Unpredicted Disaster

After tidying up his room, making the bed, and taking a moment to rest, Anping decided to explore the surroundings by going for a walk. As he opened the dormitory door, a sudden loud bang caught his attention. The door across from him shattered, and a figure came hurtling towards him.

Instinctively, Anping activated a magic barrier, sidestepping while increasing his magical output. He prepared to cast a slow falling spell on the incoming figure. Another bang echoed as the figure collided with the magic barrier. Feeling the impact, Anping realized his slow fall technique had kicked in.

Looking down, he saw it was Tang Wulin. Bending down to assist him, Anping recalled the impending fight from the original storyline. As Tang Wulin tried to rise and charge again, Anping swiftly grabbed him, asking, "What's happening? You just joined the academy, and you are already in a fight."

Tang Wulin, with red eyes, expressed a mix of sadness and anger, saying, "They're all a bunch of troublemakers, good and bad."

In that moment, a chilly and proud young man emerged from the dormitory across the way. Catching sight of Anping aiding Tang Wulin, he sneered, "Do you honestly think you two can take me?"

Without waiting for a response, he charged forward. A glint of gold emanated from his raised right hand, materializing a golden dagger. Simultaneously, a yellow spirit ring appeared beneath him. Swinging his right arm, he traced an arc toward Anping and Tang Wulin.

Caught off guard, Anping quickly enacted the Rope Transformation Technique. A sizeable wooden board on the ground transformed into a rope, entangling the young man's legs and halting his advance. Seizing the opportunity, Anping conjured the Ice Wall Technique, creating a frozen barrier between them.

Meanwhile, Tang Wulin, unfazed, radiated white light as a white soul ring ascended. Vine-like blue silver grass enveloped him, swiftly ensnaring the aggressor.

Before Tang Wulin could make his next move, a commanding voice echoed, accompanied by the approach of hurried footsteps.

As Teacher Long Hengxu hurried over, Anping swiftly dispelled the ice wall, Tang Wulin retracted his soul power, stowing away his martial spirit, and released Xie Xie, who was bundled up like a rice dumpling.

Fuming, Teacher Long Hengxu scolded, "Fighting right after the academy starts? All of you, come with me!" He glared at the disarray on the ground before striding towards the stairs.

The group followed him to the teaching office. After recounting the incident, they lined up, facing the stern Teacher Long Hengxu, who sat in his office chair, wearing a gloomy expression.

"You lot have a talent for turning a minor issue into a brawl," he exclaimed, slamming his hand on the table in frustration.

Directing his stern gaze at Zhou Changxi, he continued, "Zhou Changxi, your martial spirit might be lacking a bit, but your attitude is unacceptable. Where do you get this superiority complex? From now on stay in Class 5 indefinitely."

Zhou Changxi, realizing he was the instigator, dared not challenge Teacher Long Hengxu's evident anger.

Long Hengxu, pointing at each of them, sternly declared, "You all are joining Class 5."

Anping chose not to explain, confident in his reasons.

"But Director Long, I didn't fight. I was just watching the whole time," Yun Xiao contested, feeling somewhat unconvinced by Long Hengxu's decision.

Considering the class's impact on teaching quality and the academy's resources, Yun Xiao wanted to clarify his stance.

Long Hengxu snorted, retorting, "You share a dormitory, yet you sat back and watched without intervening to stop when your classmates were fighting. Is this the mindset your junior academy teacher instilled in you?"

"I don't have much to say about your first-day brawl, but if you're keen on fighting, keep it private. If caught again, be prepared for detention."

The repercussions of this incident extended beyond mere consequences; it could impact their advancement to the senior department and future prospects as potential mecha masters. With that, Dean Long Hengxu dismissed a few individuals, leaving them to contemplate the consequences.

On their way back, Tang Wulin, feeling remorseful, admitted, "Anping, I'm sorry. It's my fault that you got dragged into this mess. If it weren't for me..."

Anping, looking at Tang Wulin, dismissed the apology with a wave of his hand. "No worries. It doesn't matter which class you end up in."

Overhearing their conversation, Yun Xiao whispered, "It's not the same. Teachers aside, even resource allocation differs."

Tang Wulin, puzzled, asked, "Resource allocation? What's that?"

"You don't know? It's about training resources. Higher classes can apply for more resources," Yun Xiao explained.

Observing Tang Wulin's ignorance, Zhou Changxi interjected, "He really is a country boy who's clueless about these things."

Tang Wulin's anger flared, "What? Do you want another round of beating?"

"Let go of what Director Long said. Don't you aspire to be mecha masters in the future?" Yun Xiao swiftly intervened, attempting to defuse the tension.

Finally, the hostility between the two eased, and Xie Xie stood up, introducing himself, "Anping and Tang Wulin, right? I'm Xie Xie."

"Nice to meet you," Tang Wulin replied.

Unable to contain his amusement, Anping burst into laughter.

Xie Xie shot Anping a glare, gritted his teeth, and clarified, "I mean my name is Xie Xie, and the Xie after Xie is another Xie."

Puzzled, Anping asked, wondering if Xie Xie was about to challenge the two of them alone, "What's going on?"

Xie Xie, with determination, stated, "Join me for another bout outside the school. This time, we'll face each other in a proper match."

"I'm not interested. I won't be participating," Anping dismissed with a wave of his hand, signaling his lack of interest.

Tang Wulin vigorously shook his head, "Not everyone has the luxury of money like you. I need to work hard to earn. I can't afford to lose much this time."

Xie Xie, momentarily taken aback, hadn't anticipated the focus on financial matters. "I'll cover all the expenses, no matter how much it costs!" he declared.

"Really? You're up for it?" Tang Wulin inquired, surprised by the unexpected turn.

Without hesitation, Xie Xie gritted his teeth and affirmed, "I'm in!"

"Alright, you can pick the time, as long as it fits my schedule."

"How about this afternoon?"

"Afternoon? I have something else to attend to today. How about we wait until after the opening ceremony tomorrow?"

"Okay!" Xie Xie agreed.

With the time settled, Xie Xie turned to Anping, questioning, "And you? How can I convince you to face me in a fight?"

"I genuinely don't comprehend your persistence. I have no interest. Winning or losing means little to me," Anping stated, shaking his head, prompting Xie Xie to reluctantly relent for the time being.

Subsequently, the group gathered for lunch together.

On their way back to the dormitory, Zhou Changxi wore a frustrated and bewildered expression. Even if he couldn't outmatch Tang Wulin, the fact that he couldn't even enjoy a meal left him disheartened. What bewildered him even more was how Tang Wulin managed to eat so much without pause.