Chapter 53: Because You’re Too Weak, Senior

A Teacher’s Intervention

“Students, the school strictly prohibits private fights. Especially you, Student Council President—you should be setting an example, not knowingly breaking the rules.”

The middle-aged man wore a stern expression, effortlessly blocking the trio’s attacks while lecturing them. Despite his words, the group remained silent, glaring at each other with hostility. Sighing softly, the man shook his head.

“Fine… if you’re so determined to fight, make it an official duel. The school will prepare a proper stage for you. But private fights are absolutely forbidden!” He shot them a sharp glare, as if issuing a warning.

“Tch…” Zi Xing’s face showed clear displeasure, but with things escalating this far, she had no choice. “Understood, Teacher. I’ll wait.”

“Good. Since the president has agreed, what about you, young Ye?” The man nodded in satisfaction, turning to Ye Sheng and Fu Qingyue with a faint smile.

“No problem here.”

“Excellent! Since you both agree, all four of you should leave for now. The school will soon arrange two one-on-one duels for you.”

“Two…?” Zi Xing’s expression betrayed her surprise. She’d intended to handle this alone, not anticipating this outcome.

Noticing her confusion, the teacher asked softly, “Any issues?”

“Nothing!” Lan Yi answered before Zi Xing could, tugging firmly at her sleeve with a determined look.

“Sorry, Teacher… we’ll head out now.”

Zi Xing opened her mouth to explain, but Lan Yi dragged her away forcefully. Only when the crowd of onlookers was out of sight did Lan Yi stop.

“Little Lan Yi, I can handle—”

“President!”

“Little Lan Yi…”

“This all started because of me. I won’t let you face this alone. Since it’s come to this, I can fight too!”

Lan Yi spoke with conviction, summoning her water element. Water blades formed nimbly in the air, shimmering as they floated.

She wasn’t weak—she simply never needed to prove her strength with her abilities, which led others to see her as someone to protect.

“Little Lan Yi…” Seeing her resolve, Zi Xing relented. “I understand. That silver-haired girl is strong… be careful. And… I’m sorry.”

“No need to apologize, President. I’ve got my own frustrations to vent. If anything, I should thank you.”

“Really?” Zi Xing looked puzzled.

Lan Yi smiled gently. “Absolutely. And besides, it wouldn’t be you if you didn’t act impulsively.”

Caught off guard by Lan Yi’s smile, Zi Xing scratched the back of her head, looking a bit dazed. “I’ll take that as a compliment, then.”

Lan Yi chuckled, urging her along. “Of course it’s a compliment. Now, let’s head back—Xiao Xinglan must be getting anxious.”

“Right, let’s go.”

Zi Xing turned toward the student council room, unaware of the pressure hidden beneath Lan Yi’s smile.

Lan Yi knew who the silver-haired girl was—Fu Qingyue, the strongest first-year aside from Ai Xinglan. Even a year above her, Lan Yi was painfully aware she couldn’t defeat that prodigy. Following Zi Xing, she stared at her back, knowing all she could do was give her all, aim for a draw, and avoid dragging Zi Xing down.

Lost in thought, Lan Yi didn’t notice Zi Xing stop abruptly and bumped into her.

“Ow!”

Rubbing her forehead, Lan Yi looked up, her worries momentarily replaced by exasperation. She hadn’t expected Zi Xing’s knack for collisions to affect her too. About to ask what happened, she froze, words caught in her throat.

An Unexpected Encounter

Straight ahead, a petite black-haired girl approached with a smile, greeting them as if they were old friends. Her steps were light and graceful.

Lan Yi’s heart raced. Since that day, this girl hadn’t sought her out or smiled at her again. Now, Lan Yi stood frozen, watching the girl draw closer.

With a delicate gesture, the girl curtsied slightly. “Good afternoon, Seniors~”

“Oh, it’s you, Xinglan’s classmate. What’s up? Need help with something?” Zi Xing smiled warmly at the newcomer.

“I’m here… to scold you, President.”

“Scold me?” Zi Xing blinked, caught off guard.

“Because you agreed to a duel you absolutely can’t win.”

Zi Xing raised an eyebrow at Yu Li’s words. “You saw what happened earlier, little one? But why do you say that?”

Yu Li smiled lightly as she explained. “Little Qingyue… she’s like Xiao Ai, already halfway to high-tier. She might even be stronger than Ye Sheng.”

Zi Xing frowned, recalling the light in Ye Sheng’s hands. He was clearly formidable, and if this girl’s words were true, Fu Qingyue, potentially stronger than him, would be an impossible opponent for Lan Yi. A loss was one thing, but if Lan Yi got hurt, Zi Xing’s actions would be meaningless and could cause her even more harm.

But canceling the duel now was no longer an option…

“No worries~”

Yu Li spoke softly, a cryptic smile curling her lips.

Unfazed, she leaned closer to the two, her lips moving as if whispering something.

“Wait, Junior Yu Li! That’s not okay!”

Lan Yi interrupted, visibly shocked, clearly wanting to reject Yu Li’s suggestion.

“Senior Lan Yi…” Yu Li’s smile remained, but her eyes held no trace of warmth. “It’s all because you’re too weak, isn’t it?”

She stepped closer, locking eyes with Lan Yi’s trembling blue gaze. “Senior Lan Yi… you’ll listen to me, won’t you?”

A Persistent Doubt

Meanwhile, Ye Sheng and Fu Qingyue exchanged farewells.

Watching Fu Qingyue’s retreating figure, Ye Sheng called out to the system in his mind once more.

“System, check Fu Qingyue’s favorability again. Do it carefully!”

[Checking… Current favorability with Fu Qingyue: Friendly]

[Note: Friendly-level favorability grants no rewards. Host, please work harder to increase favorability.]

“…You’re telling me the girl who just stood by my side without hesitation, ready to help, has a massive drop in favorability?”

[The system does not make errors.]

“How am I supposed to believe that?!”

Frustrated by the result, Ye Sheng felt his temper flare. He was now convinced the system was broken.

“You’re not going to take back other people’s favorability rewards too, are you?” His trust in the system was crumbling.

[No fluctuations in other individuals’ favorability detected. The system will not revoke rewards.]

“Fine… if that’s the case, I’ll just focus on others!” If Fu Qingyue’s favorability was bugged, others weren’t.

‘In the end… Qingyue will always choose me, no matter what.’