Teasing by Luo Huan

The Emperor Star Academy buzzed with liveliness as the year's end drew near. Many students who had been away honing their skills had returned. Under the warm sunlight, the youthful scholars filled the campus with their chatter and laughter, creating an energetic atmosphere.

Among the students, the most popular topics of discussion revolved around the academy's most powerful students and speculations about who would shine the brightest in the upcoming Jun Lin Banquet. Of course, one name was on everyone's lips—Qin Wentian. Throughout the year, this name had become one of the most frequently mentioned in the academy, surpassing even the previous year's sensation, Luo Qianqiu.

After all, this new student had accomplished a series of remarkable feats that had left a lasting impression.

Returning students couldn't help but express their admiration for Qin Wentian upon hearing about his achievements. Of course, there were also some who harbored doubts and challenged him to a spar, eager to see if the legends were true.

With all this attention, Qin Wentian found himself the center of focus whenever he strolled through the academy's courtyards. His return from the Royal Academy's incident had only intensified the scrutiny. Inwardly, he couldn't help but smile bitterly; he was experiencing what it meant to be a "celebrity."

However, the constant scrutiny and attention were not exactly enjoyable.

Upon returning to his residence, Qin Wentian discovered that both Qin Yao and Luo Huan were present.

"Why are you here, Senior Sister?" Qin Wentian greeted her with a smile.

"I came to chat with Qin Yao. You, on the other hand, have stirred up quite a commotion outside and have become a 'celebrity.' When are you going to gift your senior sister a divine inscription painting?" Luo Huan replied, a playful smile dancing on her lips.

"If Senior Sister truly desires one, I promise to personally deliver the next Divine Inscription painting I create." Qin Wentian chuckled.

"Good, you better not go back on your word," Luo Huan teased, her eyes sparkling.

"Naturally. In fact, if Senior Sister wants not just one but five or six paintings, I'll happily oblige," Qin Wentian replied, earning an even brighter smile from Luo Huan.

"Great, I didn't spoil you for nothing. Come here, let your senior sister give you a kiss."

"Um..." Qin Wentian hesitated, looking at Luo Huan's charming expression. "Senior Sister, you should stop tempting me like this."

Luo Huan possessed a magnetic allure. Qin Wentian had encountered many beautiful women in his life, but only Mo Qingcheng and Luo Huan had the power to stir his heart. Yet, the beauty of these two women fell into entirely different categories. Mo Qingcheng's beauty was ethereal, like that of a celestial being; just looking at her was enough to unsettle anyone. In contrast, Luo Huan's beauty exuded sensuality and charm, captivating men with its irresistible allure.

Observing Qin Wentian's expression, Luo Huan couldn't help but burst into laughter. Qin Yao chimed in, "Sister Luo Huan, don't tease him too much. By the way, he's already 17. I wonder if he has his eye on any young ladies."

"I'm curious too," Luo Huan said, her gaze fixed on Qin Wentian.

"Sister, right now, my focus is entirely on cultivation and saving Father. I don't have time to think about matters of the heart," Qin Wentian replied, feeling slightly embarrassed under the combined scrutiny of the two beautiful women.

"Refusing to answer, huh? It seems like there might be someone in his heart. Let me guess," Luo Huan said with a twinkle in her eyes. "Could it be the number one beauty of Chu Country, Mo Qingcheng? I heard that during the banquet hosted by Chu Tianjiao, she deliberately took you aside for a private conversation, making countless other men green with envy."

Qin Wentian smiled wryly as memories of his interactions with Mo Qingcheng flooded his mind. "Senior Sister, don't guess randomly."

"Why so shy? Admit it," Luo Huan teased further. "That delicate girl is indeed breathtaking and truly deserving of the title 'Chu Country's number one beauty.' I haven't encountered a more stunning woman in the Royal Capital. Her talent is exceptional too. Even among the ten prodigies in the Royal Capital, several were interested in her."

Luo Huan regarded the seemingly intrigued Qin Wentian as she continued, "In my opinion, my little junior brother is the only one worthy of that girl. Do you want me to get Teacher Mustang to play matchmaker for you? After all, her grandfather is none other than our grand teacher!"

Qin Wentian could hardly defend himself against Luo Huan's relentless teasing. He could only smile helplessly.

"Since you're not denying it, I'll take that as an admission. A young genius coupled with the number one beauty of Chu Country—splendid, splendid," Luo Huan murmured to herself. Qin Yao, seeing the embarrassment on Qin Wentian's face, burst into laughter. She secretly thought that if Qin Wentian could indeed marry such a beautiful and talented girl, it would be wonderful.

"Alright, I'll stop teasing you. But what I said is true. If you ever decide to pursue that girl, your senior sister will support you wholeheartedly," Luo Huan reassured him. "Today, there's a gathering at the Emperor Star Monument. Would you like to attend with me? It's an opportunity to interact with other elite students from our academy."

Qin Wentian was intrigued. "What kind of gathering is it?"

"It's almost the end of the year, and many students who were out training have returned to the academy. They want to come together, share insights, and showcase their year's achievements. Some genuinely wish to expand their social circles. You should go—it's a chance to learn from others," Luo Huan explained.

Luo Huan fixed her gaze on Qin Wentian, continuing her explanation. "Most of those attending this gathering have martial prowess above the average. To sit beneath the monument, they should at least be at the 7th level of Arterial Circulation, or they'd feel embarrassed. However, in your case, you're already qualified. You're ranked number one among the new students, and you're just 17, a 3rd level Divine Inscriptionist. The Emperor Star Academy has never seen such a genius before."

"Senior Sister, please stop praising me," Qin Wentian said with a wry smile. "I'll attend the gathering with you to take a look. Since I've recently joined the Emperor Star Academy, it's a good opportunity to see the other elite students."

"I'll come along too," Qin Yao chimed in.

"Alright, we'll all go together," Luo Huan declared as she pulled Qin Yao closer, displaying their close relationship. Seeing this, Qin Wentian felt a warm sensation in his heart. Despite Luo Huan's playful teasing and sometimes boundary-pushing jokes, she genuinely cared for both him and Qin Yao. This care was so subtle and ordinary that one might not notice it unless they experienced it firsthand.

Among the Emperor Star Academy students, who would devote so much time and effort to others? Luo Huan was a rare exception. Originally, she had no connection with Qin Yao, but now, she not only formed a friendship with her but also frequently visited, fearing that Qin Yao would feel lonely.

Qin Wentian silently cherished this gratitude in his heart. If he were to express it aloud, knowing Luo Huan's personality, she would probably just brush it off.

In the Emperor Star Academy, there were nine stone monuments known as the Emperor Star Monuments. These monuments bore inscriptions recounting the academy's 3,000-year history.

In front of these monuments lay a circular field with a stone platform in the center. Several young figures were seated on the stone platform.

Each year, many elite students of the academy sat on this platform, gazing at the Emperor Star Monuments. They basked in the glory of those who had come before them, determined to make history and leave stories for future generations.

Beneath the monuments, even more figures gathered, their eyes filled with reverence and admiration as they gazed at those sitting on the stone platform.

"The seniors above all have a cultivation base at the 7th level of Arterial Circulation or higher. I wonder when I'll reach the 3rd level of Arterial Circulation," Qin Wentian pondered aloud.

"Their cultivation bases are all at least at the 7th level, and they've each made significant impacts or have a notable history. Otherwise, they'd be too embarrassed to sit among these elites," someone observed.

"You're absolutely right. Our academy has a long history, and each year, the new talents outshine the previous ones by far. We have countless individuals at the 3rd level of Arterial Circulation alone. If you're not exceptional, you won't even qualify to sit with them," another person agreed.

Below the monuments, discussions buzzed as people stared up at the figures on the stone stage, their curiosity piqued.

"Look, Senior Luo Huan from the Greencloud Association is here. Her beauty has captivated many hearts."

"That must be Qin Yao by her side, and the young man with them is Qin Wentian. He's here too!"

A path through the crowd opened up. On the stone stage, the elite students turned their attention toward Luo Huan and Qin Wentian. One of them spoke, "Luo Huan, I heard rumors that you've reached the 9th level of Arterial Circulation. Please come up to the stage."

"Junior Brother Qin, you're also welcome up here," another person added with a smile.

Luo Huan led Qin Wentian up the steps, and they took seats next to each other. Sharp glints flickered in the eyes of many males who noticed their closeness. Luo Huan's beauty and talent made her an admired goddess, so many harbored a desire for her. Seeing her so close to Qin Wentian, some couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy.

Qin Wentian sensed the enmity directed at him and couldn't help but wonder if Luo Huan was intentionally teasing him. Cold stares seemed to emanate from all directions, but he maintained his composure as he looked at the figures on the stone stage. There were approximately 30 elite students there, and most of them had a high chance of reaching the Yuanfu Realm.

Additionally, figures like Luo Qianqiu and Orchon were conspicuously absent.

With the Emperor Star Academy alone boasting so many elite talents, one could only imagine the spectacular display they'd create at the Jun Lin Banquet. The sparks ignited by these elite students would undoubtedly be dazzling.