Zhou Sicheng didn't particularly care how Huo Yuhao chose his path. He had already laid the foundation for him—how he walked it was entirely up to him.
From time to time, Zhou Sicheng would stop by the Outer Court to visit Cao Jinxuan and Long Xiangyue, occasionally chatting with Huo Yuhao about cultivation and the future.
By now, Zhou Sicheng held a place in Huo Yuhao's heart equal to that of Teacher Xiao Ya and Senior Brother Beibei.
He also interacted occasionally with Beibei and Tang Ya, and the group often went out to enjoy Huo Yuhao's grilled fish together.
Whenever Zhou Sicheng visited the Outer Court, he wore the red uniform exclusive to Inner Court students. Most Outer Court students simply assumed he was a senior, unaware of anything beyond that.
Zhou Sicheng didn't pay much attention to the Outer Court, aside from one person who always caught his eye—Xu Sanshi, the Outer Court's number one simp.
Sure, Jiang Nannan was a beauty, but did that really justify the level of boot-licking Xu Sanshi gave her?
It seemed the "simp culture" was truly timeless.
What annoyed Zhou Sicheng more was that Jiang Nannan started using him as a shield to fend off Xu Sanshi. Whether it was because she found Zhou Sicheng attractive or just wanted a convenient excuse, he couldn't say.
But Zhou Sicheng wasn't one of her lapdogs—he had no special feelings for Jiang Nannan.
If she wanted to throw herself at him, he wouldn't refuse—but if she expected him to grovel? Dream on.
The Inner Court had beauties like Ye Guyi, Xianmeng, Ma Xiaotao, Han Ruoruo, and Ling Luocheng… all of whom had talents that outshined Jiang Nannan. Unless Zhou Sicheng lost his mind or started thinking with something other than his brain, she wasn't even on his radar.
Besides the occasional meal with Beibei and the others, Zhou Sicheng spent most of his time in the Inner Court, living a life of comfort surrounded by beautiful women.
Every weekend, he continued supervising at the Soul Dueling Arena. Dai Yueheng, after hearing tales of Zhou Sicheng's strength so often his ears were practically calloused, insisted on challenging him.
He wasn't afraid of losing—he just wanted to see for himself how vast the gap between them really was.
Wearing his teacher's attire, Zhou Sicheng glanced at Dai Yueheng, raised a hand, and summoned Xiong Da from the rest chamber.
Upon fusing with Xiong Da, Zhou Sicheng's aura transformed completely. His body grew larger, encased in dark-gold armor, his previously short black ponytail now spiked like steel needles. The pressure he radiated was overwhelming.
Dai Yueheng had fought Xiong Da before—and lost thoroughly. Now, facing a Zhou Sicheng fused with Xiong Da felt like confronting a humanoid beast.
He had always thought others exaggerated Zhou Sicheng's power, but now, facing him directly, he realized they hadn't even done him justice.
Suppressing his shock, Dai Yueheng respectfully cupped his fists. "Student Dai Yueheng, Martial Soul: White Tiger. Rank 61 Power Attack System Soul Emperor. Please instruct me, Teacher Zhou."
With a tiger's roar, Dai Yueheng activated his Martial Soul. His body expanded, surrounded by two yellow, two purple, and two black soul rings. The full force of his soul power barely withstood Zhou Sicheng's pressure—which had already been intentionally restrained.
Had Zhou Sicheng used his full aura, Dai Yueheng's legs would've gone weak on the spot.
Zhou Sicheng raised a hand and beckoned with a finger. "I heard from Xiaotao that you were unhappy about her taking the captain's position. Now that it's mine, if you want it back, show me your strength."
Just hearing his voice, Dai Yueheng felt a chill of death run through him. What was going on? This was a formal challenge—not a deathmatch!
Wait—Xiaotao? Could it be…
In an instant, Dai Yueheng grasped the unspoken message. Was this fiery demon his woman?!
But now wasn't the time to overthink. He couldn't afford the slightest distraction in front of Zhou Sicheng. This was also part of their regular training assessment.
Dai Yueheng's muscles tensed. With explosive power, he launched forward like a cannonball.
Three of his soul rings lit up at once:
First Soul Skill: White Tiger Barrier!
Third Soul Skill: White Tiger Vajra Transformation!
Fifth Soul Skill: White Tiger Demon God Transformation!
Using all three amplification skills, his body swelled further, pushing his attack, strength, and defense to their absolute peak.
He resembled a humanoid beast himself as he lunged forward, launching his strongest opening.
Twin tiger claws gleamed with icy light as he slashed at Zhou Sicheng.
Zhou Sicheng didn't move an inch. His dark-gold claws met Dai Yueheng's mid-air.
Bang!
Upon impact, Dai Yueheng was forced back four or five steps, skidding across the stage and leaving a shallow groove before regaining balance.
Terrifying. Utterly terrifying.
Even after activating all three amplifiers, he still couldn't match Zhou Sicheng—who hadn't used any skills?
And this was just a single beast fusion. If Zhou Sicheng had fused with all his contracted beasts…
With a shout, Dai Yueheng charged again, engaging Zhou Sicheng in close-quarters combat.
But Zhou Sicheng didn't end the fight immediately. Instead, he matched Dai Yueheng's level and played along, meeting him blow for blow.
Dai Yueheng was among the top of his generation, especially in melee combat. His technique and instincts were elite.
Zhou Sicheng hadn't enjoyed a good fight like this in a while. He let Dai Yueheng "massage" his muscles for a bit.
The longer they fought, the more unnerved Dai Yueheng became. Zhou Sicheng anticipated his every move, and even his proudest techniques were easily outmatched.
Eventually, Zhou Sicheng had his fill. With a casual swipe, he sent Dai Yueheng flying.
"Show me your strongest move," he said calmly.
Dai Yueheng understood. Zhou Sicheng had been holding back the entire time—just humoring him.
But even if he lost, he would go down with pride.
"Sixth Soul Skill: White Tiger Annihilation Slash!"
His black sixth soul ring flared. Dai Yueheng unleashed all his soul power into one final, desperate attack. A cross-shaped slash flew toward Zhou Sicheng, powerful enough to crush most Soul Emperors.
Zhou Sicheng was pleased that Dai Yueheng had managed to tap into this strength.
But unfortunately, his opponent was Zhou Sicheng.
Lifting his Dreadclaw, he casually swung it. Five dark-gold energy blades flew out and shredded the White Tiger Annihilation Slash.
With a small step forward, Zhou Sicheng closed the distance.
"You've got potential. If you ever need help, you can come to me," he said, then gently slapped Dai Yueheng off the stage.
Turning to the crowd, Zhou Sicheng said flatly, "Next."
From the audience, Ma Xiaotao held back Han Ruoruo and Ling Luocheng. "Let me go first…"
Ye Guyi and Dugu Xianmeng exchanged wry smiles.
Every weekend was the same. How did no one get tired of this?
—
Time passed steadily. Over the next three months, everyone improved significantly.
All Inner Court students passed their assessments with flying colors.
Zhou Sicheng, of course, was one of the examiners.
More notably, the Outer Court freshman assessments revealed many promising talents—chief among them, Cao Jinxuan.
After three months of intense training, many had grown stronger. Cao Jinxuan, at age twelve, had reached rank 33. His Martial Soul: the Chrono Bell, capable of manipulating time.
Among all the freshmen, none surpassed him in soul power. Once the bell sounded, no one could resist.
During team matches, Cao Jinxuan's Chrono Bell would ring, and Long Xiangyue and their third teammate would clean up.
Long Xiangyue had reached rank 32—a dual Soul Elder team. With two Soul Elders, even a pig could carry the match—let alone another skilled teammate.
Other talents also emerged: a three-ring Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, a three-ring White Tiger, and the Nether White Tiger fusion skill.
Two girls with hair-based Martial Souls even demonstrated their own Martial Soul Fusion Skill.
A three-ring Soul Elder with the Pi Pi Elephant Martial Soul boasted massive defense.
And of course, there was the Golden Road, the fusion skill of Wang Dong and Huo Yuhao.
Though Huo Yuhao's soul power was lower, their teamwork and fusion skill made them shine.
But without Tianmeng as his "cheat code," Huo Yuhao couldn't reach the championship.
Still, forcing a draw against Dai Huabin's fusion team, which included Soul Elders, was their limit.
Originally, Dai Huabin wanted to mess with Huo Yuhao (as in the original plot), but Cao Jinxuan and Long Xiangyue clearly shielded him. He never got the chance.
Huo Yuhao recognized Dai Huabin and silently vowed to grow stronger and make him pay.
After the assessments, some Outer Court freshmen were marked for special attention and named core disciples:
Cao Jinxuan, Long Xiangyue, Dai Huabin, Zhu Lu, Lan Susu, Lan Luoluo, Ning Tian, Wu Feng, Xie Huanyue, Wang Dong, Xiao Xiao.
The only change from the original story was Zhou Sicheng wasn't there, and Xie Huanyue was added.
Four others were granted provisional core disciple status:
Huo Yuhao, Cui Yajie, Huang Chutian, Nanmen Yuner.
Though Huo Yuhao only had rank 15 soul power, Zhou Sicheng and Beibei had given him many resources. Still, without Tianmeng, he hadn't reached rank 17 like in the original timeline.
But his outstanding performance—and the extra attention from Zhou Sicheng—earned him this opportunity.
After all, aside from Zhou Sicheng, he was the only student qualified to dual-train in Martial Soul and Soul Tools.
Even if it seemed excessive now, giving him extra time might prove worthwhile.
—
Thanks to their victory, Cao Jinxuan and Long Xiangyue's team received a reward: a soul bone, just like in the original timeline.
This time, there was no betting involved—their win was practically guaranteed.
Their prize was a left leg bone of the Void Leopard, a soul bone ideal for agility-type Soul Masters.
Its skill likely boosted speed or agility.
When they received it, their first thought was to offer it to Zhou Sicheng. But he didn't care for it and told them to divide it themselves.
Cao Jinxuan gave it to Long Xiangyue, whose attribute alignment was better suited. His power jumped significantly.
The soul bone raised Long Xiangyue's rank to 33 and nearly 34—a major leap.
—
After the tournament, students were regrouped by specialization.
Cao Jinxuan and Long Xiangyue remained together: one in Control, one in Power Attack.
Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong were also placed in the same class.
The class leader position rotated monthly between the two branches.
For the Power Attack branch, Long Xiangyue took charge. Dai Huabin, unwilling to accept it, challenged him—but lost.
Frustrated, Dai Huabin went to tattle to Dai Yueheng, demanding revenge on Long Xiangyue and Huo Yuhao.
Dai Yueheng slapped him across the face.
Dai Huabin was stunned. His own brother hit him—for outsiders?
Dai Yueheng couldn't believe his brother had become so foolish.
Did he even understand who Zhou Sicheng was?
To the Outer Court, he might've seemed like just another Inner Court student close to Director Yan.
But the truth? Zhou Sicheng was an instructor in the Inner Court.
Compared to Zhou Sicheng, Dai Yueheng was like a toddler.
If not for the academy's confidentiality rules, Dai Yueheng would've told him:
"Are you brain-dead? You're comparing yourself—or even me—to Teacher Zhou?"
"Do you know I got my ass handed to me by him?"
Zhou Sicheng, of course, had no idea any of this happened—and even if he did, he wouldn't care.
Dai Huabin had issues, but Dai Yueheng was reasonable.
From their interactions, Zhou Sicheng already had a clear judgment: Dai Yueheng was far more reliable than Dai Huabin.
****
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