On the students' cherry blossom tokens was the Heart of Fire Academy's cherry blossom totem, along with student vows and the school motto.
However, on Bibi Dong's cherry blossom token, the front was engraved with the character [Teacher] above the cherry blossom pattern, while the back bore a crossed Divine Sword and Supreme Pontiff's scepter!
Holding this cherry blossom token not only allowed free movement within Heart of Fire Academy, but also enabled activation of the academy's Guardian Cherry Blossom Formation, as well as authority over the use of certain academy floral resources, cultivation techniques, and artifacts.
It could be said that Xin had placed an extraordinary level of trust in Bibi Dong.
When Bibi Dong heard Xin's words, the coldness that had accumulated in her heart over the past two or three decades seemed to melt beyond recovery.
She had originally prepared to leave. Even if Teacher Xin disliked her past actions, even if she could not remain in Heart of Fire Academy, she would accept it. At least she had experienced it; at worst, she would return to Spirit Hall and continue living as before.
She never expected that after enduring all those hardships, Teacher Xin not only personally asked her to stay and granted her a teaching position at Heart of Fire Academy according to their earlier agreement, but also acknowledged her status in front of all the students… acknowledging that she was a very important person in his heart!
Bibi Dong's heart rippled violently, her eyes filled with deep emotion as she looked at Xin. This was no longer merely admiration for the appearance of the young immortal in front of her; it was not born only of fleeting emotion, but something rooted in the soul itself.
So… so this was the feeling of being valued.
Even in front of so many innocent and curious students, he was still willing to acknowledge her existence, without evasion or indifference.
Taking a deep breath, Bibi Dong accepted the cherry blossom token from Xin's hand, bowed slightly, and said earnestly:
"Bibi Dong respectfully obeys the Heart of Fire Order. From now on, I will take Teacher Xin as my example, strive to be a good teacher, protect the students, and impart the Dao!"
Pink cherry blossom petals drifted down, landing softly in Bibi Dong's hair. The Heart of Fire Academy's first officially hired teacher's appointment was beautifully sealed.
But the students witnessing this scene in front of the school hall were instantly thrown into uproar.
What?
Teacher Xin wants to hire Supreme Pontiff Bibi Dong?
What?
Teacher Xin also said that Bibi Dong is a very important person in his heart—and even spoke so intimately with her?
Teacher Xin even defended her and told them to respect her?
It was over.
Ning Rongrong felt her entire body go weak, as if all strength had been drained away. It was like she had worked tirelessly for a long time, only to finally see the finish line—only to realize someone had already crossed it long ago.
Teacher Xin… tell me, who is more important, the senior sister or the auxiliary teacher?!
"Xiao Xue'er, Xiao Xue'er, are you okay? Sister Xue'er fainted? Someone, quickly!!!"
Hu Liena was still staring wide-eyed at the two teachers, caught in the subtle, almost dangerously shippable yet irritating atmosphere between them, when she suddenly turned and saw Qian Renxue beside her collapse for some reason.