Chapter 5: The Assessment

Observing Morris’s terrified expression, Nian Yun found himself intrigued.

"What is so terrifying about this Lust?"

"A level 73 Control-type Spirit Sage, with the Black Raven as his Martial Soul."

"A Spirit Sage, a Cardinal—is such a person actually serving as a teacher?"

"He was handpicked by His Holiness the Pope himself. In his training, injuries and disabilities are commonplace, and his authority is absolute."

"Knock, knock—knock."

"Any other news?"

Morris, being closer to the door, stood up to answer it.

"Bang—"

"Is there something you need?"

The intruder ignored Morris, focusing instead on Nian Yun, who had his back to the door.

"Attack."

Seeing the group prepare to force their way in, Morris hesitated, wondering whether to intervene, when he felt a hand land on his shoulder. Turning his head, he saw that Nian Yun had already moved to the doorway with incredible speed. Before anyone could react, Nian Yun flicked a sphere of wind toward them.

"Whoosh—boom!"

The four people at the door were instantly blasted away, crashing into the opposite wall.

"If you have no business, get lost. You’re in my way."

Morris recalled the scene in shock, feeling an intense curiosity about Nian Yun’s identity and strength.

"Let’s go grab some breakfast."

Faced with the invitation, Morris did not refuse. His intuition told him that with a person like this, one should only be a friend; never an enemy.

The commotion caused by the four being blasted away quickly drew the attention of the entire floor. Even before the two had stepped out of the dormitory, they were already being watched by countless eyes. Nian Yun used this time to observe Morris’s attitude, but the result left him somewhat perplexed.

He was calm—too calm. It was the look of someone who simply did not care.

"Tell me, what’s wrong with these people? They lack the ability themselves, yet they harbor hatred toward those with power."

"Since they have no talent of their own, they have nothing left but to seek comfort in hatred. Look, the talented one is here."

At the dormitory entrance, people stood packed along the walls. Looking toward the end of the hall, a sturdy figure stood in the doorway, blocking the path. As they stepped outside, the heat of molten lava became palpable.

"Nian Yun."

"Yan, what is it?"

"I want to fight you. You aren't worthy of Nana."

"I don't have the time."

The two rows of onlookers were stunned by Nian Yun’s response, then stared at him with burning resentment.

"If you’re scared, then stay away from Nana."

Nian Yun, having just walked past Yan, paused and said, "I just said I don't have the time, that doesn't mean I'm afraid. If you want to fight, wait until I’m free."

With that, Nian Yun waved his hand and headed toward the stairs. Someone next to Yan tried to step forward but was stopped.

"You are no match for him. If we are going to fight, we will do it fair and square. Also, go and take those four away."

"Yes."

***

Walking out of the dormitory, the two reached an intersection.

"Nian Yun, I think you’ve truly met your match this time."

"How so?"

"Yan’s strength is no less than Xie Yue’s."

"Oh? Then why doesn't he go and fight Xie Yue?"

"They fought once back at the junior academy. Xie Yue won by a hair."

"So he’s been training hard, planning to fight him again here, but you beat him to the punch."

The two exchanged a brief look and fell silent. Observing Nian Yun’s composure, Morris felt even more certain of his internal assessment.

"Ding."

"System, what level is Yan currently?"

System: "Responding to Host, level 36."

"If I fight him now, what are the odds?"

System: "Three to seven."

"I admit, his Martial Soul is indeed difficult to deal with, but I am a Twin Martial Soul holder, after all. How could it be three to seven?"

System: "The Host’s victory yesterday relied entirely on the element of surprise provided by your Twin Martial Souls. Yan is now aware of the Host, so he will naturally be prepared."

"You system, you aren't objective. For instance, my combat experience is far superior to his."

"Rustle."

"Demonic energy."

Returning from his consciousness, Nian Yun stopped, and Morris quickly noticed the anomaly in the surroundings.

"Rustle."

The dense forest around them began to stir.

"Zzz."

Nian Yun’s eyes shifted; he slashed his blade to the left, and a black feather fell to the ground.

"Watch out."

"Swish, swish, swish!"

Suddenly, several black ravens emerged before the two, who now stood back-to-back.

"First Spirit Skill: Dungeon!"

Morris slammed his giant dragon-claw-covered hands into the ground. After a tremor, four earthen walls rose up, blocking the incoming black feathers.

"Bang, bang, bang—"

After a moment, the noise outside the stone walls ceased.

"Wait."

Nian Yun suddenly leveled his blade, "Mistsplitter Reforged," at a specific point. Morris remained on guard.

"Boom!"

A hole was smashed through the massive wall, and a giant bird’s beak lunged toward Nian Yun. The sheer pressure left Nian Yun breaking out in a cold sweat.

"Bang—!"

The massive impact sent both of them flying into the tall grass. Shaking his head, Nian Yun drove his blade into the ground to steady himself, while Morris struggled to his feet. Along with the giant beast, countless black ravens swarmed toward them once more.

"Leave the big one to me."

Nian Yun glanced back and nodded. He gripped the hilt of his blade tightly, channeling all his spirit power into it. His eyes glowed purple, and lightning crackled.

"Eternity, No-Thought, Severance!"

Arcs of purple electricity, like a spiderweb, exploded from the cracks and enveloped the space.

"Zzz—zz!"

"Thump, thump, thump—"

Countless small black ravens were paralyzed and fell from the sky. The giant beast blocked the lightning net with its black feathers and charged at them without a moment’s hesitation.

"Whoosh!"

Morris slid forward on the ground and began to unleash his spirit power.

"Argh—!!"

A giant grey dragon manifested from the ground.

"Second Spirit Skill: Dragon Peak!"

"Boom—"

A massive shockwave rattled the surroundings, and both men gasped for air.

"Step."

The black ravens dissipated, and a figure emerged from the smoke. Although they didn't know the person, the exchange of Martial Souls had made their identities clear.

"Teacher Lust."

The person who arrived was their class instructor, Lust. He looked at the state of the two, then glanced at the marks on the ground.

"You two have passed. Do not be late this afternoon."

Though it was confusing, both bowed respectfully and said, "Yes."

"I told you, he is truly terrifying."

The two sat down on the grass to recover from the exhaustion.

"Yeah, when that big crow rushed in earlier, I was startled. It’s a good thing your shield acted as a buffer."

"Your senses aren't bad either; otherwise, I would have had to lower the stone walls after the first wave."

"Hey, you two lying on the lawn, get up!"

"Damn it, it was inevitable, wasn't it?" Morris muttered to himself before standing up and pulling Nian Yun with him.

As Nian Yun looked on in confusion, a female instructor wearing silver-rimmed glasses walked over. She didn't look old and was quite beautiful, but judging by her demeanor and tone, Nian Yun was certain she was of the same generation as his grandmother.

"Teacher."

"What are your names?"

"Nian Yun." "Morris."

"You damaged the lawn. I punish you to clean this place up before noon."

"But..."

Nian Yun was about to speak, but seeing Morris signaling him with his eyes, he stopped.

"Yes."