Chapter 4: The Beautiful Teacher

Before Dustin Li could respond, Jude Zhang had already made his move. He lunged forward in a single step, his palm slicing through the air like a blade, aimed directly at Dustin's chest. The force of his attack whipped up a gust of wind, sharp and powerful.

Dustin's expression turned cold as he raised his arms to block the strike.

Bang!

A jolt of pain shot through his bones as the impact forced him back several steps. He gritted his teeth, steadying himself.

So this is the power of a seventh-stage Body Refinement warrior... He could feel the difference—Jude Zhang's speed and strength were leagues beyond his own. Drawing on his inner Energy, he converted it into vitality, channeling it toward his wounded arms. The searing pain dulled as his body worked to repair itself.

Jude Zhang's brows twitched in mild surprise. "Still standing? Not bad for a peasant." His voice dripped with contempt. "No wonder you managed to injure my useless brother. Seems you do have a few tricks up your sleeve."

But that didn't change anything. He was stronger, and he knew it.

With a cold snort, he attacked again, this time with Iron Eagle Claw—a vicious third-rank martial technique. His fingers curled into a claw, striking toward Dustin's throat with deadly precision. The air around his hand rippled with force, his technique far superior to Joshua Zhang's crude execution of the same move.

Just as Dustin braced for impact, a sharp voice rang out.

"Enough!"

The command carried an undeniable authority, cutting through the tension like a blade.

Jude Zhang halted immediately, his instincts overriding his arrogance. He turned, his expression shifting as he saw the woman approaching—a striking figure clad in a form-fitting white military uniform, her face like carved ice, her presence exuding raw strength.

The surrounding students straightened at once, saluting in unison. "Instructor Maeve!"

Maeve.

One of the most formidable teachers at Novaridge City's Martial Hall. A warrior who had reached the Energy Gathering Realm—a realm far beyond that of mere Body Refinement practitioners.

With her striking curves, long legs, and breathtaking beauty, Maeve was the subject of admiration for many. But it wasn't just her appearance that commanded attention—it was her sheer strength and talent, unmatched among the instructors.

Jude Zhang bowed slightly, his arrogance dimmed but not extinguished. Even he knew better than to disrespect her.

"Instructor Maeve," he greeted, forcing civility into his tone.

Her piercing gaze settled on him. "Jude Zhang, an intermediate student at the seventh stage of Body Refinement, attacking a junior student? Bullying the weak? Is that what a martial artist does?"

Jude met her stare without flinching. "Instructor Maeve, you misunderstand. This commoner injured my brother. As his elder, it is only right that I seek justice."

Maeve turned to Dustin, eyes narrowing slightly. Until now, she hadn't paid much attention to him. For three years, he had remained unremarkable, his presence barely worth noting.

The Martial Hall had always taken a straight approach to student conflicts—survival of the fittest. But Dustin had done something unusual. He had defeated Joshua Zhang, one of the stronger students in the junior class.

She focused her Energy, sensing the flow of power within him. Fourth-stage Body Refinement?

Her brows lifted slightly. Just days ago, he had been at the second stage. An unusual leap… Could it be that he's finally tapping into his latent talent?

Some warriors struggled at the beginning, unable to harness their gifts until something triggered their growth. And when it did, their progress could accelerate exponentially.

Maeve suspected Dustin might be one of them. If so, he could be worth cultivating.

Unlike the pampered children of noble families, commoners had to claw their way to power. They trained harder, fought with more desperation, and refused to back down. Maeve respected that kind of perseverance.

Her sharp gaze locked onto Dustin, making him shift uncomfortably. He wasn't used to being the center of attention—especially not from someone like her.

Maeve turned back to Jude Zhang. "If you want to challenge Dustin Li, fine. In three months, he'll have the chance to earn a place in the intermediate class. If he succeeds, you can settle your grievances then. But right now? You will return to your training."

The students around them exchanged glances. Everyone could hear it—Instructor Maeve was shielding Dustin Li.

At Novaridge Martial Hall, it was common for higher-level students to oppress the weaker ones. Joshua Zhang had only been able to act so brazenly because he had Jude Zhang backing him. Most instructors turned a blind eye.

Yet here was Maeve, openly favoring a commoner student.

Jude clenched his fists, unwilling to let go of his vengeance. But defying Maeve? That was something even he wasn't reckless enough to attempt.

He forced a smirk. "Very well. Three months from now, I'll settle this personally." He shot Dustin a dark look, then bowed to Maeve before striding away.

The storm had passed. But no one believed it was over.

Dustin had just made a powerful enemy—and he had three months to close the gap.

As the crowd dispersed, Dustin turned to Maeve. "Thank you, Instructor."

She nodded, studying him carefully. "You've been training in the shadows, haven't you? To break through two stages in such a short time…"

Dustin said nothing.

Maeve's expression remained unreadable. "Work hard. If you keep this up, you might just pass the assessment."

Without another word, she turned and walked away, her white uniform a stark contrast against the training grounds.

Dustin exhaled. The encounter had left him rattled—not because of Jude Zhang's threat, but because of Maeve herself.

For a fleeting moment, as he observed her lifeline, he had seen something strange. Her Energy fluctuated unnaturally, and the flow around her heart was… off.

A first for him.

It was a reminder.

He was still too weak.

No matter what advantages he had, raw strength was what truly mattered.

His eyes hardened.

There was no room for arrogance.

He turned toward the Book Collection Pavilion, the place where the Martial Hall stored its vast library of martial techniques. It was time to find the knowledge he needed to truly grow stronger.

At the Book Collection Pavilion

The pavilion loomed ahead, its towering shelves filled with scrolls and manuals. But before Dustin could enter, two students stepped in front of him, blocking the way.

"Hold it," one sneered. "You think just anyone can walk in here?"

Dustin frowned, recognizing them. Miguel Hui.

A fifth-stage Body Refinement student. A fellow commoner, yet one who had chosen to align himself with the Zhang family.

Miguel crossed his arms, smirking. "This place isn't for nobodies like you."

Dustin's patience was wearing thin. "Martial Hall rules state that students who reach the fourth stage can enter the pavilion."

Miguel chuckled. "Rules? Rules don't mean a damn thing when you've pissed off the Zhang family."

The second student laughed as well. "You injured Joshua Zhang. You think we'll just let that slide? Maybe we should hand you over to Jude right now."

Miguel reached for Dustin's collar, fully expecting an easy victory.

He was wrong.

Dustin's eyes flashed coldly. His fist shot out—Bull Strike Fist!

The air cracked as his punch met Miguel's chest.

Miguel's smirk disappeared.

A second later, so did his balance.

He flew backward.