"Teacher?"
"Big Sister, is this the Teacher Xin you mentioned, the one with unparalleled beauty and immortal grace?"
"Why do I feel a terrifying aura emanating from him, not a hint of immortal aura at all? He's more like a God of Slaughter."
Xin, shrouded in a large black robe, returned to Heart of Fire Academy with his disciples.
The journey back had been quiet, but not peaceful. The oppressive aura surrounding Xin lingered like a storm cloud that refused to disperse. Even the Heart of Fire disciples, who were usually lively and confident, kept their voices low, instinctively maintaining a respectful distance behind him. The battlefield they had just left behind still seemed to cling to his presence—like an invisible shadow trailing his every step.
Zhu Zhuyu and Zhu Zhuyun had taken the pills given by Zhu Zhuqing, and their injuries were healing rapidly. In just a short while, they were no longer in serious condition.
Warm currents of medicinal energy flowed through their meridians, steadily repairing torn flesh and stabilizing their internal injuries. The pain that had once made every movement unbearable gradually faded into a dull ache, then into nothing at all. Their complexions improved with each passing moment, returning from pale and fragile to healthy and vibrant.
After all, those were life-saving emergency pills the Teacher had left for them in Slaughter City, and their efficacy was excellent.
Even so, the memory of that place—the blood, the endless killing, the suffocating atmosphere—lingered faintly in their minds. It was no surprise that the Teacher who had walked out of such a place carried with him an aura that could make even seasoned Spirit Masters uneasy.
Following behind the Heart of Fire disciples, Zhu Zhuyu seemed a bit socially anxious. Looking at Xin's back, she whispered to her sister, Zhu Zhuyun.
Her voice was soft, almost hesitant, as though afraid that even speaking too loudly might draw the attention of the imposing figure ahead. She stole occasional glances at Xin's silhouette, her curiosity battling against an instinctive sense of caution.
Zhu Zhuyun was also a bit confused. When Teacher Xin had appeared during the Soul Master Competition, he was truly transcendent and incomparably graceful, stunning everyone.
That version of him had seemed untouchable, like a being above the mortal world—calm, elegant, and radiant. It was that image that had left such a deep impression on her, one that she had often found herself recalling.
Now, seeing Teacher Xin again, his demeanor had completely changed. His dark, murderous aura was awe-inspiring, but Zhu Zhuyun still warned Zhu Zhuyu in a low voice:
"Don't criticize Teacher Xin behind his back. Even if Teacher Xin is a God of Slaughter, he's still the best-looking God of Slaughter."
There was a hint of seriousness in her tone, but also a trace of admiration that she didn't bother to hide. To her, Xin's change in aura didn't diminish him—it only added another layer of depth that made him even more captivating.
"Alright… But is this Teacher Xin really that good-looking? Even you, Big Sister, keep talking about him like that."
Zhu Zhuyu muttered, looking curiously at Xin. This Heart of Fire Teacher's teaching ability must be excellent, having taught her second sister so well. But what did he truly look like to make her Big Sister change so much?
Her curiosity deepened with every step. The black robe concealed everything—his face, his expression, even his presence felt distant and untouchable. It only made her more eager to see what lay beneath that veil of darkness.
And… the rules of this Heart of Fire Academy were surprisingly strict. Even after killing those pursuers, they still had to beg for forgiveness.
This was the first time she had seen an academy with such a rule.
In most places, strength justified everything. Killing enemies—especially those who sought your life—was not only accepted but often praised. Yet here, even justified actions required reflection and accountability. It was a discipline that went beyond mere power, enforcing a sense of responsibility that Zhu Zhuyu found both strange and intriguing.
Under the sprawling cherry blossoms, Xin had already walked to the stone table in front of the lecture hall. As usual, even when the Teacher was not present, Bell and Dugu Yan would regularly place a pot of cherry blossom tea at the Teacher's usual seat.
Petals drifted gently through the air, carried by a soft breeze that contrasted sharply with the killing intent from earlier. The delicate fragrance of cherry blossoms filled the surroundings, calming the senses and washing away the lingering tension.
The tea was still warm, faint steam rising from the spout as though it had been prepared only moments ago.
"Teacher Xin, Second Sister was also trying to avenge me and Third Sister, and in her haste, she acted with such ferocity. If you want to blame anyone, blame us, please don't punish Second Sister."
Zhu Zhuyun pleaded for Zhu Zhuqing.
Her voice carried sincerity and urgency. Despite her usual composure, she lowered herself without hesitation, placing her pride aside for the sake of her sister.
Zhu Zhuyu also knelt down with her.
Though still unfamiliar with the academy's customs, she followed her sister's lead without question, her expression earnest and slightly nervous.
Pouring a cup of tea, Xin took a light sip and said faintly:
"Alright, get up. Since I didn't stop you from killing them, I won't punish you. If there's any fault, it's my fault as your Teacher."
His tone was calm, neither cold nor particularly warm, but it carried a quiet authority that made it impossible to doubt his words. There was no anger, no blame—only a simple acknowledgment of responsibility.
The sisters exchanged a brief glance before slowly rising, relief evident in their eyes.
Xin walked to the blooming cherry tree in front of the lecture hall, took off his large black robe, and put on the cherry blossom Teacher's robe hanging on the tree.
As the heavy black robe fell away, it was as if the oppressive aura surrounding him dissipated with it. The dark, suffocating presence vanished, replaced by something entirely different.
His figure, now clad in the elegant cherry blossom robe, seemed almost otherworldly. The murderous intent that had once made him resemble a God of Slaughter was completely restrained, hidden beneath a calm and refined exterior.
His murderous aura was now restrained, replaced by an ethereal, immortal aura, like the Cherry Immortal of this place.