After finishing the movement, Carrie noticed that Zack and Cloud beside her had already turned red with embarrassment, while Amyris stuck her tongue out at her playfully. Carrie immediately fell silent. However, from her expression, it was clear that she had closed her mouth only to save face for her classmates—not because she thought she had said anything wrong. In fact, she might have mentally added, Not just might lose, but definitely will lose!
“Haha… So that’s how Miss Carrie thinks. How about the rest of you?” Zhang Wen’s gaze slowly swept across the faces of the four students.
“Hehe! I have full confidence in Teacher Zhang! Teacher Zhang, I support you!” The pretty girl Amyris voiced her support first, her eyes sparkling with a hint of passion. Zack and Cloud, however, clenched their fists unwillingly.
“Haha! Don’t worry, don’t look so gloomy. This time, we might actually win.” Zhang Wen’s lips curled into a smile.
“Impossible!” Seeing Zhang Wen still exuding a mysterious confidence, Carrie finally couldn’t help but shout out her thoughts, disregarding her classmates’ dignity.
As Carrie’s words fell, the training ground fell silent for a moment, but Zhang Wen soon laughed again. “Haha! Miss Carrie, you still don’t believe in my abilities.”
“Teacher Zhang, it’s not that I don’t believe in your abilities. But the match against Themis Academy isn’t something you can fight alone! I’ve personally witnessed last year’s martial arts match between our academy and Themis Academy. The gap between us isn’t something that can be bridged with just ten or fifteen days of extra lessons!” Carrie stubbornly stared at Zhang Wen and spoke loudly.
“Haha! Since that’s the case, then why don’t you make a bet? Bet on it!” Amyris, the pretty girl who loved gambling, immediately became interested when she saw Carrie challenging Zhang Wen. She eagerly whispered to Carrie, egging her on.
“I won’t take that bet.” Carrie immediately refused Amyris’s provocation, “I don’t think Teacher Zhang can win, but I absolutely won’t bet on Almace Academy losing.”
“Tsk!” The little beauty, having just been scolded, pouted and muttered under her breath, “Sister Carrie, you’ve been giving Teacher Zhang a hard time all this time, but it’s useless anyway. The whole school already knows about it—there’s no way Teacher Zhang can back out now!”
“This…” Caught off guard, Carrie was momentarily left speechless by Amyris’s retort.
However, while the two pretty girls were enjoying their verbal spat, Zack and Cloud beside them couldn’t hold back any longer. What Amyris had just said was true—Zhang Wen had no way out now, and they were the very ones who had dragged him into this predicament.
“You two, just stop talking! Anyway, it was us who got Teacher Zhang into this mess. No matter the outcome, we’ll definitely stick with Teacher Zhang until the end! And if we do lose, we promise we’ll be the first ones to go up and lose!” Zack, the more hot-headed one, couldn’t help but step forward and thump his chest.
“What? Who are you telling to shut up? What good would it do for you to lose first? Teacher Zhang would still end up taking the blame! If you really want to help Teacher Zhang, you’d better think about how to win instead!” Amyris immediately turned her anger toward Zack.
Seeing the few students arguing noisily, Zhang Wen had no choice but to assert some authority as a teacher.
“Enough of all this arguing!” Zhang Wen first silenced Zack and Cloud, who were still trying to counterattack, and then glared at Amyris, who was smugly grinning, “And you too—shut up!”
Under Zhang Wen’s stern command, all four students fell silent. Amyris even gave him a hurtful glance, as if to say, I was just trying to help you!
“Alright!” Zhang Wen smiled back at Amyris and then turned to the four students with a grin. “I know you’re all worried about me. But if you really want to help, stop thinking about all this nonsense and just focus on class. We still have more than ten days left—we can still accomplish a lot!”
“Yes!” Seeing Zhang Wen’s smile, the four students responded in unison.
However, judging from their expressions as they answered, it was clear their thoughts were completely different. Carrie still refused to believe Zhang Wen could perform a miracle in just a few days. Zack and Cloud looked like soldiers steeling themselves for battle. Only Amyris seemed to have great confidence in Zhang Wen, though whether her confidence was genuine or not remained uncertain.
From now until Themis Academy’s delegation arrived, there were more than ten days—neither long nor short. Zhang Wen believed that it was not baseless to think he could make his students progress rapidly during this time.
In just over ten days, it was clearly impractical to have Zack and the others learn the inner martial arts techniques from the Spring Water Manual. First of all, there was simply too little time—cultivating inner energy would yield no results. Moreover, Zhang Wen would never easily reveal the Spring Water Manual, which was his greatest asset for survival in this world.
However, what if he only taught Zack and the others the martial techniques from the Spring Water Manual?
In the study of martial arts in the Empire, the cultivation of combat energy was always the most important aspect. Yet, improving combat energy required a gradual and steady accumulation. In this regard, Zack and Cloud had already reached the pinnacle of effort among their peers. Even if Zhang Wen had three heads and six arms, he couldn’t produce magical items like “Awakening Fruits” to boost their innate talents.
However, during the Academy Festival, when he had fought against the two, Zhang Wen had already noticed that Zack and Cloud were practically beginners when it came to martial techniques—their skills and forms were nearly nonexistent.
Although Zack and Cloud hadn’t learned the inner energy techniques of the Spring Water Manual and lacked the heightened senses Zhang Wen possessed, they were still martial artists who had trained their bodies since childhood. Through years of daily practice, their reflexes, physical strength, and familiarity with their own combat energy far surpassed that of ordinary people.
Given this, it wouldn’t be difficult for Zack and the others to learn the martial techniques from the Spring Water Manual. Even with just over ten days of training, they might not fully master the techniques, but they could at least demonstrate 60 to 70 percent of their power!
Precisely because of this, Zhang Wen had dared to take the enormous risk, deliberately stepping into the trap set by Instructor Xin, gambling that he could significantly improve Zack and the others’ abilities in a short time!
Anyway, the argument among the four students finally ended, and Zhang Wen was ready to begin his first class. But just as Zhang Wen had the four students line up and was about to start teaching them martial techniques, a sarcastic voice suddenly reached his ears: “Ha! Isn’t this the new teacher Zhang who just joined our martial arts department? What a pleasure to meet you!”
Zhang Wen turned around and saw that on the adjacent second training ground, a group of students was entering the field. Standing by the wire fence separating the second and third training grounds was a male martial arts instructor with an average appearance but a very muscular build. With his hands on his hips, he was smirking at Zhang Wen.
“He’s Eddielt, a three-star instructor in the martial arts department,” Zack whispered to Zhang Wen, knowing that Zhang had just joined the department and wasn’t yet familiar with its personnel.
“Eddielt? I’ve heard of him,” Zhang Wen nodded.
During his time in the Disciplinary Committee, Eddielt was one of the few martial arts instructors whose name Zhang Wen had heard. Unlike most instructors who gained fame in the Disciplinary Committee for their teaching skills or strength, Eddielt’s reputation came from a completely different reason—he was the only person in the academy’s history bold enough to pursue two female instructors at the same time.
According to imperial tradition, powerful men and women often had “side lovers” outside their marriages, but openly pursuing two people at once was unheard of. Moreover, the two women Eddielt pursued were the two most beautiful instructors at Almace Academy—Lynora and Kelly, known together as the “Almace Twin Beauties.”
Eddielt’s pursuit ended in a resounding failure, but after the story spread, he became instantly famous. The teachers and students at the academy debated his actions for a while. Some mocked Eddielt as the biggest toad in history, while others thought he was bold and manly.
“Instructor Eddielt,” Zhang Wen smiled slightly at Eddielt while recalling the information he had about him.
“Hehe! Teacher Zhang, I heard you’re preparing to lead the team for this year’s match against Themis Academy?” Eddielt continued to speak in a mocking tone, as if deliberately trying to provoke Zhang Wen.
“That’s right. Does Instructor Eddielt have any advice for me?” Zhang Wen’s lips curled into a smile full of meaning.
Eddielt’s strong provocation puzzled Zhang Wen. Everyone in the academy knew that Zhang Wen was about to face serious trouble—why would Eddielt specifically target a new teacher who was “as good as dead”?
Moreover, among the many rumors about Eddielt, he was described as both foolish and idiotic, but Zhang Wen had never heard that Eddielt was particularly interested in duels.
“No advice at all. I just heard that Teacher Zhang is quite close to Instructor Lynora from the Psynergy Department, right?” As Eddielt spoke, he waved his hand, signaling his students to begin their warm-up exercises.
“Lynora?” Upon hearing that name, Zhang Wen seemed to understand the reason behind Eddielt’s hostility.
After the martial arts competition during the Academy Festival, Lynora had spoken with Zhang Wen alone for quite a while. In Almace Academy, aside from Zhang Wen and Elder Oude, probably no one else knew Lynora’s true identity. In the eyes of others, even if Lynora wasn’t a cold, aloof ice queen, she was at least a graceful lady with proper decorum. For example, Eddielt had been harshly rejected by Lynora.
So, when he heard that Lynora had actually approached Zhang Wen for a private conversation, it was no wonder Eddielt was consumed by jealousy.
“What? Is Teacher Zhang afraid to admit it?” Without waiting for Zhang Wen’s response, Eddielt shouted loudly again.
Eddielt’s voice caused all the students on both training grounds to stop their actions. They all turned their gazes toward the smug Eddielt. But just then, a voice suddenly rang out across the training ground: “Instructor Eddielt, what exactly are you asking Teacher Zhang to admit?”
“Eh?” The students gasped in surprise and turned their heads toward the source of the voice. Zhang Wen also looked over in astonishment.
Compared to the shock of Lynora’s sudden appearance, what surprised everyone even more was that she was wearing martial arts training gear! The red training outfit hugged her alluring figure tightly, accentuating her voluptuous curves and perfectly sculpted legs.
Even girls like Amyris and Carrie couldn’t help but be captivated by the irresistible charm exuding from Lynora in that moment, let alone the male students on both training grounds! As for Eddielt, who was peering over the wire fence, his eyes were now wide open, staring at Lynora as if he wanted to devour her whole!
“Teacher Zhang,” Lynora gently adjusted her long hair and gave Zhang Wen a seductive smile after stepping forward. “I’d also like to attend your martial arts class. I hope Teacher Zhang won’t refuse me as a student?”
“Eh?!” Lynora’s words once again caused a synchronized exclamation from both training grounds. All the students, including Zack and Cloud, were stunned. Amyris, standing beside Lynora, even opened her cute mouth in a perfect “O” shape.
With Lynora’s words, Eddielt’s previous question obviously no longer needed Zhang Wen to answer himself. Eddielt tightly gripped the wire fence, his eyes burning with jealousy so intense it could have incinerated Zhang Wen ten times over.
If Eddielt were truly as foolish as the rumors claimed, he might have challenged Zhang Wen to a duel right then. However, although Eddielt lacked great wisdom, he was full of small cleverness.
Just as the words of a challenge nearly slipped from his mouth, Eddielt suddenly recalled Zhang Wen’s performance at the Academy Festival just two days ago. Thinking about how Zhang Wen had defeated both Zack and Cloud with his bare hands, Eddielt swallowed the challenge he was about to issue.
Eddielt’s current martial arts level was only eighth grade. Honestly, he didn’t have a hundred percent confidence in defeating Zhang Wen. Besides, Eddielt was a three-star instructor in the martial arts department, while Zhang Wen was merely an assistant instructor recently transferred from the Disciplinary Committee. Even if he defeated Zhang Wen, people would only think he was bullying a newcomer.
Moreover, the entire Almace Academy knew that Zhang Wen was about to face serious trouble soon. If he challenged Zhang Wen now and actually won, injuring him in the process, wouldn’t that help Zhang Wen avoid his fate? Then, if Instructor Xin became furious, Eddielt might end up being the scapegoat!
No! That’s not right! Maybe all of this was orchestrated by that Zhang Wen from the start. He deliberately provoked me into challenging him to a duel. Then, during the duel, he pretended to be injured by me. That way, if he won, it would be perfect. If he lost, he could still escape the scrutiny of the Themis Academy delegation.
What a clever plan! Truly brilliant! Hmph! But I won’t fall for your trick! Thinking he had uncovered Zhang Wen’s scheme, Idelte smugly chuckled to himself.
However, seeing through a scheme was one thing; letting Zhang Wen off the hook entirely was another. Idelte couldn’t possibly accept that. Soon enough, he shouted loudly again, “Haha! Teacher Zhang, you’re really something. Even Teacher Linoah has come to attend your class. It seems like Teacher Zhang is already confident about the martial arts department’s match against the Themis delegation?”
After shouting, Idelte sneered mockingly, believing he had landed a heavy blow on Zhang Wen.
However, Zhang Wen didn’t react with fury as Idelte had imagined. “Whether or not I’m confident is for me to know. I appreciate your concern, Teacher Idelte, but it’s unnecessary,” he said with a smile, glancing at Idelte with a calm gaze, completely devoid of anger.
Damn it! He actually thinks he’s someone important! Idelte’s anger surged again. He took a few deep breaths, but when his gaze landed on Linoah behind Zhang Wen, he paused. Then, a smirk of satisfaction appeared on his face.
“Zhang Wen, don’t get too arrogant! If you really have so much confidence, dare to make a bet with me? I, Idelte, swear here and now that if you win against Themis Academy, I will never meet Teacher Linoah again for the rest of my life. Do you dare?” Idelte shouted shamelessly, challenging Zhang Wen with provocative glances.
“Pfft!” Before Zhang Wen could speak, the outspoken Amelice had already fiercely retorted on his behalf. Amelice stuck out her tongue playfully at Idelte and said, “Teacher Idelte, aren’t you taking advantage of others too much? Teacher Linoah has nothing to do with you. How can you bet her against Teacher Zhang?”
“Brat!” When it came to verbal sparring, how could Idelte match Amelice? Within just a few exchanges, he was left speechless. However, Idelte had his own tricks. Since he couldn’t outwit Amelice, he simply ignored her rebuttal and turned back to mock Zhang Wen again, “Teacher Zhang, is this really all you’re capable of? Hiding behind a female student’s skirt?”
“You…” Amelice, faced with Idelte’s shamelessness, found herself at a loss for words. She had never suffered such humiliation before and was now flushed with anger, instinctively turning her hurt gaze toward Zhang Wen.
Zhang Wen also grew impatient with Idelte’s unreasonable behavior. He gestured to calm Amelice and then met Idelte’s gaze directly.
Under Zhang Wen’s intense stare, the previously aggressive Idelte felt a sudden panic. Instinctively, he took half a step back, prompting Zhang Wen to smirk slightly.
“Teacher Idelte, since you want to bet, I’m happy to oblige. However, I have no interest in betting with other people’s matters. If we’re making a bet, let’s bet with something of our own.” Zhang Wen continued smiling, staring straight into Idelte’s eyes, and casually extended his right hand. “Teacher Idelte, I, Zhang Wen, swear here and now that if I lose the match against Themis Academy, I will cut off this right hand. Do you dare?”
Gasps echoed across the square after Zhang Wen’s words, followed by a deathly silence. Linoah, Carite, Zack… everyone was stunned by Zhang Wen’s casual yet chilling determination.
As for Idelte, who had just been shouting to challenge Zhang Wen, he now stood with his mouth agape, his throat making gurgling sounds without uttering a single word.
In an empire where honor meant everything, Idelte could brazenly pursue two women at once and ignore any humiliation from female students. But he couldn’t dare to back down after initiating a bet, especially not in front of dozens of students. If he did, the only result would be total disgrace.
However, stepping forward to accept Zhang Wen’s bet was even more unthinkable. Although he had almost been certain that Zhang Wen couldn’t possibly defeat Themis Academy, upon seeing Zhang Wen’s resolute attitude, Idelte immediately lost his confidence.
That’s someone’s right hand! I don’t want to become disabled! Trapped between two impossible choices, Idelte’s face turned alternately pale and red, his forehead quickly covered in sweat.
“Hmph!” Just as Idelte was on the verge of emotional collapse, Linoah’s soft giggle broke the silence.
“Teacher Zhang, you and Teacher Idelte are both colleagues in the martial arts department. Why make such a serious issue out of such a small matter?” Linoah smiled gently at Zhang Wen, walking to his side and whispering sweetly into his ear, “Teacher Zhang, since you’ve just joined the martial arts department, it might be difficult for you to get along with others if you damage relationships so soon.”
“Mmm. Teacher Linoah is absolutely right,” Zhang Wen nodded with a smile, waiting for her to continue. He didn’t believe for a moment that Linoah would plead for Idelte without reason.
“Haha! If Teacher Idelte insists on making a bet with Teacher Zhang, then I’ll volunteer to be the stake. However, since we are all teachers at Almice Academy, making a bet about cutting off relations or never meeting again seems unreasonable. How about this instead: if Teacher Zhang defeats Themis Academy, I will cook dinner at his house every day for the next month. If Teacher Zhang loses, then I’ll cook dinner for Teacher Idelte instead. Does that sound acceptable to both of you?” Linoah smiled seductively, her eyes sweeping from Idelte to Zhang Wen.
“Great! Wonderful! Of course!” Idelte almost immediately agreed to Linoah’s terms.
“No problem.” Zhang Wen also nodded without hesitation.
Cook dinner at my house every night? You probably want to investigate my background. Hehe! Since you want to play games, let’s see who plays better! Watching Linoah’s smile, Zhang Wen’s lips slowly curled upward.
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