The Return and the Changes

The train finally arrived back in Ho Chi Minh City. The three of them disembarked with three different moods. To Quyen and Quynh Nhu felt a little guilty and embarrassed. Lam Minh, on the other hand, let out a sigh of relief as if a heavy burden had been lifted. He could finally bring his "treasure" home safely.

He refused the two girls' offer of a ride, quickly hailed a taxi, and bee-lined for home, clutching the instrument case.

The first thing he did upon returning to his room was take out the Thuan Thien sword and carefully hide it in the most discreet spot under his bed, only then letting out a long breath.

"Such a hassle," he muttered. "I'll have to find a better way to disguise it."

The trip to Hanoi, though short, had brought him so much: a divine sword, new historical knowledge, and most importantly, a confirmation of his cultivation path. He knew this world held many more secrets than he had imagined.

The next day, when he returned to school, Lam Minh immediately sensed the changes.

First, he was summoned to the principal's office. Not to be reprimanded, but to... receive a scholarship.

"Lam Minh, based on your outstanding performance in the combat tournament and your silent contributions to the military that we have just been made aware of," the principal said, his face full of pride, "the school has decided to award you a full scholarship until graduation. You will be exempt from all tuition and other fees."

This was clearly the "intervention" of General Khang. He wanted to create the best possible conditions for his number one "seed."

Lam Minh could only offer his thanks. Although he didn't care much for money, this would still relieve a significant burden from his family.

Second, his relationships with his classmates had also changed. They no longer saw him as a distant "big boss," but as a hero, a role model. Many of the boys proactively came to ask him for training tips, while the girls admired him even more, his desk once again overflowing with gifts.

This was especially true for To Quyen and Quynh Nhu.

To Quyen no longer tried to probe his secrets so openly. She seemed to have accepted that he was a special person. Their relationship became more natural and closer. They still studied together, discussed things together, but now, in To Quyen's eyes, besides admiration, there was also a sense of trust and reliance.

Quynh Nhu was even stranger. She no longer came looking for him to "collect her debt" or use him as a "punching bag." Instead, she frequently appeared at Tran Hung Dao High School after school, claiming to be there to "supervise Blacklight's seed." But in reality, she would just silently trail behind him and To Quyen, muttering criticisms under her breath while holding a cup of bubble tea that To Quyen had just bought for her. The presence of this pink-haired loli had become a habit, creating a strange but rather harmonious trio.

One day, after school, Hung 'Map' ran over, out of breath.

"Brother Minh! Hot news! Hot news!"

"What's the big deal?" Lam Minh, who was about to doze off, was startled awake.

"Our school is getting a new PE teacher!" Hung said, his voice full of excitement. "I heard he's a former Blacklight officer! Super handsome, super talented, just came to our school to implement some special training program."

Lam Minh frowned at the mention of "Blacklight." He had a bad feeling.

As expected, during the PE class the next day, the entire class 10A1 was assembled at the school's stadium. A tall man, dressed in black sportswear, was already waiting. He had short-cropped hair, sharp, masculine features, and the aura of a true soldier.

"Hello, students," he said, his voice deep but powerful. "I am Hoang Nam, and from today on, I will be your PE teacher, in charge of your 'Intensive Training' program."

The girls in the class immediately started whispering excitedly. "Oh my god, so handsome!" "A Blacklight person is really different!"

Only Lam Minh recognized him as one of the officers who had been present at the field training base the day he had his "friendly exchange." He was a Captain, and his strength was by no means ordinary.

Captain Hoang Nam began his lecture. He didn't teach the usual PE exercises, but the basic physical training and combat skills of the military. The intensity was very high, leaving most students breathless.

"Weak! Too weak!" Hoang Nam walked around, constantly shouting. "With this level of fitness, you wouldn't last 3 minutes on the battlefield before becoming Madakaros fodder!"

He stopped in front of Lam Minh, who was performing the exercises as leisurely as if he were taking a walk.

"You there! Lam Minh, right?"

"Yes, sir," Lam Minh replied.

"You seem rather relaxed, don't you?" Hoang Nam narrowed his eyes. "Step up here."

He pointed to a heavy punching bag. "Hit it. Let's see you use all your strength."

The whole class turned their eyes to Lam Minh. They wanted to see how their champion would perform.

Lam Minh sighed. More of these troublesome challenges. He walked over and looked at the punching bag.

He couldn't use the power of the Foundation Establishment Realm; it would blow the bag to pieces and attract unnecessary attention. He could only use his pure physical strength, which was equivalent to a top-tier athlete.

He took a breath and threw a punch.

BAM!

The 100kg-plus punching bag dented and vibrated violently.

The students let out an "Ooh" of admiration. That was a very strong punch.

But Hoang Nam just frowned and shook his head.

"Disappointing," he said, his voice cold. "I thought our champion would have something more special. This strength, compared to an ordinary soldier, is still far behind. Are you just all skills and luck, Lam Minh?"

He was deliberately provoking him, deliberately belittling him in front of everyone.

Lam Minh understood immediately. This wasn't a PE class. This was a "put-down" from Blacklight. Perhaps they were unhappy that he had refused their invitation, so they sent someone to "test the waters."

Lam Minh looked at Hoang Nam, then at the punching bag. The corners of his mouth curled into a discreet smile.

"You want to play? Fine. Let's see who's the one getting tested."