The afternoon sun hung high above Thunder Eagle Academy.
The excitement from the Spirit Affinity Examination had yet to fade.
Everywhere across the academy…
Young disciples discussed nothing but affinities, cultivation halls, and the future.
Some dreamed of becoming Core Disciples.
Others dreamed of joining legendary sects.
Everyone…
Was chasing their own destiny.
Inside the bustling Spirit Dining Pavilion…
The aroma of roasted spirit beast meat, medicinal soup, and freshly steamed buns filled the air.
Laughter echoed from every corner.
Ye Luo stood before the serving counter with his usual bright smile.
"Senior Sister…"
"I'd like three portions of Spirit Beast Stew."
The cook looked up and laughed.
"Only three?"
Ye Luo scratched his chubby cheek.
"…Five."
Several disciples nearby burst into laughter.
The cook shook her head helplessly.
"I knew it."
"You've been eating more every week."
Ye Luo smiled innocently.
"We trained hard today."
"I'll get hungry again before sunset."
Even the kitchen staff couldn't help smiling.
To them…
Ye Luo wasn't a greedy disciple.
He simply had an unbelievable appetite.
Carrying several neatly stacked wooden food boxes…
Ye Luo left the dining pavilion.
His footsteps remained surprisingly steady.
Not a single bowl tilted.
Not a single drop of soup spilled.
Several younger disciples hurried after him.
"Senior Brother Ye Luo!"
"Wait for us!"
Ye Luo stopped.
"You haven't eaten yet?"
The youngest boy lowered his head.
"I used my contribution points to buy cultivation pills…"
"So…"
"I don't have enough left."
Without hesitation…
Ye Luo handed him one of the lunch boxes.
"Here."
The boy's eyes widened.
"I-I can't!"
Ye Luo smiled.
"My mother always says…"
"'Food tastes better when it's shared.'"
"So eat."
The younger disciple's eyes became slightly red.
"Thank you, Senior Brother…"
Around them…
Several disciples quietly witnessed the scene.
One whispered,
"No wonder everyone likes him."
Another nodded.
"He never hesitates to help."
Just as they reached the central academy courtyard…
The cheerful atmosphere changed.
A loud laugh echoed across the stone path.
"Well, well…"
"So the academy's famous glutton has arrived."
The surrounding disciples immediately fell silent.
Standing ahead were four Inner Disciples.
Their white robes were embroidered with deep blue patterns.
A single silver feather gleamed proudly on each chest.
At their center stood a tall young man with sharp eyes and an arrogant smile.
His name…
Zhao Kun.
Within the Inner Disciple ranks…
He was infamous.
Not because he was exceptionally talented.
But because he delighted in bullying weaker disciples.
Many had suffered under him.
Very few dared oppose him.
Zhao Kun slowly looked Ye Luo up and down before laughing.
"I heard your appetite is enough to feed an entire village."
His companions laughed loudly.
Ye Luo remained calm.
He simply cupped his fists politely.
"Senior Brother."
"We're on our way to eat."
"If you'll excuse us…"
He stepped forward.
Zhao Kun blocked the path.
"No hurry."
His gaze landed on the lunch boxes.
"So much food…"
He sneered.
"Did your little country clan sell everything they owned just to feed you?"
Several younger disciples behind Ye Luo lowered their heads nervously.
Ye Luo's smile became smaller.
Still…
He answered politely.
"My family has always taken good care of me."
Zhao Kun laughed even harder.
"Oh?"
"So that little clan of yours really does know how to raise pigs."
The laughter of his followers filled the courtyard.
Ye Luo remained silent.
He simply adjusted the food boxes in his arms.
One of the younger disciples whispered anxiously,
"Senior Brother…"
"Let's just leave…"
Ye Luo nodded gently.
"Alright."
He took another step.
Again…
Zhao Kun blocked the way.
This time…
His smile carried open contempt.
"I've heard of your Ye Clan."
"A third-rate clan from a forgotten corner."
"They should be grateful Thunder Eagle Academy accepted anyone from such a place."
The courtyard became noticeably quieter.
Ye Luo slowly lifted his eyes.
For the first time that day…
The warm smile that everyone had come to know…
Disappeared.
He spoke softly.
"Senior Brother."
"Please."
"Do not speak about my family."
His voice wasn't loud.
Nor was it angry.
It was calm.
Calmer than before.
Zhao Kun only laughed.
"Oh?"
"So the pig finally knows how to talk?"
He stepped closer.
Looking directly into Ye Luo's eyes.
"What if I do?"
"What can you possibly do about it?"
Around them…
Dozens of disciples had quietly gathered.
Some frowned.
Some sighed.
Everyone knew Zhao Kun had gone too far.
But no one dared intervene.
No one…
Except fate itself.
Far above the courtyard…
Two figures had just stepped onto a stone terrace overlooking the academy.
One was the Grand Elder.
The other…
Was an elderly guest wearing robes embroidered with faint crystal patterns that shimmered beneath the sunlight.
The old guest paused.
His gaze settled upon the confrontation below.
He smiled faintly.
"Old friend…"
"It seems your academy is as lively as ever."
The Grand Elder followed his gaze.
Then…
His expression slowly became serious.
Because the disciple standing below…
Was Ye Luo.
And he knew one thing better than anyone else.
Ye Luo could endure ridicule.
He could endure mockery.
He could even laugh at himself.
But there was one line…
That no one should ever cross.
Unfortunately…
Zhao Kun had already stepped over it.
The Grand Elder quietly closed his eyes.
"…This child."
"…You have chosen the wrong person to provoke."
To be continued…