Chapter 39: Assistant Teacher Song Qing
"What are you staring at?" Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes slightly, scaring Dan Chen enough to take two steps back.
"Heh heh," Xiao Yan chuckled mischievously, walking toward Dan Chen, his gaze playful.
Every step forward made Dan Chen take a step back until the girl was once again cornered against a wall.
"Little wife, if you're not in a hurry to go home, why are you staring at me? Could it be you missed me?" Xiao Yan leaned one hand against the wall, his eyes locking onto Dan Chen's beautiful peach blossom shaped ones.
At this, a soft pink blush crept up Dan Chen's neck, rising like a thermometer until it colored her cheeks.
She nodded slightly, then shook her head, clearly flustered, and managed to stammer, "No, of course not!"
"You silly goose." Xiao Yan was amused by her response and couldn't help but reach out to tap her cute little nose. Her slight frown, paired with her lack of resistance, made her all the more endearing.
"Shall I walk you home?" Xiao Yan asked, his tone softer.
Dan Chen froze for a moment, then shyly nodded. "You... you better not try anything funny."
"Funny? Xiao Yan, a proper gentleman like me? Why, I'm as upright as my teacher honest and noble. How could I ever do such a thing?" Xiao Yan replied with a mock serious expression.
Dan Chen's face was filled with skepticism, but she still chose to walk home alongside him.
The first stirrings of youthful feelings always carry a magical allure. Whether boy or girl, few can escape their pull. Even knowing the risks ahead, hearts still leap toward the flame like moths to a lantern.
"Why didn't you use three types of beast flames when refining the Three Patterned Green Spirit Pill? With your soul strength, you should have been able to manage the flame transitions," Xiao Yan asked, shifting to a serious tone as they walked.
"I... I was afraid adding a third would make the process unstable and lead to failure, so I chose to play it safe," Dan Chen replied. Talking about alchemy seemed to draw her out of her usual shyness, and a glimmer of light shone in her gem like eyes.
Xiao Yan noticed this shift and kept smiling warmly, letting her take the lead in their conversation.
Dan Chen's soul strength was comparable to Cao Ying's, but her Dou Qi level lagged behind. Her reserved nature also played a part she was cautious and methodical in her approach.
Cao Ying, on the other hand, was bold, assertive, and driven, thanks to a lifetime of smooth sailing and fierce ambition.
Xiao Yan was entirely different a mix of daring, meticulous calculation, and unyielding ambition. His personality was that of a classic schemer, willing to use any means to achieve his goals.
"Actually, I think replacing Washing Dust Grass with Snow Moon Essence in refining the Emperor Extreme Pill wouldn't just maintain its efficacy but also improve the pill's quality and success rate," Dan Chen said, her voice growing more confident as their discussion deepened.
Xiao Yan, having observed this transformation, responded thoughtfully, "Using Snow Moon Essence would indeed work better for Emperor Extreme Pills, but don't forget it's as expensive as a sixth tier magical beast core. For most alchemists, that's too costly to justify."
As they continued talking, Xiao Yan abruptly stopped, smiling as he said, "Here we are your home."
"Huh?" Dan Chen looked at the familiar estate in surprise, as though unaware of how much time had passed. Her expression betrayed a hint of reluctance.
"Poor girl, you're doomed. You're falling in love," Xiao Yan mused inwardly, then grinned and said aloud, "Little wife, see you tomorrow!"
Without waiting for a reply, he turned and walked away.
"See you tomorrow..." Dan Chen whispered softly, her face flushed as she watched him disappear into the distance before finally turning to enter the gate.
Nearby, a Dou King level guard, who had been silently observing, was utterly baffled.
"This boy has only known Miss for ten days, and he's only been here three times... Yet he's calling her 'wife'? And Miss doesn't even seem mad just shy?"
Sigh. The guard shook his head in disbelief. "Geniuses in love are on another level."
The next morning, the youth class gathered in a special classroom at Dan Tower.
"Who's the class monitor? Come here and take attendance," a young man in his early twenties called out. His alchemist robe bore the insignia of a six tier alchemist.
He was moderately handsome, but his expression carried a touch of arrogance. His gaze lingered on Cao Ying with a faint heat.
"Yes, Teacher Song Qing," Ye Zhong answered with a nod.
Song Qing was only two years older than Ye Zhong but had already reached the peak of the sixth tier as an alchemist. It was rumored he'd ascend to the seventh tier within three years.
As the disciple of Dan Tower's Grand Elder, Song Qing was considered second only to Cao Ying in talent. Many believed he was a strong contender to become Dan Tower's youngest elder or perhaps even one of its future leaders.
Although still a six tier alchemist, Song Qing had been appointed as an assistant teacher, responsible for managing the class's day to day affairs.
"Ye Zhong... Xue Peng... Zong Tu... Dan Chen... Shi Hao... Xiao Yan?"
"Xiao Yan?" Ye Zhong repeated, realizing Xiao Yan wasn't present. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he sensed Song Qing's displeasure.
Just then, the door swung open, and Xiao Yan strode in, dressed in a black robe.
As soon as he entered, several girls' eyes lit up.
In his usual white robes, Xiao Yan exuded sunny nobility and youthful charm. In black, however, he appeared mysterious and brooding, with a hint of roguish allure that only added to his appeal.
"Xiao Yan, you're finally here," Ye Zhong said, clearly relieved.
"My apologies for being the last to arrive," Xiao Yan said with a casual smile, showing no trace of remorse after all, he wasn't technically late.
Song Qing shot him a cold glance but managed to suppress his displeasure, saying flatly, "Now that everyone's here, find your seats."
As the students settled, Xiao Yan considered calling Dan Chen over but was interrupted by Cao Ying, who swayed gracefully toward him.
"Miss Cao, to what do I owe the honor?" Xiao Yan joked, leaning back casually.
Cao Ying smirked, her tone playful. "Xiao Yan, with your extraordinary alchemy skills, how could I not sit next to you and learn?"
"Something feels off," Xiao Yan thought, narrowing his eyes. He was about to retort when he felt a cold, piercing gaze land on him.
Looking up, he met the icy stare of Assistant Teacher Song Qing.
(To be continued...)
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