a point, Yu Tianyan pushed past Yinshu, who was caught off guard. Though the teacher was a Level 56 Spirit King, Yu Tianyan's unexpected strength nearly knocked him over.
Yinshu thought, How did Xiaoyan suddenly become so strong?
Realizing her scolding might have triggered this, Liu Erlong felt a pang of regret. What did I say?
"Xiaoyan, what are you doing?" Yinshu tried to restrain him, but Yu Tianyan pushed him aside again, drawing the attention of the four students.
Jiangzhu looked at Yu Tianyan curiously. Although his mocking words were rude, she found herself intrigued by the handsome young boy.
However, the other three were less forgiving. Tai Long glared at Yu Tianyan, trying to scare him away with his gaze. Ignoring them all, Yu Tianyan stepped forward and taunted, "What? Do you admit you're trash? Afraid to answer back?"
Jing Ling and Huang Yuan's expressions darkened. They were among the academy's top students, and their pride wouldn't allow such an insult to pass.
Even Jiangzhu frowned. She hadn't expected this beautiful child to be so infuriating.
Tai Long's temper flared, and he stomped the ground in response.
Liu Erlong, sensing the tension, realized she couldn't let this escalate. If she didn't intervene, things might get out of hand. Although she regretted scolding Yu Tianyan, she waved her hand and said, "Enough. We're done for today. Remember what I said, and go on."
The four students bowed respectfully. "Yes, Dean."
Yinshu looked deeply at Yu Tianyan, sensing the boy's sudden, fierce determination wouldn't easily be dispelled. Still, he bowed and said, "I'll take my leave."