13 Chapter 13.

At the training grounds of the Holy Orchid Institute, students sat in meditation, focusing on cultivating spiritual energy within the transparent barrier shielding them from external distractions. Passing classmates glanced enviously at them, but such scenes had become commonplace.

Perched on a nearby tree branch, two students engaged in conversation.

"Why are we wasting time here, Nie Li?" Wei Nan frowned. "Shouldn't we be attending class?"

"Attend a class? And learn what? The basics of cultivation?" Nie Li retorted sarcastically. "I was furious when I realised we'd been misled by the teacher."

Having left Teacher Ye's class with several others in pursuit of genuine cultivation training, they were disappointed to discover the deception.

"The teacher didn't deceive us, Nie Li. It was a misunderstanding," Wei Nan corrected with a self-deprecating smile. "Now, we've missed the opportunity to train under Teacher Ye's guidance."

"Can't he forgive us? We're new students," Nie Li vented. "It was just one mistake, and he expelled us."

Nie Li recalled the disappointment on his parents' faces upon learning he'd left Teacher Ye's class for an unknown teacher.

"Don't forget what the principal said," Wei Nan reminded him. "Even he can't intervene now that Teacher Ye has expelled us."

Nie Li nodded a pensive expression on his face. If only he possessed Teacher Ye's skill, he could have pursued self-study and achieved greatness.

"Let's go. It's almost time for them to finish," Wei Nan suggested. "We don't want to be labelled as perverts, especially after that incident."

"Agreed." Nie Li winced at the memory and leapt down from the branch with his friend.

Unbeknownst to them, someone observed from a distance.

"Something doesn't feel right…"

Ye Han, perched on the same tree, furrowed his brow in thought.

Another week had passed since the incident, yet the protagonist showed no signs of awakening his memories.

"Did something occur, or am I not in the correct timeline?" Ye Han pondered, unable to find an answer.

Deciding to set aside his concerns for now, he resolved to wait another week. If the protagonist failed to regain his memories by then, it would indicate they were in the original timeline, not the altered one where the protagonist emerged.

Leaping down from the tree branch, Ye Han strode toward his students and dispelled the barrier.

"Everyone, it's time to cease your practice," Ye Han's gentle voice resonated with each student.

One by one, the students opened their eyes, respectfully acknowledging him as they rose to their feet.

"You've all made remarkable progress," Ye Han remarked with a smile, sensing that nearly everyone had advanced beyond the 1 Star Bronze realm.

Two students were on the verge of attaining 4 Star Bronze rank, a testament to their dedication and the efficacy of Ye Han's inscriptions in drawing spiritual energy and enhancing their attributes.

"It was your guidance, Teacher Ye," Zhu Xiangjun expressed with gratitude. "Without your cultivation method, achieving the 1 Star Bronze rank would have been unthinkable before the yearly examination."

The sentiment was echoed by the other students, acknowledging Ye Han's pivotal role in their advancement.

"Don't attribute all the credit to me," Ye Han chuckled. "Your hard work and determination are what truly propelled you forward."

His words prompted the students to shake their heads in disagreement.

"Zhu Xiangjun, Xia Li, and Se Ming," Ye Han's tone turned serious. "The three of you have shown interest in Alchemy, and your attributes align with it."

"I've decided to send you to the Alchemy association, where you'll stay until the yearly examination."

"Really?" The trio exclaimed excitedly.

"Yes, but it won't be a free ride," Ye Han said sternly. "You'll work under experienced Alchemists and learn from them. By the time the examination arrives in two months, I expect you to reach at least a 4 Star Bronze rank and become junior apprentice alchemists."

The trio, initially confident, now felt the weight of the challenge.

"Feeling anxious?" Ye Han noticed their apprehension. "Have faith in yourselves. Believe in your abilities."

"We do, but..." Xia Li trailed off nervously. "Balancing both tasks seems daunting, Teacher Ye."

The others nodded in agreement, aware of the rigorous demands of becoming a junior apprentice Alchemist, especially with the recent curriculum changes.

"You can do it, Zhu Xiangjun," Du Ze offered encouragement, only to receive a sceptical look.

"He's right. Have faith in yourselves," Ye Han affirmed. "It's not an insurmountable task."

The other students rallied behind the trio, offering words of support until they finally accepted the challenge.

"If you encounter any difficulties, don't hesitate to seek my guidance," Ye Han reassured them, before turning to address the remaining students.

"Wang Li and Chen Feng, you've exceeded my expectations," Ye Han praised with a smile. "I wasn't certain you could catch up without a soul form."

"It was all thanks to your cultivation method, Teacher Ye. We just followed it," Chen Fan replied modestly, though his happiness was evident, drawing a smile from Ye Han.

"You both deserve the praise," Ye Han affirmed. "You'll face a similar challenge to the trio, but instead of the Alchemy Association, you'll work in the Secret Treasure Pavilion."

"I'm all for it," Chen Fan exclaimed eagerly.

The Secret Treasure Pavilion, akin to the Alchemy Association, was a formidable force in Glory City, offering weapons, armour, and inscription scrolls, along with skilled practitioners and Xue Yin, the senior inscription master.

"Me too," Wang Li agreed eagerly, eager to learn from the best.

"Good," Ye Han nodded at them before turning to the last four students. "Wait here, I'll see them settled."

Ning'er, Yizun, Du Ze, and Lu Piao nodded in response.

Ye Han instructed them to hold hands as they flew into the sky, a mix of nervousness and excitement coursing through them at the new experience.

Arriving first at the Secret Treasure Pavilion, Ye Han left Wang Li and Chen Feng before proceeding to the Alchemy Association, discreetly dropping off Zhu Xiangjun, Xia Li, and Se Ming.

Returning to the training ground, Ye Han landed before the remaining students.

"So, what's our task, Teacher Ye?" Du Ze asked, his excitement tinged with nervousness.

"Just don't make it too hard," Lu Piao muttered, annoyance evident on his face.

"Perhaps my elder brother expects us to reach the Black Gold realm?" Yizun speculated though Ning'er disagreed.

"It's not that difficult for us to reach Black Gold. Elder Brother Ye likely has other challenges in mind," Ning'er suggested thoughtfully. "Perhaps he'll ask us to pursue one of those two professions?"

"Maybe," Ziyun shrugged.

"Du Ze, Lu Piao, I have a special challenge for you," Ye Han said, a smile playing on his lips, sending shivers down their spines. "I want both of you to reach the Peak of Silver rank and master any weapon of your choice to the Intermediate level."

"You must be joking," Lu Piao exclaimed incredulously. "There's no way we can do that."

"Have confidence, Lu Piao," Du Ze reassured him. "I believe we can surpass Teacher Ye's expectations."

"Are you serious?" Lu Piao shot him a disbelieving look. "Do you even know what you're saying?"

"Lu Piao, calm down," Yizun advised. "Listen to your friend. He knows what's possible."

"He's just lazy," Ning'er chimed in. "He doesn't like hard work."

"Hey, I prefer to conserve my energy, okay?" Lu Piao retorted.

"If you manage it, I'll speak with her family," Ye Han said with a smile.

While the others were puzzled, Lu Piao understood the implication.

"Deal," Lu Piao agreed hastily. "I'll do my best, Teacher Ye."

With Teacher Ye's support, his chances of marrying her would significantly improve.

"What made you change your mind?" Yizun asked, confused by Lu Piao's sudden decision.

"It's not your concern," Lu Piao replied before leading his friend away.

"If you wish to leave the city for experience, you're free to do so," Ye Han remarked with an amused smile.

"I understand, Teacher Ye," Lu Piao called back, dragging his friend further into the training ground.

"He's quite peculiar," Ning'er mused, sharing a puzzled glance with her best friend.

Shaking her head, Yizun turned to her elder brother. "And what's our challenge, Elder Brother?"

"Since your cultivation realm is already advanced, I've opted for a simpler challenge," Ye Han explained with a smile, surprising them. "You need only reach the Professional level of mastery with your weapons."

"Professional level?"

The girls were momentarily stunned, processing the daunting task ahead.

"It's impossible," Yizun declared firmly. "We can't achieve that in two months."

"You're overestimating us," Ning'er added with a sheepish smile. "People spend decades reaching that level, and you're asking for it in two months."

"Where's your earlier confidence?" Ye Han teased, remembering their earlier motivation. "You should encourage each other."

"Don't tease us, Elder Brother," Yizun pouted. "It's practically impossible."

"That's why I'm giving you permission to leave the city to face strong demon beasts," Ye Han suggested with a smile. "People grow rapidly when faced with danger."

"Do you want us to get hurt?" Yizun narrowed her gaze.

"I know you won't," Ye Han reassured her, patting her head. "I know your talents, whether in cultivation or weapons mastery."

"Is there a reward if we succeed?" Yizun asked eagerly.

"A reward?" Ye Han considered for a moment before responding. "I'll impart a powerful technique to both of you, but your effort will determine how much you grasp."

"How powerful?" Yizun inquired, excitement gleaming in her eyes.

"Powerful enough to surpass the Legend rank," Ye Han revealed, relishing their excitement. "But I'll only teach it if you meet my challenge."

"We will do our best," Ning'er declared with determination, her voice unwavering.

"Yes, we will," Ziyun echoed, her resolve matching that of her friend. "By the way, won't the principal have anything to say about us leaving before the holidays?"

"Don't worry about him. I'll handle it," Ye Han reassured them with a chuckle. "You should focus on deciding where you want to go and who you want to bring along."

"You're not coming with us, Elder Brother?" Ning'er asked, a hint of disappointment in her voice.

"No, I have other plans," Ye Han replied. "But you'll be fine on your own. And I'll ensure you're not completely alone."

Having witnessed their growing strength firsthand, Ye Han was confident in their ability to handle any challenges they might encounter. He planned to assign shadow guards to accompany them discreetly, intervening only if necessary to ensure their safety during their training sessions.

"If you say so," Ning'er said, though a trace of sadness lingered in her voice.

"I think you both should go and have some lunch," Ye Han suggested, glancing up at the sun, which now shone brightly overhead. "I need to have mine too."

"Before you go, Elder Brother, can you at least tell us what kind of power you'll bestow upon us?" Yizun inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"Hmm," Ye Han considered for a moment before shaking his head. "You'll find out when the time comes. I'll only grant it to you if you accomplish the goal I've set."

"You're such a meanie," Ning'er teased, sharing a playful grin with her friend as they turned to head back to their dorm room.

Ye Han couldn't help but laugh at their antics, knowing that they were ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead, with or without his guidance.

"Everything is slowly falling into place, but now I must attend to matters beyond the walls of Glory City..."

Ye Han sighed and then ascended into the sky, making a beeline for the city lord's mansion.

In the past week, his duties extended far beyond teaching his students.

Upon mastering the Ten Thousand Demonic Beast Array, he diligently improved its design, eliminating its various weaknesses.

Now, the array could harness the full might of a demonic beast, a feat previously unattainable. Moreover, with several upgrades, its construction time was significantly reduced.

Ye Han had already erected one of the eight smaller arrays around the city lord's mansion, entrusting the command to his father, uncle, and other trusted elders.

Before departing Glory City, he intended to construct the remaining seven arrays, ensuring the city's defences against formidable demonic beasts and members of the Dark Guild even in his absence.