Chapter 52: Return to School - The Ascetic Monk

The train to life's next destination would pass through many stations, and Star City High School had officially become part of Feng Qi's past.

Six years of youth had come to an end, leaving behind cherished memories. Carrying the blessings of his classmates, he set out on his journey back to Star City Academy.

As he disembarked from the bus and stepped toward the academy gates, the familiar voice of the driver called out behind him:

"Kid, don't embarrass Star City High School! Even if you're weak, don't let your record stay at zero!"

Hearing the driver's shout, Feng Qi couldn't help but feel exasperated. Still, he turned to wave back, replying, "Alright, see you around, old man."

The driver grinned widely, giving him a thumbs-up before starting the bus and driving away.

At the gates of Star City Academy, Feng Qi walked forward as a scanning device swept over him. His detailed information appeared on the security guard's tablet.

After confirming his status as a new student, he was allowed to pass.

Walking along the marble pathway flanked by grand statues, Feng Qi noticed many other new students around him, each dragging luggage and taking in the sights with curious eyes. Their faces lit up with smiles, clearly excited about starting their new lives at the academy.

Ahead, the lotus flowers in the pond were in full bloom, and the willow trees swayed gently in the breeze, painting a serene and vibrant picture.

The registration office was located in the administrative building east of the dormitories. There, students would collect their uniforms, first-year textbooks, and other materials.

As Feng Qi made his way along the marble path, a peculiar figure caught his attention.

The boy's patched clothing looked like it had been through years of wear, and he carried a large cloth sack on his back. His tattered cloth shoes barely held together, and the most striking feature was his bald, gleaming head, which reflected the sunlight with almost blinding brilliance. Adding to the impression was the row of ceremonial burn scars visible on his scalp.

From these traits alone, Feng Qi was nearly certain: this was a monk.

The boy seemed to notice Feng Qi's gaze and turned toward him, grinning widely as he approached.

"Excuse me—uh, I mean, hey, classmate! Do you have anything to eat? I'm starving!"

Feng Qi: "…"

"Once you've registered, you can head to the academy cafeteria. They serve 24-hour buffets there," Feng Qi replied calmly.

The monk looked embarrassed but asked hesitantly, "Is it… expensive?"

Realizing the monk might be short on money, Feng Qi chuckled and reassured him, "The food here is free."

"Even the meat?" the monk asked, his face lighting up with joy.

Feng Qi: "…"

"You're a monk. Shouldn't you avoid eating meat?"

"Bah, 'Meat and wine pass through my stomach; Buddha remains in my heart.' Besides, I'm a cultivator! If I don't eat meat, how can I maintain my nutrition? And let's not even talk about relying on energy supplements all the time—my family's finances won't allow it."

He leaned closer and asked again, "So, is the meat really free?"

"It's free."

"This place is amazing!" the monk exclaimed with a beaming smile.

Feng Qi glanced at the monk once more, curiosity getting the better of him. "Why are you dressed like this? There are so many aid stations in the city—surely they could've provided you with a decent set of clothes."

The monk sighed, his expression turning somber.

"I'm an ascetic monk. My master believes that the suffering in this world is finite, and by enduring more hardship ourselves, we can lessen the suffering of others. That's why I look like this."

Hearing this, Feng Qi couldn't help but feel a surge of respect.

Faith and belief, even when intangible, often provided immense strength to people, especially in desperate times. Faith could help someone muster the courage to break through despair.

But the monk's next words quickly shattered that admiration.

"But my master can't keep an eye on me anymore, so I'll change into my academy uniform as soon as I get the chance."

Seeing the mischievous grin on the monk's face, Feng Qi figured the boy must've been holding back all sorts of frustrations before entering Star City Academy.

As they chatted, the two exchanged phone numbers and eventually arrived at the admissions building.

From a distance, Feng Qi and the monk could see rows of Star City Academy students dressed in their uniforms, standing on both sides of the pathway with polite smiles, seemingly awaiting their arrival.

The monk couldn't help but comment curiously, "The seniors at Star City Academy sure are enthusiastic, even going out of their way to welcome us."

Hearing this, Feng Qi gestured toward a signboard posted to the right of the administrative building. "Take a look at what's written on that sign."

The monk turned to read the sign. When he finally made out the words, his expression shifted dramatically.

The sign read:

"If you wish to pass through this area, prove your strength and courage. Star City Academy does not accept the weak or the cowardly."

"You've got to be kidding me. They're pulling a stunt like this on our first day here?" the monk muttered incredulously.

Noticing Feng Qi's calm demeanor and faint smile, the monk grew even more puzzled. "Maybe it's just a formality. Why don't you go try it out first?"

Realizing that the monk wanted to use him as a test subject, Feng Qi smirked and nodded. "Sure."

Dragging his suitcase behind him, Feng Qi headed toward the administrative building.

The monk, however, stayed rooted in place, observing cautiously. If things turned violent, he figured he'd need to add some padding under his clothes to absorb the blows. But if it turned out to be harmless, he could simply walk through.

As Feng Qi strolled confidently into the midst of the waiting seniors, the monk held his breath.

Contrary to his expectations, there was no ambush or physical altercation. Instead, the seniors greeted Feng Qi warmly, their faces lighting up with smiles. Though the monk couldn't make out their words, their body language seemed entirely friendly.

Unbeknownst to the monk, Feng Qi held a unique status within Star City Academy. Students from all classes had attended his lectures, and to them, he was a highly respected and knowledgeable figure. They were far too eager to ingratiate themselves with him to dare consider causing him any trouble.

From the monk's perspective, however, this initial "test" appeared to be nothing but a ceremonial gesture. The seniors were merely exchanging pleasantries before letting the newcomers pass.

Just as the monk prepared to follow in Feng Qi's footsteps and walk toward the building, another freshman stepped into the "welcome zone" ahead of him.

The sight that unfolded next left the monk utterly dumbfounded. The unfortunate student was mercilessly tackled to the ground and pummeled by the seniors. Though their blows avoided any vital areas, they looked painful enough.

The monk froze mid-step, his legs instinctively retreating. Completely bewildered, he pulled out his cracked phone and hurriedly dialed Feng Qi's number.

When the call connected, he anxiously asked, "Hey, classmate! What just happened? How did you walk through unscathed? What's going on here?"

"Oh, the seniors? They're super friendly," Feng Qi replied nonchalantly.

"No way! I just watched them beat another freshman senseless. It looked brutal!" the monk exclaimed.

"You're an ascetic monk. Aren't you supposed to be unafraid of pain?" Feng Qi teased.

"Afraid? Terrified!" the monk admitted without hesitation.

"Maybe it's because I exuded confidence when I walked through. The seniors respect boldness and despise cowards. My advice? Be as cocky as possible. Give them a fierce look, walk with an exaggerated swagger—make sure your aura is unbeatable."

The monk fell silent for a moment, processing Feng Qi's suggestion.

After the call ended, he took a deep breath, hoisted his bag, and began striding toward the administrative building. Despite the panic roiling inside him, he put on an exaggeratedly fierce expression and adopted an arrogant, strutting gait.

His display left the waiting seniors momentarily stunned.

They had seen their fair share of overconfident newcomers, but a freshman with this level of audacity on his first day? That was new.

Feeling thoroughly provoked, the seniors exchanged a look that silently confirmed their next move.

"Take him down!"

Before the monk could react, he was swarmed by the seniors. His exaggerated posturing turned what might have been a mere formality into an all-out beatdown.

Moments later, the monk lay sprawled on the ground, his face bruised and his breath labored.

Even now, he couldn't fathom what had gone wrong.

"Was I… not arrogant enough?" he muttered to himself, dazed.