Evan Chu overheard the crowd's gossip and was just as surprised, mentally matching each name to its face.
Ryan Ouyang stood at the very front of his group, about eighteen or nineteen years old, dressed head to toe in fiery red, sporting a wild, spiky hairstyle that looked like he'd been struck by lightning—every strand standing straight up. Hands clasped behind his back, his face was full of arrogance; just one look and you could tell he was a sharp-edged, showy type.
If he had to face an opponent like that, Evan Chu honestly couldn’t guarantee victory—especially now that Luna, the Sword Spirit, couldn’t help him directly.
That arrogance wasn’t unique to him; the entire elite class and ordinary class radiated the same vibe. Nearly everyone acted high and mighty—especially when looking at the remedial class. Their superiority complex was written all over their faces, with no attempt to hide their contempt.
Just then, the noisy crowd up ahead suddenly fell silent.
Seeing this, Evan Chu immediately knew the Dean and instructors had arrived.
Peering through the gaps in the crowd, Evan saw Dean Xavier, Marcus Gongsun, and several other instructors standing before everyone.
Dean Xavier stepped forward, swept his gaze across the crowd, and then spoke calmly: “Greetings, students. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Xu Feng, Dean of Heavenly Dragon Academy.”
His voice wasn’t loud, but it carried clearly to every single person present.
Keep in mind, there were over a thousand students here—just that bit of strength was enough to command respect.
Evan Chu, however, was unfazed—he’d long known how formidable the Dean was.
“Our Heavenly Dragon Academy has a long and storied history. Every student who graduates from here achieves something great—this is a fact proven countless times.” Dean Xavier spoke slowly, his eyes moving across the faces of all the students.
“Achievement always comes at a cost. This year, the academy’s missions are especially heavy—plenty of life-and-death assignments, and sometimes sacrifice is unavoidable. Reality is harsh. Only the strong survive in this world where the weak are prey.”
Seeing the students’ uneasy expressions, Dean Xavier was clearly satisfied with his speech’s effect. Evan Chu, meanwhile, was mentally wandering off, daydreaming about cultivating with Starstones; he barely caught a word the other instructors said.
But there was one thing he did catch—the name of his beautiful instructor: Lu Xue. It was a name that sounded as lovely as she looked.
After that, everyone returned to their own classes. Lu Xue stood at the podium and said simply, “Starting today, every day from six in the morning to six in the evening is cultivation time. Unless the academy assigns a mission, all other hours are for training.”
Hearing Lu Xue’s words, everyone shivered—no rest days at all! The ordinary-class students in particular were indignant.
“I know these demands are tough, but it’s for you—and for the academy. You should all know that next year is our competition against Sea Dragon Academy.”
“The Dean wants us to win this time, so you all have no choice but to work hard,” Lu Xue continued.
“What’s that competition got to do with us? With our ordinary class’s strength, it’s impossible—Ryan Ouyang couldn’t do it either! This is elite class business!” one student finally blurted out.
“This is the Dean’s order—I can’t help it. Even though you’re ordinary-class students, that doesn’t mean you can’t compete.”
I believe our ordinary class will shine in future competitions too!” After saying this, Lu Xue deliberately glanced at Evan Chu, signaling that the class’s hopes rested on him.
After meeting Lu Xue’s gaze, Evan Chu just smiled faintly. Maybe she really did know about his agreement with the old man.
“Evan Chu, the Dean wants you to see him later. He has something important to discuss.” Lu Xue said with a smile.
Immediately, dozens of eyes locked onto Evan Chu—pure envy, jealousy, and hate. Cold sweat broke out on his back. 'Damn it, she’s totally painting a target on me!' he cursed inwardly.
Evan Chu knew that old man Xu was definitely calling him over to hand out Starstones. He didn’t care what anyone thought, and just got up and walked straight out.
“Evan Chu is seriously badass—he just walked out in front of the instructor! Total respect!” a student whispered.
“He could’ve joined the elite class, but chose to stay in the ordinary class—there’s gotta be something up.” squinted another boy suspiciously.
“Wow, he’s got such a unique vibe! Handsome and strong—I totally idolize him!” a starry-eyed girl exclaimed.
In a quiet corner, another girl watched Evan Chu leave and murmured, “What’s your secret, Evan Chu? Lily Tang says you’re amazing, but I’m not convinced yet.”
Seeing the students whispering among themselves, Lu Xue’s face flashed with anger. “Quiet! Do you still want your Starstones or not?” she snapped.
At the mention of Starstones, dozens of eyes went green with envy—and the room fell silent. You could probably hear a pin drop.
Lu Xue surveyed the quiet crowd, clearly pleased with the result. With a wave of her hand, the desk was suddenly covered in egg-sized stones that glowed faint blue.
“Starting from the first student on the left, come up one by one to collect your Starstones for the month. Train hard—there’s a tough mission waiting for you in a month.”
After leaving, Evan Chu headed straight for Dean Xu’s office. He’d never seen a Starstone before, and was full of anticipation.
From afar, Evan spotted Dean Xu standing there. “Old man, I’m here—are the Starstones ready?”
Dean Xu looked at Evan Chu, a faint smile on his face. “Kid, you really have no manners. Here—this is your monthly allotment. Don’t forget your promise to me.”
He produced a storage belt and tossed it to Evan Chu.
“A storage belt? You’re generous, old man—thanks! I won’t let you down!” Evan Chu said with a grin.
“You’re excited over a storage belt? A single low-grade Starstone is worth more than that thing. Where are you from, anyway—how do you not know this?”
“I really haven’t seen a Starstone before. By the way, is there any special training area in the academy—something that could double my results for half the effort?”
Dean Xu studied Evan Chu carefully, then smiled. “There is, but with strict limits! Each student can only stay there for one day.”
“Where is it?” Evan Chu asked, sensing this place wasn’t ordinary.
“The academy’s Stellar Cultivation Chamber. One day of training in there equals a whole week outside—it’s the best place to boost your strength.”
“Only one day? Why?” Evan Chu wondered. If he could train there with Starstones, he’d break through the sixth level of the Mystic Warrior Realm in no time.
“Training in the Stellar Cultivation Chamber requires energy—and that energy comes from Starstones. Each session costs at least three, so students only get one day.”