Chapter 32: Darksteel Arm Guards

Seeing that Qin Shou had suffered a serious loss, the elderly man finally stepped forward and said in a stern voice, "Young man, the academy has clear rules—no fighting in public areas. If you wish to resolve personal conflicts, you should do so outside the academy in a formal duel."

"It's a pity—you shouldn't have caused trouble in the library. This classmate merely said a few words to you, and you responded with the intent to seriously injure him."

"People as ruthless as you are not welcome in the academy. As a teacher, I must remind you: don't act rashly just to prove a point."

"In order to maintain a good learning environment in the library and foster harmony among students, you must set an example."

"Here's what I suggest—let's not blow this out of proportion. Apologize to Qin Shou, and we'll call it a day."

This Soul King-level elder was, after all, a teacher at the Royal Academy. Naturally, he wouldn't make a move lightly. However, when it came to 'fairness,' he clearly had his own interpretation.

Gu Yechen cast him a glance and replied coolly, "You know better than anyone who started this. I refuse to comply with this unreasonable demand."

Though the old man's words were cloaked in fairness, it was obvious to everyone where his loyalties lay.

He didn't intervene while Qin Shou was provoking and attacking, only stepping in when Qin Shou got the short end of the stick. Now, asking Gu Yechen to apologize to help Qin Shou save face? On what grounds?

Gu Yechen said coldly, "I've done nothing wrong. I don't owe anyone an apology. If he's willing to apologize to me, then I might forgive what he just did."

"Hmph! You insolent brat!" the old man cursed inwardly. In his eyes, Gu Yechen was being foolish—yes, he was biased, but that bias was a form of strategic survival.

If Gu Yechen clashed with Qin Shou again outside the academy, it wouldn't be resolved with a simple apology. Those who had crossed Qin Shou rarely ended well. His family wasn't one to be trifled with.

Some students who had offended Qin Shou had no choice but to withdraw from the academy to avoid constant harassment. Others were crippled for life, too afraid to even report the incident.

Gu Yechen scoffed, "Insolent or not, I don't know. But you—you're hardly fit to speak of justice."

"You… you…" The Soul King elder's face twitched with rage. Pointing at Gu Yechen, he shouted, "Are you sure you want to go down this path?"

Gu Yechen shrugged nonchalantly.

"Very well. I've given you a chance, and you chose not to take it," the old man said, nodding.

"Everyone here saw it—I've done my part. Since he refuses to accept my guidance, I must educate him properly."

Seeing that Gu Yechen had dared to talk back and even insult him, the old man's gaze darkened.

Respecting elders and caring for the young had always been a virtue, but this student clearly had no regard for authority.

According to academy rules, teachers were allowed to discipline unruly students—though punishments like slaps to the palm were usually reserved for junior levels.

For higher-level students, it was common for teachers to assign "combat training" as a way to discipline. As long as the teacher didn't go too far, even the three Deans wouldn't interfere.

Secretly gathering soul power in his palm, the elder prepared to teach Gu Yechen a "lesson" in humility.

Respect for elders was a fine virtue—but abusing one's seniority to bully others was another matter.

Gu Yechen felt the shift in the elder's soul energy. As a Soul King, this man wasn't someone he could currently go head-to-head with.

At this critical moment, Gu Yechen raised his arm high and said coldly, "Old man, take a good look—do you know whose armguard this is?"

The elder froze.

"That's… the Darksteel Arm Guard?!"

The energy in the elder's hand instantly dissipated, replaced by cold sweat. He recognized the armguard's original owner.

Qin Ming—Royal Academy's youngest Soul Emperor-level expert. Not only was he an elite instructor, but he was also considered the most promising teacher in the academy. It was said he might one day reach the level of a Titled Douluo.

Respected by all three Deans, Qin Ming was not someone a low-level administrator could afford to offend.

The old man's voice grew uncertain, "And… what is your relationship with Teacher Qin Ming?"

Gu Yechen slowly lowered his arm, inwardly thinking, As expected—those with connections and those without are treated worlds apart.

Without connections, one is a soft target. With backing, even teachers bend the rules.

He didn't bother explaining. After all, if it weren't for Lingling acting as an intermediary, he and Qin Ming wouldn't have any relationship. Thankfully, before departing, Qin Ming had told him: if you run into trouble, use my name.

Though both Qin Shou and Qin Ming shared the same surname, the difference between them was like heaven and earth. One was arrogant and cruel; the other approachable and kind. Gu Yechen wouldn't forget that favor.

He said flatly, "There's no need for you to know things that don't concern you. If there's nothing else, hurry up and check out these three books for me."

The old man had no choice. Despite Gu Yechen's arrogant, commanding tone, he dared not retaliate. Who knew this kid had such a powerful connection? Perhaps it was time he made more frequent visits to the registrar's office to keep up with the new students' profiles.

This year's new cohort apparently included some hard-to-handle characters. Better to play it safe. As for Qin Shou—he'd be staying out of that mess for now.

The elder's tone softened considerably. "This way, please, student."

At the side, Qin Shou was dumbfounded. That same administrator had always favored him. What had changed? Had he lost his mind?

He stared at the Darksteel Arm Guard on Gu Yechen's arm. It looked like a fairly standard soul tool—hardly something from a noble clan. Why was Elder Huang so afraid of him? Could it be that this guy actually knew the Deans?

Retracting his Llama martial soul and returning to normal, Qin Shou could only stand there dumbly as Elder Huang checked out the three books for Gu Yechen.

This was the first time Qin Shou had truly been humiliated. With so many people watching, it was utterly disgraceful.

Enraged, he barked at the remaining students, "What are you all looking at? Scram!"

After the crowd dispersed and Gu Yechen had left, Qin Shou stormed over and demanded, "What the hell was that? You just let that punk go?"

Elder Huang spread his hands helplessly. "And what did you expect me to do? That kid is connected to Qin Ming. If Qin Ming files a complaint with the Deans, my job is finished."

Qin Shou's face twitched. "So what if he knows Qin Ming? Qin Ming doesn't have a powerful background either!"

"You're a Soul King—you're telling me you're afraid of some kid? If anything happens, I'll take responsibility! Don't forget—my father is Qin Buru!"

Elder Huang's expression suddenly shifted. "Young Master Qin, it's because your father is Qin Buru that I won't interfere."

"What do you mean by that?" Qin Shou asked, confused.

With a sly grin, Elder Huang replied, "Conflicts that can be handled outside the academy must never be handled inside. If Gu Yechen were to suffer a broken arm or leg out there, it would have nothing to do with the Royal Academy—and no one would suspect either of us."

Qin Shou's eyes lit up in realization. He nodded slowly. "In that case, please help me check his soul power level at the registrar. I'll need to make… preparations."

Elder Huang stroked his beard and smiled, "Naturally."

(End of Chapter)

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