The return of Xiang Ning and his team was greatly celebrated by the entire city. And it was no simple celebration; even major malls and restaurants were giving out discounts for their products. 

More good news followed their return, too, first about the schools. Due to producing such a stellar batch of students that had made great contributions to the Hang City beast invasion, the Federation government poured even more resources into Marsh City’s schools. 

As for Xiang Ning, he was secretly given resources that the common people didn’t know of. However, Fang Zhenyuan, who was the leader of Marsh City, knew very well that the teenager would take Marsh City up to the next level in three years’ time, and the minor peripheral city would become a major city soon! 

As usual, Xiang Ning visited Grandpa Director and the children at the orphanage first. During the children’s afternoon naptime, Xiang Ning went with Grandpa Director to his office. 

“Grandpa, I have a question for you.…” 

Half an hour later, Grandpa Director stood up and watched Xiang Ning leave, smiling. The boy had grown up. 

On the way out, Xiang Ning received a call from Fang Rou. “What’s up?” 

“My father wants to see you.” 

“Alright, I’ll be there.” Xiang Ning hung up, then called for his Windbreaker and sped off to the Thunder Dojo. He went up to the top floor and knocked on the door. 

Fang Zhenyuan paused a video of Xiang Ning fighting tier six beasts and looked up. “Come in.” 

Xiang Ning pushed the door open. “Father-in-law, you were looking for me?” 

“Come, have a seat.” 

Xiang Ning nodded and sat opposite Fang Zhenyuan. He looked around, then quickly turned his attention back to the man. 

“What’s your current cultivation level?” 

“Tier five, three-star martial artist. My Mental Power is almost the same,” said Xiang Ning. 

Fang Zhenyuan had already been told that by Fang Rou, but it was still shocking to hear Xiang Ning personally say it. He gazed deeply into Xiang Ning’s eyes. He had first heard about him from Old Zhao, and at the time, he had investigated the boy and found him a very ordinary child. Why was he worth a member of the Eight Pillars’ attention? But now it made sense. He also wanted to thank him, because Fang Rou had improved at a rate he could never have imagined; now she was almost overtaking her elder brother, Fang Hao. 

He turned his attention to Xiang Ning. “Any plans for the future?” 

Xiang Ning fell silent. He… well, he wasn’t sure about that yet. “Uncle Fang, I have a question.…” 

Similarly, thirty minutes later, Xiang Ning got up and Fang Zhenyuan watched him leave the room. He wasn’t sure what to say. Young people had their own ideas, it was best to sit and observe closely. He couldn’t stop what was fated to happen. 

The team’s arrival was on a Friday, so they didn’t have to go back to school yet. Xiang Ning stayed home for two days, not going out to meet Fang Rou, nor did she come to see him. When Monday came along, he put on his uniform once again and stepped into school. 

It was six in the morning and some students were still asleep, while the rest had just risen. Xiang Ning and his sister stood before the school gates that were just opened and she looked at him. “Brother.…” 

“It’ll be fine.” Xiang Ning stroked her hair. She was now a tier two spiritual cultivator and he felt assured even when he was in Hang City. Especially with his current status, no one would dare trouble her. 

Xiang Ning stepped into the school, then went toward the headmaster’s office. There, he smiled and knocked on the door. Qi Jiuming, who was in the room, paused. It’s so early, who could it be? He answered, and the door opened. 

Qi Jiuming was surprised to see the visitor, but then relaxed. 

“Headmaster, I’m here to apply for leave.” 

“Mm, have a seat.” Qi Jiuming put down his steaming cup of tea, tapping his index finger on the table. 

“How long do you need?” 

“A year.” 

Qi Jiuming nodded and took out a leave application form from his drawer, filling in his name. A long-term leave like this one definitely needed the headmaster’s approval, as it was regarding a student’s education. Before putting his stamp to the document, he paused and looked at Xiang Ning. “Why do I think you’re getting away too easily? You need to promise me one thing.” 

“What is it?” Xiang Ning chuckled. 

“Will you come back and take the National College Entrance Examination in a year’s time?” 

“Yes.” 

“Alright, take this.” As he spoke, Qi Jiuming stamped the form and gave it to Xiang Ning, who took it without looking. His eyes still fixed on Qi Jiuming, he said, “Can… I ask you a question?” 

The same thirty minutes later, Qi Jiuming downed his entire cup of tea, watching Xiang Ning leave. This was the first time he had downed tea like alcohol at his age. 

Xiang Ning walked on the shaded path, heading toward Mingzhe Lake. The sun had risen and students had started entering the compound. They didn’t head to their classrooms, but instead waited for someone at the gates. 

It was soon seven o’clock and there were many students at the gates. They were all waiting for someone. Xiang Ning looked at the time. It was seven, time for him to leave. Why were there so few people in school today? It was a Monday, after all. 

Then, when he came to the gates, he saw many students craning their necks looking outside the school, so he leaned forward and asked, “Hey, what’re you guys doing?” 

“Hmm? We’re obviously waiting for Teacher Xiang Ning. It’s Monday, he’s definitely coming to school.” 

“Oh… oh.” He was speechless. Why were they waiting for him? But it was probably best not to provoke them. Should he climb over the wall? He slowly backed away, trying not to attract attention, and came to a shorter, quieter part of the wall. 

The student, who hadn’t turned around once, suddenly frowned. “Why did that voice sound like Teacher Xiang Ning? Also, the whole school agreed to wait for him, which class didn’t receive the message?” Then he turned around in time to see Xiang Ning, who had a hand on the wall and was about to climb up. 

Xiang Ning coincidentally saw him and their eyes locked. He awkwardly laughed, let go, and turned to walk into the school. 

“Holy shit, stop blocking the gates, Teacher Xiang Ning is there!” 

“What?” Countless pairs of eyes turned to look at the person who yelled. 

“Ah! It’s Teacher Xiang Ning!” 

“He’s there!” 

“Teacher Xiang Ning!” 

Waiting for the next arc be like