Daily Life at Snow Spirit Pavilion

In the early morning, the first rays of sunlight filtered through the window lattices of Snow Spirit Pavilion, spilling onto the exquisite pearwood floor.

Ling Qianxue had been meditating on her cushion for two hours already. Fire element spiritual power circulated slowly within her body, like a trickling stream, neither hasty nor slow.

"Miss, it's time for breakfast," Xiao Hanye's voice came from outside the door.

Though they had been at Tiandu Academy for a month now, Xiao Hanye still maintained the habits from when they were at Ling Manor—punctually calling her for meals every morning.

Ling Qianxue opened her eyes, a flash of tenderness in her glazed purple pupils. "Come in."

Xiao Hanye pushed open the door, carrying an exquisite food box. He wore the academy's cyan robes prepared for accompanying cultivation attendants. Though simple, they accentuated his upright figure.

"Today's spiritual meal is Crimson Flame Fruit soup and Snow Lotus seed porridge," Xiao Hanye said while skillfully arranging the bowls and chopsticks. "I heard these are especially beneficial for fire element cultivators."

Ling Qianxue smiled slightly. Xiao Hanye was always like this, considering her in everything. Though he couldn't cultivate elemental power himself, he understood the effects of various spiritual materials better than anyone.

"Sit down and eat with me," Ling Qianxue pointed to the seat across from her.

"That... wouldn't be appropriate," Xiao Hanye hesitated. "I'm just an accompanying cultivation attendant..."

"In front of outsiders you're an accompanying cultivation attendant, but to me, you'll always be my Hanye," Ling Qianxue said seriously.

Emotion flashed in Xiao Hanye's eyes, but he still shook his head. "Sister Qianxue, we must be cautious. There are already many people gossiping in the academy..."

Ling Qianxue knew what he meant.

This past month, though she had deliberately kept a low profile, staying in except for necessary classes, she still attracted considerable attention.

A new student arranged in the Core Disciple area upon enrollment, accompanied by an attendant—this alone was eye-catching enough.

Moreover, on the occasions she did appear, even with a veil covering her face, her ethereal temperament and perfect figure captivated countless male cultivators.

"Let them talk," Ling Qianxue said indifferently. "We just need to do our best."

After breakfast, the two headed to the academy cafeteria as usual.

Though Snow Spirit Pavilion had its own small kitchen, the academy cafeteria offered more variety of spiritual meals, which were more helpful for cultivation.

On the way, many disciples couldn't help stealing glances at them.

"Look, it's that mysterious Core Disciple!"

"She's wearing a veil again today. I really want to see what's beneath it."

"I heard her name is Ling Qianxue, from the fallen Ling family."

"The Ling family? The one that hasn't produced a cultivator in three hundred years?"

"Right, I really don't know how she qualified to be a Core Disciple."

"Must be through her beauty! Look at that figure, tsk tsk..."

Though the discussions weren't loud, with Ling Qianxue's cultivation, she naturally heard everything clearly.

She remained outwardly calm, continuing to walk elegantly.

Xiao Hanye walked half a step behind her, his fists unconsciously clenching.

He couldn't hear these discussions clearly, but from the gazes those male cultivators directed at Sister Qianxue, he could feel their naked desire.

The academy cafeteria was a three-story building, elegantly decorated with abundant spiritual energy.

The first floor was where ordinary disciples dined, the second floor was exclusive to Elite Disciples, and the third floor was the Core Disciples' exclusive area.

Ling Qianxue and Xiao Hanye headed straight for the third floor.

"Stop!" A tall male cultivator blocked their path. "The third floor is exclusive to Core Disciples, no unauthorized persons allowed!"

This male cultivator was named Zhang Kuang, one of the outstanding Inner Disciples with Four-Star Awakening Stage cultivation. He had long been displeased with Ling Qianxue—why should a new student enjoy Core Disciple treatment?

"I am a Core Disciple," Ling Qianxue calmly showed her identity token.

Zhang Kuang glanced at the token and sneered. "You being a Core Disciple is true, but what about this servant? A mud seed also deserves to go to the third floor?"

The surrounding disciples all looked over, many showing expressions of anticipation for drama.

Xiao Hanye's face darkened, but he still held back.

"He's my accompanying cultivation attendant. According to academy regulations, he can accompany me for meals," Ling Qianxue said, still speaking peacefully.

"Regulations?" Zhang Kuang said disdainfully. "Regulations are dead, people are alive. I just don't like seeing a servant wandering around here!"

"What, you have a problem?" He looked at Xiao Hanye provocatively. "A waste who can only follow behind women—what else can you do?"

"What did you say!" Xiao Hanye finally couldn't hold back.

"I said you're a waste, so what?" Zhang Kuang laughed smugly. "If you have the guts, fight me. If you lose, get out of the academy!"

"Enough," Ling Qianxue stepped in front of Xiao Hanye. "Senior Brother Zhang, please show some respect."

"Oh, protecting your little lover?" Zhang Kuang leered. "Junior Sister Ling, instead of keeping this waste, why not consider me? Though I'm only an Inner Disciple, at least I'm a cultivator, surely better than this mud seed?"

At these words, laughter erupted around them.

"Senior Brother Zhang is right! Beauties match heroes, not wastes!"

"Exactly, it's such a pity for Junior Sister Ling to be with someone like that."

"I say Junior Sister Ling is just too aloof. Why not all be friends?"

The vulgar words were unbearable.

Ling Qianxue's gaze gradually turned cold.

She had wanted to keep a low profile and avoid trouble, but these people were going too far.

"I appreciate the senior brothers' kind intentions," she said coldly. "But Qianxue has her own judgment and doesn't need your concern."

With that, she pulled Xiao Hanye to leave.

"Want to go?" Zhang Kuang reached to grab Ling Qianxue's arm. "No one leaves until this is cleared up today!"

Just as his hand was about to touch Ling Qianxue—

"Slap!"

A flash of fire passed, and Zhang Kuang screamed as he withdrew his hand, his palm already charred black.

"You dare attack me?" Zhang Kuang looked at Ling Qianxue in disbelief.

"You made the first move," Ling Qianxue said indifferently. "I was just defending myself."

"Good! Very good!" Zhang Kuang laughed in fury. "Since you're so protective of this waste, I'll cripple him first!"

He suddenly pounced toward Xiao Hanye, his fist condensing earth-yellow light.

Xiao Hanye was about to act when Ling Qianxue stopped him.

"Your opponent is me," Ling Qianxue said calmly.

"Hahaha!" Zhang Kuang laughed. "A new student with only Three-Star Awakening Stage dares challenge me?"

The surrounding disciples also showed mocking smiles.

In their view, Ling Qianxue was just relying on her Core Disciple status to be arrogant; her real strength surely wasn't much.

After all, Three-Star Awakening Stage versus Four-Star, and a senior student versus a new student—the outcome was predetermined.

"Since Junior Sister Ling is so interested, let this senior brother teach you what respecting your seniors means!" Zhang Kuang sneered as he attacked again.

Earth element spiritual power swirled around him, forming a thick layer of armor. At the same time, the ground began to shake as several stone pillars burst from underground, smashing toward Ling Qianxue.

"Earth Shaking Mountain!"

This was Zhang Kuang's signature move, which he had used to defeat many same-level opponents.

However—

Ling Qianxue merely raised her hand lightly, and a fire lotus bloomed in her palm.

"Go."

The fire lotus drifted out, seemingly slow but actually fast as lightning.

"Boom!"

The fire lotus collided with the stone pillars, instantly erupting with astonishing heat. The stone pillars were directly melted into lava!

"What?" Zhang Kuang was shocked.

Before he could react, the fire lotus had already arrived before him.

The high temperature instantly broke through his earth element armor, the scorching aura making him sweat profusely.

"I surrender! I surrender!" Zhang Kuang cried out in terror.

The fire lotus stopped an inch from his forehead, then slowly dissipated.

The entire venue fell silent.

Everyone couldn't believe their eyes.

Three-Star Awakening Stage defeating Four-Star Awakening Stage in one move?

And so effortlessly at that?

"This... how is this possible?"

"How can her fire element spell be so powerful?"

"Did she hide her cultivation level?"

Discussions arose one after another.

But Ling Qianxue was already pulling Xiao Hanye upstairs.

"Remember," she said without looking back. "Next time I hear someone insulting him, it won't be so simple."

The cold voice made everyone shiver.

Only after their figures disappeared at the stairway did everyone come back to their senses.

"Zhang Kuang, are you alright?" Someone helped up the paralyzed Zhang Kuang.

Zhang Kuang's face was pale as paper. In that instant, he had truly felt the threat of death.

If that fire lotus hadn't stopped...

He didn't dare think further.

"This Ling Qianxue is not simple," someone said gravely.

"More than not simple—she's unfathomable!" Another said with lingering fear. "That fire lotus just now had power equivalent to at least a Six-Star Awakening Stage full strike!"

"But she clearly only has Three-Star Awakening Stage cultivation..."

"Either she hid her cultivation, or..." The speaker swallowed. "She possesses terrifying cross-level combat ability."

Whichever possibility it was, it was enough to make people wary.

In the third floor's private room, Ling Qianxue and Xiao Hanye sat facing each other.

"Sister Qianxue, you just now..." Xiao Hanye hesitated.

"I know what you want to say," Ling Qianxue sighed lightly. "I didn't want to be so high-profile, but they went too far."

"It's all because of me," Xiao Hanye said self-reproachfully.

"Don't say that," Ling Qianxue looked at him seriously. "In my heart, you're more important than anyone. Whoever dares bully you is my enemy."

Xiao Hanye was moved but felt even more self-reproach.

Sister Qianxue had exposed her strength and offended other disciples for him. Yet he could do nothing.

"I must become stronger," he vowed secretly in his heart. "Even if I can't cultivate elemental power, I'll become the strongest body cultivator!"

After the spiritual meal, they returned to Snow Spirit Pavilion.

Ling Qianxue continued her closed-door cultivation while Xiao Hanye practiced physical techniques in the courtyard.

He sweated profusely, punching over and over. Each punch used full force, as if venting all the frustration in his heart.

At this time, news of what happened at the cafeteria had already spread through the academy.

"Did you hear? That new Core Disciple Ling Qianxue defeated Zhang Kuang in one move!"

"Really? Zhang Kuang is Four-Star Awakening Stage!"

"Absolutely true! At least twenty people saw it!"

"She's only Three-Star Awakening Stage, how is that possible?"

"Who knows? Maybe she hid her cultivation."

"I think she might really only be Three-Star Awakening Stage but possesses some special bloodline or secret technique."

"Regardless, it's better not to provoke her in the future."

Various discussions circulated through the academy.

Some admired Ling Qianxue's strength, some envied her treatment, and others became even more interested in her.

Especially those male cultivators interested in her—they were even more deeply attracted by the strength she displayed.

"Truly worthy of the woman I've set my eyes on!" A handsome young man stood by the window, gazing toward Snow Spirit Pavilion. "Ling Qianxue, the more aloof you are, the more I want to conquer you!"

This young man was Murong Han, a famous genius in the academy with Seven-Star Awakening Stage cultivation and superior water element talent. His water element spells were ever-changing, especially skilled at turning water into solid ice.

He came from a prestigious family, was handsome, and had countless admirers. But he had set his sights on the mysterious Ling Qianxue.

"Young Master, that Ling Qianxue seems uninterested in men," his attendant said quietly.

"Uninterested?" Murong Han sneered. "That's because she hasn't met me."

"But she has that Xiao Hanye by her side..."

"A mere waste," Murong Han said disdainfully. "Sooner or later, I'll make her understand what a real man is."

Meanwhile, in another residence.

"Ling Qianxue defeated Zhang Kuang in one move? Interesting." A black-clad young man played with a folding fan in his hand.

He was Ye Wuhen, from the Shadow Family, Six-Star Awakening Stage, with metal element talent, skilled in hidden weapons and assassination techniques.

"Young Master, should I investigate her background?" a voice came from the shadows.

"No need," Ye Wuhen shook his head. "Interesting prey should be savored slowly. Revealing the mystery too quickly would be boring."

He licked his lips, excitement flashing in his eyes.

"Ling Qianxue, I hope you won't disappoint me."

At night, lights blazed in Snow Spirit Pavilion.

Ling Qianxue sat at her desk, flipping through cultivation insights sent by Mo Qianji.

As the Dean's disciple, she could obtain many precious cultivation resources. But she never publicized it, only studying and cultivating quietly.

"Sister Qianxue, I made tea for you," Xiao Hanye entered carrying a tea cup.

"Thank you." Ling Qianxue took the tea cup and, seeing the injuries on his hands, frowned. "Overdid it again?"

"It's nothing, just minor injuries," Xiao Hanye said carelessly.

Ling Qianxue put down her book and took out healing ointment. "Give me your hand."

"It's really nothing..."

"Give it here," Ling Qianxue's tone brooked no refusal.

Xiao Hanye had to extend his hand.

Ling Qianxue carefully applied the ointment, her movements gentle, afraid of hurting him.

Moonlight filtered through the window lattices, shining on them both—the scene warm and beautiful.

"Sister Qianxue," Xiao Hanye suddenly spoke.

"Mm?"

"I'm sorry."

Ling Qianxue looked up at him puzzled.

"Because of me, you exposed your strength and offended other disciples," Xiao Hanye said self-reproachfully.

"Fool," Ling Qianxue lightly flicked his forehead. "How many times have I told you not to apologize for such things?"

"But..."

"No buts," Ling Qianxue said seriously. "Hanye, remember, you're not my burden but my most important person. For you, I'm willing to do anything."

Xiao Hanye's eyes grew moist.

What virtue did he have to receive such deep affection from Sister Qianxue?

"I will become strong," he said firmly. "One day, I'll be strong enough to protect you!"

Ling Qianxue smiled and nodded. "I believe you."

Deep in the night, they each returned to their rooms to rest.

Ling Qianxue lay in bed but couldn't quite fall asleep.

Today's events made her realize that trying to keep completely low-profile was impossible.

The academy was full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers, geniuses everywhere. The more low-profile she acted, the easier it was to be looked down upon and bullied.

"It seems I need to appropriately display some strength," she murmured to herself.

However, she still had to control it within reasonable limits.

Three-Star Awakening Stage displaying Five or Six-Star combat power was shocking but still within acceptable range. After all, geniuses all had cross-level combat ability.

But if she displayed her true strength...

That would be too earth-shattering.

"Take it slowly," she closed her eyes. "There's still plenty of time."

Outside the window, moonlight like water.

The entire academy fell into tranquility.

But beneath this calm surface, undercurrents surged.

Ling Qianxue's appearance was destined to cause waves in this academy.

And those plotting against her were also scheming in the shadows.

A storm was brewing.