The Lazy Guardian

"Aren't you afraid of falling?"

Wu Zhenyu tilted his head lazily and gave her a drowsy smile, his eyes barely open. "My primary magic attribute is Wood-type. I just cast a weaving spell to make myself a bed."

Wu Zhenyu chanted, "Roots, arise and bind!"

The rustling sound of leaves filled the air as the branches around Wu Zhenyu twisted and interwove as if alive.

In moments, they formed a sturdy wooden net.

Wu Zhenyu lay on it, yawning, and looked down at Yuanjiu. "Do you want to come up and try it? It's comfy and cool."

Yuanjiu shook her head. "Aren't there bugs in the tree? Aren't you afraid they'll crawl into your ears while you sleep?"

She detested insects.

Ouyang Yuanwu immediately cried out, "Xiaojiu, that's so gross!"

His face twisted in disgust as he slapped his clothes as if shaking off imaginary bugs.

Yuanjiu looked at him innocently.

Ouyang Yuansi laughed at Ouyang Yuanwu. "Idiot."

Wu Zhenyu yawned lazily. "That won't happen. I've been sleeping on this tree for six years, and I've never seen a single bug. Anyway, I'm going to sleep now. Come find me if you're free."

Yuanjiu gave no response and turned to leave.

Ouyang Yuanyi looked at Yuanjiu with an apologetic expression. "Xiaojiu, don't take to heart what your second brother said earlier."

Yuanjiu silently looked at him, feeling that it was necessary to clarify. "Eldest brother, I don't care what you all say. It's your business, and I have no right to stop you. As long as you don't provoke me, I won't bother with you."

It was less of an explanation and more of a reminder, or more seriously, a warning.

Ouyang Yuanyi's face shifted between red and pale.

He felt as though, in her eyes, they had all become clowns.

Ouyang Yuanwu cheered, "Ninth Sister is so unique!"

Ouyang Yuansi laughed as he lightly tapped his head and turned to Yuanjiu. "Ninth Sister, let us take you to see where your classes are."

Yuanjiu nodded. "Thank you, Fourth brother."

The four of them chatted as they walked toward the teaching building.

Ouyang Yuanyi watched as they gradually moved farther away, sighed, and then walked in the opposite direction.

Thus, Yuanjiu began her life at the academy.

Caohan Academy of Magic and Swordmanship didn't just teach Swordmanship and Magic; it also offered culture, arts, bookkeeping, and other elective courses.

Yuanjiu didn't choose any other subjects, with the extra time, she often spent it in the library, reading thick history books, including the history of the Qi Huan Realm and the general history of magic.

She particularly loved books about magic, which usually provided her with a great deal of knowledge.

Since the route between the library and Moonlight Breeze Pavilion passed by Wu Zhenyu's tree, Yuanjiu had encountered him several times.

Strangely, every time she passed by, Wu Zhenyu seemed to spot her.

Occasionally, he had already fallen asleep, but when Yuanjiu arrived, he would immediately open his eyes and greet her with a smile, watching her from the tree.

Sometimes he would simply wave at her, while other times, Wu Zhenyu would have the branches lift her up to talk for a while.

When Wu Zhenyu had nothing to do, he really did act as he said—circling around Yuanjiu, following her closely.

Although he often followed her, it didn't feel bothersome, so Yuanjiu didn't mind as long as he didn't hinder her.

"How do you always know when I'm passing by here?" Yuanjiu asked.

Wu Zhenyu lazily replied, "I don't know. It's a very strange feeling. When I first met you, it also felt like I was guided by something. I'm probably confusing you with this. I don't understand it either."

His voice had a faraway tone.

Yuanjiu said, "I'm getting down."

"Okay," Wu Zhenyu responded, and the branches once again lowered her to the ground.

Xiaoding lay on the grass, watching them, still thinking to herself, Such a strange way to interact.

Overall, "Long Xiaojiu" was still a well-behaved student.

She never skipped classes and often voluntarily audited other classes.

Sometimes, she even went to attend classes in the College of Magic.

She kept herself busy to make the time pass faster, so that when the rest day came, she could return to the palace to be with her Father Emperor.

It wasn't because she was particularly studious.

If those teachers who praised Yuanjiu's diligence knew the real reason, they might have died of blood loss in shock.

His opening words were usually very polite: "Teacher, I heard that your class is very fascinating. May I sit in and listen? I'll be very quiet."

In truth, he didn't even know these teachers. But Ouyang Qingcheng had once said, "If flattering words can help you achieve a certain goal, then occasionally saying them isn't a big deal."

Ouyang Qingcheng had explained that these "flattering words" were not to be confused with lies.

When the teachers saw such a cute child making this request and speaking such adorable words, how could they refuse?

They immediately took a liking to him, their eyes sparkling with affection, almost wanting to embrace her as if he were their own daughter.

What a well-behaved child.

This was the feeling of nearly every teacher who had been asked by Yuanjiu to allow her to audit a class.

Thus, "Long Xiaojiu" began to gain some notoriety among the teachers at the academy.

Ahem.

However, on the fourth day, this obedient child caused a ruckus, almost overturning the good impression that many teachers and some students had of her, at a speed that could rival the wind.

And this incident had quite a bit to do with Wu Zhenyu.

That day, Yuanjiu sneaked in through the back door of the Mage Class 2 and ran into Wu Zhenyu.

She had completely forgotten that Wu Zhenyu was in Mage Class 2.

"Xiaojiu, are you here to find me? I'm so happy," Wu Zhenyu waved at her with a cheeky smile. "Come over, don't be scared, it's not class time yet."