Chapter 31: Freshman Class 9

"Brother Chen, you were amazing!"

As Chen Junting stepped down from the battle stage, Ning Tian and Bei Bei approached him. Bei Bei, unable to hide his admiration, grinned. "To think you actually defeated Xu Sanshi."

"It was just luck," Chen Junting replied modestly.

"Luck?" Bei Bei chuckled, glancing at Xu Sanshi, who looked more embarrassed than defeated. "I'd say skill."

Hearing this, Xu Sanshi, who had been sulking, exploded. "Damn it, Bei Bei! Wipe that smirk off your face! If you had been up there, you would've ended up worse than me!"

Bei Bei simply spread his hands. "But I wasn't the one who lost today."

"You—!" Xu Sanshi's face twisted in frustration, his fists clenching. He wanted to challenge Bei Bei right then and there, but after considering his current state, he decided against it. Losing to a freshman was already bad enough. If he got beaten up by his best friend too, it would be unbearable. With a deep breath, he growled, "Just wait! I'll get you next time!"

"I'll be waiting." Bei Bei smiled, watching Xu Sanshi stomp away. Then, turning to Chen Junting and Ning Tian, he sighed. "He may be an idiot when it comes to Jiang Nannan, but he's not a bad guy. I hope you all won't hold today's events against him."

Chen Junting waved a hand dismissively. "No hard feelings. A good fight makes better rivals—and sometimes friends."

After a few more words, Bei Bei and Tang Ya took their leave, while Chen Junting and the others searched for a spot to continue their meal, this time including Wang Dong. As Huo Yuhao's roommate, they figured it was best to build camaraderie early on.

That night, before returning to his dorm, Chen Junting asked Huo Yuhao for some grilled fish, keeping his promise to bring some back for Dugu Xin.

---

The next morning, the academy buzzed with excitement. The first day of classes had finally arrived.

Chen Junting stretched as he sat up, glancing at Dugu Xin, who had just finished meditating. Unlike the eager chatter echoing from the hallways, Dugu Xin sat stiffly on his bed, his venomous aura making him seem distant from the morning enthusiasm.

"Dugu, I'll introduce you to some people later," Chen Junting said while straightening his fresh white school uniform. "You're in the academy now. It's time to make some friends."

Dugu Xin forced an awkward smile, bitterness flickering in his eyes. "You think anyone would want to be friends with a guy covered in poison?"

Chen Junting arched a brow. "Are you doubting me?"

Dugu Xin exhaled, shaking his head. "Fine. Let's see."

After freshening up, the two went downstairs and ran into Ning Tian, Wu Feng, Huo Yuhao, and Wang Dong. Chen Junting took the chance to introduce Dugu Xin to them.

To his surprise, none of them flinched at his presence. There were no wary glances, no hesitation. Their acceptance was genuine.

For the first time in a long while, Dugu Xin felt a crack in his self-imposed isolation.

Chen Junting, pleased with the interaction, led the group to breakfast before heading to class together.

---

As the six of them entered the classroom, a wave of silence spread through the room. Heads turned, whispers followed. A group of six, all striking in appearance, led by the now-famous Chen Junting, was bound to attract attention.

Many of the girls stole glances at him, admiration shining in their eyes. But when Ning Tian looped her arm through his, their expressions shifted instantly. Jealousy, disappointment, heartbreak—their gazes flickered between Ning Tian and Chen Junting.

The boys, on the other hand, looked at Chen Junting with a mix of respect and resentment.

Ignoring the reactions, the group took their seats. Ning Tian and Chen Junting sat in the middle of the classroom, with Wu Feng and Dugu Xin on either side of them. Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong opted for the last row on the left.

As more students arrived, the noise in the classroom grew—until it suddenly fell into a hush.

The rhythmic click of high heels echoed down the corridor.

A commanding presence entered the room. The students instinctively straightened their backs as a striking woman stepped onto the podium. With an air of quiet authority, she swept her gaze over the room before picking up a piece of chalk and writing her name on the board:

Mu Jin.

"I am your homeroom teacher," she announced, her voice clear and confident. "Welcome to Shrek Academy's Freshman Class 9."

A few students puffed up with pride at being called part of Shrek. But those who knew better tensed, sensing what was coming next.

"Shrek Academy does not train the ordinary," Mu Jin continued, her tone sharpening. "It trains monsters. Talented as you all may be, talent alone is not enough. Here, only the strongest survive. Three months from now, your freshman assessment will decide whether you are worthy to remain here."

She let her words sink in, eyes sweeping across the room. "You think you're special? Prove it."

The once-proud students now shifted uneasily.

Then, her gaze landed on one person.

"A class of monsters needs a leader," she declared. "And our Class 9 monitor should be the strongest among you."

Without waiting for her to say more, every pair of eyes turned toward Chen Junting.

After his victory in the battle yesterday, who else could it be?

Mu Jin smirked, meeting his gaze. "Chen Junting."

Slowly, he rose to his feet.

"From this day forward, you will be the class monitor of Freshman Class 9."

Her voice carried weight, but her next words were even heavier.

"Any objections?"

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(End of Chapter)

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Gimme Stones~