Chapter 11: Sparring Session
A Teacher’s Concern
On the podium, Teacher Wang Si sighed helplessly.
The two girls in the front row were openly whispering, oblivious to their surroundings.
Unlike the students, Wang Si knew this transfer student had been brought in by Miss Ai herself, so it was no surprise they were acquainted.
Still, as a teacher, he needed to confirm whether Yu Li could keep up with the class’s curriculum based on her previous school’s progress.
“Uh… Student Yu Li.”
Ai Xinglan, engrossed in her conversation with Yu Li, instinctively lowered her book.
Catching Wang Si’s gaze, she realized they were in class, not at home.
Her face flushed with embarrassment, turning even redder.
“Teacher, is something wrong?”
Yu Li, unfazed, casually questioned the teacher.
“I wanted to ask about your academic progress from your previous school. Our class is currently studying magical beast habits. Can you keep up, Student Yu Li?”
Wang Si scratched his head, sounding a bit exasperated.
“No problem at all. Thank you for your concern, Teacher.”
Yu Li smiled brightly.
“Alright then, let’s get back to the lesson. Regarding magical beast habits…”
The classroom returned to normal.
The Bell Rings
Ding—
The bell signaled the end of the tedious theory class.
The drowsy students instantly perked up, eyeing Yu Li with eager curiosity but hesitating to approach.
Yu Li found it odd—what was holding back these teenagers’ curiosity?
“Yu Li, next is the ability test. You good?”
Ai Xinglan’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts, and Yu Li’s face lit up with realization.
Oh, it’s because of Xiao Ai. The perfect young lady is too intimidating to approach.
“What’s with that look? I feel like you’re thinking something rude.”
Ai Xinglan frowned, eyeing Yu Li suspiciously.
“Hm~ Just thinking I can’t compete with Xiao Ai’s charm~”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing! Isn’t it time for the ability test? Let’s go!”
Yu Li grinned and left the classroom.
“What the… so random.”
The Ability Test
As a top academy in the central district for training ability users, the school conducted ability tests at the start and end of each semester to assess and compare students’ progress.
Today was the test for Yu Li’s Class A, held in the gymnasium beside the central plaza.
The students displayed a mix of emotions—some nervous, others confident.
“Alright, Class A, show me results I can be proud of. Otherwise… heh.”
A muscular, bald teacher spoke with a grin that sent chills down the students’ spines, radiating overwhelming pressure.
As expected, groans of despair echoed through Class A.
“Now, show me what you’ve got. Pair up for sparring. Anyone left out or slacking will face me.”
At his words, the students scrambled like wild horses, pairing up frantically to avoid sparring with the teacher.
Surprisingly, Yu Li, the new transfer student, was swarmed by classmates, clearly popular.
“Yu Li, pair with me! I’m super tough!”
A male student pushed forward, extending his hand.
Before Yu Li could respond, a female student shoved him aside.
“Get lost! What do you boys think you’re doing, trying to get close to the cute new girl? Yu Li’s obviously pairing with us girls!”
“What’s that supposed to mean? A beauty like her belongs to everyone! Why should it just be you girls?”
Another boy shot back.
“What did you say?!”
“What? Did I say something wrong?!”
As the students bickered, nearly coming to blows over who’d spar with Yu Li, she instinctively moved to intervene.
Her eyes caught a lone blonde figure standing off to the side, arms crossed.
“Hm… I think Classmate Ai is quite the stunning beauty too. Why’s no one asking her?”
Yu Li genuinely couldn’t understand.
Even if the perfect young lady was intimidating, surely someone would be bold enough.
So she asked outright.
The noisy crowd fell silent, as if no one dared to answer.
“Uh… Classmate Ai, she…”
The previously enthusiastic female student stammered.
“Well… she’s so strong, she’d be fine sparring with the teacher.”
The girl’s awkward expression hinted at something unspoken.
“Ha…”
Yu Li sighed, feeling a mix of exasperation and disbelief.
Choosing a Partner
As most students paired up, Yu Li’s popularity was evident.
Ai Xinglan, watching from the sidelines, felt a pang of disappointment but walked toward the teacher with a resigned look.
“Teacher Wu, I’ll trouble you again this time.”
Teacher Wu rubbed his shiny bald head and nodded.
“Huh? Is Xiao Ai abandoning me to pair with the teacher?”
A playful, resentful voice interrupted.
Ai Xinglan turned to see Yu Li standing behind her, pouting dramatically.
“You’re not…?”
Ai Xinglan looked surprised, not expecting Yu Li to approach.
“Xiao Ai, so mean, leaving me all alone. Or is this some kind of abandonment play?”
Yu Li put on a hurt expression, staring at her.
“You’re talking nonsense again! I saw you over there with—”
“Hm… I came because I missed you.”
Yu Li’s words carried a sincere tone.
“W-We’re at school! Don’t just say stuff like that!”
Ai Xinglan’s face reddened, and she glanced nervously at Teacher Wu.
He was flexing his muscles, acting oblivious, though his exaggerated ignorance seemed intentional.
“Your weird talk is gonna get heard by the teacher… And what about your persona? Is it okay to just ditch them like that?”
“Persona? Compared to Xiao Ai, it’s meaningless. So instead of worrying about that, how about we spar?”
Yu Li smiled, grabbing Ai Xinglan’s hand and pulling her aside, ignoring the onlookers.
The black-haired and blonde beauties stood together, drawing every eye in the gym.
Even the sparring groups paused to watch their match.
Teacher Wu seemed to allow it, curious to see what the new transfer student could do, daring to challenge Ai Xinglan.
After all, Ai Xinglan was a dominant force in their year.
Her swordsmanship was masterful, capable of defeating most without even using her ability, not to mention her terrifyingly rare power.
“You sure you want to spar with me?”
Ai Xinglan looked at Yu Li with concern.
In her mind, Yu Li was just a newly awakened summoner, and she wasn’t even sure if Liuli, her summoned beast, had any offensive capabilities.
“Don’t worry. Show me your full strength.”
Yu Li’s expression was deadly serious, no hint of pretense.
Ai Xinglan nodded, gripping her sword hilt.
“Here I come!”
With a flash of golden light, Ai Xinglan charged, her aura sharp and her speed too fast for most to track, drawing her sword and thrusting at Yu Li.