"Academy Rivalries: Challenges and Laughter in the Classroom"

"Xiaolong!" Unexpectedly, as Huang Xiaolong arrived at the entrance of the classroom, he heard the familiar scream of Li Lu.

Huang Xiaolong looked over and saw Li Lu's face lighting up as she waved at him, revealing two sweet dimples. Huang Xiaolong couldn't help but force a smile. He and Li Lu were in the same class?

Unbeknownst to Huang Xiaolong, at Starry Sky Academy, all freshmen and transfer students were assigned to the same class due to there being only one class available.

However, Huang Xiaolong's arrival had caused a murmur of discussions among the other students.

"Isn't he the incredible waste?"

"On the day of registration, his bodyguard injured a teacher, but not only did he get away with it, he also had all registration fees waived. How amazing!"

"Amazing?! It's only because he relies on his family's influence. If it weren't for the letter of recommendation, does he even have the qualifications to enter Starry Sky Academy? I bet his Martial Spirit is at most Level 6!"

On the day of the registration ceremony, many students witnessed the confrontation between Huang Xiaolong, Xiong Meiqi, Zhong Yuan, and others.

As Huang Xiaolong listened to the whispered discussions, his brow furrowed.

"Xiaolong, come sit next to me!" At that moment, Li Lu, oblivious to the ongoing conversations, walked up to Huang Xiaolong and pulled him to sit beside her. Huang Xiaolong shook his head and smiled, not wanting to reject Li Lu's kind gesture in front of everyone.

Shortly after Huang Xiaolong sat down, a ten-year-old boy with golden hair and dressed in a pale-golden robe entered the classroom. He appeared handsome but carried an air of arrogance.

"Jiang Teng!"

"Is that Jiang Teng? I heard that during the registration exam, he displayed a Level 11 First Class Super level Martial Spirit called the Sacred Bright Tiger!"

"Our Starry Sky Academy, established for over a hundred years, has never had a student with a Super level Martial Spirit. Dean and Vice Dean were so impressed that they personally accepted him as their disciple!"

"Both the Dean and Vice Dean accepted him as their disciple? That's a great honor never before seen in Starry Sky Academy!"

As the students discussed among themselves, the golden-haired boy, Jiang Teng, walked to the middle of the first row and took a seat.

Sitting in the second row, Huang Xiaolong observed Jiang Teng and was surprised to learn that he possessed a Level 11 First Class Martial Spirit, the Sacred Bright Tiger.

Sensing Huang Xiaolong's gaze, Jiang Teng turned and their eyes met. But instead of a friendly exchange, Jiang Teng's look was filled with disdain, reminiscent of the loathing he had shown when Huang Xiaolong presented his letter of recommendation during registration.

Just then, a graceful woman dressed in a teacher's star robe walked into the classroom—it was Xiong Meiqi!

Huang Xiaolong was taken aback. Was this female teacher the one in charge?

Xiong Meiqi entered the classroom, ascended the platform, and introduced herself, confirming Huang Xiaolong's suspicion.

"I am your homeroom teacher, Xiong Meiqi," she declared, her gaze sharp as blades, fixed upon Huang Xiaolong.

Huang Xiaolong remained indifferent, paying her no attention.

Seeing Huang Xiaolong's nonchalant response, Xiong Meiqi smiled coldly, displaying some of Starry Sky Academy's customs, systems, training content, and future curriculum. Finally, she addressed the promotion criteria.

Starry Sky Academy had only three grades. Below Rank 6, students were considered First Grade. By reaching Rank 6 Late Stage Peak and advancing to Rank 7, they could participate in the Second Grade promotion examination. If they succeeded, they would progress to the next year. Third Grade required breaking through to Rank 9.

Those who failed to reach Rank 7 and pass the Second Grade examination before turning 22 would be dismissed from the academy.

Xiong Meiqi continued, "Breaking through to Rank 7 before the age of 22 is extremely difficult for the average person. However, for those with a Level 9 First Class or higher Martial Spirit, it is not so challenging. With the resources and training provided by our academy, as long as you are willing to work hard, you can generally reach Rank 7 before turning 22." Then, her tone changed, "Of course, when I mention a Level 9 First Class or higher Martial Spirit, I am not referring to those who entered the academy with a letter of recommendation. No matter how much the academy trains them, they are destined to be wastes!"

Xiong Meiqi's gaze unintentionally fell upon Huang Xiaolong.

Huang Xiaolong's brow furrowed.

"These wastes who entered the academy with a letter of recommendation may possess Martial Spirits at Level 7, Level 6, or even as low as Level 5 or 4. Even if they practice until they're 40, 50, or even 60 years old, they will never reach Rank 7 to enter the Second Grade. Therefore, when they turn 22, they will be dismissed from the academy!" Xiong Meiqi seemed to be venting her anger, her cold gaze fixed on Huang Xiaolong.

The classroom fell silent as all eyes turned toward Huang Xiaolong.

For a moment, Huang Xiaolong became the center of attention.

With the topic at hand, Xiong Meiqi's tone suddenly changed again, and a smile returned to her face. "Now, let me introduce our academy's super talent of the past century, fellow student Jiang Teng!" She pointed her finger at the golden-haired Jiang Teng. "Jiang Teng possesses a Level 11 First Class Martial Spirit, the Sacred Bright Tiger, making him the first student in our academy's history to have a Super level Martial Spirit!"

At that moment, Jiang Teng stood up, nodding to everyone while holding his head high.

Xiong Meiqi led the applause, and the rest of the students followed suit.

Jiang Teng basked in the applause, his face filled with envy, adoration, and pride. However, when he noticed Huang Xiaolong, who remained seated and unaffected by the applause, his expression changed to one of loathing, mirroring the disdain he had shown when Huang Xiaolong presented his letter of recommendation.

It was then that Xiong Meiqi spoke up, "Let me share some astonishing news with all of you. Our fellow student Jiang Teng is only ten years old and already a Rank 4 Warrior! Moreover, he is at the Peak of Rank 4 Initial Stage!"

"Ten years old and already at the Peak of Rank 4 Initial Stage!"

"That's too incredible!"

The classroom was filled with shock and admiration as everyone looked at Jiang Teng.

"Jiang Teng, I heard from the Dean and Vice Dean that you have already studied a battle skill," Xiong Meiqi smiled and asked Jiang Teng.

"Yes, Teacher," Jiang Teng replied with a smile.

"Would you like to demonstrate it for everyone?" Xiong Meiqi asked.

"Sure!" Jiang Teng nodded proudly and walked to the open area in front of the classroom. He stood there and a golden tiger materialized behind him. The tiger emitted a dazzling flame and let out a roar that shook the heavens. The pressure of a Super level Martial Spirit enveloped the surroundings.

Then, Jiang Teng leaped into the air and shouted, "Tiger Flame Palm!" He began displaying a series of palm strikes, each one forming a tiger-claw-shaped imprint in the air.

The freshmen applauded and cheered, filling the classroom with their enthusiasm.

However, Huang Xiaolong shook his head, unable to contain his amusement. The so-called Tiger Flame Palm was probably a Profound Grade high-level battle skill with decent power. But the flaws and mistakes in Jiang Teng's execution were evident.

When Jiang Teng's enthusiastic shouts of "Sacred Tiger, unmatched in the world!" reached Huang Xiaolong's ears, he couldn't help but burst into laughter. His laughter resounded throughout the classroom, instantly silencing everyone as they turned their attention to him.

Xiong Meiqi's smile disappeared, replaced by a cold gaze as she sternly commanded, "Huang Xiaolong, stand up!"