Syu Fang stood up and told his family to stay put as he walked outside.
"You bastard!! Yo—wait, you're back to normal?" Xi Zoghi said, his face filled with shock. Syu Fang stared at him calmly. Xi Zoghi was one of Syu Fang's friends and valued relationships deeply.
He had tried advising Syu Fang to let go of that girl and continue pursuing the Dao. Sadly, Syu Fang didn't agree and told him that he loved his girlfriend.
Because of this, they ended up fighting and hadn't spoken for weeks. Syu Fang smiled slightly as he approached his dumbfounded friend.
"Yes, I am back to normal. My friend, you were right—she's not worth it."
"Oh, thank god! Finally, my rival is back!" Xi Zoghi said with an excited grin.
Syu Fang's eyebrows twitched. When did I agree to be this guy's rival?
His words sounded familiar too. Oh yeah, that guy from the Netherworld… I wonder how he's doing.
"Right... so you came here to check up on me?" Syu Fang asked.
"In a week, the institute is holding the inner disciple examination. I came to get you," Xi Zoghi said, clearly happy about Syu Fang's recovery.
"I see... Don't worry, I'll be there. In fact, I'm heading to the institute to learn a few techniques," Syu Fang said.
"Everyone's doing that these days. The prices to enter the Outer Sect Library have dropped. Want to go now?" Xi Zoghi asked.
"No, not yet. My family's waiting for me to eat breakfast. Care to join us?" Syu Fang offered.
Xi Zoghi immediately agreed—he was the type who ate like the world was ending.
They both went inside and had breakfast with the Syu family. Syu Fang's parents were happy to see the two friends reunited.
After breakfast, they rushed to the institute.
"This place is so peaceful," Syu Fang sighed.
Xi Zoghi nodded. "Yeah, thanks to the Five Great Martial Masters, the entire empire is in its peaceful era."
"Peaceful era, huh? That's good to hear."
They continued walking, minding their own business, when a bucket of water suddenly fell on Syu Fang.
Startled, he was soaked. Xi Zoghi immediately grabbed the person responsible. The man apologized and ran off.
Xi Zoghi sighed and turned around. "Sorry, that bastard is—huh? Where did he go?"
Syu Fang had vanished the moment Xi Zoghi looked away.
"Unfortunately, I can't go to the academy with him," said a black-haired, female version of Syu Fang, heading toward the institute. Earlier, the Dao System had sensed several humans with ill intent toward him.
They belonged to the bastard who stole his girlfriend—not Meng Zu, but the lover Syu Fang had before he transmigrated, before he got his memories back.
"You see, Dao System? This is what I call being smart," Syu Fang laughed softly.
By switching to his female form, his enemies wouldn't be able to track him. He could grow stronger without any interference.
[ Are you intending to stay in your female form permanently? ]
"Nah. I'm still a man at heart," he said, shaking his pretty little face as he reached the institute. The guards noticed the institute badge on him and let him pass.
He was heading straight for the library when someone bumped into him.
"Eh?" He turned and saw a beautiful girl wearing a similar badge. At this institute, students could wear their own robes as long as they had their badge.
"Oww, that hurt! Hey, stop staring!" the girl complained.
Syu Fang looked around and then quickly walked away.
Nope! Not falling for this romcom cliché where the girl bumps into the guy and they fall in love.
"Hey! I'm talking to you, meanie!" the girl shouted, following him.
Syu Fang sighed deeply. He really didn't want to deal with this type of girl.
"Sorry for making you fall, okay? Can you please leave me alone?"
"I don't care about that anymore. So, tell me, little sister, how come I've never seen you before? Oh, and my name is Zu Yinlin," she said with a pout.
"L-little sister?" Syu Fang looked at her oddly, then remembered—he was still in his female form.
What is this setting? Obviously, I look like a girl to her, so why is she trying to get in my pants?
[ HOST… I don't think every girl who talks to you wants to get into your pants. She's just cheerful and curious. ]
Oh, you'll see soon enough, Syu Fang thought, rolling his eyes.
"You could say I'm a transfer disci—student," he said with a smile.
Zu Yinlin looked at her with confusion.
"I see? So what's your name?"
"Hmm, my name is Syu Tunshi," he replied. It was the name given to him by his adoptive parents, and he figured it was a good fit for his female form.
"Oh, I see. Are you going to the library?" Zu Yinlin asked again.
Syu Fang nodded. He didn't need to hide it—no one knew his true identity.
"Great! Me too. Let's go together!"
They finally reached the library. Syu Fang was cursing internally.
This girl asks too many questions… Feels like we've been walking for hours.
There were guards stationed at the entrance. They glanced at Zu Yinlin, then turned to Syu Fang.
"One spirit stone," one said.
Syu Fang paid the fee, as did Zu Yinlin. They entered the library.
"So, what kind of techniques are you looking for? There are all kinds here, tailored to your elemental affinity," she asked.
Hmm, good question. Dao System, what's my element anyway?
[ As the Heavenly Dao, all forms are equal toward you. All things are balanced in your form. ]
…You still didn't answer my question, Syu Fang replied.
[ You have an affinity for every element that exists. ]
Syu Fang nodded and turned back to Zu Yinlin.
"I'm looking for lightning techniques."
"That's a high-valued element. Follow me—I'll take you there."
They walked to the top floor, where the lightning techniques were kept. It was quiet; not many people were around.
"Hmm? Lightning Divine Step? Interesting."